Watches have long been a symbol of wealth, status, and precision craftsmanship. From intricate designs to precious materials, luxury watches are more than just timepieces—they’re works of art. Some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, from billionaires to celebrities, have made watches an essential part of their personal brand.
Today, we dive into the fascinating world of high-end watches, focusing on who owns the most expensive watches in the world and exploring the brands that dominate this elite market.
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Who Owns The Most Expensive Watch Around The World?
The title of the most expensive watch in the world is held by the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime 6300A-010, which was sold at an auction for an astonishing $31 million in 2019. This watch was specially created by Patek Philippe, one of the most prestigious Swiss watchmakers, for the Only Watch auction in Geneva, a charity event to raise funds for research on muscular dystrophy.
The Grandmaster Chime is an incredibly complex timepiece, featuring 20 complications, including a minute repeater, perpetual calendar, and a second-time zone display. It is reversible, meaning the wearer can flip the watch to display either of the two dials. This unique design, combined with Patek Philippe’s reputation for excellence, made it the perfect candidate to become the world’s most expensive watch.
Famous Billionaires Who Collect Expensive Watches
While the current owner of the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime is unknown, there are several billionaires and celebrities who have made headlines with their impressive watch collections. Some of these collectors include –
1. Bernard Arnault
The CEO of LVMH, which owns luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Hublot, and TAG Heuer, is a well-known collector of high-end watches. Arnault is considered one of the richest men in the world, with a net worth exceeding $200 billion. His love for luxury brands suggests that his collection of billionaires watches is likely unmatched.
Key information about Bernard Arnault:
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Bernard Jean Étienne Arnault |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1949 |
| Nationality | French |
| Occupation | Business magnate, CEO of LVMH |
| Net Worth | Approximately $200 billion (as of 2023) |
| Education | École Polytechnique |
| Company | LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton |
| Founded | 1987 (merger of Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy) |
2. Jay-Z
The famous rapper and businessman is known for his collection of most expensive men’s watches. One standout piece is his Richard Mille RM 56-01, which is made entirely of sapphire crystal and costs over $2 million. Jay-Z’s watch collection rivals that of many billionaires, and he’s often spotted wearing timepieces that are worth more than luxury cars.
Key information about Jay-Z:
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Shawn Corey Carter |
| Date of Birth | December 4, 1969 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Rapper, producer, entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2.5 billion (as of 2023) |
| Major Hits | “Empire State of Mind,” “99 Problems,” “Crazy in Love” |
3. Floyd Mayweather
The boxing champion is no stranger to flaunting his wealth, and his watch collection is as extravagant as you might expect. One of his most famous pieces is the Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch, worth a whopping $18 million. This watch is covered in diamonds and is certainly one of the most expensive male watches in the world.
Key information about Floyd Mayweather:
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Floyd Joy Mayweather Jr. |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1977 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Professional boxer, promoter |
| Net Worth | Approximately $450 million (as of 2023) |
| Weight Classes | Super Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Super Welterweight, Middleweight |
| Major Titles | WBC, WBA, IBF titles across multiple weight classes |
| Notable Fights | Against Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, Canelo Alvarez |
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
The soccer star’s collection includes some of the most expensive men’s watches, including a Rolex GMT-Master Ice, valued at $500,000, and a Franck Muller Invisible Set Tourbillon, worth $1.5 million. Ronaldo’s love for luxury is evident in his watch choices, which often feature diamonds and other precious stones.
Key information about Cristiano Ronaldo:
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1985 |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Occupation | Professional footballer |
| Net Worth | Approximately $500 million (as of 2023) |
| Major Achievements | 5-time Ballon d’Or winner, UEFA Champions League titles, domestic league titles in England, Spain, and Italy |
| Business Ventures | CR7 brand (clothing, fragrances), investments in hotels and gyms |
| Former Clubs | Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus |
5. Elon Musk
The billionaire tech mogul and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX is often seen wearing luxury watches, including brands like Omega and Tag Heuer. While Musk may not be as flashy with his timepieces as some others, he certainly appreciates fine craftsmanship.
