The 5 Most Expensive Rolex Watches
From diamond-encrusted masterpieces to ultra-rare vintage models, explore the top 5 most expensive Rolex watches and what makes them so valuable.
For decades, Rolex has defined the pinnacle of luxury watchmaking, with certain models transcending their function to become cultural icons and coveted collector's items. While many Rolex watches are admired for their craftsmanship and design, a rare few have reached extraordinary heights at auction, fetching seven-figure sums thanks to their rarity, provenance, and historical significance. From the gem-set majesty of The King Daytona to President Nasser’s Day-Date, the most expensive Rolex watches tell stories that go far beyond the wrist. In this article, we explore the five most expensive Rolex watches sold at auction since 2024.
Most Expensive Rolex Watches
| Rank | Watch | Notable Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “The King” Reference 6270 | Yellow gold chronograph set with diamonds and sapphires; commissioned by Sultan Qaboos of Oman; only eight known examples | $5,230,100 |
| 2 | Rolex Reference 6100 “Dragon” | Yellow gold automatic wristwatch with cloisonné enamel dial depicting a coiled dragon by master enameller Nelly Richard; extremely rare with fewer than ten known examples | $1,758,000 |
| 3 | Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “John Player Special” Reference 6241 | 14 k yellow gold case and Jubilee bracelet; rare black-and-gold dial; from Tom Brady’s collection | $1,140,000 |
| 4 | Rolex “Tropical Paul Newman” Daytona Reference 6241 | “Tropical” aged dial with warm brown sub-registers; pump-pusher configuration | $914,400 |
| 5 | Rolex Day-Date “Gamal Abdel Nasser” Reference 1803 | Gift from Anwar El Sadat; Arabic inscription; historic presidential provenance | $840,000 |
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “The King” Reference 6270, 5,230,100 USD
This Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “The King,” Reference 6270, sold for $5,230,100 in October 2025. This watch is one of the rarest and most lavishly adorned Rolex watches ever created. Crafted in 18k yellow gold with a baguette-cut diamond bezel and a pavé-set diamond dial accented by sapphire hour markers, this exceptional chronograph exemplifies Rolex’s highest level of artistry and exclusivity.
Commissioned in the early 1980s by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman and retailed through Asprey of London, the 6270 was produced in extraordinarily limited numbers—only eight examples are known to exist. Its record-setting result cements its status as one of the most important Rolex chronographs ever made and the highest-priced Rolex sold since 2024.
Rolex Reference 6100 “Dragon”, 1,758,000 USD
The Rolex Reference 6100 “Dragon” sold for 1,758,000 USD in December 2025, securing its place among the most important and valuable Rolex watches ever to appear at auction. Produced circa 1954 and preserved by the family of the original owner, this exquisite yellow-gold automatic wristwatch features a cloisonné enamel dial depicting a coiled dragon—an extraordinarily rare configuration believed to exist in fewer than ten examples across all Rolex references.
The dial, attributed to master enameller Nelly Richard, showcases the meticulous cloisonné-champlevé technique that defined the finest mid-20th-century Stern Créations productions, with gold wire partitions, layered powdered glass, and multiple firings yielding its vivid color transitions and sculptural depth. Revered for both its artistry and extreme scarcity, the 6100 “Dragon” represents Rolex at its most unconventional: a fusion of mythological storytelling, master enamelling, and the brand’s early pursuit of mechanical reliability, resulting in a miniature work of art unlike any other watch in the manufacture’s history.
Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Reference 6241 Circa 1969 1,140,000 USD
This Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Reference 6241, famously known as the "John Player Special," was sold for $1,140,000 in December 2024. This exceptionally rare variant of the "Paul Newman" Daytona takes its name from the striking black-and-gold livery of the Lotus Formula One cars sponsored by John Player & Sons in the 1970s. The reference 6241, produced between 1966 and 1969, is among the rarest Daytona models, with only approximately 3,000 examples made, and an estimated 300 crafted in yellow gold. Even rarer still, only a small fraction of these featured the coveted John Player Special dial, making this particular piece a standout in horological history.
What elevates this watch is its unique 14k yellow gold case, a departure from the more common 18k gold, paired with a matching 14k yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet. This watch's provenance adds to its allure: it was part of Tom Brady's personal collection and gained public attention when he wore it during the New England Patriots' 2023 home opener. The occasion, which honored Brady with an announcement of his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame, saw the legendary quarterback sporting this iconic timepiece.
Rolex 'Tropical Paul Newman' Daytona Reference 6241 Circa 1968, 914,400 USD
This Rolex Daytona Reference 6241 “Tropical Paul Newman” was sold for $914,400 in June 2025. Produced for just four years between 1965 and 1969, the 6241 is among the rarest and most coveted vintage Daytona references, with only around 2,700 to 3,000 examples known to exist. It shares several key features with the 6239—including an early non-Oyster case, pump-style pushers, and the Valjoux 722 movement—but sets itself apart with its black acrylic bezel insert, which lends the watch a slightly larger and more contemporary aesthetic. A limited number of these watches were fitted with what collectors now call “Paul Newman” dials, a nickname derived from the legendary actor and racing driver who famously wore the model. With their contrasting color schemes, stepped outer tracks, and distinctive Art Deco-style numerals, these dials are among the most sought-after in all of vintage watch collecting.
This particular example stands out for its remarkable “tropical” dial—an extremely rare phenomenon in which the black sub-registers have aged into a warm, tobacco-like brown. The contrast between the now richly patinated subdials and the bright ivory dial plate is visually arresting, especially when paired with the vivid red “Daytona” text and crisp white printing. All lume plots remain intact and evenly aged, and the case retains its original proportions, including the pump pushers and the sharply preserved black acrylic bezel. The serial and reference numbers between the lugs remain clear and legible, confirming the watch’s originality. Already an extraordinary reference by virtue of its rarity and condition, this 6241 is further elevated by the unique character of its tropical dial—making it one of the most visually striking and collectible Paul Newman Daytonas ever to surface at auction.
Rolex Day-Date Reference 1803 Circa 1963, 840,000 USD
This Rolex Day-Date Reference 1803, sold for $840,000 in December 2024, exemplifies the historical and cultural significance of Rolex’s flagship model. Introduced in 1956 as the first watch to display both the day and date in full on its dial, the Day-Date quickly earned its reputation as the "Rolex President." This 1963 example belonged to Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, a transformative leader in the Arab world. Known for his dedication to social justice and monumental achievements like the construction of the Aswan High Dam, Nasser left an indelible mark on history. The watch, a gift from his close friend and future president Anwar El Sadat, bears a personalized inscription in Arabic that reads: “Mr. Anwar El Sadat 26-9-1963,” linking two legendary figures in Egyptian history.
This remarkable timepiece remained a constant companion throughout Nasser's presidency, featuring prominently during pivotal moments such as the Six-Day War and key diplomatic meetings. Passed down through generations of the Nasser family, it became one of the leader’s few personal possessions outside museum collections. Its provenance and association with historic events elevate it to the status of a true “presidential” Rolex. Combined with its pristine condition and complete set of original accessories, this Day-Date Reference 1803 serves as a testament to Nasser’s enduring legacy and the watch’s place as an iconic symbol of leadership and unity.
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