A
lthough eBay has been a popular destination for watch buyers for decades, the launch of their Authenticity Guarantee service in 2020 made it a primary source for high-end watches.
Buyers can shop with confidence for luxury and haute horology watches, both new and collectible, knowing that their purchases will be inspected and authenticated by third-party experts. The service is offered for free on watch purchases over $2,000 and is available in the United States, United Kingdom and Germany.
Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive watches sold on eBay in 2023 and consider what makes each of these watches so attractive.
The most expensive watch sold on eBay in 2023 – an RM 72-01 Lifestyle Flyback Chronograph - is a key product for Richard Mille. Featuring the brand’s first in-house flyback chronograph movement, it serves as a symbol for the capabilities of the Les Breuleux, Switzerland haute horology brand. The movement uses a novel dual oscillating pinion clutch, minimizing the impact of chronograph engagement on the amplitude of the balance. And the movement, constructed with robust titanium bridges, is visible through both the dial and case back in Richard Mille’s modern sporty style.
Even without considering the price, it is challenging to purchase a Richard Mille watch, as production volume is low and demand is off the charts. But one titanium cased example of this incredible reference was purchased on eBay last year for $315,000 for a titanium cased example. Another example of this reference is listed right now by Wrist Aficionado in New York. $319,000 will get a brand-new RM 72-01 with original box and papers, backed by eBay Authenticity Guarantee, of course!
Another of the most expensive watches sold on eBay in 2023, the Nautilus is one of the most desirable and collectible watches from Patek Philippe, bringing Gerald Genta’s steel luxury watch concept to the famed Geneva brand in 1976. The original Nautilus was nicknamed “Jumbo” for its hefty 42 mm case, which resembled a porthole even more than Genta’s 1972 Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet. But the large Nautilus was discontinued in 1990, with smaller models (many with precious metal cases) drawing more sales. With larger watches again in demand later in that decade, afficionados of the brand were thrilled with the reintroduction of a new “Jumbo”, Ref. 3710. This Nautilus was also the first model with a complication on the dial: A rotating power reserve indicator, nicknamed the “Comet” for its distinctive orbit not quite at the top of the dial.
Today, the ”Jumbo Comet” represents an important era in the history of the iconic Patek Philippe Nautilus history, and examples are in high demand. One of the most expensive watches sold on eBay in 2023 was a Patek Philippe Ref. 3710 Nautilus, which brought $75,000. A similar example is listed now, with box and papers and eBay Authenticity Guarantee, by Jewels in Time of Boca Raton, Florida. This 2005 example is un-polished and fully checked and serviced, ready for daily wear!
The unusual combination of a yellow gold case and green “Hulk” dial on the Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116508 took a while to find buyers. Introduced in 2016, it was the endorsement of musician John Mayer, who called it a “sleeper hit”, changed its fortunes. The “Gold Hulk” was soon spotted on the wrists of celebrities like Drake, Connor McGregor, and Roger Federer, making it one of the most sought-after Cosmograph Daytona references. So, it is unsurprising that an example of this reference was one of the most expensive watches sold on eBay in 2023, selling for $73,000 with an Authenticity Guarantee. Another example is currently listed for a similar price on eBay now.
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