In the thriving market of pre-owned and vintage watches, everything has its price. And as vintage watch collecting is all about nabbing something unique and rare, the higher the price of a watch, the chances are the higher its rarity and significance.
Therefore, you won’t be surprised to see our round up of the world’s rarest vintage watches are those which have sold for the highest sums at auction. But, as impressive as they are, the fact is their price tags are nothing when compared to the individual beauty, innovation, and heritage of each timepiece.
With that in mind, check out our round up of the five rarest vintage watches in the world. You won’t be disappointed.
1. Rolex 4113
Previously holding the record of the most expensive Rolex sold at auction — fetching a cool $1.17M back in 2011 — the 4113 is without a doubt one of the rarest and best-looking timepieces you’ll ever see.
The vintage chronograph, of which only 12 were made and 8 have resurfaced, is especially distinctive due to being a huge 44mm wide and featuring an unusually thin bezel for its type. For this reason, it sits on the wrist like a modern watch — despite a production date of 1942.
What really makes it special, however, is the little button jutting out from its crown: the 4113 is the only split-seconds chronograph to be built by Rolex, ever.
2. Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 In Steel
Considered my collectors and experts alike to be the most prestigious watch manufacturer in the world, Patek Phillippe also holds the title of most expensive watch sold at auction: The Patek Philippe Reference 1518 In Steel.
Valued at around the $3 million mark at auction last year, the 1518 went for a little over $11, smashing the record set in the previous year by the Patek 5016A, which went for $7.3 million.
Built during an embargo on gold in the 1940s, the 1518 in steel is one of only four to exist. And to make it even rarer, it was only made for the Italian market. Oh, and not forgetting it was also the world’s first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch to ever be produced by any manufacturer.
3. Bao Dai Rolex Ref. 6062
In May 2017, at the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction, the Bao Dai Rolex Ref. 6062 became the world’s most expensive Rolex to sell at auction.
And for good reason: the 6062 is one of the world’s most important watches. A large part of its significance (and name) comes the fact it was owned by Bao Dai, the last reigning emperor of Vietnam. But the timepiece was also a rare creation for Rolex: it features an iconic Oyster case, an in-house movement that drives a triple date calendar and moon phase, and a black dial with diamond indexes. Rare, incredibly complex, and owned by quite the character from a prominent time in world history.
4. Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal Ref. 4907
With its white-gold case and pristine condition, the Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal Ref. 4907 is purportedly the rarest vintage Chronometre Royal wristwatch the market has ever seen.
Vacheron’s top-of-the-line Chronometre Royal series (or Royal Chronometer), is a collection of watches first launched in 1907 that represents one of history’s first attempts at a precision timepiece. The 4907, in particular, has a substantial case, centre seconds, and long, chunky lugs that give it an impressive and much-desired presence on the wrist.
5. Patek Philippe 3974
A collector will search high and low for something that’s unique. Especially when that something is a Patek Phillippe watch that’s also one of the most complicated timepieces in existence.
The 3974 is unique as it is the only known example to feature a Calatrava cross symbol at the dial’s 12 o’clock position. It was also the most complicated watch, at least when it was first produced in 1989, due to its impressive complications — particularly the leap-year indicator at 3 o’clock.
The watch also shows numerous other customisations that indicate it was likely a custom order from a very important client, including a black lacquer dial base, italicised font for the calendar indications, and striking gold Breguet numerals.
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