Rare Watches: Explore the World's Most Exquisite Timepieces

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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. Is a Rolex a good investment? Yes, but there's collectible watches out there to look into in addition to Rolex watches. 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

reference number 1655 and a faded 24-hour hand demand five-figure prices today. This is much more expensive than a brand new Explorer II. Actor Steve McQueen is also said to have worn this timepiece, which only adds to its appeal. Connections to a celebrity are often a significant selling point. This just goes to show that vintage watches are a sound investment and much more than just an easy bargain. Find just the right watch for you without having to spend your hard earned money on a new, more flimsy watch than you can get with a vintage find. It won't be a waste of time. 7 Best Investment and Collectible Watches Rolex Datejust 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. Get yourself a Rolex Datejust for a timeless piece - pun intended. The Datejust gets its name from the fact that the date is literally displayed on the watch's dial. The very first model of the Datejust was made in 1945, so it was ahead of its time.Since it was worn by astronauts while they were on the Apollo 13 mission, the design of the watch has only incrementally changed. It's remained virtually the same, allowing for modern technology to be added. It's called the watch that saved Apollo 13. There comes a time in everyone's life where it's time to invest in a nice, collectible watch. But it's hard to know which watches to buy when there's so many out there on the market.

Today, it no longer holds the status of the world’s priciest watch, but it remains a highly coveted timepiece. The only platinum reference 1415 HU in the world, this Patek Philippe masterpiece offers serious high-end drama with its monochrome aesthetic. The world-time mechanism is considered Patek Philippe’s first production world timer. 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. Indeed, with its utterly unique profile, made from white gold and featuring a series of polished and diamond-set links, plus a miniature caliber 101 movement (one of the smallest in the world), this watch deserves to be worn in the chambers of historic palaces and to exclusive state functions. 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. There are a lot of places where you could go to get one of these collectible watches. That doesn't mean that you should go there.

Patek Philippe 3974

Despite this impressive engineering, Calibre 89 failed to find an owner during its most recent auction. But we’re sure it won’t stay homeless for long. Best for: Turning heads with titanium, one of the rarest materials in the luxury watch world. Manufacturing date:

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. 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.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. Occupying the second place in our rundown of the most expensive watches in the world, The Fascination is the work of Graff Diamonds, a British jeweler brand known for acquiring and polishing some of the world’s most famous diamonds. The first automatic versions of the Navitimer are also interesting collector's items. One of the world's first automatic chronograph movements powers these timepieces: the caliber 11. The