Meta Luxury Time Style :The Most Expensive Watches for the Uber Rich

For time to turn timeless it needs to be wrapped in something that goes beyond being a product. It has to be a labour of love, of skilled workmanship and a heritage that lives on for generations.

A watch reflects more about the choice and character of the wearer and can be one of the most noticeable accessories that adorns us.

The watches listed below would be amongst the most expensive ones made and a few of them would be classified more in terms of jewelry than actual timepieces but all involve extremely skilled workmanship, top quality components and a truly luxurious lineage.

Truly Meta-Luxury Time Style.

Chopard 201-Carat

Price: $25 million

Chopard 201-Carat

Hidden beneath this rainbow of gems and precious stones, is a watch, surrounded by three heart-shaped diamonds each different from the other: a pink 15-carat rock, a blue 12-carat and a colourless 11-carat. Fixed on a diamond-encrusted bracelet made of white and yellow gold, This is the world’s most expensive watch…

Patek Phillipe Henry Graves Supercomplication Pocket Watch

Price: $11 million

Patek Phillipe Henry Graves Supercomplication Pocket Watch

This one-of-a-kind pocket watch was made in 1933 yet looks contemporary enough to have been forged today. Named after the banker it was specially commissioned for, this timepiece is constructed out of solid 18-carat gold. It still looks modern today and its chronological functions and chiming minute repeater are more suited to today’s era than the 1930s. A piece of art ahead of its time.

Louis Moinet Meteoris Watch

Price: $4.6 million

Louis Moinet Meteoris Watch

Louis Moinet collected more than meteorite dust to help make this masterpiece. He collected samples from the Moon and an asteroid as well as a Mars meteorite to put into each of his Meteoris watches. It's not a bad price to wear a piece of the Moon on your wrist and it does come in a set of four.

The Piaget Emperador Temple

Price: $3.3 million

The Piaget Emperador Temple

Essentially two watches-in-one, Piaget’s Emperador Temple is one of the most ‘bling’ timepieces money can buy. Covered in 1,212 diamonds, it’s pyramid style front opens up to reveal a second face, and can be closed over to be simply worn as a bracelet. The case holds 688 brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds while the second face possesses 173 of the world’s most valuable stone. Not to be outdone, the bracelet holds 350 diamonds of its own. A watch for someone who has everything else.

Patek Philippe Model 2523 Heures Universelles

Price: $2.9 million

Patek Philippe Model 2523 Heures Universelles

The watch epitomises modern sophistication. This Patek Philippe watch, though almost 60 years old, is an elegant yet original 18-carat gold piece with a splash of colour in the centre dial. The diagram of North America helped the watch to sell for its near $3 million price tag at an auction in 2002.

Cartier Secret Watch with Phoenix Décor

Price: $2.75 million

Cartier Secret Watch with Phoenix Décor

  

A watch disguised as a glistening bracelet, Cartier’s Phoenix timepiece is made of 18-carat, rhodium-plated white gold. Encompassing over 3,000 brilliant-cut diamonds, a 3.53-carat portrait-cut diamond and emerald embellishments, this watch might be secret but it's not very subtle. In tune with the legend of cartier it belongs more in a royal treasure chest than on a commoner’s wrist.

Franck Muller The Aeternitas Mega 4

Price: $2.4 million

Franck Muller The Aeternitas Mega 4

Hailed as the most intricate wrist watch ever created, the Aeternitas Mega 4 is specially manufactured by Franck Muller and can only be purchase in New York and Geneva. It has the tune of Carillon Westminster which comes in 3 time zones, 999-year calendar and chimes every hour. This special watch can be purchased at a price of about $2.4 million.

Parmigiani Fleurier - Fibonacci Pocket Watch

 Price: $2.4 million

Parmigiani Fleurier - Fibonacci Pocket Watch

Renowned clock manufacturer Parmigiani Fleurier, well known among connoisseurs for their collaboration with Bugatti has created a masterpiece: a timepiece crafted of Palladium.

