Specialist Picks: Shop the Best Luxury Watches to Buy Now

The world of luxury watches is ever-evolving, with new releases continuously redefining the boundaries of design, craftsmanship, and innovation. This month, collectors and enthusiasts are presented with exceptional timepieces that blend classic elegance with contemporary flair. From bold reimaginings of iconic designs to fresh takes on traditional complications, these watches embody the perfect fusion of heritage and modernity. Whether you're drawn to the refined sophistication of a new dress watch, the bold statement of a luxury chronograph, or the understated elegance of an annual calendar, this selection offers something for every discerning collector. Explore this month’s most coveted timepieces, carefully curated by our specialists, highlighting the artistry and precision that continue to elevate the world of horology.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona John Mayer Reference 116508, 74,600 USD

Few watches command attention quite like the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference116508, a timepiece that has become a modern collector’s icon. Often referred to as the ‘John Mayer’ Daytona, this stunning chronograph pairs 18k yellow gold with a striking metallic green sunburst dial, creating a bold yet refined aesthetic that sets it apart. The luminous Chromalight-filled hour markers and hands ensure excellent legibility, while the gold subdials enhance the watch’s depth and contrast. The Daytona’s signature 40mm Oyster case exudes both sportiness and luxury, complemented by a matching yellow gold Oyster bracelet with polished center links for a seamless and sophisticated look.

Beyond its eye-catching design, the Daytona 116508 is powered by Rolex’s legendary Caliber 4130 movement, an in-house automatic chronograph caliber celebrated for its precision, durability, and 72-hour power reserve. Its vertical clutch mechanism ensures flawless chronograph performance, while the Parachrom hairspring provides resistance to shocks and temperature fluctuations, maintaining exceptional accuracy. Originally gaining widespread recognition after musician John Mayer praised its distinctive styling, this Daytona has since achieved cult status among collectors. With its blend of racing heritage, bold colorway, and exquisite craftsmanship, this timepiece is more than just a timepiece—it’s a statement of prestige and individuality.

Patek Philippe Complications Reference 4947/1A, 37,300 USD

The Patek Philippe 4947/1A is a refined evolution in the brand’s prestigious annual calendar lineup, quietly making its mark since its debut in April 2021. Succeeding the long-standing 5146 reference, this model represents a subtle yet significant shift in Patek Philippe’s approach to one of its most enduring complications. While previous references such as the 5146, 5205, and 5396 set the standard for the brand’s annual calendars, the 4947/1A brings a fresh, contemporary perspective. Its stainless steel construction—uncommon in Patek Philippe’s dress watch catalog—adds a modern, versatile appeal, making it a sophisticated choice for collectors seeking both functionality and timeless elegance.

What truly sets the timepiece apart is its exquisite blue “Shantung” dial, inspired by fabric-like textures that create a rich, satin-finished effect. While this aesthetic nod to vintage watchmaking can be traced back to Rolex’s Datejust and Oyster Perpetual models from the 1960s and 70s, Patek Philippe’s execution elevates it to a new level of refinement. This unique dial, paired with the brand’s impeccable finishing and an automatic annual calendar movement, ensures effortless readability and practicality. Understated yet sophisticated, the Patek Philippe 4947/1A bridges the past and present, standing as one of the most quietly influential annual calendars in the brand’s history.

Cartier Tank MC Reference WGTA0014, 12,300 USD

A modern interpretation of a timeless classic, the Cartier Tank MC brings a bold and masculine presence to the esteemed Tank collection. While staying true to the elegant rectangular case and refined aesthetic that has defined Cartier’s design language for over a century, this model takes on a more substantial form, offering a confident and contemporary appeal. The harmonious fusion of an 18k rose gold case and a sophisticated grey dial elevates its visual allure, with refined hour markers adding a touch of understated luxury. Despite its more robust proportions, the Tank MC retains Cartier’s signature elegance, making it a seamless companion for both formal occasions and everyday wear.

Beneath its striking exterior, the Tank MC is powered by Cartier’s in-house caliber 1904 MC—an automatic movement that upholds the brand’s legacy of precision and craftsmanship. The movement ensures reliable timekeeping while allowing for a slim case profile that enhances comfort on the wrist. For those who appreciate fine mechanics, a sapphire crystal case back offers a captivating view of the movement’s intricate workings, reinforcing its status as more than just a stylish accessory. Perfectly balancing tradition and innovation, the Cartier Tank MC is an exceptional choice for collectors who seek a watch that exudes both sophistication and enduring appeal.

