Limited edition watches hold a special allure for collectors – offering exclusivity, craftsmanship, and unique design features. These coveted and sought-after watches are often produced in restricted quantities, making them highly sought after by horology enthusiasts and aficionados.
This collector’s guide presents 27 limited edition watches representing the pinnacle of craftsmanship, innovation, and luxury – from newly released models in 2023 to upcoming 2024 editions and a few timeless classics that continue to captivate watch collectors everywhere.
What defines a limited edition watch?
These exclusive, sought-after timepieces are characterized by their restricted production runs, typically ranging from a few dozen to a few thousand pieces, making them highly valuable and desirable. These exclusive watches also usually feature unique design elements, particular complications, or collaborations with renowned artists and designers, which adds to their allure and collectibility.
Historically, certain brands have established themselves as leaders in the realm of limited edition watches, including the usual Swiss watchmaking giants like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. But in recent years, emerging brands and independent watchmakers have also made significant contributions to the world of exclusive watches by infusing their creativity and innovation with cutting-edge technology to manufacture new and exciting creations.
Today, limited edition watches continue to capture the imagination of collectors worldwide, with enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the release of new models and editions each year. From high-end luxury timepieces to more affordable options, there’s a limited edition watch to suit every taste, style, and budget. So, without further ado, let’s get into our list of 27 limited edition watches you’ll want to get your hands on in 2024.
#1 Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer” Limited Edition:
Our first entry is a modern interpretation of a classic Rolex model, featuring a distinctive brown and black ceramic bezel and a warm, luxurious aesthetic. The GMT-Master II “Root Beer” Limited Edition pays homage to Rolex’s rich heritage while also incorporating modern design elements. Its robust construction, advanced movement, and timeless appeal make it a prized addition to any collection.
Estimated Price: £18,000 – £22,000.
#2 Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Silver Snoopy Award” Limited Edition:
Commemorating NASA’s prestigious Silver Snoopy Award, our second entry is an iconic timepiece that features a playful design inspired by the beloved Peanuts character. The Speedmaster Moonwatch “Silver Snoopy Award” Limited Edition is a tribute to space exploration and a testament to Omega’s enduring partnership with NASA. Its impeccable craftsmanship and historical significance make it a must-have for any serious collector.
Estimated Price: £8,000 – £10,000.
#3 Patek Philippe Nautilus “Blue Dial” Limited Edition:
With its striking blue dial and sporty yet elegant design, this limited edition Nautilus is sure to turn heads and command attention. The “Blue Dial” Limited Edition showcases Patek Philippe’s mastery of high-end watchmaking, combining exquisite craftsmanship with timeless aesthetics. Its iconic octagonal bezel integrated bracelet and sophisticated movement make it a coveted collector’s item.
Estimated Price: £75,000 – £90,000.
#4 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Limited Edition:
At number four, we have an iconic entry from Royal Oak, which celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of this watchmaker’s most coveted collection. The “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Limited Edition boasts a sleek, ultra-thin profile and a stunning sunburst blue dial; it exemplifies Audemars Piguet’s commitment to innovation and luxury with its revolutionary design and impeccably tidy finish. As a tribute to a watchmaking icon, this piece is destined to become a prized possession for discerning collectors.
Estimated Price: £35,000 – £40,000.
#5 Hublot Big Bang Unico “Red Carbon” Limited Edition:
Crafted from lightweight carbon fibre and adorned with vibrant red accents, this limited edition Big Bang Unico is a bold statement piece for the modern man. The “Red Carbon” Limited Edition pushes the boundaries of design and materials and successfully showcases Hublot’s innovative spirit and avant-garde approach to watchmaking. Its striking aesthetics, robust construction, and high-performance movement make it a standout choice for collectors seeking something truly unique.
Estimated Price: £20,000 – £25,000.
#6 Tag Heuer Monaco Gulf Special Edition:
Inspired by the world of motorsport, our sixth entry is a Monaco limited edition that pays tribute to the legendary Gulf Racing team via a distinctive blue and orange colour scheme and racing-inspired design elements. Collectors agree that this specimen’s sporty yet stylish design and precision engineering capture the thrill of the racetrack in a unique and memorable way. And thanks to its iconic square case, chronograph function, and retro charm, it’s a must-have for motorsport enthusiasts and watch collectors alike.
