{"query": "96", "brand": null, "total": 8, "limit": 10, "matches": [{"slug": "patek-philippe-96", "brand": "Patek Philippe", "ref": "96", "model": "Quantieme Perpetuel", "case_material": "18k Yellow Gold", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/patek-philippe-96", "description": "The Patek Philippe Reference 96 Quantième Perpétuel was produced during the late 1930s and early 1940s, representing the first perpetual calendar wristwatch ever made in series by the manufacturer. Collectors value this reference for its historical significance as the progenitor of the brand’s perpetual calendar lineage and its use of the Caliber 11’’’ 120 movement. The 18k yellow gold case measures approximately 31mm, featuring the minimalist Calatrava aesthetic with integrated lugs. Due to its age and pioneering status, production numbers were extremely limited, with fewer than ten examples identified publicly. On the secondary market, these watches command prices in the mid-to-high six-figure range, often exceeding $500,000 depending on provenance. A notable 1937 example featuring an indirect center seconds complication and a sector dial achieved a record auction price of nearly $4 million, highlighting the rarity of specific movement configurations within this reference.", "score": 197}, {"slug": "cartier-2496c", "brand": "Cartier", "ref": "2496C", "model": "Large Tortue", "case_material": "18k Yellow Gold", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/cartier-2496c", "description": "The Cartier Tortue reference 2496C in 18k yellow gold was produced during the late 1990s and early 2000s as part of the Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP). Collectors prioritize this reference for its mechanical manual-wind Calibre 437 MC, developed by Piaget, which distinguishes it from quartz or ETA-based standard models. The 34mm by 43mm case features the traditional tortoise-inspired shape with a guilloché silver dial, Roman numerals, and a sapphire cabochon crown. This reference represents Cartier’s effort to return to high-end mechanical watchmaking using historical designs. On the secondary market, the 2496C typically trades between $18,000 and $25,000 depending on condition and the presence of original accessories. While the yellow gold version is the most common CPCP Tortue, production numbers remained limited compared to modern mass-market releases, and examples featuring the \"Paris\" signature on the dial command higher interest at auction.", "score": 82}, {"slug": "cartier-2396", "brand": "Cartier", "ref": "2396", "model": "Tortue Monopoussoir", "case_material": "18k White Gold", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/cartier-2396", "description": "The Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir reference 2396 in 18k white gold was produced between 1998 and approximately 2008 as part of the Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP). Collectors prioritize this reference for its manual-wind caliber 045MC, a column-wheel monopusher chronograph movement designed by THA Èbauche, a collaborative venture involving Vianney Halter, Denis Flageollet, and François-Paul Journe. The 34mm by 43mm tonneau case features a sapphire caseback and a silvered guilloché dial with a central rose motif and blued steel hands. Secondary market prices typically range from $45,000 to $65,000 depending on condition and the presence of original accessories. While the white gold model was not a numbered limited edition, its production volume was significantly lower than standard Cartier lines. A notable variant includes the larger XL reference 2714, though the 2396 remains favored for its historically accurate proportions.", "score": 82}, {"slug": "hublot-957966", "brand": "Hublot", "ref": "957966", "model": "King Power Oceanographic 1000", "case_material": "Titanium", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/hublot-957966", "description": "The Hublot King Power Oceanographic 1000, reference 732.NX.1179.RW, was introduced around 2012 as a more wearable 48mm titanium alternative to the 4000-meter diver. This reference is no longer in production, as Hublot has shifted focus away from extreme saturation divers. Collectors value the model for its HUB4225 self-winding chronograph movement and its specialized case construction, which features a crown-operated internal rotating bezel and a helium escape valve. The matte black dial utilizes high-visibility luminescent markers designed for legibility at depth. On the secondary market, this titanium reference typically trades between $8,000 and $12,000 depending on condition and the inclusion of the original quick-change strap system. While the 4000-meter version gained more media attention, this 1000-meter variant is noted