The focus for this magazine is often on value-driven watches that won’t break the bank. There are a few reasons for this. Not everybody is a millionaire, even millionaires don’t like spending more than necessary, and watch collecting is a naturally expensive hobby given that they’re tiny works of art that happen to have hundreds of moving parts inside. That leaves us with plenty to talk about since there are so many brands out there offering attractive, dependable watches for everyday people. Whether you’re looking for an affordable way to get into vintage watches, a mint condition watch for under retail value, or one watch to do it all, Chrono24 has it.
With all that said, we’re putting aside our typically value-driven approach and heading full speed into the world of luxury timepieces. Specifically, we’re highlighting the top five best selling watches on Chrono24 with a market price of €100.000 and upwards. It’s undoubtedly an aspirational category, but it’s still fun to think about what we’d do if we won the lottery. Let’s take a look at what made the list.
1. Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5261R-001
First up is the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Annual Calendar 5261R-001. This is a recent release in the Aquanaut lineup debuting in 2023. The watch features everything we love about the Aquanaut with some added features that pump up the price tag of the watch. It’s the same classic mix of luxury DNA in a sporty package as seen by the thin case, luminescent hands and hour markers, and the waterproof “tropical” strap. Added on top is a case and buckle crafted in 18k rose gold and the self-winding annual calendar Caliber 26‑330 S QA LU. The brains-and-brawn combination was a hit when it launched and was one of the first instances of Patek’s faded blue dials which became a centerpiece of their 2024 new releases. The retail price for this watch is approximately €60.000, but demand has pushed it into the 100k+ range on the secondary market.
2. Richard Mille RM67-01 Ti
Surprise surprise, there’s a Richard Mille on the list. The brand has made a name for itself as a status symbol among the ultra-wealthy, and very few RMs sell for below six-figures on Chrono24, so it was only natural that we would see at least one in our top five. The RM67-01 in titanium is an RM through and through. It’s super lightweight, unapologetically sporty, and as visually busy as it gets. We should note, however, that with a monochromatic color palette and only a date complication, the RM67-01 as about as reserved as a Richard Mille gets. Perhaps that’s the reason why it beats out its technicolor counterparts. Perhaps another reason is the wearability of this “Extra Flat” model. The tonneau-shaped case has a standard footprint of 38.7mm in diameter by 47.5mm lug-to-lug. However, the watch measures only 7.75mm thick making it delightfully compact on the wrist.
3. Rolex Daytona 126506
There are heavy hitters, and there are hitters that are heavy. Crafted out of solid platinum, the Rolex Daytona 126506 brings substantial weight to the wrist while looking more understated than other precious metals like yellow or rose gold. This watch reimagines the Rolex Daytona’s sporty racing heritage in a luxurious package with a case and bracelet in the most “noble” metal and a striking ice blue dial. Rolex has used platinum and ice blue dials before on the Day-Date, and it’s a combination that only watch enthusiasts recognize. We should note, however, that although Rolex has collaborated with the jewelry house Tiffany & Co. in the past, this is not a “Tiffany Blue” dial as we’ve seen so often in the past few years. This watch is a grail for many, and it’s safe to believe that most owners will have worked their way up to it, starting with a steel Daytona, then perhaps trying a yellow gold or special edition Daytona before climbing to the platinum echelon. And with a market price hovering around €110.000, it’s a high mountain to climb.
4. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 15407ST.OO.1220ST.01
As you can tell by the name alone, there’s a lot going on with this watch. The Gerald Genta-designed Audemars Piguet Royal Oak debuted to a startling reception. Never before had the watch world seen a steel sport watch priced higher than a gold one, not to mention the watch featured exposed screws on the bezel. Was the factory in a rush or something?! In time, the watch became a desirable classic that has made AP one of the most sought-after brands in the world. The Double Balance Wheel Openworked takes the Royal Oak’s avant-garde attitude and pushes it to the edge. Wearers have a clear view into the watch’s manufacture caliber featuring its signature double balance wheel. It’s like driving a Lamborghini around with the supercar engine exposed, and we’re here for it.
5. Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton 6000V/110T-B935
Not to be outdone, we have Vacheron’s answer to the Openworked Royal Oak. As the steel sport, integrated bracelet trend took the industry by storm, Vacheron hired not Gerald Genta, but Jörg Hysekto to design their famous ref. 222. That watch was later reincarnated into the Overseas during the 1990s, and it remains in the collection today as Vacheron’s most popular model. This case and bracelet may look like steel, but they’re crafted in titanium to give the 42.5mm watch a lighter than expected feel. The sharp edges on the bezel and bracelet feature sharp and angular facets lending a confident and borderline aggressive personality to the watch. But that’s not the star of the show. Not only does this watch feature a skeletonized dial exposing the movement below, there’s also a tourbillon on full display at six o’clock. The tourbillon, adorned with the brand’s signature Maltese cross logo, ties it all together and combines sport and sophistication like only Vacheron can.
