The first automatic versions of the Navitimer are also interesting collector's items. One of the world's first automatic chronograph movements powers these timepieces: the caliber 11. The First introduced in 1941, the Patek Philippe Ref.1518 made horology headlines as the first-ever perpetual calendar and chronograph—yet another reason why this watch impresses collectors. And while you might think steel would make a watch less valuable than gold, it’s hard to find high-end watches in this material. Rarity always pushes prices up. Best for: Turning heads with titanium, one of the rarest materials in the luxury watch world. Manufacturing date:

reference number 1655 and a faded 24-hour hand demand five-figure prices today. This is much more expensive than a brand new Explorer II. Actor Steve McQueen is also said to have worn this timepiece, which only adds to its appeal. Connections to a celebrity are often a significant selling point. This just goes to show that vintage watches are a sound investment and much more than just an easy bargain.This watch already broke a world record as the most expensive watch ever after going on sale at Antiquorum’s Geneva auction in April 2002, where it went for 6.6 million Swiss francs. It was then hardly seen again until it arrived at Christie’s Hong Kong auction house in 2021, further adding to its enigmatic and unattainable air. Ah, yes, we couldn't make this list without putting Rolex on it. When you think high-end watches, Rolex is probably the first thing that pops into your head. There's also something about an older watch that you can't find in a new watch. They were crafted at a time when workmanship was no longer compromised, and contain history that new watch never could. Occupying the second place in our rundown of the most expensive watches in the world, The Fascination is the work of Graff Diamonds, a British jeweler brand known for acquiring and polishing some of the world’s most famous diamonds. This one is crafted in rose gold with an elegant and highly distinctive guilloché patterned dial. One of the first Patek Philippe creations to incorporate the brand’s dual-crown system, you use one crown to wind the watch and the other to control the city disk for the 24-city timer. The combination of polished and brushed surfaces adds to the sophisticated aura of this one-of-a-kind timekeeper.

The second most expensive Rolex ever to be sold in public, this timepiece has been making waves ever since Hodinkee first profiled it in 2013. Collectors can’t get their heads around the existence of a white gold vintage Daytona. The Daytona was meant to be an everyday sports watch, and so the decision to make it from a material as luxurious as white gold is unconventional, to say the least. When in the market for antique chronograph watches , sports watches, or hand winding ones, you need to know what to look for and how. As one of the top antique dealers’ online portals, you can guarantee the authenticity of our selection of antique watches UK buyers recommend. But when you do your shopping online, you need to know how to discern them on your own. For a sportier and edgier watch, you can't go wrong with a classic design from Breitling. Our range of vintage Breitling watches includes iconic models such as their Navitimer model, designed for pilots and aviation enthusiasts, and their Cosmonaute model, which famously made its way into outer space in 1962. Today, the brand is known for its high-quality, reliable and intricate designs. This wristwatch was made on his request and solved this problem. It's a classic design with an appealing history. Omega Speedmaster

Best for: A sparkling and sensuous spectacle, sure to make you feel a million dollars. Manufacturing date: It certainly lives up to its designation, encrusted with 189 carats of Akosha diamonds—a cut that’s meant to make each diamond appear 30% bigger than a standard emerald cut diamond (one of the most popular diamond shapes). Then there’s the skeleton face, where you can see the intricate and hand-crafted tourbillon movement at work, composed of 167 elements and 18 jewels.

Whether it's furniture, cars, or watches, vintage products are in vogue. The community of fans has flourished in recent years, especially in the watch sector. Many vintage watches have long been out of production, making them particularly rare today. They often feature exotic designs from times long ago. Lovers of particular decades will find the perfect accessory in a vintage watch.If we told you that top-tier brand Jaeger-LeCoultre crafted this intricate timepiece as a gift for none other than Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate the 60th year of her reign, it would give you some idea of what to expect. Originally beginning as a diver's watch, this watch eventually ended up as the Bond watch, too. Sean Connery wore it when he was playing James Bond. So if you want to tap into your secret agent side while investing in a rare watch, then this is a good choice for you. This Rolex is one of the rarest timepieces we’ve seen; only 12 of this chronograph were originally made.

Many vintage watches are so rare and highly sought-after that their current market prices have reached enormous heights. The most famous example is probably the Paul Newman Daytona from Rolex. When this chronograph first came to market in the 1960s, it had a slow start. This led Rolex to produce few examples of this timepiece, meaning there aren't many early examples that still exist today. Moreover, the Paul Newman Daytona is one of the most popular vintage watches in the world. Paul Newman's personal timepiece sold at auction for a record-smashing 17.8 million USD in 2017, making it the world's most expensive wristwatch. If you can settle for a Paul Newman Daytona that wasn't previously owned by the actor and race car driver, you'll need at least 117,000 USD. Estate timepieces are highly sought after by watch enthusiasts who look for evidence of important lineage in a timepiece. These watches are usually of a very high quality, were made as part of a limited-edition collection or have very specific and intricate designs.In 1941 Patek Philippe introduced one of the most revolutionary and legendary collectors’ watches in the world. It may not be subtle, but this Chopard timepiece certainly makes a statement. With 874 diamonds—201 carats in total—in a whole range of spectacular colors, this 25 million dollar watch is probably the magnum opus of the Swiss watchmaker, a favorite of both A-listers and royalty. Best for: Proof that stainless steel can also be sophisticated and sought-after. Manufacturing date: Legend has it that this watch was initially commissioned for the iconic French queen and fan of life’s finest things, Marie Antoinette, by one of her lovers. Crafting this exceptional piece took around 40 years, and she was executed before the work was complete—only adding to the romance and enigma of this historic timepiece. When you get this watch, you're getting an incredible amount of precision. This watch took seven years to make and can tell time to the 1/10th of a second. Because of the intensity of its precision, the Zenith El Primero is one of the more famous chronographs on the market.