The Five Most Expensive Patek Philippe Watches

Since its founding in 1839 by Polish watchmaker Antoni Patek and French horologist Adrien Philippe, Patek Philippe has remained synonymous with uncompromising quality, elegance, and innovation. The Geneva-based manufacturer has pioneered some of the most complex mechanisms in watchmaking history, including the perpetual calendar, split-seconds chronograph, and minute repeater. Unlike other major watch houses, Patek Philippe has retained its independence, which has allowed it to uphold a steadfast dedication to craftsmanship and exclusivity. Each timepiece is assembled and finished by hand—an approach that ensures longevity and prestige. This meticulous process, combined with the brand's practice of limiting production, has elevated Patek Philippe to legendary status among collectors and connoisseurs. Read on to discover the five most expensive Patek Philippe watches sold at auction since 2014.

Patek Philippe 'Henry Graves Jr' Supercomplication

Patek Philippe 'Henry Graves Jr' Supercomplication, $24 million

The Patek Philippe Henry Graves Jr. Supercomplication stands as the crown jewel in the history of horological auctions. Sold for $24 million at Sotheby’s in 2014, this exceptional timepiece is widely regarded as the most important pocket watch ever created. Commissioned by American banker and renowned collector Henry Graves Jr., the watch was designed to outdo anything made for his rival, automobile magnate James Ward Packard. The Supercomplication took eight years to complete—from 1925 to 1933—and contains an astounding 24 complications, including a perpetual calendar, minute repeater with Westminster chimes, and a celestial chart of the New York sky. Crafted entirely by hand, the yellow-gold timepiece weighs nearly one pound and features a double dial. Despite not having been serviced for over four decades at the time of its sale, it remained in perfect working order—a testament to Patek Philippe’s unmatched engineering. The Henry Graves Jr. Supercomplication remains a singular artifact of ambition, rivalry, and horological genius.

Patek Philippe 'Prince Tewfik' Pink on Pink 1518, $9.6 million

This Patek Philippe 1518 Prince Tewfik Pink on Pink 1518 sold for $9,570,000 in December 2021. This extraordinary watch, dating from 1948, originally belonged to Prince Tewfik Adil "T.A." Tousson of Egypt, a direct descendant of the founder of modern Egypt. Following the revolution of 1952, Prince Tewfik fled to the United States, where he lived out his life as an academic. His Patek Philippe 1518 was safely stored in a deposit box for decades, accounting for its exceptional condition. The 1518 is a landmark reference—the first perpetual calendar chronograph ever produced in series—and this “pink on pink” variant, with a pink gold case and matching dial, is among the rarest. Most significantly, this example came with its original Certificate of Origin, box, and instruction manual—making it the only known 1518 to retain all its original documentation. The watch’s provenance, rarity, and impeccable preservation combined to produce a record-breaking result.

Patek Philippe Reference 6300G-010 'Grandmaster Chime', $5.4 million

This Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Reference 6300G-010 sold for $5,400,000 in June 2024. Originally unveiled in 2014 to commemorate the brand’s 175th anniversary, the Grandmaster Chime was later inducted into the permanent collection in 2016. This horological masterpiece boasts 20 complications, including a perpetual calendar, five chiming modes, dual time zones, and an acoustic alarm. Notably, it features a reversible case with two dials, making it both technically advanced and aesthetically captivating. The watch sold by Sotheby’s had the added provenance of being owned by Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone. Alongside the watch, the buyer received a presentation box engraved with Stallone’s name and other accessories, enhancing the watch’s appeal as a collectible. As one of the most complicated wristwatches ever made by Patek Philippe, the Grandmaster Chime showcases the brand’s modern capabilities while honoring its long tradition of mechanical ingenuity.

