In recent years, auction prices for iconic Rolex models have skyrocketed, reaching astonishing heights that few could have predicted. Each ultra-rare or unique model that sets a new record raises the bar even higher, solidifying Rolex’s status as a powerhouse in the luxury watch market.
For collectors, it’s an exciting – and unpredictable – time, as new records continually redefine the value of Rolex watches. To capture this moment in history, we’ve curated a list of the 10 most expensive Rolex watches ever sold, showcasing the rarest and most coveted pieces to cross the auction block.
10 Most Expensive Rolex Watches Ever Sold
As we delve into this list, let’s start with the watch that holds the crown as the most expensive Rolex ever sold. This record belongs to none other than Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona, a timepiece that captivated the world when it sold for an unbelievable $17.8 million.
1. Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona ($17.8 Million)
When Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona resurfaced in 2016 after a three-decade absence, it’s fair to say the vintage watch world lost its collective mind. The scale as to just how much that mind had been lost was revealed when the hammer dropped after just 12 minutes of furious bidding at Phillips’ inaugural New York auction in October 2017. An anonymous voice on the end of a phone gained ownership of the most important timepiece to be made public in a generation, and at $17.8 million, this white whale of the horological world became the most expensive Rolex ever sold.
It obliterated the previous record for the most expensive Rolex ever sold, held for just six months by the bargain basement Bao Dai moon phase. Owned by the movie legend from 1972, when his wife Joanne Woodward presented it to him as a gift to commemorate the start of his professional racing career, with an inscription on the back reading “DRIVE CAREFULLY ME.” Newman gave it away to his daughter Nell’s boyfriend James Cox in 1984. Why? The boy didn’t have a watch of his own.
Cox wore the horological Holy Grail in blissful ignorance as to its prominence for thirty years before it was spotted on his wrist by a clued-up collector.
By then, he was the treasurer of the Nell Newman Foundation, a charity set up by his former girlfriend to carry on her father’s extensive philanthropic legacy. The mammoth proceeds of the sale of the Daytona are going to help fund the organization.
To say the auction was highly anticipated would be an incredible understatement. A watch that was only rumored to still exist, the model that had launched the vintage market as we know it today and the most sought-after variant once owned by the man who gave it its nickname – perhaps we shouldn’t have been so shocked at the financial lengths someone was prepared to go to secure it.
Even so, $17.8 million is likely to be the price to beat for some time, perhaps until Paul Newman’s owner decides to sell it again. When that happens, or another Rolex’s break into the top six, you can be sure you’ll be able to read all about it here.
2. Rolex Daytona Reference 6265 “Unicorn” ($5.9 million)
This Rolex reference 6265 Oyster Cosmograph Daytona is truly one of a kind, known as the only example ever produced in 18k white gold – a true “unicorn” in the world of Rolex watches.
Originally introduced in 1970, the Daytona 6265 shares the iconic Oyster case and screw-down chronograph pushers with its sibling, the reference 6263. However, unlike the 6263’s acrylic bezel, the 6265 features a metal bezel, adding to its distinctive design. Traditionally, vintage Rolex Daytona models were crafted in either stainless steel or 18k yellow gold, with some 14k yellow gold examples made for the North American market. Yet, this white gold reference 6265 remains unmatched as the only known piece of its kind.
Beyond its rarity and stunning design, the most remarkable aspect of this white gold Daytona is its philanthropic impact. When Phillips auctioned this extraordinary timepiece in May 2018, it sold for an impressive $5.9 million, with 100% of the proceeds donated to the charity Children Action. This sale solidified it as the second most expensive Rolex ever sold.
3. Rolex ‘Bao Dai’ ref 6062 ($5.1 million)
The Rolex ref. 6062 is an extraordinarily rare and valuable vintage Rolex chronograph named the “Bao Dai” after its most famous owner, the last Emperor of Vietnam. At the time the watch was made in the 1950s, the ref. 6062 represented the most complicated and luxurious watch Rolex offered.
The Bao Dai Rolex features a black gloss dial and diamond markers in a yellow-gold case. The imperial lineage of the watch stems from its original owner Bao Dai, who purchased the watch in 1954 to wear during his rule. After his death, the watch remained unworn in a safe for over 30 years before surfacing at auction in 2002.
