A remarkable Rolex Reference 4113 has achieved a groundbreaking sale of $4.7 million at a recent auction in Dubai, setting a new record for one of the rarest vintage timepieces ever crafted. This sale highlights the insatiable appetite among collectors for exceptional luxury watches, particularly rare models like the Rolex Reference 4113, which continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
Historic Sale at Dubai Auction
The auction, hosted by FutureGrail at the prestigious Bvlgari Yacht Club, attracted significant interest, culminating in the highest price ever paid for a Rolex Reference 4113. This astonishing amount eclipses the previous record for the model by over $1.2 million. With only 12 units produced during the 1940s, and merely nine believed to exist today, the rarity of this timepiece has only heightened its desirability.
Significance of the Rolex Reference 4113
Ali Nael, CEO of FutureGrail, remarked on the sale’s significance, stating, “This sale is one of the most significant in auction history, breaking a world record and underlining the demand from luxury watch collectors across the globe.” He further noted that bringing such a rare item to market illustrates the extraordinary interest in high-end watches, emphasizing locations ranging from Geneva to Dubai to Singapore. “We may not see a Rolex Reference 4113 of this quality come to market for a long time,” Nael added.
A Unique Chronograph
The Rolex Reference 4113 stands out as the only “split-seconds” vintage chronograph produced by the brand. Its connection to motor racing, with numerous pieces once owned by celebrated drivers and team principals, amplifies its historical significance and collector value. This unique lineage adds a compelling layer to the allure of the Rolex Reference 4113, making it a prized possession for aficionados.
FutureGrail’s Expanding Influence
This landmark sale reinforces FutureGrail’s burgeoning reputation within the elite auction sector. With its headquarters in Singapore, the company has plans to extend its operations to the UAE in 2026, anticipating a surge in demand within the Middle East‘s luxury watch market. Leveraging a dedicated in-house horology team alongside some of the industry’s lowest buying and selling premiums, FutureGrail is positioning itself as a go-to platform for collectors in search of rare, investment-grade timepieces.
Arnaud Tellier, Head of Curation at FutureGrail and a former Director of the Patek Philippe Museum, commented on the evolving market landscape: “From individual collectors purchasing for pleasure to investors diversifying their portfolios outside of traditional stocks and real estate assets, there is huge demand in the luxury watch market. Shrewd collectors optimize value and potential liquidity of purchases by finding rare items in the best possible condition.”
With the recent auction success, the Rolex Reference 4113 firmly establishes itself among the most valuable watches ever sold, further elevating Dubai’s status as a premier destination for luxury collectors around the globe.