Mose expensive watches in the world

In case you haven't noticed, it'll soon be gift-giving time again. And to those of you still struggling to find that perfect something for that special someone--even yourself--we'd like to offer some, ahem, timely advice. 
 

There are few more desirable, or desired, possessions than a fine timepiece. If the person you are thinking of this holiday season has been exceptionally good--and by that we mean had a platinum-selling album, brought in a multimillion dollar deal, named you to the board of a major foundation or gave birth to triplets--then they might themselves unwrapping an exceptionally good, and exceptionally expensive, watch this year. 

While many watchmakers make most of their profits from bread-and-butter product lines--which, at the higher-end levels, tend to retail in the $5,000 range--many of the top-end brands also offer watches that cost well into six figures. These include mechanical men's watches laden with grande complications or ladies' watches dripping with jewels from premier Swiss watchmakers such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Girard-Perregaux and the like. Oh, they're going to cost you--$200,000 per easily, and much, much more if you really want to splurge. But the gift you'll be giving is as timeless, intricate and impressive as they come--even if it ends up under lock and key, as such timepieces tend to do. 

The creation of very expensive and very intricate watches is a long tradition within the relatively brief history of the industry, which really only got going in the latter half of the 19th century. During World War I wristwatches became popular with military officers and soon watchmakers such as Cartier and Patek Philippe began marketing limited edition and steeply priced models expressly for the connoisseurs' market. And it didn't take long for others to follow. 

"Then as now, at the most expensive levels wristwatches are status symbols meant for collectors," says Matthew Morse, editor in chief of WatchTime magazine, who notes that these days any watch retailing for more than $100,000 will likely only be of interest to true aficionados. "Though some watch companies don't make a lot of money off of their highest-end watches because of the cost of research and development, they still produce them to give their brand an ambiance of exclusivity. For people who can afford them, they're about the pleasure of owning something extraordinary, whether or not they ever actually wear them." 

Go looking for an exorbitantly expensive wristwatch, and what will you find? On the men's side, it's complications and plenty of 'em, including chronograph functions for timing laps, moon phase indicators for tracking slices of the lunar pie, and perpetual calendar functions which track days, months and even years for centuries--as if you really need a watch to tell you that. The new Grande Complication by Jean Dunand really packs them in with a mono-pusher split-second chronograph, split-second hand isolator, minute repeater, tourbillon, bi-retrograde perpetual calendar, and even a see-through sapphire back signed by its creator, Christophe Claret. Marketed by Swiss manufacturer World Première Watchmaking as "one of the five most complicated wrist watches in the world," the Grande Complication is certainly one of the most expensive, with a limited edition of six--three in 18K rose gold, two in 18K white gold, one in platinum--ranging $700,000 to $800,000 per. Alas, the first specimens haven't quite been shipped yet, and so couldn't be included on our list. 

Lately watchmakers have also begun loading their high-priced products with more useful complications, such as power reserve indicators that alert when your watch needs rewinding, or GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) functions to make it easier for travelers to keep track of multiple time zones. 

One of the most prestigious and costly complications to be found is the tourbillon movement, an intricate mechanism that eliminates time-keeping errors caused by minute variations that result from shifts in gravity whenever a watch changes position. Invented in 1795 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, tourbillon movements have been so de rigueur on high-end watches of late they risk becoming overplayed. "There are tourbillons, and there are tourbillons," observes Morse, who notes that when less-exclusive watch brands latch onto the complication for "instant cache," they're really just "manufacturing luxury that has no soul." 

If the tourbillon is bordering on overproduction, "minute repeater" functions are still on the rise. First created in the days before widespread use of electric lighting, repeater watches aid wearers in the dark by chiming or "repeating" the current time at the push of a button. Using bells of different tones, a minute repeater will ring out hours, quarter hours, and the minutes past since the last quarter hour. Like most of the complications found at the priciest levels, it's convenient, unnecessary and totally cool. 

Of course, all such attributes are only worthwhile if you can actually purchase a watch that has them, which at the highest-end levels is often easier desired than done. Many of the world's most expensive watches are produced in severely limited quantities--including infinitesimal editions of one--and frequently have buyers lined up long before they're finished, often at rates of just a few per year. As a spokeswoman from Audemars Piguet responded when we enquired about the company's highest-end timepiece: "I was thinking of a skeletonized Grand Complication which retails for $700,000, but unfortunately it was sold as soon as we received it." Unfortunately for anyone who could afford it, that is. 

To that end, we've compiled a selection of ten highest-end wristwatches that are not only exorbitantly expensive, but are available right now. These are not classic watches, i.e., old watches, which can often cost considerably more. In 1999 the most expensive watch ever sold, a 1933 gold Patek Phillipe with 24 complications, was auctioned off at Sotheby's (nyse: BID - news - people ) for $11 million. 

