Most Costly Rolex Watches Ever Bought

In recent times, public sale costs for iconic Rolex fashions have skyrocketed, reaching astonishing heights that few might have predicted. Every ultra-rare or distinctive mannequin that units a brand new file raises the bar even greater, solidifying Rolex’s standing as a powerhouse within the luxurious watch market.

For collectors, it’s an thrilling – and unpredictable – time, as new data frequently redefine the worth of Rolex watches. To seize this second in historical past, we’ve curated an inventory of the ten costliest Rolex watches ever bought, showcasing the rarest and most coveted items to cross the public sale block.

10 Most Costly Rolex Watches Ever Bought

As we delve into this listing, let’s begin with the watch that holds the crown as the most costly Rolex ever bought. This file belongs to none apart from Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona, a timepiece that captivated the world when it bought for an unbelievable $17.8 million.

1. Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona ($17.8 Million)

When Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona resurfaced in 2016 after a three-decade absence, it’s truthful to say the classic watch world misplaced its collective thoughts. The dimensions as to simply how a lot that thoughts had been misplaced was revealed when the hammer dropped after simply 12 minutes of livid bidding at Phillips’ inaugural New York public sale in October 2017. An nameless voice on the top of a telephone gained possession of crucial timepiece to be made public in a technology, and at $17.8 million, this white whale of the horological world grew to become the most costly Rolex ever bought.

It obliterated the earlier file for the most costly Rolex ever bought, held for simply six months by the cut price basement Bao Dai moon section. Owned by the film legend from 1972, when his spouse Joanne Woodward introduced it to him as a present to commemorate the beginning of his skilled racing profession, with an inscription on the again studying “DRIVE CAREFULLY ME.”  Newman gave it away to his daughter Nell’s boyfriend James Cox in 1984. Why? The boy didn’t have a watch of his personal.

Cox wore the horological Holy Grail in blissful ignorance as to its prominence for thirty years earlier than it was noticed on his wrist by a clued-up collector.

By then, he was the treasurer of the Nell Newman Basis, a charity arrange by his former girlfriend to hold on her father’s intensive philanthropic legacy. The mammoth proceeds of the sale of the Daytona are going to assist fund the group.

To say the public sale was extremely anticipated can be an unimaginable understatement. A watch that was solely rumored to nonetheless exist, the mannequin that had launched the classic market as we all know it as we speak and essentially the most sought-after variant as soon as owned by the person who gave it its nickname – maybe we shouldn’t have been so shocked on the monetary lengths somebody was ready to go to safe it.

Even so, $17.8 million is more likely to be the worth to beat for a while, maybe till Paul Newman’s proprietor decides to promote it once more. When that occurs, or one other Rolex’s break into the highest six, you might be positive you’ll be capable to learn all about it right here.

2. Rolex Daytona Reference  6265 “Unicorn”  ($5.9 million)

This Rolex reference 6265 Oyster Cosmograph Daytona is actually one in all a sort, generally known as the one instance ever produced in 18k white gold – a real “unicorn” on the earth of Rolex watches.

Initially launched in 1970, the Daytona 6265 shares the enduring Oyster case and screw-down chronograph pushers with its sibling, the reference 6263. Nonetheless, not like the 6263’s acrylic bezel, the 6265 incorporates a metallic bezel, including to its distinctive design. Historically, classic Rolex Daytona fashions have been crafted in both chrome steel or 18k yellow gold, with some 14k yellow gold examples made for the North American market. But, this white gold reference 6265 stays unmatched as the one recognized piece of its variety.

Past its rarity and beautiful design, essentially the most outstanding facet of this white gold Daytona is its philanthropic influence. When Phillips auctioned this extraordinary timepiece in Could 2018, it bought for a formidable $5.9 million, with 100% of the proceeds donated to the charity Youngsters Motion. This sale solidified it because the second costliest Rolex ever bought.

3. Rolex ‘Bao Dai’ ref 6062 ($5.1 million)

The Rolex ref. 6062 is a very uncommon and beneficial classic Rolex chronograph named the “Bao Dai” after its most well-known proprietor, the final Emperor of Vietnam. On the time the watch was made within the Fifties, the ref. 6062 represented essentially the most sophisticated and opulent watch Rolex supplied.

The Bao Dai Rolex incorporates a black gloss dial and diamond markers in a yellow-gold case. The imperial lineage of the watch stems from its authentic proprietor Bao Dai, who bought the watch in 1954 to put on throughout his rule. After his loss of life, the watch remained unworn in a secure for over 30 years earlier than surfacing at public sale in 2002.

