All Rolex watches are exorbitantly expensive compared to timepieces outside the luxury segment. Even the more affordable models from the high-end collections cost several thousand euros. The fact that there is virtually no upper limit is demonstrated by the record sums repeatedly achieved at auctions of Rolex luxury watches. This article is dedicated to the most expensive Rolex watches of all time, from vintage rarities in pristine condition to timepieces with famous previous owners.

The most important points in brief

The following information is sometimes explained in more detail:

• Current Collections: The current collections illustrate the wide price range of Rolex watches. Handy Oyster Perpetual models are available from €5,800, while luxurious, more complex models quickly exceed €50,000 or even €100,000 in price.

• Ranking: Among the most expensive Rolex models ever auctioned are a yellow gold GMT-Master from 1958 in near-mint condition (US$3.5 million) and the "Bao Dai Rolex," which belonged to the last Vietnamese emperor (US$5.1 million). The highest bid to date was made by a bidder at the auction of Paul Newman's original Daytona (US$17.8 million).

• Price factors: The price of luxury timepieces is influenced by age and condition, history and previous owners, availability, and brand reputation.

Overview: New prices from current Rolex collections

Before we get to the five most expensive Rolex timepieces ever sold, let's take a look at the current collections and the price ranges they offer:

At HORANDO, you can discover the full range of Rolex watches and always rely on attractive prices and verified authenticity. Especially convenient: thanks to numerous filter functions, you can find the perfect model to crown your watch collection in just a few clicks.

Ranking: The 5 most expensive Rolex watches

Compared to the models we're about to discuss, all current Rolex watches seem like real bargains. Let's unveil the five most expensive Rolex watches of all time:

#5: 1958 GMT-Master in top condition

Fifth place goes to a GMT-Master, which, with its yellow gold case and elegant Bakelite bezel in a subtle champagne tone, actually appears quite unassuming. At first glance, one wouldn't suspect that this classic model with a second time zone is among the most expensive Rolex watches.

However, the watch possesses a quality that dramatically increases its value: although it was produced in 1958 and is therefore over 60 years old, it is in almost mint condition. While most vintage timepieces show signs of wear, this gem is in pristine condition. This explains why a buyer was willing to purchase the watch at a Phillips auction in London in 2016 for around US$3.5 million.

#4: Yellow-gold “Paul Newman” Daytona with legendary status

The fourth spot in our top 5 list of the most expensive Rolex watches of all time goes to a legend, of which, to the best of our knowledge, only three examples exist. We're talking about a "Paul Newman" Daytona with the reference 6263.

The Cosmograph with its lemon dial and "Rolex Cosmograph Oyster" inscription is crafted from the finest yellow gold and is a rarity whose nickname "The Legend" is well-deserved. It is therefore hardly surprising that the sale of this watch fetched a staggering $4.18 million.

#3: “Bao Dai Rolex” with imperial previous owner

The third most expensive Rolex ever made is a unique piece, known as the "Bao Dai Rolex." The name refers to its former owner, none other than the last Vietnamese emperor himself.

But what makes this unique piece with its imperial past so special? We're dealing with an Oyster Perpetual with a gold case and a deep black dial, enhanced by diamond hour markers. Its opulent appearance is complemented by impressive complications, most notably the moon phase display, the pointer date, and the annual calendar. Thus, the "Bao Dai Rolex" is a resounding success on both a visual and technical level. Nevertheless, the record sum of US$5.1 million, for which it was sold at Phillips in 2017, stems less from its hard facts and more from the watch's rarity and history.

#2: GMT Master from the movie "Apocalypse Now"

On the second step of our podium is a GMT-Master Ref. 1675. The original model, worn by Marlon Brando in the blockbuster film "Apocalypse Now," is sure to make the hearts of watch enthusiasts with a passion for film history beat faster.

The luxury watch, once featured on the silver screen, was modified by Brando himself. The actor removed the two-tone bezel and engraved the inscription "M. Brando" on the case back. In doing so, he transformed "his" GMT-Master into a unique, personalized piece, which changed hands for $5.37 million at a Christie's auction in 2023.

