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 ‘The Companion Oyster’, Reference 34075 | Pre-patent Oyster case; early waterproof wristwatch; extraordinary provenance tied to Mercedes Gleitze; one of only a handful known | $1,728,558 |
| 4 | 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 |
| 5 | Rolex Daytona ‘Albino’, Reference 6263 | Extremely rare monochromatic “Albino” dial with no Daytona signature; white subsidiary registers; illustrated in 150 Steel Chronographs | $952,500 |
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 ‘The Companion Oyster’, Reference 34075, 1,728,558 USD
The Rolex “Companion Oyster,” Reference 34075, sold for approximately $1,728,558 in December 2025. Consigned by an important private collector who had owned the watch for more than 25 years, this historically significant timepiece is one of the earliest known Rolex Oysters and among only a handful of pre-patent examples still in existence.
Manufactured in early to mid-1926, before Rolex secured the Oyster case patent in 1927, the watch bears the rare “Patent Pending” stamp inside the caseback. Its provenance is exceptional: it belonged to Mercedes Gleitze, the pioneering British swimmer and Rolex’s first brand ambassador, who famously wore the Oyster during her endurance swims. Preserved exactly as she last wore it, the watch represents a defining moment in the birth of the modern waterproof wristwatch and Rolex’s emergence as a global innovator.
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 Daytona ‘Albino’, Reference 6263, 952,500 USD
The Rolex Daytona “Albino,” Reference 6263, sold for $952,500 in December 2025. At first glance resembling a standard manual-wind Daytona, the watch reveals its rarity upon closer inspection: a striking monochromatic dial with white subsidiary registers and no “Daytona” signature, earning it the nickname “The Albino.”
Only a handful of Albino Daytonas are known, and the present example had never previously appeared on the market. Documented in 150 Steel Chronographs by Pucci Papaleo, it is regarded by leading Daytona scholars as one of the finest correct examples in existence. Beautifully preserved, with a crisp case, period-correct components, and attractively aged luminous material, this Albino Daytona stands as one of the most elusive and desirable variants in vintage Rolex collecting.
Buy and Sell Rolex Watches with Sotheby’s
Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of fine watches, Sotheby’s offers a trusted, seamless way to buy and sell Rolex timepieces on the secondary market.
Why Choose Sotheby’s?
- Expertly Vetted Selection
Explore rare and iconic models, from Datejust watches starting around $10,000 to highly sought-after Rolex pieces commanding significantly higher prices - Exclusive Global Access
Shop watches through auctions and Buy Now marketplace, backed by a worldwide network of collectors and consignors. - Flexible Ways to Buy
Purchase online or in person at our locations in New York, Paris, and Hong Kong—or work with a dedicated watch concierge. - Sotheby's Financial Services
Sotheby’s Financial Services offers tailored luxury asset financing solutions that allow collectors to unlock liquidity from existing assets or support a portion of a new acquisition. Designed for competitive auction environments, these solutions provide flexibility and confidence while preserving broader investment strategies. - Exceptional Value
Every watch is authenticated and priced by Sotheby’s specialists to reflect true market value. - Constantly Evolving Inventory
Discover vintage and modern Rolex watches across all price points, with new pieces added regularly.
Ready to Get Started?
- Browse upcoming watch auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong
- Shop Buy Now watches for instant access to available inventory
- Speak with a watch specialist to consign or request a valuation for a Rolex watch
- Connect with Sotheby’s Financial Services to explore financing solutions tailored to high-value luxury collectibles.
Trust our worldwide network of leading watch specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