In 2017, the Rolex Bao Dai ref. 6062 resurfaced on the Phillips Geneva Watch Public sale, the place bidding soared to an unimaginable remaining worth of $5.1 million. This end result catapulted ‘Bao Dai’ to the title of the most costly Rolex ever bought at public sale on the time. The outstanding worth displays the watch’s extraordinary historical past, good situation, and distinguished model and high quality that represents the best order of luxurious and collectability.

4. 1969 Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6263  ($3.7 Million)

When a classic Rolex is given the nickname ‘The Legend,’ you already know it’s not going to be low-cost. Then when you think about this watch is one in all simply three ever made, and that it’s an instance of what battle-hardened collectors describe as their grail watch, you notice a normal measurement examine most likely gained’t be sufficiently big to suit all of the zeros on.

The ref. 6263, with screw-down pushers and the identical Cal. 727 motion as Eric Clapton’s Albino – which now seems to be like one thing of a cut price – is topped with an beautiful lemon grené dial with contrasting black sub-dials, full with their Newman-esque Artwork Deco font.  In good situation and with an unimaginable rarity worth, it’s simple to see why this legendary instance achieved the worth it did.

The ref. 6263, with screw-down pushers and the identical Cal. 727 motion as Eric Clapton’s Albino (which now seems to be like one thing of a cut price), is topped with an beautiful lemon grené dial with contrasting black sub-dials, full with their Newman-esque Artwork Deco font.

In good situation and with an unimaginable rarity worth, it’s simple to see why this legendary instance achieved the worth it did – certainly essentially the most anybody will ever pay for a Rolex Daytona!

5. Rolex Daytona Ref. 6240 ‘The Neanderthal’ ($3 million)

The Rolex Daytona reference 6240, nicknamed “The Neanderthal,” is without doubt one of the most charming classic Rolex watches ever bought. Identified for its daring, experimental design, this distinctive Daytona mannequin is believed to be one of many earliest examples of a Rolex Daytona with screw-down pushers, which in the end grew to become an indicator characteristic of later Daytona references. Its rarity and prototype standing make it a extremely sought-after piece, including to its attract amongst collectors.

Not like different Rolex watches of its time, “The Neanderthal” incorporates a dial prototype with distinctively daring, chunky sub-dial markers which are markedly completely different from the refined design usually related to Rolex. This distinctive aesthetic contributed to its nickname, because the outsized markers set it aside from its friends. The dial design represents a transitional interval in Rolex’s Daytona historical past, because the model experimented with what would later outline its legendary sports activities chronograph lineup.

In October 2018, “The Neanderthal” was bought at a Phillips public sale for CHF 3,012,500, translating to roughly $3 million USD. This record-breaking worth mirrored its unmatched rarity and the fascination it holds as a prototype of one in all Rolex’s most iconic fashions. Because the second-highest worth ever achieved for a Rolex Daytona, this sale underscored the worth collectors place on uncommon, experimental items, particularly those who seize a necessary second in Rolex’s design evolution.

6. Antimagnetique Reference 4113 ($2.5 million)

This ref. 4113 Antimagnetique chronograph held the file for costliest Rolex ever bought at public sale not as soon as, however twice. The latest $2.4M hammer drop at a Phillips’ public sale in 2016 greater than doubled its former sum simply three years beforehand – a testomony to the runaway reputation of the model’s classic assortment.

Measuring 44mm in diameter that is the most important watch Rolex ever made. Solely 12 have been ever produced, all in metal and by no means made accessible to the general public. As a substitute, they got as items to a handpicked choice of well-known racing groups and their drivers. The Rolex model’s shut ties to the glamorous world of motorsports return so far as the 30s, and several other of those oversize gems have made their method to public sale via the households of the unique recipients. Now that simply one in all eight are thought to nonetheless exist, Rolex’s solely split-seconds chronograph might properly set extra data tumbling sooner or later.

7. Rolex GMT-Grasp Worn on Apollo 14 ($2.1 Million)

Including one other layer to Rolex’s storied legacy, a Rolex GMT-Grasp that was worn through the Apollo 14 mission lately bought at public sale for a outstanding $2.1 million. This historic timepiece belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell, who wore it throughout his return to Earth after turning into the sixth individual to stroll on the moon. As one of many few Rolex watches related to a lunar mission, this GMT-Grasp stands as a rare piece of each horological and house exploration historical past.

The watch itself is a GMT-Grasp 1675, a mannequin recognized for its sturdiness, reliability, and distinctive 24-hour show, which permits wearers to trace a number of time zones—an important characteristic for astronauts navigating between mission time and Earth time. Mitchell’s watch is distinguished by its provenance and the importance of the journey it accompanied, elevating it far past a normal GMT-Grasp. With its connection to house exploration, this Rolex embodies the adventurous spirit and technical excellence that defines the model.

