A rare Rolex Reference 4113 has sold for a world-record US$4.7 million at a FutureGrail auction in Dubai, setting a new benchmark for one of the most sought-after vintage timepieces ever made.
The sale, which took place after a packed preview at the Bvlgari Yacht Club, marks the highest price ever paid for a Reference 4113, surpassing the previous record by more than US$1.2 million. Only 12 pieces of the model were produced in the 1940s, with just nine known to exist today.
Ali Nael, CEO of FutureGrail, said: “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. It is a privilege to bring such a rare item to the market, demonstrating that from Geneva to Dubai to Singapore, watches of this calibre command incredible interest. We may not see a Rolex Reference 4113 of this quality come to market for a long time.”
The Rolex Reference 4113 is notable for being the only “split-seconds” vintage chronograph ever produced by Rolex. Its strong ties to motor racing, with many examples once owned by drivers and team principals, further enhance its historical value and collector appeal.
The sale also cements FutureGrail’s growing reputation in the high-end auction world. Headquartered in Singapore, the company plans to expand its physical operations to the UAE in 2026 to meet rising demand in the Middle East’s luxury watch market.
Combining a specialist in-house horology team with one of the industry’s lowest buying and selling premiums, FutureGrail has rapidly positioned itself as a global platform for collectors seeking rare and investment-grade timepieces.
Arnaud Tellier, Head of Curation at FutureGrail and former Director of the Patek Philippe Museum, said: “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 optimise value and potential liquidity of purchases by finding rare items in the best possible condition.”
With this sale, the Rolex Reference 4113 joins the ranks of the most valuable watches ever auctioned, underscoring Dubai’s growing status as a hub for global luxury collectors.
