The Most Expensive & Rare Rolex Watches Ever

The world of luxury watches is no stranger to high price tags, but when it comes to Rolex, there’s a unique blend of collectability, craftsmanship, and cultural cachet that drives certain models into the stratosphere. While many think of Rolex as the ultimate symbol of accessible luxury, a small number of references, both old and new, have sold for staggering sums at auction or command hefty premiums in the modern market.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most expensive Rolex watches ever sold, explore what makes them so valuable, and showcase Kettle Club’s own top tier inventory of ultra rare, investment grade Rolexes.

Modern Marvels: The Most Expensive Rolex Watches Currently in Production

While many of the most valuable Rolex models are vintage or auction only pieces, several modern releases still command six figure price tags, and in some cases, more.

Rolex GMT Master II Ice (Ref. 116769TBR)

Price: Approximately £385,000
Usually considered the most lavish Rolex ever made, the GMT Master II Ice is fully encrusted with factory set diamonds across the case, bracelet, and dial. It is crafted in 18k white gold and features an automatic movement with dual time zones. Available only to VIP clients, it exemplifies Rolex’s ability to combine tool watch functionality with opulent finishing.

Rolex Day Date 40 Platinum (Ref. 228396TBR)

Price: Approximately £110,000
This platinum masterpiece is fitted with a diamond paved dial and baguette diamond bezel. Known for its ice blue dial, exclusively used on platinum Rolexes, it is the most expensive watch in the Day Date collection. The weight of the platinum case, combined with the sparkle of diamonds, makes this a grail for serious collectors.

Rolex Daytona Rainbow (Ref. 116595RBOW)

Price: Approximately £75,000 to £90,000
This rose gold chronograph is adorned with a rainbow of sapphire baguettes on the bezel and lugs, along with diamond set hour markers. Its vibrant aesthetic and rarity, produced in very limited numbers have made it a celebrity favourite. Worn by the likes of John Mayer and Post Malone, it is a modern collector icon.

Vintage Icons: Rolex Watches That Made Auction History

Many of the most expensive Rolex watches are vintage pieces that have gained value over decades due to their rarity, provenance, and design quirks.

Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona (Ref. 6239)

Sold For: £13.6 million (Phillips Auction, 2017)
Paul Newman’s personal Daytona is widely considered the ultimate Rolex collector piece. The exotic dial, a gift from his wife with an engraving reading “Drive Carefully Me,” was once unpopular until its association with Newman turned it into a grail watch.

Rolex Daytona “The Unicorn” (Ref. 6265)

Sold For: £4.5 million
The only known vintage Daytona crafted in white gold, this watch earned its mythical nickname for obvious reasons. Sold to benefit charity, it is a one of one reference that combines rarity, aesthetics, and Daytona heritage.

Rolex “Bao Dai” (Ref. 6062)

Sold For: £3.9 million
Owned by the last emperor of Vietnam, this triple calendar, moonphase Rolex features diamond indices and a gold case. It is a historical and technical marvel, one of the few Rolexes to offer a moonphase complication.

Submariner “James Bond” (Ref. 6538)

Price Range: £150,000 to £400,000 and above
Worn by Sean Connery in Dr. No the 6538 Submariner is a symbol of vintage Rolex collecting. Its oversized crown and clean dial design have become iconic. Especially desirable with original box and papers.

Daytona “Albino” (Ref. 6263)

Sold For: £3.3 million
Owned by Eric Clapton, the Albino Daytona has all silver subdials and is one of only four known pieces. Its monochrome styling, celebrity ownership, and rarity have cemented its status in the Rolex hall of fame.

Kettle Club’s Top 10 Most Expensive Rolex Watches

At Kettle Club we are proud to offer a curated selection of some of the finest Rolex watches available on the UK market. Here are 10 of the most exclusive Rolex models currently in stock:

1. Rolex 116508 Daytona “John Mayer” – £58,500

A yellow gold chronograph with a vivid green dial that has become one of the most collectible modern Daytonas. Originally made famous by John Mayer, this reference is rare, bold, and continues to gain value.

2. Rolex 116509 Daytona MOP Diamond Dial – £35,750

Crafted from solid white gold with a mother of pearl dial set with diamond hour markers. Blending sport and elegance, this piece is ideal for collectors seeking something outside the traditional Daytona spectrum.

3. Rolex 126715CHNR GMT Master II Rootbeer (Everose Gold) – £30,500

With a black and brown ceramic bezel and full Everose gold case and bracelet, this GMT is as luxurious as it is practical. It is a modern take on the classic Rootbeer, reimagined in Rolex’s proprietary pink gold alloy.

4. Rolex 228235 Day Date 40mm Chocolate Dial – £35,000

One of the most sought after Day Dates in recent years, this model’s chocolate sunburst dial, Roman numerals, and Everose gold construction have made it an icon of contemporary luxury.

5. Rolex 228238 Day Date 40mm White Dial – £32,995

A classic yellow gold Day Date with a crisp white dial. Timeless, versatile and always in demand.

6. Rolex 18238 Day Date 36mm Champagne Dial – £15,350

A vintage piece from the early 1990s still featuring the iconic President bracelet and fluted bezel. A favourite for those looking to begin or diversify their gold Rolex collection.

7. Rolex 268655 Yacht Master 37mm Everose Gold – £15,995

Compact, elegant, and highly wearable. Features Rolex’s Oysterflex bracelet and matte Cerachrom bezel for a sporty yet refined aesthetic.

8. Rolex 116655 Yacht Master 40mm Everose Gold – £19,500

A larger version of the 37mm with the same combination of Everose gold and Oysterflex. Built for performance and presence.

9. Rolex 126621 Yacht Master Chocolate Dial (Steel and Everose) – £13,000

A beautiful mix of rose gold and stainless steel, this Rolesor Yacht Master features a warm chocolate dial and is an accessible entry into precious metal Rolex collecting.

10. Rolex Sky Dweller 326235 Chocolate (Everose Gold) – £31,000

Combining dual time zone capability and an annual calendar, the Sky Dweller in Everose gold offers one of the most complex modern Rolex movements. The chocolate dial adds an extra layer of distinction.

What Drives Rolex Prices So High?

Materials: Platinum, gold, and diamond set pieces naturally command higher prices.
Movement Complications: Annual calendars, moonphases and chronographs add complexity and collectability.
Rarity: Off catalog releases, limited production models, and watches with unique dials (e.g., Albino Daytona) are key drivers of value.
Provenance: Ownership by celebrities, royalty, or historic figures can significantly increase auction value.
Condition and Completeness: Original papers, boxes and untouched dials make all the difference in vintage valuation.

Should You Invest in an Expensive Rolex?

Whether you are buying for passion or profit, the high end Rolex market offers opportunities for both. With auction records continuing to be broken and new modern models entering grail status within years, the brand remains the gold standard of luxury watches.

At Kettle Club we specialise in sourcing hard to find Rolex models, offering expert authentication, and helping collectors build portfolios with long term value.

Explore our current Rolex stock at Kettle Club.