The Speedmaster Professional is one of the most coveted Omega models. Even though the Biel-based manufacturer still produces an almost unaltered version of this wristwatch, vintage versions of the so-called "Moonwatch" are extremely popular. This is especially true of those with the Estate timepieces are highly sought after by watch enthusiasts who look for evidence of important lineage in a timepiece. These watches are usually of a very high quality, were made as part of a limited-edition collection or have very specific and intricate designs.

Furthermore, every dent, scratch, and mark on older timepieces comes with its own unique story. Some models are even the stuff of legends, having been owned by actors, politicians, or famous athletes. Of course, such vintage watches aren't exactly a bargain. Take Paul Newman's personal Daytona, for example – it is the most expensive wristwatch of all time. Vacheron Constantin has been making watches since 1755, but mostly specialising in sports watches. In fact, this is the only model that they have ever offered that isn't a sports watch. It's a classic investment piece that you'll definitely want to consider. Ever wonder why a Rolex is so expensive? Here's what goes into the making of a Rolex Submariner, and how much detail it includes. Zenith El Primero

RARE VINTAGE WATCHES FOR COLLECTORS :

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.

There is yet another benefit to purchasing a vintage watch: Rather than being limited to current models, there is a much larger selection of timepieces to choose from. You may even find a watch you like better among the earlier versions than one from that manufacturer's current catalog. Many vintage watches are so rare and highly sought-after that their current market prices have reached enormous heights. The most famous example is probably the Paul Newman Daytona from Rolex. When this chronograph first came to market in the 1960s, it had a slow start. This led Rolex to produce few examples of this timepiece, meaning there aren't many early examples that still exist today. Moreover, the Paul Newman Daytona is one of the most popular vintage watches in the world. Paul Newman's personal timepiece sold at auction for a record-smashing 17.8 million USD in 2017, making it the world's most expensive wristwatch. If you can settle for a Paul Newman Daytona that wasn't previously owned by the actor and race car driver, you'll need at least 117,000 USD. Actor and heartthrob Paul Newman was known for his love of fine watches and for being a devoted racing car fan. Hence why, when she had it commissioned in 1968, his wife Joanne Woodard had this watch engraved with the words Drive Carefully. Vintage watches are more popular than ever amongst watch enthusiasts all over the world, as you can find high-quality, pre-owned timepieces at affordable prices. Whether you're looking to add to your ever-growing watch collection or are purchasing your first ever investment piece, our collection of vintage watches at Swiss Watch Company is a great place to find the most sought-after designs on the market. The bracelet and dial are seamlessly integrated and made of 18k white gold, while a final rose-cut jewel on the crown is the cherry on this extremely expensive cake. No wonder Floyd Mayweather decided to buy it.The auction lasted only 12 minutes before the watch was sold to the highest bidder by telephone. No surprise, really, given that Rolex is not only the most famous watch company in the world but also one of the most celebrated luxury brands in existence. 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.

Many of the world’s most expensive watches are one-offs—or at least incredibly rare. Like this Patek Philippe timepiece, the first and only titanium version of the Reference 5208 Triple Complication wristwatch. The brand very rarely uses titanium, immediately elevating this watch in the eyes of collectors. The timepiece also features a minute repeater, monopusher chronograph, and an instantaneous perpetual calendar. Best for: Being roused from sleep by the sound of the 3rd costliest watch in the world. Manufacturing date: 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 Whether it's furniture, cars, or watches, vintage products are in vogue. The community of fans has flourished in recent years, especially in the watch sector. Many vintage watches have long been out of production, making them particularly rare today. They often feature exotic designs from times long ago. Lovers of particular decades will find the perfect accessory in a vintage watch. Known as a ‘grail’ watch, highly covetable and superbly desirable, this Patek Philippe timepiece is one of the most mythical and legendary in the horological world—befitting of a brand that has created some of the best men’s watches of all time.Legend has it that this watch was initially commissioned for the iconic French queen and fan of life’s finest things, Marie Antoinette, by one of her lovers. Crafting this exceptional piece took around 40 years, and she was executed before the work was complete—only adding to the romance and enigma of this historic timepiece.

Every May and November, the world's auction houses set up shop in Geneva, Switzerland, for some epic watch sales. And as one might expect, these multimillion-dollar events draw watch fans and super-rich dudes alike (both with lots of money to burn), all looking to add to their collections of extremely expensive Rolexes and Patek Philippes. If you’re thinking of starting your own vintage collection featuring the most established brands, there are a number of names and models to consider. Vintage Patek Philippe pieces are among the most desirable, whether it’s a pre-World War II time-only Calatrava, a 1970s Nautilus or any perpetual calendar model in gold or platinum. The most popular vintage Audemars Piguet models are the first-generation Royal Oaks, a luxury steel sports model launched in 1972 that gave rise to a whole new genre in high-end watchmaking.These virtually indestructible cases are ideal for collectors who frequently attend watch meets, or commute to and from watch auctions and other events. Some people are drawn to high-end watches for their engineering and technical skills. Others just want some bling. This Chopard timepiece, with its 15-carat pink diamond, 12-carat blue diamond, and 11-carat white diamond—is probably the latter. But if you can afford it, then why not? It’s just an extra bonus that it happens to tell the time. And if this particular model isn’t for you, take a look at our ranking of the best luxury watches for women for more ideas. The timepiece features a minute repeater, a tourbillon, and a perpetual calendar with a retrograde date— three of the most cherished watch complications. It also comes with a distinctive blue dial made of Grand-Feu enamel and the movement is housed inside a small 36.8 mm case.