In 2017, the Rolex Bao Dai ref. 6062 resurfaced at the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction, where bidding soared to an unimaginable final price of $5.1 million. This result catapulted ‘Bao Dai’ to the title of the most expensive Rolex ever sold at auction at the time. The remarkable price reflects the watch’s extraordinary history, perfect condition, and distinguished style and quality that represents the highest order of luxury and collectability.
4. 1969 Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6263 ($3.7 Million)
When a vintage Rolex is given the nickname ‘The Legend,’ you know it’s not going to be cheap. Then when you consider this watch is one of just three ever made, and that it’s an example of what battle-hardened collectors describe as their grail watch, you realize a standard size check probably won’t be big enough to fit all the zeros on.
The ref. 6263, with screw-down pushers and the same Cal. 727 movement as Eric Clapton’s Albino – which now looks like something of a bargain – is topped with an exquisite lemon grené dial with contrasting black sub-dials, complete with their Newman-esque Art Deco font. In perfect condition and with an incredible rarity value, it’s easy to see why this legendary example achieved the price it did.
The ref. 6263, with screw-down pushers and the same Cal. 727 movement as Eric Clapton’s Albino (which now looks like something of a bargain), is topped with an exquisite lemon grené dial with contrasting black sub-dials, complete with their Newman-esque Art Deco font.
In perfect condition and with an incredible rarity value, it’s easy to see why this legendary example achieved the price it did – surely the most anyone will ever pay for a Rolex Daytona!
5. Rolex Daytona Ref. 6240 ‘The Neanderthal’ ($3 million)
The Rolex Daytona reference 6240, nicknamed “The Neanderthal,” is one of the most captivating vintage Rolex watches ever sold. Known for its bold, experimental design, this unique Daytona model is believed to be one of the earliest examples of a Rolex Daytona with screw-down pushers, which ultimately became a hallmark feature of later Daytona references. Its rarity and prototype status make it a highly sought-after piece, adding to its allure among collectors.
Unlike other Rolex watches of its time, “The Neanderthal” features a dial prototype with distinctively bold, chunky sub-dial markers that are markedly different from the refined design typically associated with Rolex. This unique aesthetic contributed to its nickname, as the oversized markers set it apart from its peers. The dial design represents a transitional period in Rolex’s Daytona history, as the brand experimented with what would later define its legendary sports chronograph lineup.
In October 2018, “The Neanderthal” was sold at a Phillips auction for CHF 3,012,500, translating to approximately $3 million USD. This record-breaking price reflected its unmatched rarity and the fascination it holds as a prototype of one of Rolex’s most iconic models. As the second-highest price ever achieved for a Rolex Daytona, this sale underscored the value collectors place on rare, experimental pieces, especially those that capture an essential moment in Rolex’s design evolution.
6. Antimagnetique Reference 4113 ($2.5 million)
This ref. 4113 Antimagnetique chronograph held the record for most expensive Rolex ever sold at auction not once, but twice. The most recent $2.4M hammer drop at a Phillips’ auction in 2016 more than doubled its former sum just three years previously – a testament to the runaway popularity of the brand’s vintage collection.
Measuring 44mm in diameter this is the largest watch Rolex ever made. Only 12 were ever produced, all in steel and never made available to the public. Instead, they were given as gifts to a handpicked selection of famous racing teams and their drivers. The Rolex brand’s close ties to the glamorous world of motorsports go back as far as the 30s, and several of these oversize gems have made their way to auction through the families of the original recipients. Now that just one of eight are thought to still exist, Rolex’s only split-seconds chronograph could well set more records tumbling in the future.
7. Rolex GMT-Master Worn on Apollo 14 ($2.1 Million)
Adding another layer to Rolex’s storied legacy, a Rolex GMT-Master that was worn during the Apollo 14 mission recently sold at auction for a remarkable $2.1 million. This historic timepiece belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell, who wore it during his return to Earth after becoming the sixth person to walk on the moon. As one of the few Rolex watches connected to a lunar mission, this GMT-Master stands as an extraordinary piece of both horological and space exploration history.
The watch itself is a GMT-Master 1675, a model known for its durability, reliability, and unique 24-hour display, which allows wearers to track multiple time zones—a crucial feature for astronauts navigating between mission time and Earth time. Mitchell’s watch is distinguished by its provenance and the significance of the journey it accompanied, elevating it far beyond a standard GMT-Master. With its connection to space exploration, this Rolex embodies the adventurous spirit and technical excellence that defines the brand.
