Cover Photo via: Barrons.com
Watches are not just a tool to tell time; they are an extension of one’s personality and style. People often spend a fortune on watches to flaunt their taste and class. However, some watches are not just expensive; they are record-breakers.
The most expensive watch ever sold at an auction is the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010, which sold for a whopping $31 million in 2019.
The complexities of the masterpiece
This watch is not just a timepiece; it’s a work of art. Patek Philippe, the Swiss luxury watchmaker, created only seven of these watches. What makes it so unique is its intricate design, with over 1,366 parts, including two dials, 20 complications, and five chiming modes. In fact, it was so complex that it took Patek Philippe seven years to develop this masterpiece.
The watch was unveiled in 2014 to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the brand. It was initially priced at $2.2 million, but its rarity and exquisite craftsmanship made it a collector’s item.
The auction
The watch became the most expensive watch sold at an auction in 2019, surpassing the previous record of $17.7 million set by a Rolex Daytona that belonged to Paul Newman.
The Grandmaster Chime was auctioned by Christie’s in Geneva, Switzerland. The auction house conducted a ten-minute bidding war among ten bidders. The final bid was made by a private collector, whose identity remains unknown.
The features and reputation
The watch has a reversible case, with one side showing the time and date, while the other side displays the intricate calendar and moon-phase functions. What makes it so sought after is not just its design and rarity, but also the reputation of Patek Philippe as a luxury watch brand.
Patek Philippe is known for its exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. The company was founded in 1839 and has since been creating some of the most luxurious watches in the world.
This grandiose watch has set a new benchmark in the luxury watch industry. The watch market is growing, with collectors willing to pay millions for rare and unique timepieces. However, not all watches are created equal, and the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime has set a standard that might be hard to surpass.
At FineWatchesBerlin, thankfully our watches are much more affordable
At FineWatchesBerlin, we are proud to deliver a range of stunning watches with exceptional craftsmanship and service. In contrast, our watches are aesthetic, sustainable, and affordable – yet still made with the highest level of care and quality.
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