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15 Vintage Watches That Are Worth a Pretty Penny

Used styles worn by celebrities and rare historical finds can bring in big money.

businessman looking at wrist watch
Updated June 24, 2025
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In today's economy, it can be challenging to earn extra income due to unexpected changes. But if you check your old jewelry box, there might be hidden treasures that could hold some value, such as that vintage watch you never wear.  

Vintage luxury watches are a big market. So it might be worth it to ask your relatives about their timepieces, or to lurk around thrift shops to find some old watches that could make you some money. Read on to learn more about 15 of the most expensive vintage watches around.

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Patek Philippe 3974

Courtesy of Patek Philippe Patek Philippe 3974

Patek Philippe manufactured the 3974 model in 1989. This wristwatch has a complex setup with a time of day, perpetual calendar, and moon phase displays.

The watch even indicates leap years on its sleek display, with a beautiful design featured on the lower center part of the face. One of these timepieces can sell for anywhere between $25,000 and $4.32 million, depending on the condition.

If you have one of these lying around, consider selling it as it can boost your bank account.

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Patek Philippe 1518

Courtesy of Patek Philippe Patek Philippe 1518

There are only four known copies of this incredible steel-banded watch, which was the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch introduced to the market.

The Patek Philippe 1518 is considered the most expensive watch in the world and went for a jaw-dropping $11,136,642 at auction after a heated war between seven bidders.

1950's and 60s Omega Speedmasters

Courtesy of Omega Omega Speedmasters

Speedmasters made in the 1950s and 1960s were built with aviation and motorsports in mind. In 1965, these watches became an official partner with NASA, and an ST105.012 was on Buzz Aldrin's wrist when he landed on the moon.

There's currently a used 1962 Omega Speedmaster listed on eBay for $39,000.

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Bao Dai Rolex 6062

Courtesy of Rolex Bao Dai Rolex 6062

The last Emperor of Vietnam, who ruled from 1926 to 1945, once requested the rarest Rolex ever in production. This gorgeous diamond-encrusted timepiece has a black band and face, with gold details and framing.

The watch features a moon and stars on the second hand. In May 2017, this watch went for what would be over $5,400,000 today at the world-renowned Geneva Watch Auction.

Rolex 4113 'Split-Seconds'

Courtesy of Rolex Rolex 4113 'Split-Seconds'

Only 12 Rolex 4113 models were manufactured, making it one of the rarest watches ever made. It's the only split-second chronograph Rolex ever released. 

While you won't find them out and about, one of these watches went for $1.17 million in 2011, though it's currently valued at more than $2.4 million.

Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal 4907

Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal 4907

This model of Vacheron Constantin has only ever been brought to auction once, so it is unknown how many copies were made during its nine years in production.

This white gold chronometer watch has center-set seconds and long lugs, which make it striking as a timepiece. It was sold for today's equivalent of around $133,500.

Rolex "Paul Newman" Daytona

Courtesy of Rolex Rolex

This watch was launched in 1963 and gained popularity after Paul Newman was seen wearing it out and about during his racing career. The contrasting colors and funky dial design were just two features that drew people to it.

Newman's namesake Rolex was sold for $17.75 million by Phillips Auction House in 2017. Similar models can go for $90,000 or more.

1970's Audemars Piguet Royal Oak A-Series

Courtesy of Audemars Piguet 1970's Audemars Piguet Royal Oak A-Series

Renowned watch designer Gerald Genta created the Royal Oak A-Series watch, which features an octagonal face and exposed screws.

It's a luxury watch that uses stainless steel instead of precious metals, which helps to expand the capabilities of a "sports" watch. A 5402SA model is currently listed for $59,000.

Pre-1950 Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso

Courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre Jaeger-LeCoultre

If you have a watch from Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso that was released in the year 1950 or earlier, you may be able to get a pretty penny for it.

During World War II, the British Army used the Reverso in battle because of its durability. Models like the Classique, Duo, and Tribute Calendar can go for over $65,000. One is currently up on eBay for $29,000.

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Patek Philippe 3430

Courtesy of Patek Philippe Patek Philippe 3430

In 1961, Patek Philippe released the 3430, a square-faced evening watch with a simplistic, linear design featuring Geneve stripes. Per French rules, the solid yellow gold case and the back of the timepiece are signed.

You can currently score a gently used one with a brand-new leather band for $7,459 online.

IWC Schaffhausen Swiss Gents 18K Gold Watch

Courtesy of IWC Schaffhausen IWC Schaffhausen Swiss Gents 18K Gold Watch

In 1967, prestigious watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen released the 18K gold Swiss Gents timepiece.

The case displays an extra large, clean watch face and the famous axe lugs logo, and this model has a Swiss 89 manual wind caliber. There's one listed online for $5,839.

IWC Schaffhausen Swiss Gents 18K Gold Watch

Courtesy of IWC Schaffhausen  IWC Schaffhausen Swiss Gents 18K Gold Watch

If IWC Schaffhausen is thrilled with the value of their 1967 Swiss Gents model, their original 1961 model looks to be worth around the same amount.

This rose gold version has a linear design, is extra large, and was manufactured with a solid gold mesh bracelet. A used original, intact, is available for $5,378.

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

methaphum/Adobe person holding a wallet

July is in full swing, bringing the height of summer. That also means peak season for hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:

  • Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
  • Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
  • Swimwear and summer fashion
  • For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes

While you're enjoying the sunshine, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That makes July a prime opportunity to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.

Patek Philippe 2573

Courtesy of Patek Philippe Patek Philippe 2573

This timepiece is set in a solid gold, signed case, housing a 10-200 classic 1950s manual wind caliber. One with its original, rare, 18k gold Guy Freres bracelet band is currently listed for $14,390.

Vacheron Constantin 46003/411J S 623D

Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin 46003/411J S 623D

Vacheron Constantin has been around since 1755, so the watchmaker was going to make multiple appearances on this list. This Swiss-made, yellow gold-on-gold wristwatch has a 34-mm face, brushed finish, and beautiful bracelet band.

There are several listed online for up to $42,000.

DuMarko Swiss Universal Geneve

Courtesy of DuMarko DuMarko Swiss Universal Geneve

DuMarko's Swiss Universal Geneve watch was manufactured in the 1960s, and features a 30mm-wide case in 18K white gold. The chain link bracelet is a smooth, slender and sophisticated addition to the clean watch face.

You can get an authentic one for $3,560 through DuMarko.

Quick tips: How to prepare for economic uncertainty

Brianjackson/Adobe piggy bank savings

Uncertain times call for a review of expenses that goes beyond simple cost-cutting. Here are some steps for you to consider:

During challenging economic periods, try to focus on what you can control. And remember that financial resilience isn't built overnight.

Bottom line

rawpixel.com/Adobe wrist watch product shoot

While it's unlikely you'll have a Bao Dai Rolex lying around, you could get ahead financially by checking your jewelry box or that thrift store down the street.

Don't discount family heirlooms, and ensure your items are assessed by trusted professionals.

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