Pocket watches have a long history and are considered classic and elegant timepieces.
These pocket watches were popular before the invention of wristwatches and were often worn by 19th-century men. Today, pocket watches have become rare and valuable collectibles, with some pieces fetching astronomical prices. In this article, we will introduce you to the five most expensive pocket watches in the world, which are true masterpieces of watchmaking.
- Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication Pocket Watch - Price: $24 million
The Henry Graves Supercomplication Pocket Watch, manufactured by the renowned Swiss brand Patek Philippe, is often considered the most complicated watch ever made. It was custom-made in 1933 for American businessman Henry Graves Jr. and features 24 watch complications, including a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, a grande and petite sonnerie chime, a chronograph, and many more. In 2014, it was auctioned at Sotheby's for an incredible $24 million, making it the most expensive pocket watch ever sold at auction.
- Patek Philippe Calibre 89 Pocket Watch - Price: $6 million
The Calibre 89 Pocket Watch, also manufactured by Patek Philippe, is considered one of the most complicated watches ever made. It was created to celebrate the brand's 150th anniversary in 1989 and features 33 watch complications, including a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, equation of time, moon phase, and many more. Only four examples of this watch were produced, one of which is housed in the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva. In 2019, one of these examples was sold at auction for $6 million.
- Patek Philippe Graves No. 59 Pocket Watch - Price: $5 million
The Graves Pocket Watch No. 59 is another Patek Philippe creation and was made in 1927 for businessman Henry Graves Jr. It features 24 watch complications, including a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, grande and petite sonnerie chimes, moon phase, and more. This watch is also known for its elegant design with a yellow gold case and enamel dial. In 2012, it was auctioned at Sotheby's for $5 million.
- The Packard Pocket Watch by Vacheron
The Vacheron Constantin Packard Pocket Watch is a legendary timepiece, created in 1918 for American industrialist James Ward Packard. It features 10 horological complications, including a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, grande and petite sonnerie chimes, moon phase, weekday indication, and more. This watch is also famous for its three-gong striking mechanism that plays different melodies. In 2011, it was auctioned at Sotheby's for $2.8 million.
- Patek Philippe DH Craig Pocket Watch - Price: $1.1 million
The DH Craig Pocket Watch, also manufactured by Patek Philippe, is a unique piece created in 1927 for Canadian businessman DH Craig. It features 12 watch complications, including a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, moon phase, weekday display, month display, and many more. This watch is also known for its rose gold case and enamel dial with Arabic numerals. In 2016, it was auctioned at Sotheby's for $1.1 million.
Pocket watches are rare and prestigious collectibles, with some pieces fetching exorbitant prices. Renowned watch brands such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and others have produced exceptional pocket watches, featuring complex horological complications and elegant designs. These watches are sought after by collectors worldwide and are a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of watchmaking at its finest.