They include nine watches for the gentlemen, and one drenched in jewels for the ladies--though, these days, you can pretty much get away with just about anything on your wrist. You may have to hustle to get them, as more than a few of the watches are available in minimal quantities of just one or two. Just know that they're worth the time and trouble--whoever you're buying them for.

Aqua Black Diamond Watch

Aqua Master Midsize Black Diamond Watch

Top off your wardrobe with the attractive styling of this diamond watch from Aqua Master.

Showcasing a polished stainless steel case, this handsome timepiece features two row of diamonds (approx. 1.5 TW) framing a black dial. Mother-of-pearl chronograph subdials and a black leather strap complete the look.

Click on Overstock.com for huge savings on fine watches.

Features include:

• Polished stainless steel case
• Diamond bezel (approx. 1.5 TW)
• Luminescent hands
• Silvertone numbers and hour markers
• Sweeping red second hand
• Date display at 4 o'clock
• Mother-of-pearl chronograph subdials
• Black dial
• Swiss quartz movement
• Water resistant
• Black croco-print leather dial
• Deployment clasp closure

Stuhrling Original Aviator Calendar Moon Phase Swiss Watch

Stuhrling Original San Marco Men's Automatic Watch

Aqua Master Women's Rose Goldtone Diamond Watch

Aqua Master Women's Floating Diamond Chrono Watch

Black Diamond Watches

Armitron Men Diamond Collection Black Stainless Steel Watch #201924BKTI

Analog-quartz movement Mineral crystal Brass case; Black dial Water-resistant to 30 M (100 feet)


JULES JURGENSEN Men Black Diamond Accented Watch #5214

Jules Jurgensen mens Black/diamonds #5214


Makuti Taj-Me - Women Black Leather Croco Strap Diamond Watch

Makuti's new Taj-Me line presents sophisticated watches for today's elegant yet adventurous women on-the-go.


Gucci Womens Diamonds Tornabuoni Watch #YA118503

Stainless Steel Case. Stainless Steel Strap. Black With 3 Diamond Hour Markers Dial. Fixed Bezel. Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal.


TONINO Lamborghini Wonderful Gentlemens Chronograph Watch with Swiss Movement Move...

TONINO LAMBORGHINI Elegant and Beautiful Brand New Gents Chronograph Watch With Genuine Diamonds - Certificate Available.


Daniel JeanRichard, TV Screen Medium Diamonds, Women Watch Style:Casual, Gender:Women's, Case Material:Stainless Steel, Dial Color:Blue, Band Type:Strap, Movement Type:Mechanical Automatic Self-Winding Movement Swiss Made


Lancaster Diamond Luxuria - Michelle Black Dial Watch

Presented on a white embossed leather strap with buckle closure, the bezel is adorned with 50 dazzling round diamonds for a total of 0.43 ctw.


Swiss Legend Men Commander Diamond Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch

Swiss Legend Men's Commander Diamond Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch Choices: Rose-tone, Silver-tone, Gold-tone, or Black case and bracelet


TONINO Lamborghini Imposing Gentlemens Chronograph Watch with Swiss Movement Movem...

TONINO LAMBORGHINI Wonderful Brand New Gents Chronograph Watch With Genuine Diamonds - Certificate Available.


Le Vian Men Duo Black Diamond Racer Watch #ZAG 84

Swiss-quartz movement crystal Stainless-steel case; Black dial Water-resistant to 30 M (99 feet)


Daniel JeanRichard, TV Screen Medium Diamonds, Women Watch Style:Casual, Gender:Women's, Case Material:Stainless Steel, Dial Color:Blue, Band Type:Strap, Movement Type:Mechanical Automatic Self-Winding Movement Swiss Made


Oniss Men Diamond Accented Black Ceramic Watch #ON604-MGM1

Oniss wristwatches are definitely timepieces to keep your eyes on. These timekeeping devices are engineered and designed to suit even the most discerning customer.


Krizia Women Diamond Frame Black Leather Dress Watch

This exclusive Krizia timepiece is framed by 60 dazzling channel-set diamonds for a total of 0.50 carats.


Elini Women Nazar Lucky Horseshoe Diamond Leather Strap Watch

Elini Women's Nazar Lucky Horseshoe Diamond Leather Strap Watch A beautiful design with a soothing aura and a splash of sparkle!


Krizia Women Diamond Frame Black Leather Dress Watch

This exclusive Krizia timepiece is framed by 42 dazzling channel-set diamonds for a total of 0.33 carats.


Teslar Small Case Diamond Black Watch 1D-B-CB

Stainless Steel Case. Black Dial With Roman Numerals. Case Set With 48 Full-Cut Diamonds (0.72 ctw). Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal. 27 mm Case Diameter. Quartz Movement.


