Rare Watches: Explore the World's Most Exquisite Timepieces

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This wristwatch was made on his request and solved this problem. It's a classic design with an appealing history. Omega Speedmaster

For a closer look at what you can buy (if you've got the money), we talked to Boutros about the most desirable pieces going under the hammer. Start, Stop, Reset: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs If we told you that top-tier brand Jaeger-LeCoultre crafted this intricate timepiece as a gift for none other than Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate the 60th year of her reign, it would give you some idea of what to expect.Not only is The Fascination a masterpiece of horological craftsmanship, but it’s also a unique demonstration of diamond mastery. Definitely, one to give all other women’s watches a run for their money.

Best for: Turning heads with titanium, one of the rarest materials in the luxury watch world. Manufacturing date: Vintage Breitling and vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watches are generally more affordable than the above, but even more wallet-friendly are a number of chronograph models by the legendary Heuer. It depends. As with a brand new car, most watches will lose a percentage of their initial value the moment you walk out of the shop. This means that purchasing a pre owned watch can offer a substantial saving on new. This isn't always the case though. Most Rolex watches from the professional range, including the Rolex Submariner, Rolex GMT Master II and Rolex Cosmograph Daytona are worth considerably more as a pre owned watch and prices can be double the original retail price.Featuring a kaleidoscopic array of 110 carats of different colored diamonds in a range of different cuts, set into a platinum bracelet, The Hallucination brings high fashion to the world of Horlogerie. About as far from a tactical watch as you can get, it’s almost easy to forget this piece’s timekeeping capabilities, but there is a tiny dial in the center of all that sparkle.

Prince William is also a fan of vintage watches. He is often seen wearing an Omega Seamaster 300M, which was reportedly a gift from his late mother Princess Diana and the watch that he wore every day throughout his seven-year stint in the British Military. The Omega Seamaster 300M has also been made famous by the James Bond movies: it is the watch that Pierce Brosnan wore when he was playing Bond in movies such as Goldeneye and Die Another Day.There is a charm to vintage watches. They have a patina. They have wear. They’ve aged,” says Boutros. “And you have to be comfortable with the fact that they were worn by somebody else. So maybe a leather strap has some stranger’s sweat embedded in it. You can always replace that strap. If it’s a metal bracelet, you can always clean it. These are not showstoppers. Be aware of what you’re getting into, but be forgiving.” This important precursor of future Patek Philippe wristwatches created quite a stir when it was first launched in the 1940s. Its case design was indisputably avant-garde in style and proportions—rounder, larger, and with elongated and slightly curved lugs. Part of a limited edition four-piece series, the main appeal of this particular watch lies in its case. Made with a high-grade stainless steel case, it distinguishes itself from other Patek Philippe luxury watches, typically made of yellow or rose gold. When starting a vintage watch collection, it is vital you have somewhere safe to store them. To The Hour Peli™ watch cases are ideal for protecting your collection.