Records and rankings
The most expensive watches sold at auction of the 1980s
Hammer prices in USD at the rate of the sale day, across nine auction houses. Every entry links to its lot. Rare references show their price to Premium members.
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1
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 62701988 · Phillips · 13 May 2023USD 4,726,238 -
2
George Daniels1982 · Sotheby's · 2 Jul 2019USD 4,495,603 -
3
George Daniels1982 · Sotheby's · 19 Sep 2017USD 3,974,847 -
4
Philippe Dufour Grande & Petite Sonnerie1989 · Phillips · 7 Nov 2021USD 2,983,037 -
5
George Daniels Grand Complication1987 · Phillips · 12 May 2019USD 2,483,230 -
6
Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 3700/0311982 · Christie's · 6 Nov 2023USD 2,057,612 -
7
Rolex Daytona ref. 62691985 · Christie's · 9 May 2022USD 2,052,242 -
8
George Daniels1982 · Sotheby's · 6 Nov 2012USD 1,660,379 -
9
Patek Philippe ref. 34501985 · Phillips · 1 Dec 2015USD 1,553,437 -
10
Rolex Daytona ref. 62691985 · Christie's · 13 May 2023USD 1,439,931
Most auctioned references
| Rolex 1675 | 1,105 |
| Rolex 1803 | 735 |
| Rolex 5513 | 703 |
| Rolex 1680 | 689 |
| Rolex 6263 | 614 |
Record by brand
| Patek Philippe | USD 19.9 M |
| Rolex | USD 17.8 M |
| Philippe Dufour | USD 6.5 M |
| F.P. Journe | USD 5.7 M |
| George Daniels | USD 5.2 M |
| Urban Jürgensen | USD 4.7 M |
| Richard Mille | USD 4.6 M |
| Audemars Piguet | USD 3.9 M |
Updated
Rankings refresh with every data sync; last update 2026-10-05. 20 lots with doubtful prices are excluded pending review.