We all know that Rolex holds a special place in the world of watches, which makes us want to invite you to look at the 10 most expensive Rolex in the world. For investors and Aficionados, you will be interested in getting one from here.
Rolex is a brand that produces high-end mechanical watches and has earned a special place for watch lovers. Rolex is the most valuable luxury watch brand globally, although not the most expensive watch brand.
Rolex is also a brand that originated in Switzerland and has become a symbol of wealth. Owning a Rolex will enhance your identity. But Rolex is known for its quality of design and the rarity of its material, plus the accurate and precise performances.
As fundamental to getting a Rolex, wouldn’t it be great to know more about the brand? Moreover, those who seem to be Rolex owners can just look at the list of the most expensive Rolex branded watches, which we will explain in detail below.
10 Most Expensive Rolex in the World for Investors and Aficionados
As a symbol of the rich, Rolex is also considered to have a varied history of innovation in watchmaking; global personalities widely choose Rolex watches from many circles. They are starting from the worlds of sports, cinema, politics, and many more.
Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Ella Macpherson, Winston Churchill, Dr. Martin Luther King, Che Guevara, John F Kennedy, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Victoria Beckham are popular Rolex owners. But are there on the list of the 10 most expensive Rolex in the world?
10. Rolex Platinum Diamond Pearlmaster – $277,850 (March 2011)
In 10th place, there is the Rolex Platinum Diamond Pearlmaster which was sold in March 2011. The selling price at that time was $277,850, and was a limited-edition watch. If calculated, on the 39mm dial, this watch has 42 diamonds placed on a custom bezel.
9. Rolex James Bond Rolex Submariner (1972) – $365,000 (November 2015)
The James Bond edition looks inseparable if the business is on something luxury. This seems to have come together, including the Rolex Submariner produced in 1972, which successfully sold to enter the list of 10 most expensive Rolex in the world in 2015.
This Rolex was sold at the Phillips auction in Geneva in November 2015. This James Bond Submariner is the actual watch that Sir Roger Moore wore while playing James Bond in Live and Let Die in 1973. The back of the watch was signed by Roger Moore directly.
8. Rolex GMT Master II Ice – $485,350 (2021)
Cristiano Ronaldo wore the Rolex GMT Master II Ice at the 14th Dubai International Sports Conference. The GMT Master II is the most expensive Rolex one can buy. In appearance, it is covered in precious stones and made from white gold.
It is waterproof up to 100 meters and has 50 hours of power reserve. The dial features the classic GMT second hand and can set a second-time zone. The retail price this 10 most expensive Rolex in the world is $485,350, but the price may change depending on the market price for diamonds.
7. Rolex Jack Nicklaus Rolex Day-Date – $1,220,000 (December 2019)
Rolex gave this yellow gold Day Date to the legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus in 1967. He wears it every day and even became the Rolex he wore when he won 12 of the record 18 professional major championships. Its value has now reached 1,220,000 dollars.
6. Rolex Eric Clapton’s Rolex “Oyster Albino” Cosmograph Daytona – $1.4 million (May 2015)
Eric Clapton’s Daytona or Rolex Oyster Albino Cosmograph entered the list of 10 most expensive Rolex in the world not only once but twice. Sold twice for substantial amounts during public auctions. The first time, it is bought for $505,000.
Twelve years later, in May 2015, Eric Clapton’s Daytona is back on sale and is now at an even higher price of $1.4 million at the Philips auction in Geneva. This watch is unique because there are only four pieces with a dial in a single color.
5. Rolex Marlon Brando’s Rolex GMT-Master – $1,952,000 (December 2019)
In the 5th place of the 10 most expensive Rolex in the world, there is one owned by Marlon Brando and sold at the Phillips auction in December 2019. Marlon Brando is an academy award winner, and this watch was worn on the movie Apocalypse Now.
4. Rolex Antimagnetique Reference 4113 (1942) – $2.5 million (May 2016)
The 1942 antimagnetique reference 4113 is the oldest Rolex on this list. Sold for nearly $2.5 million during an auction in 2016. Only 12 examples of this series are known to exist today still, so this limited stock keeps its value increasing over time.
3. Rolex Bao Dai – $5.1 million (May 2017)
Of the 10 most expensive Rolex in the world, the model most Aficionados look up to is probably Bao Dai. The gold case and a black dial are the rarest configurations. Only three were ever produced, so it’s no wonder this watch has a fantastic price.
It was first sold to the last emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty in Vietnam in 1954. Then, the Nguyen Family sold it for $235,000 in 2022, instantly becoming the most expensive Rolex ever purchased. It is more expensive because this is the only one with diamonds.
2. Rolex Daytona Reference 626 Unicorn (1971) – $5.9 million (May 2018)
In second place among the 10 most expensive Rolex in the world, there is a 1970 Rolex Daytona which sold for $5.9 million in 2018. The reference 6265 is the only model available in 18-carat white gold.
1. Rolex Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona – $17.8 million (October 2017)
Climbing up to the top of the most expensive Rolex in the world, and more specifically, the most expensive watch ever sold. Initially, the opening bid starts from $1 million. The first bidder was immediately raised to $10 million.
While relatively well preserved, this Rolex Daytona is expensive, not because it is rare or made from expensive materials. The factor that makes it appear to be a costly watch is because of the unique story.
Rolex watches are expensive, and this Swiss manufacturer is not haphazard in setting prices. It is compatible with mechanical systems as well as valuable materials. However, how is the Rolex one on the list of 10 most expensive Rolex in the world?