Patek Philippe Reference 1518 in Pink Gold, $3.9 million

Sold for $3.9 million in June 2023, this Patek Philippe Reference 1518 in pink gold is an icon of mid-20th-century watchmaking. Introduced in 1941, the 1518 was the world’s first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch. Only 281 examples were made, most in yellow gold. This particular piece, however, is one of just 58 crafted in pink gold—and one of even fewer to feature a matching pink dial. Making it more exceptional still, it bears the rare “Patek Philippe & Co.” dial signature, a detail used only in the earliest production runs, and includes a French calendar wheel—another subtle but desirable feature. This watch had been hidden in a drawer, untouched, for more than 30 years, which preserved it in near-pristine condition and elevated it to "previously unknown" status in collector circles. The auction price reflected the confluence of rarity, immaculate preservation, and storied provenance that makes certain Pateks true grails.

Patek Philippe Watch — Patek Philippe Reference 1563

Patek Philippe Reference 1563 Circa 1947, $3.9 million

The Patek Philippe Reference 1563, sold for approximately $3.9 million (3,360,000 CHF) in November 2024, is a singular fusion of style and mechanical sophistication. Only three examples of the 1563 are known to exist, making it one of the rarest Patek Philippe chronographs ever produced. Based on the iconic 1463 chronograph case, the 1563 incorporates the complex movement of the split-seconds 1436 chronograph. Its most distinguishing feature is its dial: Breguet numerals, a hard enamel track, and luminous hands and hour markers—all of which have aged to a rich brown patina. The 35mm case, with its sharp lugs and clearly defined hallmarks, remained in excellent condition at the time of sale. The caseback engraving—“L. Estée” and “S.G.H.”—adds an air of mystery to its backstory. Combining aesthetics, functionality, and extreme rarity, the 1563 exemplifies why collectors are willing to pay millions for a Patek Philippe with an extraordinary tale.

The Patek Philippe watches sold at Sotheby’s over the past decade reflect more than just market trends; they represent the pinnacle of horological achievement. These timepieces are revered not only for their technical complexity and beauty but also for the human stories behind them—stories of royalty, visionaries, and dedicated collectors. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind complication made for a New York banker, a princely heirloom hidden for decades, or a modern marvel worn by a Hollywood legend, each of these watches holds a unique place in the timeline of haute horology. The combination of rarity, provenance, and craftsmanship ensures that these watches will remain coveted pieces for years to come.

Why is Patek Philippe So Expensive?

Founded in 1839, the brand has maintained a legacy of hand-finishing and meticulous attention to detail, with each timepiece requiring hundreds of hours to complete. Patek Philippe is also at the forefront of horological innovation, having introduced groundbreaking complications like the perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and split-seconds chronograph.

Beyond technical mastery, rarity plays a significant role in the brand’s high value. Patek Philippe produces far fewer watches than other luxury brands, ensuring exclusivity and driving demand. Limited-edition models and unique, custom-ordered pieces often achieve record-breaking prices at auction. Historical provenance further elevates Patek Philippe’s desirability—watches owned by royalty, celebrities, and influential collectors continue to appreciate in value. With a reputation built on tradition, excellence, and scarcity, Patek Philippe remains the pinnacle of haute horology.

Advantages to Buying Patek Philippe Watches on the Secondary Market

1. Access

Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of Patek Philippe watches from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers exceptional Patek Philippe timepieces, from iconic classics to rare references. Our watch specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Patek Philippe watch models from collectors around the world.

2. Flexibility

Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Patek Philippe 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 Patek Philippe watch models not available online.

3. Value

While authorized Patek Philippe 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 Patek Philippe watches, including rare and discontinued references, available for purchase without the need to visit multiple retailers. Shopping with Sotheby’s ensures access to exceptional Patek Philippe 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 Patek Philippe watches no longer available at retail. Our curated selection of Patek Philippe watches is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.

Buy and Sell Patek Philippe Watches at Sotheby's

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

Prices for Patek Philippe watches start around $14,000 for models like the Calatrava and rise significantly for highly sought-after pieces. Iconic grand complications often command starting prices of around $100,000, while rare collectible editions can exceed $200,000.

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