Beyond its functional features, this GMT-Master has become an iconic artifact, representing Rolex’s role in the space race and the bold innovation of the Apollo missions. The auction, which captivated collectors and space enthusiasts alike, highlighted the immense value placed on items with such profound historical significance. The $2.1 million sale price reflects not only the watch’s rarity but also the timeless appeal of Rolex in its association with some of humanity’s most remarkable achievements.
This recent auction underscores how Rolex timepieces transcend their purpose as luxury watches, becoming cherished relics of history. From the racetracks to outer space, Rolex continues to make an indelible mark, with pieces like Mitchell’s GMT-Master illustrating the brand’s enduring connection to adventure, discovery, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
8. 1969 Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 ($2 Million)
Formerly a highlight of one of the world’s most important private collections, the reference 6263 shown here is one of only two such known Tropical “Oyster Sotto” – aged to perfection with some beautiful chocolate and creme patina. The unique and stunning dial was one of the most important Paul Newman Daytona Watches offered up at auction when it was listed in 2016. It has since been eclipsed in price throughout the years, but this was one of the most important Daytonas to go up at auction.
9. Marlon Brando’s Rolex GMT-Master ($1.952 Million)
Legendary actor Marlon Brando’s Rolex GMT-Master watch from the iconic 1979 Vietnam War flick ‘Apocalypse Now’ sold for an epic $1.95 million at Phillips Game Changers watch auction in 2019. Once considered one of the great “missing” celebrity watches, collectors were beyond excited to see this watch hit the auction block after his daughter Petra decided to sell it after seeing the astronomical price Paul Newman’s watch got – we’ll get to that below.
“This watch is like a tank,” Petra recalls Brando telling her when he gave her the watch for her graduation. “You can do anything you want to it, and it will keep on going.” Petra ended up giving the watch to her husband as a wedding present but told the press they decided the watch was a piece of history that “belongs in the hands of a collector who will give it the prominence it deserves.” The family donated part of the massive proceeds to charity.
So, what makes this watch so unique? Well, of course, Marlon Brando wore it. But Brando’s GMT-Master 1675 also misses its distinctive “Pepsi” bezel and is hand engraved with “M. Brando” on the case back.
10. Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 ‘The Arabian Knight’ ($1.65 Million)
The Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263, known as “The Arabian Knight,” is a remarkable example of Rolex’s ability to create exclusive pieces for unique markets. Crafted with a custom dial featuring Arabic numerals, this Daytona was made specifically for the Middle Eastern market, catering to collectors who sought exclusivity and cultural distinction in their luxury timepieces. The striking Arabic script, paired with the iconic Daytona design, adds a layer of intrigue and rarity, making this watch exceptionally desirable among collectors worldwide.
The Ref. 6263 stands out not only for its custom dial but also for its rarity and impeccable condition. Known for its Oyster case and screw-down pushers, this model was among the first to introduce heightened water resistance to the Daytona line, solidifying its status as a durable sports chronograph. The “Arabian Knight” nickname perfectly captures its mysterious allure, with its bold design elements and scarce availability making it one of the most exotic Daytona models ever produced.
In May 2018, “The Arabian Knight” was sold at a Phillips auction for CHF 1,932,500, equivalent to approximately $1.65 million USD. This significant sale price underscores the watch’s desirability and the premium placed on such culturally unique models. As one of the most exclusive Rolex Daytonas, “The Arabian Knight” stands as a testament to Rolex’s dedication to creating timepieces that resonate with collectors and enthusiasts on a personal and regional level.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Unmatched Luxury and Value
Rolex’s most expensive watches reflect not only the brand’s iconic craftsmanship but also the rich stories and unique histories that make each timepiece irreplaceable. These extraordinary models, from Paul Newman’s legendary Daytona to the ultra-rare “Unicorn” in white gold, show how Rolex continues to capture the fascination of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
As auction records continue to be broken, it’s clear that Rolex watches are more than just timepieces—they’re investments, symbols of status, and remarkable pieces of art. The high prices these watches command affirm Rolex’s unparalleled position in the luxury watch market, with each auction highlighting the brand’s legacy of excellence and innovation.
Stay tuned as the world of luxury watch collecting evolves, with Rolex continually pushing the boundaries of value, rarity, and desirability.
