Specialist Picks: Shop the Best Luxury Watches to Buy Now
Looking for your next watch? Our expert-curated selection features this month’s most coveted timepieces from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, and more.
The world of luxury watches is ever-evolving, with each month unveiling fresh expressions of design, craftsmanship, and technical mastery. This month, our specialists spotlight a series of extraordinary timepieces that reflect both horological innovation and deep-rooted heritage. From the cosmic elegance of Patek Philippe’s Celestial to the mechanical artistry of A. Lange & Söhne’s chiming Zeitwerk, these selections celebrate complexity, creativity, and timeless beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek geometry of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the rarity of a Zenith-era Daytona, or the artisanal flair of Vacheron Constantin’s basket-weave bracelet, these watches are curated to inspire collectors at every level. Explore this month’s most compelling additions and discover the exceptional pieces that define today’s luxury landscape.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 16523, $18,600
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 16523, produced between 1991 and 1992, holds a significant place in the brand’s history. Often referred to as the "Zenith Daytona," this model is powered by the caliber 4030, a modified version of Zenith’s famed El Primero movement. This was the final chronograph movement Rolex sourced externally before introducing its own in-house calibers. Encased in yellow gold with a champagne dial, this reference combines mechanical excellence with vintage allure. The high-frequency movement delivers exceptional timekeeping, making it both a technical milestone and a coveted collector’s piece.
Adding to its rarity is the sought-after “Inverted 6” dial, where the numeral 6 in the hour counter appears upside down. This small but meaningful detail only appeared on early production models and was corrected in later releases. Collectors prize these early dials not just for their scarcity, but for the unique character they bring to an already iconic reference. With its blend of historical significance, mechanical performance, and subtle design anomalies, the 16523 offers a compelling story for those drawn to Rolex’s rich chronograph legacy.
Vacheron Constantin Reference 31693/206J-8737, $31,700
The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle Boutique Edition Reference 31693/206J-8737 is a masterclass in refined design and artisanal detail. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this 32mm manual-wind wristwatch is distinguished by a radiant silvered guilloché dial, framed with diamond-set hour markers and slim baton hands. The clean, symmetrical layout highlights the maison’s dedication to understated elegance, while the smaller case size adds a vintage charm that feels both timeless and contemporary.
What truly sets this model apart is its exceptional integrated bracelet. Inspired by the Maltese cross, the basket-weave design is rendered entirely in solid yellow gold, creating a fluid, textured aesthetic that feels as luxurious as it looks. Rarely seen outside of boutique editions, this bracelet showcases Vacheron Constantin’s craftsmanship in both form and function. For collectors seeking a piece that seamlessly blends intricate design with quiet sophistication, this watch is a standout expression of the brand’s heritage.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 77350SR.OO.1261SR.01, $41,500
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 77350SR.OO.1261SR.01 delivers a bold yet balanced take on modern luxury. Crafted in a blend of stainless steel and 18k rose gold, this 34mm automatic wristwatch features the signature Royal Oak silhouette, complete with the iconic octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet. The silver-toned Grande Tapisserie dial adds texture and dimension, while rose gold hour markers and hands offer a subtle contrast that feels both refined and contemporary.
Sized for versatility, this Royal Oak transitions seamlessly from day to night. The two-tone construction and clean dial design make it effortlessly chic—whether worn with a crisp blazer, weekend denim, or something in between. Equal parts elegance and edge, it captures the spirit of the original Royal Oak while reimagining it for a new generation of collectors who value style without compromise.
A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Limited Edition Reference 145.025, $205,600
The A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Striking Time 'Acoustique' Limited Edition is a landmark achievement in contemporary horology. Housed in a 44mm platinum case, this manually wound timepiece brings together bold design and technical ingenuity. Its signature jumping numeral display—a mechanical reinterpretation of a digital clock—was inspired by the historic timekeeping device in the Dresden Semper Opera House. Paired with an analog subsidiary seconds dial and power reserve indicator, the Zeitwerk blends modern architecture with the tradition of fine German watchmaking.
This particular edition elevates the Zeitwerk concept even further with a visible striking mechanism that chimes the passing of time. A crisp chime rings every quarter hour, while a deeper tone marks the hour—an acoustic complication that can be activated or muted by the wearer. As the first mechanical watch to unite jumping numerals with an integrated chiming function, the Zeitwerk Striking Time stands as a technical first. Limited to just 100 pieces, this example is presented on a bespoke green leather strap by Jean Rousseau, offering a striking contrast to its platinum case and making it a compelling choice for collectors who value precision, rarity, and innovation.
Grand Gesture: Patek Philippe Grand Complications Celestial Reference 6104R-001, $529,000
The Patek Philippe Grand Complications Celestial Reference 6104R-001 offers a poetic interpretation of astronomical timekeeping. Encased in warm rose gold and set with brilliant-cut diamonds along the bezel and lugs, this automatic wristwatch is both a technical marvel and an objet d’art. Its richly detailed dial features a rotating sky chart that maps the northern hemisphere’s night sky, depicting the movement of stars, the orbit and phases of the moon, and the portion of the sky visible from Geneva’s latitude. This celestial display unfolds across three transparent sapphire-crystal disks, creating a mesmerizing view of the heavens.
At the heart of this watch is Patek Philippe’s self-winding Caliber 240 LU CL C, which also powers skeletonized hands for mean solar time. With its subtle mechanical elegance and deeply immersive design, the 6104R-001 represents one of the most visually arresting and technically sophisticated pieces in the Grand Complications line. It is a fitting tribute to the brand’s legacy in astronomical horology, offering collectors a window not just into the passage of time, but into the rhythm of the universe itself.
This month’s standout selections showcase the multifaceted world of fine watchmaking, where innovation meets tradition in captivating form. From Rolex’s coveted 'Inverted 6' Daytona to the architectural harmony of the Royal Oak in rose gold and steel, each piece offers a unique perspective on luxury. Vacheron Constantin’s boutique edition bracelet design and A. Lange & Söhne’s acoustic complication remind us that exceptional watches are as much about artistry as they are about precision. And with Patek Philippe’s Celestial, we are reminded that timekeeping can be nothing short of astronomical. Whether you’re adding to a seasoned collection or seeking a statement piece with lasting impact, these timepieces stand at the intersection of style, rarity, and horological excellence—each destined to become an icon in its own right.
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, 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, 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.
- Explore upcoming watch auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Watch Specialist about selling a luxury watch.
Trust our worldwide network of leading watch specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