Elini Unisex Nazar Diamond Lucky Hand "Hamsa" White Dial Chronograph Watch Elini Unisex Nazar Diamond Lucky Hand "Hamsa" White Dial Chronograph Watch Choices: Black, Blue, or Orange strap The "Hamsa" hand's traditional spirit of luck and protection ..


Elini Men Nazar Diamond Chronograph Leather Strap Watch

Elini Men's Nazar Diamond Chronograph Leather Strap Watch Choices: White/tan, Red/red, Blue/blue, Blue/black, Red/black or White/black (Dial/strap)

Black Diamond Watches

Rado Integral Black Jubile Diamond Ceramic Mens Watch R20693722

Platinum-tone ceramic case and bracelet. Black dial with 4 diamond hour markers. Date displays at 6 o'clock position. Scratch resistant sapphire crystal.


Movado Women Vivo Diamond Accented Black Stingray Strap Watch

Precise Swiss-quartz movement Scratch resistant sapphire crystal Diamonds-accented Stainless-steel case; Black dial Genuine stingray leather strap with secure ...


Jacques Lemans Men Geneve Grande Classique Swiss Automatic Diamond Watch

Jacques Lemans Men's Geneve Grande Classique Swiss Automatic Diamond Watch Choices: White MOP/ Black, White MOP/ Brown, Black MOP/ Black or Black MOP/ Brown (Dial/ Strap)


Invicta Men Pro Diver Swiss Quartz Diamond Pave Stainless Steel Watch

15% Off Select Invicta (Thurs-Mon)

Invicta Men's Pro Diver Swiss Quartz Diamond Pave Stainless Steel Watch Choices: Silver-tone/Black, Gold-tone/Blue, Silver-tone/Blue or Two-tone/Blue (Bracelet/Bezel)


Valentino Made in Switzerland Gorgeous Ladies Watch with Swiss Movement Movement w...

VALENTINO Made in Switzerland Majestic Brand New Watch With 0.50ctw Precious Stones - Genuine Clean Diamonds and Onyx - Certificate Available.


Lucien Piccard Made in Switzerland Delightful Ladies Watch with Swiss Movement Mov...

LUCIEN PICCARD BARLETTA STRATOSPHERE Made in Switzerland Charming Brand New Watch With Precious Stones - Genuine Clean Diamonds and Mother of pearl - Certificate Available.

Black Diamond Watches

Tag Heuer WAC1214.BA0852 Diamond Black Ladies Watch

Stainless steel case and bracelet. Black dial. Unidirectional rotating bezel set with 120 diamonds (0.75ct). Date displays between 4 and 5 o'clock positions.

BULOVA Men Diamond Watch

Class in black with 12 diamonds and a brass case and bracelet. Water resistant to 30M


Chopard Happy Sport Ladies' Oval Watch Stainless Steel White Dial Diamond Bezel on...

Model #: 27/8952-23/11, Gender/Size: Women's , Case: Stainless steel, Bracelet/Strap: Black leather, Lugs: Set with cabochons, Crown: Set with cabochon


14k Solid Gold Ladies' Diamond Watch w/Black Movado Signature Dial 0605332

The elegant look and quality of a Movado watch. This Women's polished 14k gold Movado watch features Movado's signature black dial and diamond bezel.

Citizen 180 Men Watch Eco-drive Stainless Steel Black Dial Diamond Bezel

Model:BL6020-58E, Style:Dress, Gender:Men's, Case Material:Stainless Steel, Dial Color:Black, Band Type:Bracelet, Movement Type:Kinetic Powered Quartz Eco Drive ...

Valentino Made in Switzerland Stylish Ladies Watch with Swiss Movement Movement wi...

VALENTINO Made in Switzerland Stylish Brand New Watch With 0.70ctw Genuine Clean Diamonds - Certificate Available.

TONINO Lamborghini Wonderful Gentlemens Chronograph Watch with Swiss Movement Move...

TONINO LAMBORGHINI Pleasant Brand New Gents Chronograph Watch With Genuine Diamonds - Certificate Available.


Lucien Piccard Black and White Diamond Watch

Ladies Stainless Steel and leather Lucien Piccard watch. Featuring 1.13ctw in black and white diamonds.


TONINO Lamborghini Imposing Gentlemens Chronograph Watch with Swiss Movement Movem...

TONINO LAMBORGHINI High Quality Brand New Gents Chronograph Watch With Genuine Diamonds - Certificate Available.

TONINO Lamborghini Imposing Gentlemens Chronograph Watch with Swiss Movement Movem...

TONINO LAMBORGHINI High Quality Brand New Gents Chronograph Watch With Genuine Diamonds - Certificate Available.