Named after the nickname of Italy’s most famous mathematician, Leonardo Pisano, the Fibonacci can take up to two years to make and dismisses sparkly diamonds for mother-of-pearl counters – where the majority of its hefty price tag can be attributed to. Alongside a white gold dial and cathedral chimes, this pocket watch is of a more feminine taste than the norm, featuring a lotus flower embellishment on the front.

An elaborately engraved lily was selected by Parmigiani to ornament the face of the chronograph and filigree hand-engraving on the bridge augment the elegance.

Blancpain Tourbillon Diamants

 Price: $1.8 million

Blancpain Tourbillon Diamants

A diamond-heavy piece, the Tourbillon Diamants by Blancpain incorporates 480 diamonds on a white gold case. The watch features a self-winding function and a seven-day power reserve as well as being water-resistant. It is instantly recognizable and an ultra luxurious Blancpain masterpiece.

Richard Mille RM 56 Felipe Massa Sapphire Watch

Price: $1.7 million

Richard Mille RM 56 Felipe Massa Sapphire Watch

One thing all watches above the $1 million price tag have is exclusivity, and they don’t come much more exclusive than the RM 56 Felipe Massa watch. With only five made in the world, the Richard Mille creation is covered with sapphire crystal and a clear face allowing the fortunate owners to view into the timepiece’s mechanisms.

Hublot Big Bang

Price $ 1 million

Hublot Big Bang

Hublot made the million dollar big bang watch out of white gold and rare baguette cut black diamonds. almost 550 diamonds are all over the watch, with a total of 34.5 carats. Hublot took its time making the watch. Over 2000 hours went into it. The movement is a manually wound tourbillon. Functions include the time (tourbillon acts as the seconds indicator), and a power reserve indicator.

It is rare, took a lot of time to make, is for men, and is actually very attractive. It is supposed to inspire envy, awe, and a bit of anger. A Power watch.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks Watch

Price: $1.3 million

Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks Watch

With an 18-carat white gold bezel, 104 baguettes on the case and a dial encrusted with 116 diamonds, Audemars Piguet’s diamond Royal Oaks watch is a standard entry into elite wristwatch terrain. More for the overtly luxurious than understated it still ranks as one of the finest pieces ever made.

Meta Luxury City Breaks :The Best Big City Hotels

To compile a list of the best metro hotels in the world is a difficult task as it is humanly not possible to experience all that this world has to offer.

To the truly discerning and demanding traveler I would recommend the following hotels as truly meta-luxurious not in any particular order as all are too distinct in their character to be compared fairly. They all qualify with a true and unique blend of history, rarity and focus in their field along with being ultra luxurious and in a way exquisite works of art.

President Wilson Hotel, Geneva, Switzerland

Following a full renovation completed in 2010, the Hotel President Wilson remains an incomparable destination in the heart of Geneva. The choice of many dignified authorities, this elegant hotel offers a world of unique privileges. The hotel is just steps away from one of the city’s most beautiful parks and close to the main international organizations and chic boutiques. Take an enchanting stroll along Lake Geneva and experience an elegant combination of a distinguished location and modern architecture.

This elegant 5-star hotel is located on Geneva’s waterfront promenade, offering spectacular views of Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc and the Alps. It features a luxurious spa and an outdoor pool.

Westin Excelsior Rome, Italy

If Rome is your destination then the Westin Excelsior, Rome should be your address for that period. Located on the Via Veneto, Rome's most celebrated avenue, the 316-room Westin Excelsior is a monument to turn-of-the-century style, and is located approximately 19 miles from Fiumicino Airport. The hotel also features the largest suite in Europe, Villa La Cupola.

Located on the fifth and sixth floor underneath the cupola of the hotel, the suite covers 6,099 square feet and has an additional 1,808 square feet of balconies and terraces. While it only has two bedrooms, five more can be joined to it. The entire suite was just remodeled at a cost of around $7 million.

The Plaza Hotel, New York, USA

One of New York's most distinctive landmarks, The Plaza Hotel holds a special place in the city's history, hosting generations of the rich and famous, inspiring books, and starring in movies. The property has recently been renovated and restored to its former glory, reborn as a combination luxury condominium and hotel tower.

