Few luxury watch names command as much respect as Patek Philippe. But even among their extraordinary creations, one watch has risen above all others to claim the title of the most expensive wristwatch ever sold: the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime ref. 6300A-010.
When it sold for a staggering $31.2 million (CHF 31 million) at the Only Watch charity auction in Geneva in 2019, it broke records and made history. Its price is easy to understand; this Grandmaster Chime is a work of art, an engineering triumph, and a symbol of rarity that continues to fascinate collectors around the globe.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at each component that went into making this the most expensive watch in the world.
The Story Behind the Grandmaster Chime
Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe has long been synonymous with innovation, refinement, and prestige. The company has introduced many of the complications and designs that define haute horlogerie today, and its watches are coveted by royalty, celebrities, and serious collectors alike.
To celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2014, Patek unveiled the Grandmaster Chime, a watch that immediately captured the imagination of enthusiasts worldwide. It was, at the time, the most complicated wristwatch the brand had ever produced.
But in 2019, Patek went one step further, producing a unique stainless steel version of the Grandmaster Chime, ref. 6300A-010. This singular piece, created specifically for the biennial Only Watch auction, would soon cement its place in history.
A Technical and Artistic Marvel
The Grandmaster Chime’s brilliance lies in its complexity and craftsmanship.
Twenty Complications
This version of the Grandmaster Chime is the most complicated wristwatch Patek Philippe has ever made. Among its many functions are a grande and petite sonnerie (chiming mechanisms), a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar, a dual time zone, and an alarm that strikes the time.
Reversible Case
The patented case design (one of six patents held for this watch) allows the wearer to rotate between two dials – one salmon-pink, the other black. This offers versatility without compromising elegance.
Over 100,000 Hours of Research and Development
The creation of the Grandmaster Chime was an immense undertaking, requiring seven years of dedication from Patek’s master watchmakers.
Artistry in Every Detail
Hand-engraved guilloché patterns, polished stainless steel, and exquisite dial layouts showcase not only technical mastery but also artistic finesse.
Why Stainless Steel Matters
While luxury watches are often crafted in gold or platinum, this Grandmaster Chime was made in stainless steel. This was an unexpected choice that only amplified its desirability.
Stainless steel is not common in high-complication Patek Philippe watches. The brand typically reserves this metal for sportier models like the Nautilus. By creating a single Grandmaster Chime in this material, the company produced something truly one-of-a-kind. For serious collectors, rarity is everything, and the exclusivity of this steel case made it irresistible.
The Record-Breaking Auction
The watch was offered at the Only Watch 2019 auction, a biennial event where watchmakers donate unique pieces to raise funds for research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The bidding was fierce, with collectors and enthusiasts driving the price to unprecedented levels. When the hammer finally came down at 31 million Swiss francs (approximately $31.2 million), the Grandmaster Chime shattered the record for the most expensive watch ever sold, a title it still holds today.
The Allure of Patek Philippe Watches
While the Grandmaster Chime may stand alone in its record-breaking sale, it represents what collectors value most about Patek Philippe: heritage, exclusivity, and enduring demand. From the elegant Calatrava to the iconic Nautilus, Patek Philippe watches are consistently sought after in the secondary market. Even models without extreme complications can command astonishing values due to their craftsmanship, limited production, and brand prestige.
A Patek Philippe is a prestigious and beautiful legacy item. And, as the Grandmaster Chime proves, it can also be a powerful investment.
Why Sell Your Patek Philippe with Burlingtons Ltd.?
At Burlingtons Ltd., we understand that while you may not have a $31 million Grandmaster Chime in your collection, your Patek Philippe watch is still a treasure with remarkable value.
Here’s why clients trust us when selling their Patek watches:
- Personal Expertise: Our founder, Daniel Ives, who has over 25 years of experience, personally conducts most of our valuations. His knowledge of Patek Philippe and the broader luxury market ensures that your watch is assessed with the respect and accuracy it deserves.
- Free Valuations: All of our valuations are conducted for free.
- Instant Payment: Unlike auction houses, where you may wait months for results (and might face heavy commissions), we can offer you immediate payment once you accept an offer.
- No Hidden Fees: Our process is transparent, with no surprise deductions for cataloguing, insurance, or handling. The price we offer is the amount you’ll receive.
- Discreet Home Valuations: We can come to you from across the UK, ensuring convenience, privacy, and security.
- A Global Collector Network: Our international connections mean we can often achieve prices unachievable elsewhere, as collectors on our books seek out pieces they’ve desired for years.
Get a Valuation for Your Patek Philippe
The Grandmaster Chime may have made headlines, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only Patek Philippe to have a story or a market of eager collectors waiting. Whether you own a Nautilus, a Calatrava, or one of Patek’s Grand Complications, Burlingtons Ltd. can help you unlock the full potential of your timepiece.
Contact us today to arrange a free, private, no-obligation valuation. Discover just how seamless and rewarding selling your Patek Philippe can be.