Estimated Price: £5,000 – £6,000.
#7 Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph Limited Edition:
Featuring a striking black and gold colour scheme and Breitling’s signature slide rule bezel, this limited edition Navitimer is a timeless classic with a modern twist for the discerning modern gentleman. The Navitimer B01 Chronograph Limited Edition combines iconic design elements with cutting-edge technology, making it a versatile and stylish companion for any occasion. Moreover, its chronograph function, aviation-inspired aesthetics, and precision movement make it a favourite among pilots, collectors and watch enthusiasts worldwide.
Estimated Price: £7,000 – £8,000.
#8 Richard Mille RM 25-01 Tourbillon Adventure Sylvester Stallone Limited Edition:
Designed in collaboration with Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone (Rocky, Rambo), this limited edition Richard Mille watch is a rugged yet luxurious companion for the modern adventurer.
This Sylvester Stallone-inspired, limited edition watch embodies Richard Mille’s ethos of combining high-performance materials with innovative design to create memorable and valuable watches. Thanks to its tourbillon movement, compass bezel, and durable construction, it’s the ultimate tool watch for exploring the great outdoors.
Estimated Price: £800,000 – £1,000,000.
#9 Greubel Forsey Balancier S Limited Edition:
This limited edition Greubel Forsey watch, featuring a striking blue dial and a sophisticated tourbillon movement, was crafted meticulously to showcase Greubel Forsey’s commitment to innovation and excellence. The Balancier S Limited Edition exemplifies the brand’s mastery of fine watchmaking with its impeccable finish, intricate complications, and exceptional timekeeping performance. This entry is a testament to the brand’s technical prowess and artistic vision – a true collector’s piece.
Estimated Price: £350,000 – £400,000.
#10 Urwerk UR-220 “Falcon Project” Limited Edition:
At number ten, this limited edition Urwerk watch – featuring a futuristic case shape and a revolutionary satellite hour display – pushes the boundaries of watchmaking design and technology and represents a true engineering masterpiece.
The UR-220 “Falcon Project” Limited Edition showcases Urwerk’s innovative approach to timekeeping with its unconventional display and mechanical complexity. And thanks to this entry’s bold design, technical ingenuity, and exclusive production run, it’s become a coveted collector’s item for those who appreciate cutting-edge watchmaking.
Estimated Price: £150,000 – £200,000.
#11 H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Perpetual Moon Concept Aventurine Limited Edition:
With its mesmerizing quartz dial and attractive moon phase complication, this limited edition H. Moser & Cie. watch is a testament to the brand’s expertise in stylish watchmaking. Our eleventh entry’s intricate dial and sophisticated movement showcase the brand’s commitment to precision watchmaking and world-class craftsmanship. This piece represents a near-perfect blend of technical innovation and timeless elegance, making it a collector’s dream come true.
Estimated Price: £50,000 – £60,000.
#12 Louis Moinet Memoris “Mars” Limited Edition:
Inspired by the red planet itself, this limited edition Louis Moinet watch features a unique dial design reminiscent of Mars’s surface and a sophisticated chronograph movement, making it a must-have for space enthusiasts and watch collectors alike.
The Memoris “Mars” Limited Edition pays homage to Louis Moinet’s legacy of innovation and exploration, with its celestial-inspired design and precision engineering. As a tribute to the wonders of the universe, it’s a captivating and unique timepiece that captures the imagination.
Estimated Price: £40,000 – £50,000.
Limited edition watches aren’t just for men, of course – so here’s a short collection of the most sought after watches for women:
#1 Chopard Happy Sport “Turtle” Limited Edition:
With its whimsical turtle motif and sparkling diamond accents, this limited edition watch is a playful yet elegant statement piece for the sophisticated modern woman.
Estimated Price: £15,000 – £20,000.
#2 Cartier Tank Francaise “Panthère” Limited Edition:
Paying homage to Cartier’s iconic Panthère motif, this limited edition Tank Francaise features a sleek stainless steel case and a striking black lacquer dial adorned with diamond-set panther motifs.
Estimated Price: £25,000 – £30,000.