for its relative practicality and limited production numbers compared to standard King Power chronographs.", "score": 82}, {"slug": "longines-6119-6", "brand": "Longines", "ref": "6119-6", "model": "Oversized", "case_material": "Stainless Steel", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/longines-6119-6", "description": "The Longines reference 6119-6 is a vintage timepiece produced during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Collectors prioritize this reference for its 37.5mm stainless steel case, which was considered oversized for the era and features distinctive downturned lugs. The watch typically houses the manual-wind caliber 12.68Z, a movement noted for its durability and finishing. Dial configurations vary, but examples featuring original radium luminous plots and sector layouts are the most sought after. Due to its limited production and the modern preference for larger vintage cases, the 6119-6 is relatively rare on the secondary market. Current market values generally range between $3,000 and $6,000 depending on the dial condition and originality. A notable variant includes the \"Tre Tacche\" style screw-down case back found on some early iterations, which enhances the watch's structural rigidity and historical appeal among military-style watch enthusiasts.", "score": 82}, {"slug": "patek-philippe-calatrava-5196", "brand": "Patek Philippe", "ref": "5196", "model": "Calatrava", "case_material": "18k Yellow Gold", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/patek-philippe-calatrava-5196", "description": "The Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 5196J in 18k yellow gold was produced from 2004 until its discontinuation in 2022. Collectors value this reference for its direct lineage to the 1932 reference 96, maintaining the signature flat bezel, integrated lugs, and 37mm case diameter that modernized the classic dress watch proportions. It features a solid caseback concealing the manual-wind Caliber 215 PS, a movement known for its slim profile and Gyromax balance. The dial utilizes applied gold baton markers and a sub-seconds register at six o'clock. On the secondary market, the 5196J typically trades between $18,000 and $24,000 depending on condition and the inclusion of original paperwork. While the yellow gold is the most traditional iteration, the reference was also produced in rose gold, white gold, and a platinum version featuring Breguet numerals and a two-tone sector dial.", "score": 82}, {"slug": "tudor-7966", "brand": "Tudor", "ref": "7966", "model": "Ranger", "case_material": "Stainless Steel", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/tudor-7966", "description": "The Tudor Ranger reference 7966 was produced during the 1960s, featuring a 34mm stainless steel Oyster case and an automatic ETA-based caliber 2484 movement with a date complication. Collectors target this reference for its specific tool-watch aesthetic, characterized by a matte black \"smiley\" dial, Arabic numerals at 12, 6, and 9, and a unique shovel-shaped hour hand. Because many standard Oyster Prince models were later modified with counterfeit Ranger dials, authentic examples with verified provenance are rare. On the secondary market, prices typically range from $4,000 to $9,000 depending on the presence of the original folded-link bracelet and dial condition. A notable production detail is the \"Red Ranger\" variant, which features the model name printed in red; however, these are frequently scrutinized by experts due to the high prevalence of aftermarket reproductions in the vintage market.", "score": 82}, {"slug": "zenith-65", "brand": "Zenith", "ref": "65", "model": "El Primero A386 Only Watch 2019", "case_material": "18k White Gold", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/zenith-65", "description": "The Zenith El Primero A386 Only Watch 2019 is a unique piece produced specifically for the 2019 Only Watch charity auction. This reference features a 38mm case constructed from 18k white gold, a material not used for the original 1969 A386 production. It houses the El Primero caliber 400, a high-frequency automatic integrated chronograph movement. The dial retains the signature tri-color sub-dial layout but replaces the standard blue register with a turquoise sub-dial at three o'clock, a color specific to the 2019 auction theme. Collectors value this reference for its status as a one-of-one production and its lifetime warranty and service package included by the manufacturer. At its original sale at Christie’s in November 2019, the watch realized a price of 75,000 CHF. Due to its unique nature, secondary market availability is non-existent, placing its theoretical value in the high five-figure to low six-figure range.", "score": 70}]}