Past its practical options, this GMT-Grasp has turn out to be an iconic artifact, representing Rolex’s position within the house race and the daring innovation of the Apollo missions. The public sale, which captivated collectors and house fanatics alike, highlighted the immense worth positioned on objects with such profound historic significance. The $2.1 million sale worth displays not solely the watch’s rarity but additionally the timeless attraction of Rolex in its affiliation with a few of humanity’s most outstanding achievements.

This latest public sale underscores how Rolex timepieces transcend their goal as luxurious watches, turning into cherished relics of historical past. From the racetracks to outer house, Rolex continues to make an indelible mark, with items like Mitchell’s GMT-Grasp illustrating the model’s enduring connection to journey, discovery, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

8. 1969 Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 ($2 Million)

Previously a spotlight of one of many world’s most essential personal collections, the reference 6263 proven right here is one in all solely two such recognized Tropical “Oyster Sotto” – aged to perfection with some stunning chocolate and creme patina. The distinctive and beautiful dial was one of the vital essential Paul Newman Daytona Watches supplied up at public sale when it was listed in 2016. It has since been eclipsed in worth all through the years, however this was one of the vital essential Daytonas to go up at public sale.

9. Marlon Brando’s Rolex GMT-Grasp ($1.952 Million)

Legendary actor Marlon Brando’s Rolex GMT-Grasp watch from the enduring 1979 Vietnam Conflict flick ‘Apocalypse Now’ bought for an epic $1.95 million at Phillips Sport Changers watch public sale in 2019. As soon as thought of one of many nice “lacking” celeb watches, collectors have been past excited to see this watch hit the public sale block after his daughter Petra determined to promote it after seeing the astronomical worth Paul Newman’s watch received – we’ll get to that under.

“This watch is sort of a tank,” Petra recollects Brando telling her when he gave her the look ahead to her commencement. “You are able to do something you need to it, and it’ll carry on going.” Petra ended up giving the watch to her husband as a marriage current however instructed the press they determined the watch was a bit of historical past that “belongs within the palms of a collector who will give it the prominence it deserves.” The household donated a part of the large proceeds to charity.

So, what makes this watch so distinctive? Nicely, in fact, Marlon Brando wore it. However Brando’s GMT-Grasp 1675 additionally misses its distinctive “Pepsi” bezel and is hand engraved with “M. Brando” on the case again.

10. Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 ‘The Arabian Knight’ ($1.65 Million)

The Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263, generally known as “The Arabian Knight,” is a outstanding instance of Rolex’s skill to create unique items for distinctive markets. Crafted with a customized dial that includes Arabic numerals, this Daytona was made particularly for the Center Jap market, catering to collectors who sought exclusivity and cultural distinction of their luxurious timepieces. The hanging Arabic script, paired with the enduring Daytona design, provides a layer of intrigue and rarity, making this watch exceptionally fascinating amongst collectors worldwide.

The Ref. 6263 stands out not just for its customized dial but additionally for its rarity and impeccable situation. Identified for its Oyster case and screw-down pushers, this mannequin was among the many first to introduce heightened water resistance to the Daytona line, solidifying its standing as a sturdy sports activities chronograph. The “Arabian Knight” nickname completely captures its mysterious attract, with its daring design components and scarce availability making it one of the vital unique Daytona fashions ever produced.

In Could 2018, “The Arabian Knight” was bought at a Phillips public sale for CHF 1,932,500, equal to roughly $1.65 million USD. This important sale worth underscores the watch’s desirability and the premium positioned on such culturally distinctive fashions. As one of the vital unique Rolex Daytonas, “The Arabian Knight” stands as a testomony to Rolex’s dedication to creating timepieces that resonate with collectors and fanatics on a private and regional degree.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Unmatched Luxurious and Worth

Rolex’s costliest watches replicate not solely the model’s iconic craftsmanship but additionally the wealthy tales and distinctive histories that make every timepiece irreplaceable. These extraordinary fashions, from Paul Newman’s legendary Daytona to the ultra-rare “Unicorn” in white gold, present how Rolex continues to seize the fascination of collectors and fanatics worldwide.

As public sale data proceed to be damaged, it’s clear that Rolex watches are extra than simply timepieces—they’re investments, symbols of standing, and noteworthy items of artwork. The excessive costs these watches command affirm Rolex’s unparalleled place within the luxurious watch market, with every public sale highlighting the model’s legacy of excellence and innovation.

Keep tuned because the world of luxurious watch accumulating evolves, with Rolex frequently pushing the boundaries of worth, rarity, and desirability.