A watch more expensive than a car

Patek Philippe, Vacheron, Rolex or Jacob&Co are recognizable brands that design watches for a select few. The brand and reputation is built not by the name, but by the quality, materials, reliability and intricacies of workmanship. Unique, luxurious and beautiful watches inspire awe. Everyone would like to wear a Rolex like James Cameron. Jennifer Lawrence wore Longines luxury watches on her wrist. Lenny Kravitz is an ambassador for Le Sentiner. Considered the most prestigious watch manufactory Patek Philippe adheres to the philosophy that ambassadors are not needed, billionaires themselves ask the Swiss company for the opportunity to buy their timepiece anyway. A watch more expensive than a car – that may sound abstract, but most of the companies mentioned here produce timepieces that surpass luxury sports cars in price.

A watch more expensive than a car – why they can sometimes be so expensive

The price of luxury watches from top manufactures is influenced by several factors. First of all, top brands care a lot about reputation. Manufactured with the utmost care, the mechanical watches of the most luxurious lines are made with the utmost precision and intricacy. It is not without reason that people talk about watchmaking precision.

Most of the established brands also have a very long tradition of making watches. Anyway, the three flagship brands of luxury mechanical watches – the Rolex, Patek Philippe and Vacheron have histories dating back to 1905, 1839 and 1755 respectively. Experience, quality, handmade – no wonder a watch more expensive than a car is not that rare at all.

Championship mysteries

The first element that affects the price is the complex internal mechanism. Unlike quartz watches, which use the vibrations of a quartz crystal to measure time, mechanical watches rely on precision mechanisms consisting of hundreds of microscopic parts. These parts must be hand-assembled by skilled watchmakers. Realistically, there are few people in the world who can create a mechanical watch.

Unlike mass-produced quartz watches, mechanical watches are made in small batches, making them more exclusive. Some of the models are unique, created on special order.

The process of creating such a unique timepiece requires not only a great deal of precision, but also the knowledge and experience that comes from years of training for watchmakers. A watch more expensive than a car is made with more precision than exclusive cars are created.

Luxury is created not only intricately, but also from the highest quality bullion. Often it is precious metals such as gold or platinum, as well as rare stones that adorn the watch dial. Watches are sometimes set with diamonds, rare shades of fancy diamonds, rubies or sapphires. The sheer quality of the materials adds significantly to the cost of production.

The quartz revolution and its impact on the watchmaking industry

In the 1970s, the watch market underwent huge changes due to the so-called “quartz revolution.” Quartz watches, thanks to their precision and low production costs, began to dominate the market. This was a major challenge for traditional mechanical watch manufacturers. Within a decade, imports of Swiss watches fell from 40 to 10 million units, causing serious economic problems for many companies.

Many manufacturers did not survive these changes, leading to significant company downsizing and job losses. Other companies, such as Swatch, have adapted to the new realities by introducing quartz watches.

Luxury as a new survival strategy

The difficult market situation meant that only the best and most businesslike survived. Let’s not hide, they also had a business idea. Instead of competing on price and mass production, companies like Patek or Rolex have focused on giving their products the status of a symbol of luxury and prestige. Mechanical watches ceased to be mere timekeeping tools and became a sign of social status.

Rolex began producing its watches using gold and other precious materials, which emphasized their high quality and exclusivity. These watches began to be seen as symbols of success and prestige, which greatly increased their market value.

Mechanical watch as an investment

Sometimes a watch more expensive than a car is a symbol of luxury or investment. Unique, manufactured with the utmost precision, reliable and made of materials like the most expensive jewelry, mechanical watches are not only a symbol of prestige, but also a sure investment of capital.

Precious metal prices are rising. Likewise the value of unique, reputable items.

The world’s most expensive watches

It’s impossible to talk about watches more expensive than cars without mentioning at least a few of these most precious rarities that inspire desire. However, the short ranking perfectly shows the value of these most valuable uniques.

• Graff Diamonds Halucination – $55 million

– More than 110 carats of rare colored diamonds (pink, blue, green, yellow, orange)

– Made of platinum

• Jacob & Co. Billionaire – $18 million

– 260-carat emerald-cut diamonds

– Bracelet in 18K white gold, sapphire crystal

• Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime – $31 million.

– 20 functions (perpetual calendar, moon phases, minute repetition)

– 18K gold, double-sided design

• Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette – $30 million**.

– 18K gold

– Complicated functions (minute repetition, perpetual calendar)

• Rolex Paul Newman’s Daytona – $17.8 million**.

– Unique “Paul Newman” shield

– It belonged to Paul Newman, decorated with diamonds

Each of these watches combines precise mechanisms, luxurious materials and unique design, being symbols of prestige. Each stimulates the imagination and is a unique piece of ever-increasing value.