A Timely List of the Top 10 Most Expensive Watches in the World

Some of the most important "characters" in Hollywood have been watches. Think of the Submariner Ref. 6538 that started the love affair with Rolex, when worn by Sean Connery as Bond, James Bond. Or the high-flying Porsche Design Orfina Chronograph worn so famously by Tom Cruise in the original "Top Gun." Even Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sigourney Weaver in "Aliens" and the Ghostbusters wore high-profile watches.

But what about those crazy chronometers that are bought and worn just for the drama factor, because they are so very expensive? Here is a timely list of the ten most expensive watches in the world:

1. Vacheron Constantin Tour de I'Ile:Created in 2005 to commemorate the brand's 250th anniversary, this number is worth about $1.5 million.

2. Richard Mille: The most expensive Richard Mille currently for sale is a Tourbillon RM 008, priced at just over $7 million.

3. Paul Newman's 1968 Rolex Daytona: Paul Newman was known for his million-dollar blue eyes, but his watch wasn't so bad either. His timepiece sold for a hefty $17.8 million at a 2017 auction, a record wristwatch price at the time.

4. The Billionaire: Although it didn't exactly cost a billion, the hefty $18 million price tag for Floyd "Money" Mayweather's Billionaire Watch from Jacob & Co. certainly set the famed boxer back a belt or two (although DJ Khaled got his Billionaire III watches for the bargain price of only $3 million when he bought them for his production team after completing his last album).

5. Chopard 201-Carat: Valued at $25 million, this piece features an array of diamonds in brilliant colors and unusual shapes.

6. Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette: With a value of $26 million, it's hard to recognize the watch face concealed in a random series of polished and diamond-set links.

7. Patek Philipp: Currently for sale at a cost of just under $26 million is a 175^th Commemorative Grandmaster Chime by legendary Swiss watchmaker, Patek Philipp, although its most expensive watch ever sold was a Grandmaster Chime at an inflation-adjusted $31 million.

8. Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette: Marie Antoinette is said to have been fascinated by Breguet watches. In 1783, an anonymous admirer ordered a spectacular Breguet piece for the queen, which was not delivered before her death. Today the exquisite masterpiece is valued at over $30 million.

9. Graff Diamonds Fascination Watch: Coming in at a cool $40 Million, the Graff Diamonds Convertible Watch has a part that is removable to wear as a ring. It consists of over 152 carats of white diamonds with a rare 38 carat D Flawless pear-shaped diamond.

10. Graff Diamonds Hallucination Watch: The price is no hallucination – the most expensive watch costs a no-illusion $55 million. The Graff Diamonds Hallucination Watch contains 110 carats of very rare and extremely large colored diamonds, which are set in a platinum bracelet.

Luxury watches are often considered a statement of wealth and success, as they are built with meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship from the design to the finish. The intricate mechanisms and premium materials used in luxury watches make them built to last, and their value can increase over time. For many people, luxury watches are more than just an item of practical use—they can be a work of art. From traditional to modern designs, the look of a luxury watch can be stunning, with intricate details and unique styling that give each watch its character and make it stand out from the rest. The prestige of a luxury watch is defined by its quality, not its price, and wearing one is a sign that the wearer understands the value of quality and appreciates fine craftsmanship. If you're interested in investing in a luxury watch, it's important to do your research and consider factors such as brand, demand, and resale value before making a purchase. You can read about their reputation of luxury watches in various online forums and watch blogs to help you make an informed decision.