Since the very start of humankind, time has always been a bewitching force: be it making us late, arriving too early, or capturing the perfect moment. But there is one fail-safe way of making every single moment a statement: donning a stunning Rolex timepiece. A Rolex is more than just a watch; it's a work of art, the epitome of creativity, precision, and irrepressible style.
Imagine this: a watch so iconic that even people who check the time on their phones—or, for those who like old-fashioned ways, a sundial—immediately know its name. Rolex is more than just a brand; it's a sign of elegance, a mark of class, and a piece of art.
Made with unmatched creativity and decorated with the best materials, Rolex watches are the epitome of luxury. They attract the richest celebrities, movie stars, and collectors—not only as watches but also as lasting pieces of art. A few of the most expensive Rolex watches have been sold at auctions for millions, securing their spot in history. Every curve, every detail, and every shiny accent is made to impress, making the most expensive Rolex the best part of any memorable outfit.
But having the most expensive Rolex is more than just telling the time; it's about sharing a story. It's about taking control of the room, drawing attention, and making a lasting impression. With a Rolex, every second becomes a moment of beauty, imagination, and genuine excellence.
16. Rolex GMT Master II – $173,999
Rolex often pays homage to its rich history by updating famous collections that have shaped many years. A great example is the Rolex GMT Master II, a modern work of art with origins going back to the first GMT Master, which came out in the 1950s and 1960s. When it was first released, these beautiful watches won the admiration of movie stars, sports heroes, pilots, and even astronauts, becoming a symbol of elegance and new ideas.
The enduring popularity of the GMT Master II has encouraged Rolex to continue modifying this iconic watch. In 2021, the company came out with a stunning new version, making it even more of a luxury statement. Priced at $173,999, the latest GMT Master II shines with its rose gold case, a smooth mix of oyster steel, and 18-karat yellow gold. This beautiful mix of skills and style really makes it more than just a watch; it's a sign of lasting luxury. The current GMT Master II is the most expensive watch in the Rolex lineup, evidence that the brand cares deeply about the arts, about new ideas, and about paying homage to its famous history.
15. Steve McQueen 1967 Rolex Submariner – $234,000
The King of Cool, Steve McQueen, defined effortless style and charisma as one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars of the 1960s and 1970s. His unparalleled coolness remains timeless, much like his impeccable taste in Rolex watches. Among his prized possessions was a 1967 Rolex Submariner—a sleek yet understated timepiece that featured a date display, water resistance, and a durable stainless steel band.
McQueen was rarely seen without the stunning watch, sporting it both in his daily life and on the big screen. The Rolex Submariner even made an appearance in the 1971 classic *Le Mans*, solidifying its place in cinematic and horological history.
In 2009, this legendary timepiece went under the hammer at the Antiquorum auction, fetching an impressive $234,000. Today, its value has likely soared, potentially tripling as both McQueen’s legacy and the allure of vintage Rolex watches continue to grow. The King of Cool’s Submariner isn’t just a watch—it’s a piece of history.
14. Rolex Platinum Diamond Pearlmaster – $277,850
Rolex has, over the years, insistently reimagined the concepts of innovation and elegance by creating timepieces that are groundbreaking and stunningly beautiful. The brand remained true to its legacy when, in 2011, it unveiled a masterpiece: the Rolex Platinum Diamond Pearlmaster. At a price of $277,850, this exceptional creation was enthusiastically acclaimed and destined to be a crown jewel within the most prestigious collection—Day-Date.
The Pearlmaster radiates sophistication, showcasing two prominent diamonds positioned at six and nine o’clock on a sleek silver dial, all elegantly encased in a luxurious platinum frame. Yet, the true masterpiece reveals itself in the bezel—a custom design embellished with 42 mesmerizing meteorite diamonds. This breathtaking exhibition of craftsmanship elevates the Pearlmaster into the stratosphere of horological artistry, securing its place as one of the most expensive Rolex watches ever crafted.
13. 1972 James Bond Rolex Submariner – $365,000
One grand distinction of James Bond's Rolex Submariner from 1972 is that it is the most expensive Rolex which cannot tell the time anymore. This prized timepiece fetched an incredible $365,000 at the Philips auction of 2015. Worn in the 1973 classic, *Live and Let Die*, this Rolex Submariner was not less than a part of movie history itself, not being just an accessory.
Made from stainless steel with a black dial, the watch had "Roger Moore 007" engraved on the back. But its movie prop reinvention made it so much more than just any watch. The Rolex Submariner was doctored up by the film's props team to boast accessories courtesy of Q Branch. In one scene, Bond employs the watch's buzzsaw bezel to cut through a rope. In another scene that has reached icon status, the magnetic power of this device unzips Mrs. Caruso's dress-a confirmation that here was a gadget to grace the wrist of the world's greatest spy.
