Top 10 Most Expensive Rolex Watches in the World

The most expensive Rolex watches in the world are not always covered in diamonds or solid gold. Their value often lies in rarity, unique provenance, and the iconic figures who once wore them. In this article, DWatch Global introduces you to 10 of the most remarkable and priciest Rolex designs ever created.

1. Ten of the Most Expensive Rolex Watches Throughout History

Here are the 10 most expensive Rolex watches in the world recorded across more than a century of history:

1.1 Paul Newman’s Rolex Cosmograph Daytona – USD 17.8 million (~ VND 419 billion)

In 1969, actress Joanne Woodward gifted Paul Newman a Daytona Ref. 6239 when he starred in the film Winning. The caseback was engraved with “Drive Carefully – Me,” a heartfelt reminder before his races. Newman wore this watch daily for years, both on and off the track.

Nearly half a century later, in 2017, the watch went to auction in New York. Starting at USD 1 million, the first bidder immediately jumped to USD 10 million within seconds. The auction lasted less than 12 minutes, closing at USD 17.8 million (~ VND 419 billion). To this day, it remains the most expensive Rolex ever publicly sold—not for its materials, but for the story tied to a legend.

1.2 Rolex Daytona The 1971 Ref. 6265 Unicorn – USD 5.9 million (~ VND 139 billion)

In the 1970s, most Daytonas were crafted in stainless steel. The Ref. 6265 “Unicorn” is the only one made of 18K white gold, making it exceptionally rare.

The watch was once owned by renowned collector John Goldberger (Auro Montanari). For decades, its existence was unknown until Goldberger revealed it in 2013. In 2018, it sold at auction for USD 5.9 million (~ VND 139 billion), ranking as the second most expensive Rolex ever recorded.

1.3 Rolex Bao Dai – USD 5.06 million (~ VND 120 billion)

The Rolex Bao Dai is one of only three Reference 6062 models ever made and was sold in 1954 to Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty. Among the three, this is the only one with diamond markers on even numbers, paired with a black dial and 18K gold case.

It was first auctioned in 2002 for USD 235,000, setting a record at that time. In 2017, it reappeared in Geneva and was sold for USD 5.06 million (~ VND 120 billion).

1.4 Rolex “The Neanderthal” Ref. 6240 – USD 3 million (~ VND 70 billion)

Launched in the 1960s, “The Neanderthal” is one of Rolex’s rarest Daytonas. Its minimalist dial with no extra text made it stand out. This was also the first Daytona fitted with water-resistant chronograph pushers—a breakthrough at the time.

Due to its extreme rarity, the watch reached USD 3 million (~ VND 70 billion) at auction, prized for both its scarcity and its pioneering role in Daytona’s history.

1.5 Rolex Antimagnetique Ref. 4113 (1942) – USD 2.5 million (~ VND 65.5 billion)

Made in 1942 as a gift for a racing team, the Ref. 4113 was never sold publicly. It remains the largest Rolex ever produced at 44 mm, crafted in anti-magnetic stainless steel to ensure stable timekeeping in magnetic environments—a rare innovation at that time.

Only 12 examples are known to exist today. In 2016, one was sold in Geneva for USD 2.5 million (~ VND 65.5 billion), nearly doubling its previous 2013 result.

1.6 Rolex “Apocalypse Now” GMT 1972 – USD 1.952 million (~ VND 46 billion)

The Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 was famously worn by Marlon Brando in Apocalypse Now. Director Francis Ford Coppola asked Brando to remove the bezel to avoid distraction on screen, resulting in a stripped-down, rugged look that matched the film’s tone.

Brando also engraved his name on the caseback. In 2019, the watch sold for USD 1.952 million (~ VND 46 billion) after just 15 minutes of intense bidding, making it one of the most expensive Rolex watches in the world.

1.7 Rolex “Albino” Ref. 6263 – USD 4 million (~ VND 32.4 billion)

The “Albino” Ref. 6263 is a rare all-white Daytona, contrasting sharply with traditional black-and-white designs. Produced in the 1970s with a 37 mm stainless steel case and Valjoux 727 movement, it is a true collector’s item.

Previously owned by music legend Eric Clapton, it sold for USD 4 million (~ VND 32.4 billion) at a Christie’s auction in 2015.

1.8 Rolex Day-Date of Jack Nicklaus – USD 1.22 million (~ VND 29.98 billion)

Jack Nicklaus’s Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 accompanied him for over 50 years, including during all 18 of his Major wins—a record still unbroken in golf.

Made of 18K yellow gold with the iconic President bracelet, this 36 mm watch was auctioned in 2019 for USD 1.22 million (~ VND 29.98 billion). Proceeds were donated to the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.

1.9 Rolex GMT-Master II Ice – USD 485,350 (~ VND 12.7 billion)

The GMT-Master II Ice is among Rolex’s most lavish creations, crafted entirely in 18K white gold and set with natural diamonds across the case, dial, bracelet, and baguette-cut bezel.

Inside, the Rolex Calibre 3186 movement offers dual time zones, a 48-hour power reserve, and a frequency of 28,800 vph. Released in 2007, it currently sells for around USD 485,350 (~ VND 12.7 billion).

1.10 Rolex Platinum Diamond Pearlmaster – USD 277,850 (~ VND 7.27 billion)

This rare Pearlmaster is made entirely of solid platinum, featuring a 39 mm case and Pearlmaster bracelet. The dial, bezel, and bracelet are fully set with brilliant-cut diamonds of the highest clarity and precision.

Valued at USD 277,850 (~ VND 7.27 billion), it remains one of the most expensive Rolex watches in the world available to collectors.

2. Own the Design of the Most Expensive Rolex Watches in the World with Premium Replica Models

Many of the most expensive Rolex watches in the world were produced in extremely limited numbers—sometimes fewer than 10 pieces globally. Owning one requires not just financial power but also exclusivity and timing.

For this reason, collectors often turn to Rolex best replica watches. These versions faithfully recreate the originals with near-perfect details: cases, bezels, diamond settings, and even platinum finishes. Some replicas are further customized with 18K gold plating or natural gemstones, ensuring both beauty and authentic wearing experience.

DWatch Global distributes premium Rolex replica watches, including recreations of models inspired by the most expensive Rolex watches in the world. Many are made-to-order at trusted Hong Kong workshops, thoroughly inspected before delivery, and backed by a 5-year movement warranty.

Above are the 10 most expensive Rolex watches in the world ever recorded, compiled by DWatch Global. If you’re interested in high-grade replica versions inspired by these masterpieces, contact DWatch today for consultation and ordering.