Guess Men Black Tie Stainless Steel Diamond-Marker Watch

Perfect for a black tie or any affair. Stainless steel rectangular case and bracelet. Striking blue dial with diamond markers. Three-hand, quartz movement.


Le Vian De Lano Diamond Black Watch #ZAG 17

Swiss-quartz movement Sapphire crystal Stainless-steel case; Black dial

Concord Sportivo Men Watch Stainless Steel Black Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel on Bla... Model #: 0310164, Gender/Size: Men's, Case: Polished stainless steel, Bracelet/Strap: Black leather, Bezel: Set with diamonds, Dial Color: Black , Hand Indicators: Silver

Le Vian De Lano Diamond Black Watch #ZAG 17

Swiss-quartz movement Sapphire crystal Stainless-steel case; Black dial


Perigaum Lady Gold And Black Millennium Watch w/ Diamonds German Made Watch; Water resistan up to 50 meters (165 feet); Push and pull crown; Genuine black leather strap; Black Dial; Moon phase; Date, day, month, and year display


Lucien Piccard Made in Switzerland Grand Gentlemens Watch with Swiss Quartz Moveme...

LUCIEN PICCARD STRATOSPHERE Made in Switzerland Charming Brand New Gents Watch With Genuine Clean Diamonds - Certificate Available.

Black Diamond Watches

Swiss Legend Women Karamica Black Diamond Ceramic Bracelet Watch

Swiss Legend Women's Karamica Black Diamond Ceramic Bracelet Watch Choices: Black MOP/Silver-tone, Black MOP/Black, or White MOP/Silver-tone (Mother-of-pearl dial/Bezel)


Swiss Legend Men Commander Diamond Chronograph Black Ionic Plated Watch

Swiss Legend Men's Commander Diamond Chronograph Black Ionic Plated Watch Choices: Rose-tone or Gold-tone


SWISS LEGEND Men Throttle Diamonds Chronograph Watch - Black

For over a quarter of a century the markers of Swiss Legend have created their own legendary reputation by bringing their loyal customers timepieces steeped in tradition desi...


Movado Men Black Dial Diamond-Marker Watch

A handsome stainless steel bracelet watch by Movado, with a rich goldtone finish and diamond-accent markers. Black dial. Stainless steel case and bracelet. Quartz movement.


Seiko Women Black Dress Collection Diamond Watch

This stunning two-toned lady's watch features 20 brillant diamonds, black ion finish, cabochon crown, sleek black dial, and gold-toned accents.


Le Vian Women Duo Midi Black Diamond Watch #ZAG 86

Swiss-quartz movement crystal Stainless-steel case; Black dial Water-resistant to 30 M (99 feet)


BULOVA 97F16 Mens Diamond Watch Black Dial Stainless Steel Bracelet

Black dial, 2 diamonds, stainless steel bracelet, water resistant to 30 meters/100 feet.


REACTOR 98201 Fusion Women Watch Black Pearl & Diamonds

FEATURES ? Solid 316L stainless steel construction ? Secure screw bar case-to-band interface ? Superluminova hands & dial markings ? Triple o-ring screw-down crown system ?

Movado Ono Diamond Steel Ladies Watch

Stainless steel case and bracelet. Bracelet links set with individual diamonds. Black dial. Scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Jewelry clasp. Case diameter 24mm.


BULOVA Wittnauer 49 Diamond Ceramic and Stainless Steel Men Watch - Black

Wittnauer Men's 49 Diamond Black Ceramic and Stainless Steel Watch 49 Diamonds along the Case and Dial Black Ceramic and Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet From the Wittnauer ...


Teslar Small Case Diamond Black Watch 1D-B-CB

Stainless Steel Case. Black Dial With Roman Numerals. Case Set With 48 Full-Cut Diamonds (0.72 ctw). Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal. 27 mm Case Diameter. Quartz Movement.


Guess Black Tailor Diamond Watch

Black Tailor Diamond Watch


SWISS LEGEND Women Karamica 1.00ct Diamond Ceramic Watch

Be deliberate with your fashion, and experience the future in watches! Trend-forward ceramic forms your choice of white or black case with a solid stainless steel case back.

Chopard Happy Sport Ladies' Oval Watch Stainless Steel White Dial Diamond Bezel on...

Model #: 27/8952-23/11, Gender/Size: Women's , Case: Stainless steel, Bracelet/Strap: Black leather, Lugs: Set with cabochons, Crown: Set with cabochon


Seiko SNA517 Coutura Chronograph Diamond Mother-of-Pearl Unisex Watch

Stainless steel case. Black leather strap. White mother-of-pearl dial with 8 diamond hour markers. Date displays at 3 o'clock position. Luminous silver-tone hands.


Michele Watches Michele Women Emotions Black Leather Diamond Watch

With a curvy and modern feel, this Michele timepiece features a brilliant hand-carved opal stone case.