While some may consider a watch as a mere timekeeping device, others see it as a symbol of prestige and sophistication. If you’re curious about the priciest timepieces, this article is for you. From exquisite design to intricate mechanisms, these timepieces are the epitome of luxury. Scroll down to explore the craftsmanship, beauty, and exclusivity that define these expensive watches and make them the most coveted timepieces money can buy in 2023.

5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette for HK$203 million

Ever wondered what the smallest mechanical calibre ever to be manufactured looks like. Look no further than Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Calibre 101 which was a miniature-sized dial created in the early 1920s allowing the watchmaker to make a diverse range of watch designs particularly feminine watches. One such watch that featured this tiny calibre is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette which has a strap made of white gold that is inlaid with 576 diamonds and 11 semi-precious crystals. As you would expect, this unique luxury watch is worth hundreds of millions with it being priced at US$26 million (HK$203 million.)

4. Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette for HK$234 million

Getting its name as one of the most intricate pocket watches, the vintage Breguet Grande Complication was a watch that was made-to-order to be gifted to Queen Marie Antoinette with the buyer requesting that the horology piece be made with as much gold as possible and complete with the highest number of features in it. Likewise, this 60mm watch consists of more than 800 parts and 23 complications and is made with 24-carat gold and sapphire. For those who would like to take a closer look at this prestigious watch, it is on display at the L.A. Mayer Museum but if you want to own one, you will need to put down US$30 million (HK$234 million.)

3. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime for HK$280 million

Made especially for the Only Watch 2019 auction, the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime made headlines when it received the highest hammer price at the eighth edition of the charity auction, making it one of the most expensive watches to be ever auctioned and making it the third year, the horology brand held on to this coveted position. There are many factors that set this rendition of the Grandmaster Chime apart. It is a two-faced watch consisting of a 48mm dial on either side and boasting a total of 20 different complications and five different chiming options. Moreover, the watch is made of stainless steel which is an uncommon choice for watches that are particularly instilled with various complicated features. During the auction, the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime fetched an astonishing price of ₣31 million (HK$280 million.)

2. Graff Diamonds The Fascination for HK$ 313 million

Taking a spot among the most expensive watches ever to be made is the London-based jeweller Graff Diamonds with a diamond-covered timepiece called The Fascination. As the name suggests, the watch is fittingly fascinating as it is complete with 152.96 carats of white diamonds and a detachable pear-shaped diamond that can be switched with the watch dial or worn as a ring after attaching it to a shank. Above all, this three-in-one piece consisting of the rarest and the finest diamonds is also a reflection of the brand’s highly appreciated watchmaking techniques and precision in revealing the time. If you wish to own The Fascination timepiece by Graff Diamonds, it will cost you US$40 million (HK$ 313 million.)

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1. Graff Diamonds Hallucination for HK$430 million

One glance at the Graff Diamonds Hallucination and anyone will notice why this watch has ranked as one of the most expensive watches since its launch at the 2014 Baselworld. The timepiece is literally covered with 110 carats of various fancy-coloured diamonds in different cuts. Laurence Graff, the founder of Graff Diamonds, even described this extravagant timepiece as a “celebration of the miracle of coloured diamonds.” With the myriad of diamonds being over the top, it can be easy to miss the relatively small pink Quartz dial that is also embellished with pink diamonds around it. Though the dial may not be the first thing to catch people’s attention, it certainly deserves high recognition for being able to tell the time very accurately, not needing a power reserve and not needing to be wound constantly. The Graff Diamonds Hallucination is priced at US$55 million (HK$430 million).