Key information about Elon Musk:
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Elon Reeve Musk |
| Date of Birth | June 28, 1971 |
| Nationality | American (born in South Africa) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, engineer, inventor |
| Net Worth | Approximately $240 billion (as of 2023) |
| Key Companies | Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company |
| Education | Queen’s University, University of Pennsylvania |
| Notable Projects | Tesla Model S, Falcon 1, Falcon Heavy, Starlink |
The Richard Mille Brand – A Symbol Of Status
One brand that has risen to prominence in the world of luxury watches is Richard Mille. Known for its futuristic designs and complex mechanics, Richard Mille watches are worn by many of the world’s wealthiest individuals, including athletes, celebrities, and billionaires.
The Richard Mille net worth is a reflection of the brand’s success in crafting some of the most expensive and exclusive watches on the market. With prices often exceeding millions of dollars, Richard Mille timepieces have become a status symbol among the elite. Notable models, like the Richard Mille RM 56-02 Sapphire, are highly sought after for their innovative use of materials and intricate designs.
Other Noteworthy Most Expensive Watches
While the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime holds the title of the most expensive watch, several other models deserve mention for their exorbitant price tags and exceptional craftsmanship –
1. Graff Diamonds Hallucination – $55 Million
Though this isn’t a men’s watch, it’s worth mentioning for its breathtaking price and design. The Graff Diamonds Hallucination is adorned with 110 carats of rare colored diamonds, making it the most expensive watch ever created.
Features:
- 110 Carats of Rare Colored Diamonds
- Platinum Setting
- Unique, Bold Design
- Exquisite Handcrafted Quality
- Lightweight and Comfortable
- One-of-a-Kind Piece
- Artistic and Luxurious Value
2. Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch – $18 Million
As mentioned earlier, Floyd Mayweather owns one of these stunning timepieces, which is encrusted with 260 carats of emerald-cut diamonds. It’s truly a jaw-dropping example of extravagance and luxury.
Features:
- 260 Carats of Emerald-Cut Diamonds
- 18K White Gold Case
- Skeletonized Movement
- Unique Architectural Design
- Limited Production
- Exquisite Handcrafted Detailing
- Luxury Statement Piece
3. Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” – $17.8 Million
This vintage Rolex belonged to actor Paul Newman, who was often seen wearing it during his racing career. The watch was sold at auction in 2017 for nearly $18 million, making it the most expensive Rolex ever sold.
Features:
- Unique Exotic Dial
- Reference Number 6239
- Chronograph Functionality
- Caliber 722 Movement
- Owned by Paul Newman
- Limited Production
- Exceptional Condition
4. Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 – $11.1 Million
The Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 is another masterpiece from the Swiss brand, featuring a perpetual calendar and chronograph. It’s one of only four stainless steel versions ever made, contributing to its high price and desirability among collectors.
Features:
- First Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
- 18K Yellow Gold Case
- Caliber 13-130 Movement
- Enamel Dial with Moon Phase
- Limited Production
- Exceptional Craftsmanship
- Highly Collectible
5. Richard Mille RM 56-02 Sapphire – $2 Million
This Richard Mille model is famous for its transparent sapphire case, giving it a unique look that sets it apart from other luxury watches. The intricate mechanics and limited production make it one of the most expensive male watches in the world.
Features:
- Sapphire Crystal Case
- Skeletonized Movement
- Tourbillon Mechanism
- Carbon TPT® Components
- Lightweight Design
- Limited Production
- High-Tech Aesthetic
Bernard Watches: A Haven for Luxury Timepieces
For those looking to add a luxury watch to their collection, Bernard Watches is one of the best places to start. As a trusted source for high-end watches, Bernard Watches offers an array of timepieces from prestigious brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Richard Mille. Their expert team helps clients navigate the world of luxury watches, ensuring they make an informed and valuable purchase.
Conclusion
Owning the most expensive men’s watch or being part of the elite group that can afford billion-dollar watches is a dream for many. From the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime to Richard Mille masterpieces, these watches are more than just accessories—they are investments and symbols of wealth and prestige. While we may never know the identity of the person who owns the most expensive watch brands in the world, we can be certain that their passion for luxury and exclusivity is unmatched.
For those looking to build their collection of billionaires watches, the journey begins with selecting a brand that resonates with their personal style and status. Whether it’s a Richard Mille or a classic Patek Philippe, owning a luxury timepiece is a statement of success and sophistication.