{"query": "40", "brand": null, "total": 10, "limit": 10, "matches": [{"slug": "zenith-40", "brand": "Zenith", "ref": "40", "model": "El Primero A386 Unique Piece", "case_material": "Platinum", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/zenith-40", "description": "The Zenith El Primero A386 Unique Piece in PT950 platinum was produced in 2019 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the El Primero movement. This specific reference, designated 40.P386.400/57.C842, features a 38mm case and a unique lapis lazuli dial, distinguishing it from the standard tri-color sub-dial configurations of the original 1969 steel models. It houses the high-frequency Calibre 400 automatic chronograph movement. As a unique piece, it was created specifically for the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: X, where it sold for 250,000 CHF. Because only one example exists, it does not have a standard secondary market price range; however, its valuation remains in the mid-six-figure bracket based on its singular auction history. The watch is notable for being the only vintage-style A386 ever officially produced by Zenith in platinum with a stone dial, and it includes a fifty-year international warranty.", "score": 197}, {"slug": "a-lange-s-hne-140", "brand": "A. Lange & Söhne", "ref": "140", "model": "Zeitwerk", "case_material": "Platinum", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/a-lange-s-hne-140", "description": "The A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk reference 140.025 in platinum was introduced in 2009 as part of the model's debut collection and remained in production until approximately 2014. Collectors prioritize this reference for its role as the foundational execution of the digital jumping numerals complication, powered by the manual-wind Calibre L043.1. The movement incorporates a constant-force escapement (remontoir d’égalité) to manage the energy required to advance the three discs simultaneously every minute. The 41.9mm platinum case features a solid silver dial with a rhodium-plated German silver time bridge and a power reserve indicator at twelve o'clock. On the secondary market, this reference typically trades in the $75,000 to $95,000 range. A notable production detail is the \"Luminous\" variant, reference 140.035, which utilized a smoked sapphire dial and was limited to 100 pieces, often commanding significantly higher premiums at auction.", "score": 82}, {"slug": "a-lange-s-hne-403", "brand": "A. Lange & Söhne", "ref": "403", "model": "Datograph", "case_material": "Platinum", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/a-lange-s-hne-403", "description": "The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph reference 403.035 in platinum was produced between 1999 and 2012. Collectors prioritize this reference as the original execution of the Datograph, featuring a 39mm case and the manual-wind caliber L951.1. The movement is noted for its flyback chronograph complication, instantaneous jumping minute counter, and intricate depth created by German silver bridges and hand-engraved balance cocks. The dial follows a symmetrical layout with a signature oversized date at twelve o'clock and silver sub-dials against a black background. On the secondary market, prices typically range from $85,000 to $110,000 depending on condition and the presence of original documentation. A notable production variant is the \"Meter\" dial, found on early examples, which features a tachymeter scale starting at 400 rather than the standard 300, often commanding a premium at international auctions.", "score": 82}, {"slug": "a-lange-s-hne-404", "brand": "A. Lange & Söhne", "ref": "404", "model": "Double Split", "case_material": "Stainless Steel", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/a-lange-s-hne-404", "description": "The A. Lange & Söhne Double Split reference 404.047F in stainless steel was produced in 2013 as a unique piece for the \"Kidz Horizon\" charity auction. Unlike the standard production models in platinum or pink gold, this is the only known example of the Double Split cased in steel. It features the manual-wind caliber L001.1, the first movement capable of measuring split-time intervals up to thirty minutes. The watch is distinguished by its 43.2mm steel case and a black dial with silver registers and tachymeter scale. Because it is a unique piece, it does not have a standard secondary market price range; however, it sold at Christie’s in 2013 for approximately $500,000. Current valuations for a unique steel Lange chronograph are estimated in the high-six to low-seven-figure range, reflecting its status as one of the rarest watches ever manufactured by the Glashütte firm.", "score": 82}, {"slug": "a-lange-sohne-424-038-triple-split", "brand": "A. Lange & Söhne", "ref": "424.038", "model": "Triple Split", "case_material": "18k Pink Gold", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/a-lange-sohne-424-038-triple-split", "description": "The A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split reference 424.038 in 18k pink gold was introduced in 2021 as a follow-up to the original white gold edition. This reference features a blue dial with rhodium-colored sub-dials and remains in limited production, restricted to 100 pieces globally. Collectors prioritize this model for the caliber L132.1, which is the only mechanical movement capable of measuring comparative times up to twelve hours via split-seconds hands on the seconds, minutes, and hours registers. The 43.2mm case houses 567 components, including a flyback chronograph and a power reserve indicator. On the secondary market, this reference typically commands prices in the mid-to-high six-figure range, often exceeding its original retail value due to its technical complexity and low production volume. A notable production detail is the inclusion of a rapid-reset mechanism and the intricate finishing visible through the sapphire caseback.", "score": 82}, {"slug": "a-lange-sohne-datograph-405", "brand": "A. Lange & Söhne", "ref": "405.035", "model": "Datograph