Luxury watches transcend mere timekeeping; they epitomize a fusion of art, heritage, and craftsmanship. These exquisite timepieces, epitomized by the world’s most expensive watch we’re about to explore, are not mere acquisitions; they embody painstaking craftsmanship and often carry a rich history, adding to their allure.
In 2014, London-based jewellery brand Graff Diamonds unveiled the Graff Hallucination at Baselworld. This masterpiece, conceived by company founder Laurence Graff, boasts an array of colourful and rare diamonds totalling approximately 110 carats. A team of 30 specialists, including designers, gemologists, and craftsmen, devoted over four and a half years to perfecting this marvel.
The pinnacle of opulence is perhaps the Graff Diamonds Hallucination, priced at an astonishing fifty-five million dollars ($55 million) – indisputably the most valuable watch ever crafted. Its incredible worth derives from 110 carats of exceptionally rare and sizable coloured diamonds set in a platinum bracelet. These diamonds span an array of vivid hues, including Fancy Vivid Yellow, Fancy Intense Pink, Fancy Intense Blue, Fancy Light Pink, Fancy Light Grey Blue, Fancy Green, and Fancy Orange. Various cuts, such as heart-shaped, pear-shaped, marquise, emerald, radiant, and round, further accentuate the watch’s extravagance.
The concept for this exorbitant timepiece originated with Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds. Indeed, envisioning a fifty-five million dollar timepiece would likely raise eyebrows among those lower on the corporate ladder.
In 2015, Graff Diamonds introduced The Fascination, a diamond convertible watch featuring detachable parts that can be transformed into a ring. Adorned with 152.96 carats of white diamonds and a rare 38.13-carat pear-shaped diamond at its center, this watch commands a value of $40 million (approximately Rs 331 crore), securing its place as the second most expensive watch globally.
Among other notable luxury watches, vintage treasures hold significance, like the iconic gold Cartier Tank Française once owned by Princess Diana and subsequently gifted to Meghan Markle by Prince Harry. Similarly, the Rolex Paul Newman Daytona, auctioned for $17 million in 2017 (approximately Rs 140 crore), carries the legacy of the celebrated actor.
Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, boasts ownership of one of the world’s most expensive watches. Renowned for his affinity for rare timepieces, Anant has been seen sporting a Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chim valued at over Rs 18 crore.