Though no longer a watch in the strict sense of the term, this Submariner flashes its Bond charisma, ingeniousness, and eternal chic to steal the show off- and on-camera.
12. Rolex Sea-Dweller – $414,000
Rolex has a long history of creating bespoke timepieces for celebrities, athletes, and some of the world's most affluent collectors. Among these exclusive creations is the Golden Khanjar Sea-Dweller, which was designed in 1977 for Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said of Oman, an avid watch enthusiast and collector.
This is indeed a very special watch, distinguished by its unique design and bearing Oman's national emblem—the Khanjar—engraved at the six o'clock position on the dial, perfectly complementing the white coronet at twelve o'clock. This makes it a real treasure in terms of both cultural meaning and Rolex craftsmanship.
A true testament to rarity and prestige, the Golden Khanjar Sea-Dweller fetched a cool $414,000 at auction, cementing it as one of those most exceptional Rolex watches ever created.
11. Rolex Sea-Dweller – $414,000
The exquisite Oyster Perpetual Rolex made history as the first of its kind to feature 18-karat gold, departing from the brand’s traditional stainless steel designs. Its striking dial, a blend of black, blue, and yellow hues, perfectly complements the bold gold numerals, making it a standout creation.
In 1950, this remarkable timepiece became part of history when it was gifted to India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, on the nation’s inaugural Republic Day. The watch was uniquely engraved with a map of India extending to include Nepal and Afghanistan, along with the historic date, further cementing its cultural and historical significance.
Valued at $440,000, the Rolex mysteriously vanished from the Prasad family’s collection, only to resurface at a Sotheby’s auction in 2011. However, the family intervened, successfully petitioning to halt the sale of this irreplaceable heirloom. The watch remains a symbol of both luxury and a significant moment in Indian history.
10. Rolex GMT Master II Ice – $485,350
Football sensation Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show at the 14th Dubai International Sports Conference, leaving everyone's mouth agape with his brilliant Rolex GMT Master II Ice. Encased in an 18k white gold oyster case, this masterpiece features a bedazzling 30 carats of diamonds, blinging like none other. The dial has an amazing pattern of gold and diamonds, making it one of the most dazzling watches ever made.
The GMT Master II Ice is not only a showstopper but a true marvel in engineering, boasting a waterproof case and a 24-hour time zone dial in GMT. Being one of the most expensive Rolex watches in recent years, the Rolex Master Ice is pure luxury and values at an impressive $485,350.
9. Rolex Stelline Gold – $895,000
Few timepieces can match the elegance and sophistication of the Rolex Gold watch. Released in 1950, this stunning Rolex made a remarkable impression with its stainless steel and yellow gold construction, housed in a water-resistant oyster case. In 2015, the watch was sold for a staggering $895,000, underscoring its rarity and allure.
As the first automatic Rolex to feature a triple calendar, moon phase, and day-and-date display, this watch set a new standard in horological innovation. The true highlight of the vintage piece, however, lies in its small star hour markers—so captivating that watch collectors affectionately dubbed it "Stelline," meaning "small star." This exquisite combination of craftsmanship and beauty has solidified the Rolex Gold as a coveted treasure in the world of luxury watches.
8. Jack Nicklaus Rolex Day-Date – $1.2 Million
Legendary pro golfer Jack Nicklaus wore his iconic Rolex Day-Date watch throughout his career, marking 12 of his 18 PGA World Championship victories. This elegant timepiece features an 18-karat yellow gold case paired with a President bracelet, exuding both luxury and precision. It was also the first Rolex to feature both the date and day displayed in full on the dial.
The dial itself is a rare and stunning pie-pan color, with baton hour markers designed to evoke the image of golf tees—an homage to Nicklaus' legendary career. Rolex gifted the watch to Nicklaus in 1967, and he wore it proudly for the next 50 years, never missing a tournament.
In 2019, Nicklaus' Rolex Day-Date was sold at the Phillips auction for an extraordinary $1.2 million, with all proceeds benefiting the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. This sale not only captured the essence of Nicklaus’ incredible legacy but also made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children.
7. Eric Clapton’s Rolex Cosmography Daytona – $505,000
Once one of the highest-selling Rolex timepieces ever, belonged to none other than one of the all-time-greatest musicians, known simply as Eric Clapton. Considered among a number of icons within the realm of horology, his iconic "Oyster Albino" is a famous Cosmograph Daytona.
In this stunning example, at a 2002 New York Sotheby's auction, his fetched $505,000. It created history once more when it fetched the unbelievable price of $1.5 million in a Phillips auction in 2015. The Rolex Oyster Albino is one of only four models in the world that feature a completely white dial, hence very rare and highly sought after. The watch comes encased in a stainless steel case and is powered by the movement Caliber 727, further building its reputation as a symbol of timeless luxury and craftsmanship.