Omega Speedmaster First in Space Reference 311.63.40.30.02.001, 14,900 USD

The Omega Speedmaster Reference 311.63.40.30.02.001, also known as the “First OMEGA in Space,” is a stunning tribute to one of the most significant moments in horological and space exploration history. Inspired by the Speedmaster worn by astronaut Wally Schirra during the Sigma 7 mission in 1962, this model seamlessly blends vintage aesthetics with modern luxury. Its Sedna™ gold case, a proprietary Omega alloy known for its warmth and lasting luster, elevates the watch’s timeless design. The rich brown polished ceramic bezel ring, adorned with a matte chromium nitride tachymeter scale, adds depth and contrast, further enhancing its refined yet adventurous appeal.

While staying true to its spacefaring heritage, this Speedmaster embraces a more opulent execution, making it an ideal choice for collectors who appreciate both history and bold elegance. The watch maintains the classic Speedmaster silhouette, but the warm gold tones and vintage-inspired proportions set it apart from traditional Moonwatch models. Whether worn as a statement piece or as part of a collection honoring Omega’s pioneering legacy, the Speedmaster “First OMEGA in Space” is a timepiece that bridges the gap between the past and present, embodying both precision and prestige.

Grand Gesture: F. P. Journe Chronomètre Optimum Reference CO, 231,000 USD

The F.P. Journe Chronomètre Optimum Reference CO is the ultimate expression of François-Paul Journe’s lifelong pursuit of uncompromising chronometric precision. Conceived in the late 1980s as a personal challenge, the watch spent over a decade in development before making its debut in 2012. Every aspect of its construction is dedicated to enhancing accuracy and efficiency, starting with the manually wound Calibre 1510. Unlike traditional movements, this caliber employs dual mainspring barrels in parallel—not for extending power reserve, but for maintaining a steady and stable energy flow with minimal friction. Its standout feature, the remontoir d’égalité, ensures constant force delivery for the first 45 hours of operation, eliminating amplitude fluctuations that typically affect mechanical watches. Adding to its distinctiveness, a dead seconds complication is visible on the case back, where a dedicated hand moves counterclockwise in precise one-second increments, an uncommon and mesmerizing technical feat.

Journe’s innovation doesn’t stop there—the patented EBHP escapement utilizes two escape wheels instead of one, eliminating the need for lubrication and ensuring long-term reliability. Unlike many contemporary brands that turn to silicon components for reduced friction, Journe remains dedicated to traditional metal construction, prioritizing durability and longevity. The Chronomètre Optimum is available in 40mm or 42mm case sizes, with a sapphire case back that proudly displays its solid 18k rose gold movement, adorned with Geneva stripes, perlage, and expertly chamfered bridges. This timepiece is more than just a watch—it is a fusion of technical brilliance and artistic craftsmanship, representing one of the finest achievements in haute horology.

As the world of luxury watches continues to evolve, this month’s standout selections highlight the enduring appeal of fine craftsmanship, innovation, and heritage. From Cartier’s modernized take on an iconic classic to Rolex’s bold and collectible chronograph, these timepieces capture the essence of prestige and precision. Patek Philippe’s refined annual calendar, Omega’s tribute to spacefaring history, and F.P. Journe’s masterclass in chronometry further demonstrate the diverse artistry that defines haute horology.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or an enthusiast looking for your next prized timepiece, these watches offer a perfect balance of style, sophistication, and technical brilliance. Each piece tells a unique story, blending tradition with contemporary refinement, ensuring their place as timeless treasures in the world of luxury watchmaking.

Advantages to Buying Luxury Watches on the Secondary Market

1. Access

Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of luxury watches from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers sought-after luxury watches, from iconic classics to rare, collectible editions. Our watch specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable watch models from collectors around the world.

2. Flexibility

Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase luxury watches, including online and in person at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific watch models not available online.

3. Value

While authorized boutiques offer their latest collections, finding specific models—especially those with strong collector demand—can be challenging due to availability constraints. Sotheby’s presents a curated selection of luxury watches, including rare and discontinued references, available for purchase without the need to visit multiple retailers. Shopping with Sotheby’s ensures access to exceptional timepieces, from vintage icons to modern grail watches, all authenticated by experts.

4. Discovery

One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, limited-production luxury watches no longer available at retail. Our curated selection of luxury watches is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.

Buy and Sell Luxury Watches with Sotheby's

Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest luxury watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, Zurich, and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible luxury models in every sale. Sotheby’s auctions feature an array of timepieces, ranging from elegant vintage models to contemporary masterpieces, showcasing the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship and innovation.

Prices for luxury watches start around $5,000 for entry-level models like the Cartier Tank and rise significantly for highly sought-after pieces. Iconic models such as the Rolex President Day-Date typically start at $50,000, while rare collectible editions like those from the F.P. Journe Black Label Collection can exceed $200,000.