#1: Paul Newman's personal Daytona

Which brings us to the end of our top 5 most expensive Rolex watches. This title is currently held by the Rolex Daytona, once owned by Paul Newman. It's the one watch that not only bears the name "Paul Newman" but was actually once worn on the wrist of the world-famous race car driver – a true icon.

Those familiar with the watch world might already suspect: This special piece, a gift from his wife to Newman, shattered all price records. When the luxury watch went under the hammer in New York in 2017, it ultimately fetched an incredible $17.8 million. This meant Newman's Daytona sold for more than double the price of the second-place Rolex – a truly worthy first place.

Other expensive Rolex models

Besides the expensive Rolex models presented, there are numerous other watches that have sold for high prices. Even if they didn't make it into the top five most expensive Rolex timepieces, we don't want to leave them unmentioned:

Price factors: What are the characteristics of "record-breaking watches"?

One might naturally ask what circumstances lead to certain watches fetching record prices, while others have comparatively little potential for appreciation. Essentially, it is these factors in particular that influence the achievable selling prices at auctions:

Reputable brands

Sums in the millions are paid exclusively for luxury watches from prestigious brands. Rolex is naturally at the forefront, but watch collectors are also willing to dig deep into their pockets for models from Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and similarly renowned manufacturers.

Famous previous owners

Watches that once graced the collections of famous people are usually highly sought after and correspondingly expensive simply because of this fact. The specific industry from which the famous wearers came is more or less irrelevant. However, "bonus points" are awarded if they were frequently seen in public wearing the timepiece, making it clear that they actually wore it and didn't merely own it. The rule is: the more well-known and/or historically significant the previous owner, and the more personally associated they are with the watch, the higher the bids climb.

Low availability

Generally, poor availability leads to higher selling prices. For rare models that are no longer in production or were only manufactured in small numbers, demand far exceeds supply, allowing them to be sold at higher prices. This is, of course, not only the case with the most expensive Rolex watches, but a general principle by which the market operates.

Early year of manufacture

Furthermore, it can be observed that older Rolex timepieces in particular attract bidders at auctions. Vintage watches, perhaps even those with a fascinating history, are welcome in almost any high-end watch collection, and many buyers are not deterred by high prices.

Good condition

When it comes to vintage models, the rule of thumb is: good condition is paramount. It's not often that models with many decades under their belt are found in almost no condition and fully functional. When such a case does occur, you can certainly expect high bids.

Conclusion: Expensive Rolex rarities – when watches break price boundaries

When rare Rolex watches come up for auction, watch enthusiasts with generous budgets take notice. The sums for which these watches ultimately change hands far exceed what the average person can imagine. From a vintage GMT-Master for $3.5 million to the original "Apocalypse Now" Rolex for $5.37 million, and even Paul Newman's personal Daytona for a staggering $17.8 million, quite a few Rolex timepieces have fetched impressive record prices in the past. We eagerly await to see which Rolex rarity will be the next to join the list of the most expensive Rolex watches of all time.

FAQ – Questions and Answers

How much do Rolex watches cost?

This depends on several factors, including:

• reference

• material

• Complications and movement

• Condition

• Availability

• Scope of delivery

• Provider

Affordable models from the Geneva-based manufacturer, such as the Oyster Perpetual, are available new for just under €6,000, while the list price for a high-end Day-Date in a luxury version, for example, is €146,200. This reveals a wide price range.

Which Rolex is the most expensive?

Among the models in the current collections, the Lady-Datejust with reference number 279459RBR is the most expensive. The ladies' watch, made of white gold, is covered all over with diamonds and is available for 162,000 euros.

Which is the cheapest Rolex?

Judging by the list price, the cheapest Rolex watches are the small Oyster Perpetual models made of stainless steel.

Where can you buy Rolex watches?

Rolex timepieces can be purchased directly from the manufacturer or through specialist retailers, as well as from online and local retailers.

How can you tell if a Rolex is genuine?

It's often difficult for the average person to reliably determine whether a Rolex watch offered for sale is genuine or counterfeit. Therefore, we recommend purchasing from a reputable dealer who verifies the watches for authenticity. At HORANDO, meticulous authentication is part of our standard service, ensuring our customers' peace of mind. You can learn more about the role a watch's paperwork plays in determining its authenticity in our article "Rolex Papers: Which Certificates of Authenticity Should Accompany a Watch?"