#3 Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Duetto Moon Limited Edition:
A combination of elegance and innovation, this limited edition Reverso One Duetto Moon features a dual-sided dial with a moon phase complication on one side and a shimmering mother-of-pearl dial on the other—a gorgeous timepiece for the discerning collector.
Estimated Price: £30,000 – £35,000.
#4 Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori Limited Edition:
Inspired by the mesmerizing beauty of the serpent, this limited edition Serpenti Seduttori watch features a sculptural rose gold case and a stunning spiral bracelet adorned with pave diamonds.
Estimated Price: £40,000 – £45,000.
#5 Piaget Limelight Gala Limited Edition:
Exuding glamour and sophistication, this limited edition Limelight Gala watch features a dazzling diamond bezel and an elegant satin strap, making it the perfect accessory for special occasions.
Exclusive watches don’t have to break the bank; here’s a sample of limited edition watches from the affordable end of the price spectrum:
#1 Seiko Prospex “Dawn Grey” Limited Edition:
With its rugged design and reliable automatic movement, this Prospex limited edition is a versatile companion for outdoor adventures.
Estimated Price: £800 – £1,000.
#2 Citizen Promaster “Blue Angels” Limited Edition:
This limited edition Promaster features a bold blue dial and advanced eco-drive technology and pays tribute to the renowned Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron.
Estimated Price: £500 – £600.
#3 Timex Marlin Automatic “Blackout” Limited Edition:
Combining vintage-inspired design with modern functionality, this limited edition Marlin Automatic features a sleek black dial and a classic stainless steel case.
Estimated Price: £200 – £300.
#4 Swatch X MoMA “The Scream” Limited Edition:
This limited edition Swatch features a playful design inspired by Edvard Munch’s iconic painting and represents a wearable work of art sure to spark conversation.
Estimated Price: £100 – £150.
#5 Fossil Limited Edition Skeleton Automatic Watch:
With its skeletonized dial and exhibition case back, this limited edition Fossil watch offers a captivating glimpse into the intricate inner workings of the automatic movement.
Estimated Price: £300 – £400.
What list of limited edition watches would be complete without a brief peek into the world of ultra-luxury watches, some of which sell for as much as £1,000,000?
#1 Graff Diamonds Hallucination:
The Hallucination isn’t just a watch – it’s a masterclass in extravagance and excess. The timepiece combines haute couture with haute horology with an assortment of 110-carat multi-coloured diamonds on a platinum bracelet.
Estimated Price: £55,000,000
#2 Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime:
This timepiece differs from the others thanks to its reversible front and rear dials with gold numerals set on 18K solid gold plates. It has five distinct chiming settings, an acoustic alarm, a date repeater, a case made from white gold, and an alligator strap.
Only seven of these were ever made by Patek Philippe, hence the hefty price tag.
Estimated Price: £31,000,000.
#3 Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette:
This fabulous timepiece was commissioned by one of Marie-Antoinette’s admirers and was manufactured by Abraham-Louis Breguet over the course of 40 years. Unfortunately, Marie-Antonoinette’s execution took place long before the watch was completed, so she never had the chance to see it herself.
Estimated Price: £30,000,000.
#4 Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette:
Jaegar-LeCoultre made this timepiece in 2012 as a gift for Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate the milestone of her 60-year reign. The piece includes a bracelet of white gold sporting 576 diamonds and 11 onyx gemstones.
Estimated Price: £26,000,000.
#5 Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication:
Commissioned by American banker Henry Graves Jr in the early 20th century, the Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication is perhaps the most unique (and complicated) watch ever made, as it includes a wide array of astronomical functions. It consists of a calendar, a minute repeater, the times of sunrise and sunset, and a celestial chart that shows what the the night sky would have looked like from Graves’ house in New York.
Estimated Price: £24,000,000.
Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of a classic Rolex or the avant-garde design of a contemporary Urwerk, these limited-edition watches offer something for every collector’s taste and style. With their exclusivity, craftsmanship, and innovation, these sought-after timepieces will make a statement on any wrist and become cherished heirlooms for generations to come.
Prices and availability of items may change over time. This article should be used for guidance only – nothing herein constitutes a recommendation or a guarantee of price or availability.