{"query": "255-CB", "brand": null, "total": 10, "limit": 10, "matches": [{"slug": "f-p-journe-255-cb", "brand": "F.P. Journe", "ref": "255-CB", "model": "Chronomètre Bleu", "case_material": "Tantalum", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/f-p-journe-255-cb", "description": "The F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu (Reference CB) entered production in 2009 and remains a catalog piece, though annual output is strictly limited. Collectors prioritize this reference for its 39mm case constructed from tantalum, a rare, dense, and hard-to-machine refractory metal with a distinct blue-grey luster. It houses the manual-wind Calibre 1304, a movement manufactured from 18k rose gold featuring twin barrels and a 56-hour power reserve. The dial is characterized by a chrome-blue finish achieved through multiple layers of lacquer and polishing, paired with cream-colored Arabic numerals and tapered hands. While the original retail price was approximately $20,000, secondary market values currently fluctuate between $75,000 and $100,000. A notable production detail is the \"Byblos\" limited edition of 50 pieces, which features an open-worked dial and was released in 2014 to commemorate the opening of the Beirut boutique.", "score": 205}, {"slug": "audemars-piguet-25548ba", "brand": "Audemars Piguet", "ref": "25548BA", "model": "Quantième Perpétuel (1990)", "case_material": "18k Yellow Gold", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/audemars-piguet-25548ba", "description": "The Audemars Piguet Quantième Perpétuel reference 25548BA was produced between approximately 1982 and the early 1990s, representing a pivotal era for the brand’s ultra-thin complications. This 18k yellow gold model measures 36mm in diameter and is powered by the self-winding caliber 2120/2800, which is based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre 920 movement. Collectors value this reference for its historical significance in popularizing the perpetual calendar during the post-quartz crisis recovery and for its classic four-subdial layout without a leap year indicator. The case features a stepped bezel and short lugs, characteristic of the Quantième Perpétuel line's early design language. On the secondary market, this reference typically trades between $35,000 and $55,000 depending on condition and the presence of original paperwork. A notable production detail is that early examples often feature \"Audemars Piguet\" branding without the \"Automatic\" text on the dial, a variation sought by vintage enthusiasts.", "score": 20}, {"slug": "audemars-piguet-25554st", "brand": "Audemars Piguet", "ref": "25554ST", "model": "Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar", "case_material": "Stainless Steel", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/audemars-piguet-25554st", "description": "The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar reference 25554ST was produced between approximately 1986 and 1991. Collectors prioritize this reference as the first Royal Oak to feature a perpetual calendar complication, marking a significant technical expansion for the model line. It utilizes the ultra-thin automatic caliber 2120/2800, derived from a Jaeger-LeCoultre base. The 39mm stainless steel case maintains the \"Jumbo\" proportions but lacks a leap year indicator on the dial, a characteristic of early generation perpetual calendars. Production was limited, with records suggesting fewer than 300 units were manufactured in steel. On the secondary market, these watches typically trade in the low-to-mid six-figure range depending on provenance and condition. A notable variant includes the \"Yves Klein\" dial, featuring a vibrant blue aesthetic, which often commands a significant premium at international auctions due to its rarity and visual distinction.", "score": 20}, {"slug": "blancpain-6263-3642-55b", "brand": "Blancpain", "ref": "6263-3642-55B", "model": "Villeret Quantième Complet", "case_material": "18k Pink Gold", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/blancpain-6263-3642-55b", "description": "The Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet reference 6263-3642-55B is a 38mm complete calendar moonphase timepiece cased in 18k pink gold. This reference was introduced in the early 2000s and remained a staple of the Villeret collection for over a decade before being superseded by larger 40mm iterations. Collectors value this model for its traditional proportions and the caliber 6763 automatic movement, which provides a 100-hour power reserve. The dial features an opaline finish with applied Roman numerals and the signature \"smiling\" moonphase indicator at six o'clock. Unlike later versions featuring under-lug correctors, this reference utilizes recessed pushers on the case flanks for calendar adjustments. On the secondary market, this reference typically trades between $9,000 and $13,000 depending on the presence of the original box and papers. A notable production detail is the use of a stepped \"double pomme\" bezel, a hallmark of the Villeret design language.", "score": 20}, {"slug": "cartier-2554", "brand": "Cartier", "ref": "2554", "model": "CPCP Tank à Vis", "case_material": "White Gold", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/cartier-2554", "description": "The Cartier Tank à Vis reference 2554 in white gold was produced between 2001 and 2005 as part of the Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP). Collectors prioritize this reference for its dual-bezel case construction inspired by the 1931 Tank Étanche and its manual-wind Calibre 437 MC, developed by Piaget. The dial features traditional CPCP signatures, including a central guilloché rose motif, blued steel Breguet-style hands, and a hidden Cartier signature within the VII numeral. Current secondary market valuations typically range from $25,000 to $35,000 depending on condition and the presence of original accessories. A notable variant of the 2554 includes the \"Wandering Hours\" complication, though the time-only white gold model remains sought after for its specific proportions of 27mm by 39mm. Production numbers were limited, as was standard for