Most Expensive Rolex Watch Latest Facts 2025
The Story of Rolex
Most expensive Rolex watch stories start with Rolex. It began in 1905 with Hans Wilsdorf. He made the first waterproof watch called the Oyster. Then he made the self winding Perpetual watch. People like explorers and famous stars used these watches. They became special treasures. Over time they grow in value. Which one is the most expensive Rolex ever sold? Let us find out.
Why Rolex Costs So Much
The most expensive Rolex watch costs a lot because people make them with care. They use gold but also platinum and pretty diamonds. Some are made in small numbers like the Unicorn Daytona. Others stop being made like the Big Crown watch. Everyone wants them because Rolex is a big name. Special dials or famous owners make them even better.
The Top Priced Rolex Ever Sold
The most expensive Rolex watch ever sold is the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona Ref 6239. It sold for 17.8 million in 2017 at Phillips. His wife Joanne Woodward gave it to him in 1968. It has a special dial with different colors. The back says Drive Carefully Me. Paul wore it in movies and races. Only a few like it exist. People paid so much because it is rare but also because of his fame.
Top 10 Most Expensive Rolex Watches in 2025
Here are the top 10 most expensive Rolex watch list from auctions in 2025. They are easy to read.
|
Rank |
Model |
Price |
What Makes It Special |
|
1 |
Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Ref 6239 |
17.8 million |
Special dial owned by Paul Newman old from 1960s |
|
2 |
Rolex Daytona Unicorn Ref 6265 |
5.9 million |
White gold case only one made old from 1970s |
|
3 |
Rolex Bao Dai Ref 6062 |
5.1 million |
Gold with diamonds owned by a king moonphase |
|
4 |
Rolex Daytona The Legend Ref 6263 |
4.18 million |
Gold lemon dial one of three old from 1969 |
|
5 |
Rolex Daytona The Neanderthal Ref 6240 |
3.5 million |
First try with new parts old from 1960s |
|
6 |
Rolex Antimagnetique Ref 4113 |
2.5 million |
Stopwatch feature steel one of 12 old from 1942 |
|
7 |
Marlon Brando Rolex GMT Master |
1.952 million |
Changed bezel worn in a movie old from 1970s |
|
8 |
Eric Clapton Daytona Albino Ref 6263 |
1.4 million |
Silver dial one of four old from 1971 |
|
9 |
Rolex Submariner Big Crown Ref 6538 |
1.1 million |
Worn by James Bond old from 1950s |
|
10 |
Rolex Deep Sea Special |
2.1 million |
Test watch used in deep ocean old from 1960 |
The Paul Newman watch wins because of his movie fame. The Unicorn shines with its one of a kind gold. The Bao Dai watch is special because a king owned it. Each most expensive Rolex has a cool story.
What Makes a Rolex Worth More Over Time
A Rolex gets worth more when it is hard to find. Only a few like the Antimagnetique were made. Famous people owning them helps too like Paul Newman. Special dials or parts make them stand out. People at auctions want them more. This shows why are Rolex watches so expensive. They are like history you can wear.
New High End Rolex You Can Buy
You can still get new fancy Rolex watches. The Day Date 40 Platinum costs 136200. It has diamond edges and markers. The Daytona Everose Gold is 141500 with a diamond edge and pretty dial. The GMT Master II Everose Gold is 50750 with a tiger stone dial. The Yacht Master 40 Everose Gold is 51000 with a diamond covered dial. They mix new tech with old looks.
How to Pick a Good Rolex to Buy
Look for watches made in small numbers like the Unicorn. Check the numbers and papers to make sure it is real. Buy from people you trust. Old watches with famous owners give the best money back. Learn about them before you buy.
Ending Thoughts on Rolex
Most expensive Rolex watch sales show Rolex is the best in luxury. Big prices like 17.8 million for Paul Newman or 5.9 million for Unicorn prove it. They are not just watches but pieces of history. Whether you collect them or just like them Rolex is special.