As one of the most valuable brands in the world, the London based company is generally thought of as the go-to for luxury watches. Rolex has mastered the art of stylish watches over it’s history, and is a must for the successful man or woman. While many Rolexes are generally in the affordable range for high earners, some of the most expensive Rolex watches can reach prices of over a million dollars!
While Rolex doesn’t fetch the type of gaudy numbers that Patek Philippe pieces can bring at auction – the most expensive Rolex watches are certainly nothing to scoff at. Check out our list below and see if you think these watches are worth what they sold for!
The 7 most expensive Rolex Watches:
7) Paul Newman Ferrari Red Rolex Daytona 6565 – $267,203
Inspired by Paul Newman’s appearance in “Winning”, a racing movie made in 1969, the Ferrari Red Daytona is an icon. With a 17 jewel movement, stainless steel case and Ferrari red ceramic dial, this watch lives up to the racing heritage in the Daytona line.
6) Rolex Platinum Pearlmaster 18956 – $276,000
You would think that the ref. 18956’s baguette diamond encrusted bezel and band would be it’s main feature, but think again. The dial is made of meteorite diamond!
5) Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s Gold Rolex Oyster – $440,000
Complete with a map of India on it’s 18k gold dial, this watch was originally owned by former India president Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Rolex gave the watch to Prasad as a gift on the country’s first “Republic Day” on January 26, 1950.
4) James Bond 1973 Rolex 5513 – $450,000
Another classic. Rolex utilized it’s popular strategy of watch-wearing actors in “Live and Let Die”. One of the most striking features of the 5513 is it’s “buzz saw” bezel. If you were wondering…it doesn’t work in real life.
3) Rolex GMT 116769TBR – $485,350
Diamonds anyone? The 116769TBR features diamonds on the dial, bezel, case, and band. The case alone has over 70 brilliant rounds, which baguettes are used for the bezel. Not that you would want to use it for this – but the GMT is even waterproof up to 100 meters.
2) Eric Clapton’s 1971 Rolex Daytona – $505,000
The Eric Clapton 1971 Rolex Daytona (nicknamed “Albino”) is a legend in the fine watch world. Work by Clapton himself, this watch brought in a price of over half a million dollars!
1) 1942 Rolex Chronograph – $1.16 million
Rare is an understatement. The 1942 Rolex Chronograph is one of only 12 made for the year, hence the price tag at auction. This watch features silver matte dials, a nickel finish, split second chronometer, a tachymetric scale, and a 17 jewel movement.
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