the CPCP line, which focused on reviving historical designs with mechanical movements.", "score": 20}, {"slug": "f-p-journe-2-574cb", "brand": "F.P. Journe", "ref": "2-574CB", "model": "Chronomètre Bleu", "case_material": "Tantalum", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/f-p-journe-2-574cb", "description": "The F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu reference 2-574CB entered production in 2009 and remains in the current catalog, though annual output is strictly limited. Collectors prioritize this model for its 39mm case constructed from tantalum, a rare, dense, and hard-to-machine gray metal with blue overtones. The dial features a distinct chrome-blue finish achieved through multiple layers of lacquer and polishing. It houses the manual-wind caliber 1304, a movement manufactured from 18-karat rose gold featuring twin barrels and a 56-hour power reserve. While the original retail price was under $30,000, secondary market values currently fluctuate in the low-to-mid six-figure range, typically between $140,000 and $180,000 depending on condition and provenance. A notable production detail is the movement's \"suspended\" wheel train, which creates a visual gap between the balance wheel and the power source. In 2023, examples with early \"Byblos\" style characteristics have commanded significant premiums at auction.", "score": 20}, {"slug": "f-p-journe-352-cb", "brand": "F.P. Journe", "ref": "352-CB", "model": "Chronomètre Bleu", "case_material": "Tantalum", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/f-p-journe-352-cb", "description": "The F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu (Reference CB) entered production in 2009 and remains in the current catalog, though annual output is restricted by the difficulty of machining its 39mm tantalum case. Collectors prioritize this reference for its 18k rose gold Calibre 1304 movement and its multi-layered chrome blue lacquer dial, which transitions through various shades depending on light exposure. The use of tantalum, a rare and dense refractory metal with a blue-grey hue, distinguishes it from standard precious metal offerings. On the secondary market, prices typically range from $75,000 to $100,000, representing a significant premium over its retail price. While the standard model features Arabic numerals, early examples are noted for subtle variations in dial printing thickness. In 2019, a unique prototype version featuring a mauve dial sold at auction for 1.8 million CHF, highlighting the reference's high ceiling for rarity.", "score": 20}, {"slug": "blancpain-milspec", "brand": "Blancpain", "ref": "MILSPEC", "model": "Fifty Fathoms Milspec 1", "case_material": "Stainless Steel", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/blancpain-milspec", "description": "The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Milspec 1 was produced during the late 1950s and 1960s following the initial 1953 release of the standard Fifty Fathoms. Collectors prioritize this reference for its functional moisture indicator located at six o'clock, a circular disk designed to change color from blue to pink if water entered the 41mm stainless steel case. It typically houses the automatic Caliber AS 1361 or the upgraded Caliber R.310. This reference is historically significant as it met the rigorous technical specifications of the United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit. On the secondary market, authentic examples generally command prices between $80,000 and $150,000 depending on condition and provenance. A notable variant is the \"US Navy\" signed dial, which is particularly rare; a well-preserved Milspec 1 with this distinction achieved a sale price of approximately $125,000 at a 2021 Phillips auction.", "score": 8}, {"slug": "iwc-iw500402", "brand": "IWC", "ref": "IW500402", "model": "Big Pilot Perpetual", "case_material": "Platinum", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/iwc-iw500402", "description": "The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar reference IW500402 was produced between approximately 2006 and 2012. This reference is distinguished by its 46.2mm case constructed from solid 950 platinum, paired with a silver-plated dial and blue steel hands. It utilizes the IWC manufacture caliber 51612, an automatic movement featuring a Pellaton winding system, a seven-day power reserve, and Kurt Klaus’s perpetual calendar module which displays the year in four digits. Collectors value this specific reference for its significant weight and its position as the first non-limited platinum perpetual calendar in the Big Pilot line. On the secondary market, prices typically range from $28,000 to $38,000 depending on condition and the presence of original documentation. A notable production detail is that while not a numbered limited edition, its high retail price and platinum composition resulted in relatively low production volumes compared to steel counterparts.", "score": 8}, {"slug": "iwc-iw503607", "brand": "IWC", "ref": "IW503607", "model": "Big Pilot Toto Wolff'", "case_material": "Ceratanium", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/iwc-iw503607", "description": "The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition \"Toto Wolff\" (Reference IW503607) was released in 2022 as a limited edition of 100 units. This reference is notable for its 46.2mm case constructed from Ceratanium, a proprietary alloy combining the lightness of titanium with the scratch resistance of ceramic. It features a tinted sapphire crystal dial that exposes the IWC-manufactured 52615 caliber, a movement equipped with a Pellaton winding system and a seven-day power reserve. The perpetual calendar complication tracks the date, day, month, and year in four digits, including a moon phase display. On the secondary market, this reference typically commands prices between $45,000 and $60,000 depending on condition and provenance. A significant production detail is its association with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team; the final piece of the edition, number 100, was auctioned by Bonhams in 2022 for £160,000 to benefit charity.", "score": 8}]}