Breaking Records: The 5 Most Expensive Rolex Watches Sold at Auction (2014–2024)

When it comes to Rolex, there’s no doubt that these watches are more than just tools for telling time—they’re symbols of status, craftsmanship, and history. Over the past decade, from 2014 to 2024, we’ve seen some of the most iconic Rolex models go under the hammer, fetching jaw-dropping prices that keep setting new records. But which ones take the crown? Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious about the luxury watch world, this list of the top five most expensive Rolex watches ever sold at auction will leave you amazed. From the legendary Paul Newman Daytona to the rarest and most exclusive models, let’s dive into how these watches went from being sold for just a few hundred dollars decades ago to millions today.

1. Paul Newman Daytona – $17.75M

• Basic Specifications: The Paul Newman Daytona (Ref. 6239) is famous for its Art Deco-style dial and tri-compax layout. It features a 36mm stainless steel case with a manual-wind Valjoux 72 movement and acrylic crystal.
• Original Price: When first sold in the 1960s, this watch was priced around $200.
• Auction Price & Appreciation: In 2017, Paul Newman’s personal Daytona sold for a record-breaking $17.75 million at Phillips Auction. This represents a staggering appreciation of over 88,000%.

2. Daytona “The Unicorn” – $6.96M

• Basic Specifications: "The Unicorn" (Ref. 6265) is a unique white gold Daytona with a black dial. It features a manual-winding chronograph movement, and its rarity stems from being the only known white gold Daytona.
• Original Price: Though an exact original price isn't well-documented, Daytonas of the same era generally retailed for about $500-$600 in the 1970s.
• Auction Price & Appreciation: It sold for $6.96 million in 2018, making it one of the most valuable Daytonas ever. Its value has multiplied exponentially, with a possible appreciation of over 1,000 times its original price​.

3. Rolex Bao Dai – $5.94M

• Basic Specifications: The Rolex Bao Dai (Ref. 6062) is an extremely rare yellow gold moonphase model with a black dial and diamond hour markers, made famous by its original owner, the last Emperor of Vietnam, Bao Dai.
• Original Price: When it was released in the early 1950s, it retailed for approximately $1,500.
• Auction Price & Appreciation: This watch fetched $5.94 million at a 2017 auction. With its historical significance, the Bao Dai saw an appreciation of over 3,900%​.

4. Daytona “The Legend” – $4.36M

• Basic Specifications: "The Legend" is an 18k yellow gold Daytona with a distinctive "lemon" dial. It features screw-down pushers and the highly collectible Valjoux 727 movement.
• Original Price: Daytona models of this type in the 1970s were priced around $500.
• Auction Price & Appreciation: This rare piece sold for $4.36 million, reflecting its incredible rise in value due to its rarity and unique aesthetic.

5. Daytona “The Neanderthal” – $3.53M

• Basic Specifications: Known for its early production in the Daytona series, "The Neanderthal" is one of the earliest prototypes with a black dial and large sub-dials.
• Original Price: As an early Daytona model from the 1960s, it would have retailed for about $300.
• Auction Price & Appreciation: "The Neanderthal" achieved $3.53 million at auction, representing a value appreciation of more than 10,000%.

As we conclude our journey through these legendary Rolex watches, it’s clear that each timepiece represents more than just precision and luxury—it’s a solid investment. Over the years, Rolex watches have consistently appreciated in value, as we’ve seen from record-breaking auction sales. From the Paul Newman Daytona to the rare "Unicorn," these iconic models highlight how Rolex watches can transform into valuable assets, making them much more than mere accessories.

At EW Watches, we believe in the value of investing in a Rolex. With current prices still offering great opportunities, there’s never been a better time to secure your own piece of history. Whether you’re adding to your collection or purchasing your first Rolex, the market is showing us one thing: Rolex watches are not just a status symbol; they’re a smart, timeless investment.

Don’t wait for prices to climb even higher. Explore our collection today and find the Rolex that fits your style and your future. Let us help you make a decision that will not only stand the test of time but also grow in value.