The Most Expensive Rolex Ever Sold
In May 2011, the most expensive Rolex sold at the famous Christie’s auction for a cool $1.16 million. Let’s dive into what made this watch sell for the price it did, and look at a few Rolex runner-ups in terms of astronomical sales:
The 1942 Rolex Chronograph
It is the 1942 Chronograph that sold for such a high price at Christie’s, which dubbed that particular auction ‘Christie’s Important Watches.’ The watch was one of 12 pieces ever made by the legendary company, and had an estimated value of $680,000 at the time of the auction. Features include a nickel finish, silver matte dial, lever movement, as well as pink gold Arabic and baton numbers, and an astounding 17 jewels.
This high-price timepiece also includes a huge 44mm case, black tachymeter scales, outer minute divisions, blue telemeter, a 30-minute register, two subsidiary dials for constant seconds, and a split second chronograph mechanism. Its reference number is 4113.
Ironically, the 1942 Rolex Chronograph was never meant to sell on the open market. Manufactured as special gifts to British and Italian racecar drivers, the watches’ chronograph functions were used for lap time purposes.
Only eight of these watches are believed to exist today, and merely five have sold at auction.
Additional High-Priced Rolexes
Besides the extremely-rare 1942 Chronograph, which other Rolex models have fetched high prices at auction?
Eric Clapton’s 1971 Albino Rolex Daytona
The iconic musician’s 1971 Albino model comes in second in terms of most expensive Rolexes sold. The fact that the watch graced Clapton’s wrist for many years undoubtedly played a part in the final selling price of $505,000. This timepiece features an unusual silver monochrome dial, which resulted in the ‘Albino’ name.
Rolex GMT 116769TBR
The model sold at auction for $485,350, and features a wave diamond dial and a plethora of tiny diamonds on the white-gold bracelet. The hands are luminous, and lined in black. A self-winding, automatic model, the Rolex GMT 116769TBR also includes an oysterlock clasp and water resistance of some 300 feet.
James Bond 1973 Rolex 5513
Used in the Roger Moore James Bond film Live and Let Die, the James Bond 1973 Rolex 5513 sold at auction for $450,000. Because it was featured in the Bond flick, it includes a buzz saw, razor disk and magnetic field generator worthy of 007. Additional features include a stainless steel body and white on black dial.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s Gold Rolex Oyster
Owned by India’s first president, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, legend says the watch was given to him during India’s first Republic Day in 1950. It sold for $440,000 at auction and features an 18K gold dial complete with a map of the eastern country. The watch also includes the date January 26th, 1950 emblazoned on the dial.
While these watches certainly sold for high prices, none catch the 1942 Chronograph, and for good reason!