When it comes to luxury watches, Patek Philippe is a brand synonymous with elegance, prestige, and exquisite craftsmanship. Among Patek’s lineup of impressive timepieces, one watch stands out as the most expensive ever sold: the Grandmaster Chime 6300A-010.
This one-of-a-kind watch sold for a record-breaking $31 million (CHF 31 million) at a charity auction in Geneva in November 2019, cementing its status as the most expensive watch ever sold. The watch was created to commemorate Patek Philippe’s 175th anniversary and is a true masterpiece of watchmaking, featuring 20 different complications, a stainless steel case, and dual-face design.
But despite its jaw-dropping price tag, the Grandmaster Chime’s original retail price was only $2.6 million (CHF 2.5 million), making its auction sale price even more remarkable.
Watch Specifications
The Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 is a highly complex watch with a total of 20 different complications. It features a stainless steel case that measures 47.4mm in diameter and 16.1mm in thickness. The watch’s dual-face design means it can be flipped over to reveal a second dial on the reverse side, making it a true double-faced watch. Each dial is made of solid gold and features intricate hand-engraving.
The watch’s 20 complications include a grande and petite sonnerie, a minute repeater, an instantaneous perpetual calendar, and a second time zone. It also has a power reserve indicator, a day/night indicator, and a moon phase display, among other features.
The watch’s movement consists of 1,366 individual parts, and it took Patek Philippe’s craftsmen seven years to develop and manufacture.
The Design
Despite its complexity, the Grandmaster Chime is an incredibly elegant and refined watch. Its case features a blend of polished and brushed finishes, and the watch’s intricate details are visible through the sapphire crystal case back. The watch’s dial is also a work of art, with its various complications arranged in a logical and aesthetically pleasing manner.
The watch’s strap is made of black alligator leather and is hand-stitched with contrasting red and white thread. The strap is secured by a folding clasp made of stainless steel, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist.
The Most Expensive Watch Ever Sold
The Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 is the most expensive watch ever sold, with a record-breaking auction sale price of $31 million. Despite its astronomical price tag, the watch’s original retail price was only $2.6 million (CHF 2.5 million), making its auction sale even more remarkable.
The Grandmaster Chime is a true masterpiece of watchmaking and a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of Patek Philippe’s artisans. Its combination of incredible complexity, elegant design, and innovative features make it a truly unique timepiece and a symbol of the pinnacle of watchmaking.