What time is it? $24 million

A gold pocket watch made by 'Patek Philippe' was sold for $24 million (23.2 Swiss francs) at an auction in Geneva on November 2. Sotheby's, the auction house that held the bidding, stated that this watch broke the record for the sale of the most expensive watch set fifteen years ago, which was also made by 'Patek Philippe'. According to Reuters, this most expensive and delicate watch in the world was commissioned by 'Henry Graves', a New York banker, in the 1930s. Henry Graves commissioned this watch from 'Patek Philippe', a maker of luxury and extravagant watches, in competition with a pocket watch made by James Packard, an American automobile manufacturer. Sotheby's had estimated the pre-sale price of this watch at 15 million Swiss francs. The buyer and seller, who wished to remain anonymous, both participated in this thrilling 15-minute competition held at a hotel in Geneva. This watch features many technical and timing characteristics, including two dials, a perpetual calendar, lunar phase changes, and a timing mechanism that records two events simultaneously. Additionally, it incorporates the chimes of the Westminster clock in London and indicators for sunrise and sunset in the sky over 'Central Park' in New York from Henry Graves' home on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. This watch, which was last wound in 1969 and still works accurately, has held the title of the most delicate and complex watch in the world for the past 56 years. Sotheby's stated in a statement that experts have only been able to technically surpass this watch using computer technologies. The statement noted that 'Henry Graves' 'super complicated' watch has solidified its premier position as the most valuable timepiece in auction history, breaking the previous record for expensive watches, which was around $11 million and sold in 1999. This watch was finally delivered to Henry Graves in January 1933 after three years of research and five years of production. Tim Bourne, head of the fine watches department at Sotheby's, said: 'The result achieved today at this auction confirms the star status of Henry Graves' super complicated watch. This is a masterpiece that has transcended the boundaries of horological science and has made its place among the greatest works of art in the world.' The Swiss watchmaking company 'Patek Philippe' was established 175 years ago and is one of the reputable names in the luxury and complex watch industry.