10 Most Expensive Rolex Watches Ever
Dominique Orona
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The Swiss manufacturer produces iconic models that have become true status symbols. Owning a contemporary Rolex Day-Date or a Vintage Submariner says a lot about who you are and what you have accomplished.
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These are the most expensive Rolex watches ever:
10. Rolex Platinum Diamond Pearlmaster, $277,850
Rolex Platinum Diamond Pearlmaster is based on the Day-Date collection. The limited-edition watch is made from meteorite diamond and counts 42 diamonds on its custom bezel. It sold for $277,850 in March of 2011, still the ten most expensive Rolex.
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9. James Bond’s 1972 Rolex Submariner, $365, 000
This Submariner was worn by Sir Roger Moore in 1973 while playing the famous James Bond in the movie Live and Let Die. The watch was modified for the movie. In particular, the bezel was changed to look like a circular saw. James Bond uses it in the movie to cut a rope. The watch was sold for $365,000 at a Phillips auction in Geneva in 2015.
8. Rolex GMT Master II Ice, $485,350
The Rolex GMT Master II Ice is covered in precious stones from white gold. The dial has an attractive wave pattern of diamonds and gold. It retails for $485,350, but its price might vary depending on the diamond market price at your purchase.
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7. Jack Nicklaus Rolex Day-Date, $1.22 million
This 18-karat gold Rolex was given to golfer Jack Nicklaus by Rolex in 1967, and it has brought him lots of luck. The yellow gold Day‐Date on a President bracelet is Rolex’s most prestigious model and one of the world’s most famous watches. The watch sold for $1.22 million at a Phillips auction in December 2019.
6. Eric Clapton’s Rolex Oyster Albino Cosmograph Daytona, $1.4 million
Eric Clapton’s Daytona, dubbed the Rolex Oyster Albino Cosmograph, sold not once but twice for substantial amounts during public auctions. Eric Clapton’s Daytona was sold once more, but this time for $1.4 million at a Phillips auction in Geneva, nearly three times its previous price.
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5. Marlon Brando’s Apocalypse Now Rolex GMT- Master, $1.95 million
After only 15 minutes of intense bidding at a recent Phillips auction in December 2019, this GMT-Master Rolex sold for $1.952 million. This watch was manufactured in 1972 and worn in the 1979 movie Apocalypse Now by award-winning actor Marlon Brando.
4. Antimagnetique Reference 4113 from 1942, $2.5 million
It also has the most significant case of any Rolex ever built at 44 mm. As far as it is known, there are only 12 that exist in 4113 Rolex nowadays. This model was initially designed as a special gift to celebrate a race victory. It was sold for $2.5 million in May 2016.
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3. Rolex Bao Dai, $5.1 million
The excellent gold case with its black dial makes this watch one of the rarest but most recognizable Rolex models. According to articles, only three were ever produced, and this watch is the only one that has diamonds on the even hours. It makes it one of the most wanted watches in the world. The Rolex Bao Dai was sold for over $5.1 million at auction at Phillips in Geneva in 2017.
2. The 1971 Rolex Daytona Reference 626 Unicorn, $5.9 million
Uniqueness and rarity explain the price of this 1970 Rolex Daytona, which was sold for $5.9 million in 2018. The Reference 6265 is the only model available in 18-karat white gold, hence its Unicorn nickname. The vast majority of Rolex Daytona produced at the time was in stainless steel.
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1. Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona, $17.8 million
Paul Newman’s Daytona is the world’s most expensive watch ever sold. It was gifted to Paul Newman by his wife, Johanna Woodward, while Paul was starring in the movie Winning in 1969. It was sold for $17.8 million in October 2017, making it the most expensive Rolex ever to this day.