S ince 1839, Patek Philippe has been producing exquisite timepieces that are both beautiful to behold and daringly complicated. Patek's longevity in the field means that there is today, considerable demand for their vintage pieces, highly sought-after by connoisseurs. However, Patek Philippe has always – ingeniously – kept production of their watches limited, meaning their timepieces retain excellent resale value. As a leader in high-functionality watches, the Pateks that make it to Sotheby’s can attract bids in the millions. Read on for five of the most expensive Patek Philippe watches ever sold at Sotheby’s.

Watches

How to Collect Patek Philippe Watches

This Grandmaster Chime was first introduced in 2014 to mark the brand’s 175th anniversary before being inducted into the permanent collection in 2016, with 20 complications. Though a dozen or so complications off the 33 that were introduced in the Caliber 89 for the 150th anniversary, this one is still a doozy. Crafted in white gold, this timepiece has five chiming modes, a reversible case, two independent dials, an alarm feature, and a perpetual calendar, to name just a few of the innovations that make the Grandmaster Chime the Grandmaster Flash of Pateks.

This particular watch was the first Grandmaster to appear at auction having previously been owned by legendary actor Sylvester Stallone. The lucky buyer also took home the original box which was engraved with Mr Stallone’s name as well as a number of other perks courtesy of the Swiss brand.

In 1941, Patek Philippe introduced their first perpetual calendar chronograph, the Reference 1518. Over the years, notable Reference 1518 collectors have included Henry Graves Jr, Sugar Ray Robinson, the former ruler of Romania, King Michael I, the King of Jordan, and Egypt’s penultimate ruler King Farouk I.

In keeping with Patek Philippe's tendency to produce only a small number of any reference, this timepiece is one of 281. However, it goes a bit further: while most of the 1518s were built in yellow gold, this is one of 58 to have been made in pink gold, with a matching pink dial (even rarer). This is only the 15th of its kind in existence. But, it doesn’t end there. Only seven of the 15 have 'Patek Philpipe & Co' on the dial (they dropped the “& Co” halfway through the run), and only three others have a French calendar wheel. Finally, this watch was hidden in its original owner's drawer untouched, for 30 years – and has therefore acquired the grail status of 'previously unknown' - thereby accounting for the hefty auction hammer price.

Established within two years of one another, Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co were perhaps destined to work together. And so, in 1851, a partnership was born, when Tiffany & Co became the first retailer in the United States to carry the Swiss watches, placing an initial order of 150 pieces.

In 2021, to mark the 170th anniversary of this relationship, Patek Philippe released 170 Nautilus Reference 5711s featuring a Tiffany Blue dial, and the words '170th Anniversary - 1851-2021 - Tiffany & Co. - Patek Philippe' etched on the sapphire crystal display caseback. This timepiece is brand new and never worn, making it a collectible, and exceptionally striking watch to have in one’s collection.

Here is yet another fairly recent (2015), brand new watch that features a highly sought-after super complication: the minute repeater (a mechanism that allows the wearer to sound the time down to the minute using three different chimes).

Additionally, this reference, which was made only for 'important clients' features a perpetual calendar with day, date, moon phases and leap year indication. A platinum case, diamond bezel, and alligator bracelet set this modern Grande Complication piece ahead of the pack and was judiciously snapped up by one lucky buyer.

Patek Philippe makes some of the most stylish and beautiful dials, and this is no exception – it is simply stunning to look at. But, perhaps more importantly, this platinum Sky Moon Tourbillon features 12 incredible complications that make collectors sit up and take notice.

This platinum double-dial watch includes tourbillon, minute repeating on cathedral gongs, perpetual calendar, retrograde date, sky chart, moon phases, orbit display and sidereal time. The dials are the star of the show here though. On one side, we have a magnificent blue northern sky chart, on the other an embossed guilloche pattern, moon phases and perpetual calendar. This reference is only produced twice annually for 'important clients' - who must pass an interview just to be placed on the waiting list.