6. Apocalypse Now Rolex GMT-Master – $1.9 Million
In 1979, Marlon Brando delivered an unforgettable performance in the iconic Francis Ford Coppola film *Apocalypse Now*, a role that continues to be discussed by critics to this day. For those with a keen eye, Brando’s 1972 Rolex GMT-Master didn’t go unnoticed, making a subtle yet memorable appearance on screen.
The watch features a simple yet striking black dial with glowing hour markers and hands that radiate a golden shine. Interestingly, the bezel was removed at Coppola's request during filming. However, Brando made the timepiece uniquely his own by engraving his initials on the back, adding a personal touch to this vintage Rolex.
This extraordinary watch became one of the most valuable Rolex timepieces, fetching an impressive $1.19 million at the 2019 Phillips Game Changers auction, further cementing its place in cinematic and horological history.
5. Rolex Antimagnetique – $3.5 Million
The Rolex Antimagnetique of 1942 is one of the rarest watches in the world. Only 12 examples remain today. In those days, Rolex was closely tied to the world of racing, with the Antimagnetique given to teams that won such events. This beautiful stainless steel watch is mounted in a 44mm case and features pink-colored Arabic and baton hour markers, a blue telemeter scale, and black tachymeter scale on the dial.
This was sold as part of an auction lot from Christie's in 2013, realizing the incredibly surprising amount of $1.16 million. Just three short years later, it realized even higher, $2.5 million, at a Phillips auction in Switzerland, further proving its status as not only one of the most desired but also highly valued Rolex timepieces ever made.
4. Rolex Bao Dai – $5.1 Million
The unusual Bao Dai Rolex fetched $5.1 million at the hammer in 2017 at Phillips auction house. Nicknamed "The Keeper of Greatness," this is one of only three in the world, but it's the only one with diamond hour markers around its sleek black dial. Housed in a luxurious gold oyster case, the ultra-rare timepiece boasts a full calendar that ramps up both its aesthetic and functional values.
The Rolex Bao Dai has very interesting roots, which trace back to the 1950s. The first owner of this famous watch was the last emperor of Vietnam, Nguyễn Phúc Vĩnh Thụy. For many decades, it remained in the hands of the royal family before being sold in 2002, thus adding more mystery and value to the timepiece. This legendary watch, when it sold at auction, secured a place as one of the most expensive and historically significant Rolexes in existence.
3. Paul Newman’s Big Red Rolex Daytona – $5.4 Million
Indeed, over the years, many celebrities have sported stylish and expensive Rolex watches, but few are more synonymous with the brand than Hollywood legend Paul Newman. Many of his Rolex timepieces have fetched staggering prices at auction, making him one and the same with the iconic watchmaker.
In 2020, Paul Newman's favorite Daytona, known as the "Big Red," fetched an incredible $5.4 million in an auction conducted by Aurel Bacs. Newman proudly wore the watch for 25 years; it was also a gift from his wife, Joanne Woodward, who had a message engraved on the back: "Drive Slowly, Joanna." The timepiece passed hands in 2008 to Newman's daughter, Clea, who has since decided to put it up for auction, fetching a breathtaking price that further cements its status as a legend.
2. Rolex Unicorn Oyster Cosmograph – $5.9 Million
The Rolex Oyster Cosmograph, otherwise lovingly referred to as the "unicorn," lives up to its reputation of being amongst the rarest and most expensiveRolex watches ever made. While the majority of Daytonas are created in stainless steel, this 1970 example will be a quite remarkable deviation from that norm.
The '1970 Rolex Oyster Cosmograph' is a onetime treasure with an 18-carat white gold case with striking, silver-colored graphics on a black background, matched with a black sigma dial. This was an exquisite timepiece that first appeared in 2013 as part of John Goldberger's collection and made history when it sold for the astonishing figure of $5.9 million in 2018. He donated the proceeds from the sale to the Children Action Foundation in a kind gesture, so the unicorn's legacy would go toward making a difference in other people's lives.
1. Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona – $17.8 Million
In 2017, it established a record as the most expensive watch to be sold at an auction: Paul Newman's Rolex Daytona was that lot at Phillips, selling for a crazy $17.8 million. First launched in the 1960s, this rare watch boasts a tachymeter screwed onto the bezel, a 300-units-per-hour stainless steel bezel, and three sub-dials with block markers. Equipped with a high 18,000 beats-per-hour movement, it testifies to its precision and good craftsmanship.
But what really sends this Rolex into the realm of legend is its singular provenance: The watch was a gift from Newman's wife, Joanne Woodward, who had the back engraved "Drive Carefully Me." Paul Newman wore the watch frequently, when racing and even in his movies, most noticeably in the 1969 film *Winning*. The fact that it is attached to an iconic figure in racing makes this personal touch, rarity, and part of history in itself; hence, the Daytona is among the most highly valued and dear Rolexes that exist.
