$1,000,000 is more money than most people see in their entire lifetimes, so how is it that some timepieces exceed that in value?
1: They’re complicated to make:
Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega 4 — $2.7 million
If you’ve ever seen the inner workings of a timepiece, you can understand how complicated they can be, but this watch takes it to another level. The Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega 4 holds the world record for the most complicated wristwatch ever made, with an astonishing 1483 components.
The watch features 10 dials and measures far more than standard time. In fact, it has a perpetually renewable calendar that doesn’t need to be adjusted for 1000 years! If you’re on the hunt for a watch that can do it all and have an extra $3 million to spare, the Aeternitas Mega 4 may be the perfect wristwatch for you.
2: There’s a limited number made:
Patek Philippe Ref. 1527 — $5.7 million
Every watch on this list is rare, but there’s one watch that takes the cake when it comes to exclusivity. Patak Philippe is known to be a premier luxury watch brand, which a few watches whose value cracks the $1,000,000 mark, but the Ref. 1527 model stands as the only one of its kind. Crafted in 1943, the Ref. 1527 features more than 20 precious stones and is made from 20-karat rose gold.
Not only was this watch the only one ever made, but it served as the brand’s inspiration for several of their other treasured models to come. If you’re looking for a watch that is truly as one-of-a-kind as you are, the hunt to obtain the coveted Patek Philippe Ref. 1527 wristwatch will be worth it.
3: They’re made from exotic materials:
Louis Moinet Meteoris — $4.6 million
When we think of precious gems and stones in watches and jewelry, we think of diamonds, platinum, gold, and possibly some assorted rubies or sapphires. The Louis Moinet Metoris blows all conceptions of what a watch can contain out of the water, and quite frankly—out of this world. The Meteoris collection is the only set of wristwatches that contain real pieces of moon rock.
In addition to being made with genuine moon rocks, they are also a limited 4-piece collection, making them incredibly rare. They also have top-notch mechanical work and function beautifully. The Meteoris is the only watch that is sold as a collection of 4, meaning each timepiece is a steal at only $1.15 million each.
4: They’re glittering with diamonds:
Hublot Big Bang Diamonds — $5 million
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, the Big Bang Diamonds by Hublot would be their best friend for life. Featuring 1280 hand-cut, three-karat diamonds strewn across the entirety of the timepiece, this $50 million dollar watch is perfect for diamond lovers who can afford the premium price.
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5: They’ve been owned by superstars:
Paul Newman Rolex Daytona — $17.6 million
Sometimes, a watch gains extraordinary value just because of how it is made, but because of who has worn it. The Paul Newman Rolex Daytona was a watch—as the name suggests—gifted to the world-famous actor and motor-sport enthusiast Paul Newman. It was given to him by his wife to commemorate his passions and features a rare black and cream dial.
Mr. Newman was seen wearing the watch when he pursued his racing career, after which the popularity of the watch among luxury buyers skyrocketed. This very special Rolex Daytona, which is worth a cool $17.6 million, is a perfect example of a watch made famous on the back (or wrist) of someone equally as beloved in the public eye.
6: They’re a piece of history:
Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoninette — $30 million
Like the Rolex Daytona before it in this list, the Breguet Grande Complication Mari Antoninette has a stunning history to it. The watch, which took a staggering 45 years to complete, was said to be commissioned for the French Queen by an ex-lover of hers.
Encased in gold and encased with the finest mechanical operations available at the time, this elegant pocket watch was a historic example of design and artistic achievement. Unfortunately, Marie Antoninette was executed before she could ever see it completed!
Not all is fair in love and watches!
7: They’re the most expensive of all:
Graff Diamonds Hallucination — $55 million
(Picture of watch)
Rounding off our list, we have the most expensive watch ever made, the Graff Diamonds Hallucination. Worth a mind-boggling $55 million, this watch truly stands apart with a platinum bracelet set with 110 karats of multi-colored diamonds.
Call it beautiful, call it excessive, call it gaudy, the Hallucination is everything but forgettable. From blues, to pinks, to yellows, and more, this timepiece is a dazzling piece of art representing just what is possible in the future for extravagant timepieces.
In conclusion:
Today, we took a look at some of the rarest and most opulent timepieces in the world, including watches with over 1000 diamonds, timepieces containing rare materials such as moonrocks, and even a pocket watch made for a Queen!
From the materials they’re made of, their history, rarity, and their intricacy, we learned that there’s a lot of things that separate premium watches from ordinary ones.
Here’s a summarized list for you if you feel like going shopping for one yourself:
Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega 4 — $2.7 million: Most intricate watch ever made
Patek Philippe Ref. 1527 — $5.7 million: Is literally one-of-its-kind
Louis Moinet Meteoris — $4.6 million: Contains real moon rocks
Hublot Big Bang Diamonds — $5 million: Has over 1,200 diamonds
Paul Newman Rolex Daytona — $17.6 million: Was worn by actor Paul Newman
Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoninette — $30 million: Was gifted to a Queen
Graff Diamonds Hallucination — $55 million: Is covered in multi-colored diamonds
All jokes aside, we hope you loved this inside look at some of the most luxurious timepieces and would love to know:
Which of these watches would you buy if money wasn’t a factor?
