The Record Ledger · updated July 2026 · 21 documented results
The 10 Most Expensive Watches Sold at Auction in 2012
The most expensive watch sold at auction in 2012 ever documented by MostExpensiveWatches is the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 2499, which realized $2,750,760 at Christie's Geneva in 2012 — the top of 21 documented results totaling $6,779,386.
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1
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
$2,750,760 · 2012 · Christie's Geneva
A fresh-to-market first-series example in pink gold, one of only a handful known to exist in this metal and series combination.
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2
Patek Philippe World Time 'Tiffany & Co.'
$1,022,500 · 2012 · Christie's New York
The only known example of Ref. 2523/1 retailed and signed by Tiffany & Co., setting a record for the reference at the time of sale.
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3
Patek Philippe Tourbillon Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar
$722,500 · 2012 · Antiquorum New York
A unique and important platinum example featuring a custom black dial with red accents, commissioned by a dedicated Patek Philippe client.
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4
Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Gordon Bethune Stelline"
$590,500 · 2012 · Christie's New York
From the collection of former Continental Airlines CEO Gordon Bethune, this Stelline is noted for its exceptional original condition.
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5
Panerai Radiomir 'Small Egiziano'
$326,500 · 2012 · Christie's New York
An extremely rare military diver's watch made for the Egyptian Navy, featuring a Rolex movement and a 'Radiomir Panerai' sandwich dial.
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6
Jacob & Co Caviar Tourbillon
$304,000 · 2012 · Christie's Hong Kong
An extremely rare limited edition tourbillon wristwatch invisibly set with over 400 baguette-cut diamonds totaling approximately 30 carats.
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7
Omega Seamaster "Neptune Cloisonné"
$258,016 · 2012 · Christie's Geneva
An ultra-rare 1954 Seamaster featuring a cloisonné enamel dial by Nelly Richard depicting Neptune; it is one of only five known examples with this specific motif.
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8
Panerai Radiomir Platinum
$145,032 · 2012 · Christie's Hong Kong
The 'grail' of modern Panerai, this limited edition of 60 pieces features a vintage Rolex Caliber 618 movement and a platinum case.
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9
Universal Genève A. Cairelli Split-Second Chronograph
$129,000 · 2012 · Sotheby's Geneva
A historically significant oversized military split-second chronograph delivered by the Roman retailer A. Cairelli to the Italian Air Force in 1945.
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10
Panerai Radiomir Tourbillon GMT 'Lo Scienziato'
$120,967 · 2012 · Christie's Hong Kong
A highly complicated skeletonized tourbillon with a 6-day power reserve, housed in a 48mm black ceramic cushion case.
How the record was set
Every documented result that beat all before it.
| Year | New record | Watch |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | $145,032 | Panerai Radiomir Platinum · Christie's Hong Kong |
| 2012 | $258,016 | Omega Seamaster "Neptune Cloisonné" · Christie's Geneva |
| 2012 | $304,000 | Jacob & Co Caviar Tourbillon · Christie's Hong Kong |
| 2012 | $326,500 | Panerai Radiomir 'Small Egiziano' · Christie's New York |
| 2012 | $590,500 | Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Gordon Bethune Stelline" · Christie's New York |
| 2012 | $722,500 | Patek Philippe Tourbillon Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar · Antiquorum New York |
| 2012 | $1,022,500 | Patek Philippe World Time 'Tiffany & Co.' · Christie's New York |
| 2012 | $2,750,760 | Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph · Christie's Geneva |
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Cite this record
Every figure above is a documented hammer price with a primary source on its lot page. Cite as “MostExpensiveWatches Record Ledger”, e.g.:
“The most expensive watch sold at auction in 2012 ever documented by MostExpensiveWatches is the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 2499, which realized $2,750,760 at Christie's Geneva in 2012 — the top of 21 documented results totaling $6,779,386.” — MostExpensiveWatches, July 2026. https://mostexpensivewatches.net/most-expensive/sold-in/2012
Machine-readable: /data/records.json · See also the Grail Index and the daily Price Index.