Up/Down", "case_material": "Platinum", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/a-lange-sohne-datograph-405", "description": "The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down reference 405.035 in platinum was introduced in 2012 as the successor to the original 39mm Datograph and remains in current production. Collectors prioritize this reference for its 41mm case diameter and the addition of a power reserve indicator at six o'clock, which addresses the limited 60-hour autonomy of the manual-wind Calibre L951.6. The movement features a flyback chronograph, a jumping minute counter, and a signature oversized date display. The dial is crafted from solid silver with a black galvanized finish and rhodiumed gold appliques. On the secondary market, this reference typically trades in the low-to-mid six-figure range, generally between $100,000 and $130,000 depending on condition and provenance. While the platinum model is the core production version, the reference 405.034 \"Lumen\" variant, limited to 200 pieces, represents the most significant production departure for this specific caliber.", "score": 82}, {"slug": "a-lange-sohne-datograph-perpetual-tourbillon", "brand": "A. Lange & Söhne", "ref": "740.036", "model": "Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon", "case_material": "Platinum", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/a-lange-sohne-datograph-perpetual-tourbillon", "description": "The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon reference 740.036 was introduced in 2016 as a limited edition of 100 pieces in platinum. This reference features a black solid silver dial and houses the manual-wind caliber L952.2, which integrates a flyback chronograph, a perpetual calendar with a moon phase, and a one-minute tourbillon visible through the sapphire caseback. Collectors value this reference for its technical density and the inclusion of a stop-seconds mechanism for the tourbillon, a rare feature in high-complication movements. The 41.5mm platinum case houses 729 individual components. On the secondary market, this reference typically commands prices in the mid-to-high six-figure range, often between $600,000 and $800,000 depending on condition and provenance. A notable production variant is the 740.056, released in 2019 with a \"salmon\" pink gold dial, which was also limited to 100 pieces.", "score": 82}, {"slug": "audemars-piguet-5402ba", "brand": "Audemars Piguet", "ref": "5402BA", "model": "Royal Oak", "case_material": "18k Yellow Gold", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/audemars-piguet-5402ba", "description": "The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 5402BA was produced from 1977 through the early 1980s as the first precious metal iteration of the original Jumbo design. Collectors prioritize this reference for its 39mm \"Jumbo\" monobloc case construction and the ultra-thin Calibre 2121 automatic movement. Unlike modern solid gold versions, the 5402BA features a specific vintage aesthetic defined by its \"Petite Tapisserie\" dial and a thinner profile than later iterations. Production was limited, with approximately 736 units manufactured, making it significantly rarer than its steel counterpart. On the secondary market, prices typically range from $120,000 to over $200,000 depending on the presence of the \"A-series\" serial number or original paperwork. A notable production detail is the existence of the \"Jubilee\" variant or pieces with the \"AP\" logo at six o'clock, which command premiums at international auctions due to their proximity to the original 1972 design layout.", "score": 82}, {"slug": "audemars-piguet-25402sa", "brand": "Audemars Piguet", "ref": "25402SA", "model": "Royal Oak Two-Tone", "case_material": "Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/audemars-piguet-25402sa", "description": "The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 25402SA was produced during the late 1970s and early 1980s as a mid-sized alternative to the \"Jumbo\" models. This reference features a 33mm case constructed from stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, housing the ultra-thin quartz Calibre 2502. Collectors value this reference for its historical role in the brand’s transition during the Quartz Crisis and its adherence to the original Gerald Genta design language, including the integrated bracelet and octagonal bezel. The dial typically features the \"Petite Tapisserie\" pattern with an AP logo positioned at 12 o'clock. On the secondary market, the 25402SA generally trades between $12,000 and $18,000 depending on condition and the presence of original paperwork. A notable production detail is that this reference was among the first Royal Oaks to utilize a quartz movement, marking a specific era of technical experimentation for the manufacturer.", "score": 82}, {"slug": "audemars-piguet-5402st", "brand": "Audemars Piguet", "ref": "5402ST", "model": "Royal Oak Jumbo A-Series", "case_material": "Stainless Steel", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/audemars-piguet-5402st", "description": "The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402ST A-Series was produced between 1972 and approximately 1974, representing the first 2,000 units of the original Royal Oak production. Collectors prioritize the A-Series due to its historical status as the debut luxury steel sports watch and its specific design features, including the \"AP\" logo positioned at 6 o'clock rather than 12 o'clock. The reference features a 39mm monobloc case and the ultra-thin Calibre 2121, developed by Jaeger-LeCoultre. Secondary market prices typically fall within the $100,000 to $200,000 range, though exceptional examples with original \"tropical\" dials or full sets can exceed these figures. A notable production detail is the sequential numbering on the case back; collectors specifically seek the earliest \"A-Series\" designations, as later B, C, and D series moved the logo to the 12 o'clock position and saw higher production volumes.", "score": 82}]}