The most expensive Rolex watches are more than just timepieces; they are rare works of art with historical significance and unmatched craftsmanship. From Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona ($17.8M), the most expensive Rolex ever sold, to the Rolex Daytona “Unicorn” ($5.9M), the only white gold Daytona, these watches are prized by collectors.
Some, like the Rolex Bao Dai ($5.1M) and James Bond Submariner ($567K), have royal and Hollywood connections, while others, such as the Rolex Deep Sea Special ($2M), made history in deep-sea exploration. These record-breaking Rolex watches symbolize prestige, luxury, and timeless elegance.
Top 10 Most Expensive Rolex Watch in the World :-

Rank | Watch Name | Price | Notable Features |
---|---|---|---|
1️⃣ | Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona | $17.8 Million | Owned by Paul Newman, this Daytona 6239 became the most expensive Rolex ever sold at auction. |
2️⃣ | Rolex Daytona “Unicorn” (Ref. 6265) | $5.9 Million | The only known white gold Rolex Daytona, making it an ultra-rare collector’s piece. |
3️⃣ | Rolex Bao Dai (Ref. 6062) | $5.1 Million | Once owned by the last emperor of Vietnam, featuring a diamond-studded dial. |
4️⃣ | Antimagnetique (Ref. 4113) | $2.5 Million | A rare split-seconds chronograph, produced in only 12 pieces. |
5️⃣ | Rolex Daytona “Jack of Diamonds” | $1.5 Million | A custom Daytona completely covered in diamonds. |
6️⃣ | Rolex GMT-Master II Ice | $485,350 | The most expensive modern Rolex, fully encrusted with diamonds. |
7️⃣ | Rolex Daytona Platinum (Ref. 116506) | $277,850 | Made entirely of platinum with an ice-blue dial. |
8️⃣ | Rolex Deep Sea Special | $2 Million | One of the first Rolex watches to survive deep-sea exploration. |
9️⃣ | James Bond Rolex Submariner (Ref. 6538) | $567,000 | Worn by Sean Connery in early James Bond films. |
🔟 | Rolex “Stelline” Oyster Perpetual (Ref. 6062) | $726,000 | Features a star-dial and moon phase complication, making it highly collectible. |
1️⃣ Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona – $17.8 Million
- Reference: 6239
- Year of Production: 1968
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Notable Features: Exotic dial with an Art Deco design, owned by Hollywood legend Paul Newman.
🚀 Why It’s Expensive:
Paul Newman’s personal Rolex Daytona became the most expensive Rolex ever sold at auction. This watch gained cult status due to its association with the actor, race car driver, and philanthropist. The unique dial, combined with its Hollywood history, drove up the price to an astonishing $17.8 million at a 2017 auction.
2️⃣ Rolex Daytona “Unicorn” (Ref. 6265) – $5.9 Million
- Reference: 6265
- Year of Production: 1970
- Material: 18K White Gold
- Notable Features: The only known white gold Rolex Daytona.
🚀 Why It’s Expensive:
Unlike most Rolex Daytona watches, which are typically made of stainless steel or yellow gold, this model is crafted in 18K white gold—a one-of-a-kind piece. Nicknamed the “Unicorn,” it was sold for $5.9 million in 2018.
3️⃣ Rolex Bao Dai (Ref. 6062) – $5.1 Million
- Reference: 6062
- Year of Production: 1952
- Material: 18K Yellow Gold
- Notable Features: Diamond-studded dial, moon phase complication, owned by Emperor Bao Dai of Vietnam.
🚀 Why It’s Expensive:
This watch was personally commissioned by Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam. With only a few Rolex 6062 models ever produced, and only one featuring a black dial with diamond hour markers, it fetched $5.1 million at auction in 2017.
4️⃣ Rolex Antimagnetique (Ref. 4113) – $2.5 Million
- Reference: 4113
- Year of Production: 1942
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Notable Features: Split-seconds chronograph, extremely rare with only 12 ever made.
🚀 Why It’s Expensive:
Designed for race car drivers in the 1940s, this watch was never sold to the public. With only 12 units in existence, it remains one of the rarest Rolex watches ever made, commanding $2.5 million at auction.
5️⃣ Rolex Daytona “Jack of Diamonds” – $1.5 Million
- Reference: Custom
- Year of Production: Unknown
- Material: White Gold with Diamonds
- Notable Features: Fully encrusted with diamonds.
🚀 Why It’s Expensive:
This Daytona is completely covered in diamonds, including the bezel, bracelet, and dial. This custom-made luxury masterpiece was sold for $1.5 million, making it one of the flashiest Rolex watches ever created.
6️⃣ Rolex GMT-Master II Ice – $485,350
- Reference: 116769TBR
- Year of Production: 2007
- Material: 18K White Gold, Diamonds
- Notable Features: Fully set with baguette-cut diamonds.
🚀 Why It’s Expensive:
The most expensive modern Rolex, the GMT-Master II Ice, features a diamond-encrusted bezel, bracelet, and dial. This luxurious timepiece is priced at $485,350.
7️⃣ Rolex Daytona Platinum (Ref. 116506) – $277,850
- Reference: 116506
- Year of Production: 2013
- Material: Platinum
- Notable Features: Ice-blue dial, Cerachrom bezel.
🚀 Why It’s Expensive:
This is Rolex’s first-ever platinum Daytona, released for the 50th anniversary of the Daytona collection. Its ice-blue dial and brown ceramic bezel make it an instant collector’s item.
8️⃣ Rolex Deep Sea Special – $2 Million
- Reference: Deep Sea Special
- Year of Production: 1960
- Material: Stainless Steel & Acrylic
- Notable Features: Survived a dive to 10,916 meters (35,800 feet) with Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh.
🚀 Why It’s Expensive:
This Rolex was attached to the Trieste submersible, which descended to the deepest part of the ocean—the Mariana Trench. It proved Rolex’s unmatched durability, making it worth $2 million.
9️⃣ James Bond Rolex Submariner (Ref. 6538) – $567,000
- Reference: 6538
- Year of Production: 1954
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Notable Features: Featured in early James Bond films.
🚀 Why It’s Expensive:
This Rolex Submariner was worn by Sean Connery as James Bond in movies like Dr. No and Goldfinger, making it a Hollywood legend. It sold for $567,000 at auction.
🔟 Rolex “Stelline” Oyster Perpetual (Ref. 6062) – $726,000
- Reference: 6062
- Year of Production: 1950
- Material: 18K Yellow Gold
- Notable Features: Star-dial, moon phase complication.
🚀 Why It’s Expensive:
One of the few Rolex watches to feature a moon phase complication, making it a highly desirable vintage timepiece.
Official Link :- LINK
Conclusion :
Rolex remains the most prestigious watch brand in the world, combining luxury, history, and innovation. From the Paul Newman Daytona to the diamond-encrusted GMT-Master II Ice, these watches are more than timepieces—they are symbols of wealth, success, and exclusivity.
FAQs :-
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What is the most expensive Rolex ever sold?
Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona, which sold for $17.8 million.
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Why are Rolex Daytona watches so expensive?
Daytona models, especially vintage ones, are rare and associated with racing history and celebrities.
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Which Rolex has the most diamonds?
The Rolex GMT-Master II Ice is fully encrusted with diamonds.
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What is the best Rolex for investment?
Vintage models like the Paul Newman Daytona and Bao Dai Rolex tend to appreciate the most in value.
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Does Rolex make watches in platinum?
Yes, models like the Platinum Daytona (Ref. 116506) are made of platinum.