The 7,802-square-foot Presidential suite covers nearly the entire 18th floor of the Plaza, with views overlooking Central Park. The walls are covered in silk, the reception area has a 10-foot-wide stained glass window and the hand-painted piano depicts scenes from the French countryside.

The suite has five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, two living rooms, a dining room, powder room and sauna. There are also three marble fireplaces, a terrace and a 2,000-bottle wine cellar. The Presidential Suite also comes with the use of a secretary/butler and the Plaza's chefs are at your disposal.

The Ritz, Paris, France (Now Officially Closed for Renovation till 2014)

The Ritz Paris has closed its gilded doors. The legendary luxury hotel, which first opened in 1898, has closed for two years for a massive renovation project. Here's the letter the general manager sent out to guests (and anyone who's ever subscribed to their newsletter):

The legendary Ritz Paris has closed its doors to embark on a two-year restoration program.

 Rooms, suites, restaurants and bars, the spa and the famous Ritz Escoffier cooking school will all be carefully restored and recreated under the direction of the internationally renowned interior designer Thierry W. Despont.

 We will ensure that the charm and personality of the Ritz Paris is kept alive and that we continue to satisfy even the most discerning travelers.

 We certainly hope that you will follow our progress on www.ritzparis.com or through our social media channels.

 All of us at the Ritz Paris are looking forward with great anticipation to welcoming you back in 2014 for the reopening of your home in Paris.

 Sincerely,

 Christian A. Boyens, General Manager

 Frank J. Klein, President

The Lanesborough Hotel, London, U.K.

This legendary five-star luxury hotel was the country residence of Viscount Lanesborough, James Lane, until his death in 1724. The estate became St. George’s Hospital, serving its patients with quiet respite and country air through urban development until 1980.  Ten years later, a grand hotel emerged after extensive renovations restored the property to its early 19th Century splendor.

The hotel is situated just off Hyde Park in Knightsbridge, minutes from Buckingham Palace, Victoria Station, and Westminster Abbey. It offers six venues for private dining, a spa and fitness studio, and elegantly adorned Complimentary services include 24 hour butler service, on demand movies, and wireless internet. Rates range from an austere Deluxe Single at £355 to the ultra-elite Royal Suite at £7,500.

The Peninsula Hotel, Hongkong

The airy lobby of this 81-year-old institution on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront is a trip back in time: to colonial-era decadence, white-glove service and the memories heavy-hitters past who indulged in the Peninsula's luxury. The legendary hotel serves afternoon tea in the dining room--Gaddi's--and dinner and dancing as the night winds down.

Ritz Carlton, Moscow , Russia

The Ritz-Carlton Moscow boasts a superb location, a 3-minute walk from Red Square and also lies within Moscow’s business centre.

The hotel offers class and sophistication with a grand 19th-century style. Its large, opulent rooms are stylish but also modern, and guests can control the curtains and lighting electronically.

The spa, hot tub and pool at The Ritz-Carlton are absolutely exceptional. Crystal lighting, candles and beautiful facilities create the perfect atmosphere, and a wide variety of spa treatments are available.

Enjoy wonderful views of the Kremlin from the rooftop Japanese restaurant. Caviarterra serves excellent Russian and Georgian cuisine.

Ritz Carlton fits right in with Moscow's over-the-top aesthetics. Gothic iron staircases and black pillars give the hotel a brooding feel, whereas cozy lounge areas in Russian imperial style provide secluded comfort.

 Suites with vibrant city views span 11 floors and come with marble bathrooms, heated floors, and well-appointed work spaces. The hotel's rooftop lounge and sushi bar fill with journalists, politicians, and business travelers who spill into the lounge for vodka and cigars.

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, France

The celebrated Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris is the epitome of Parisian elegance and sophisticated comfort in a city renowned for European luxury and excellence.

An elegantly furnished room at the posh Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris is as celebrated and sought after as the famous sights of Paris so close by; the River Seine, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triumph and of course, the Eiffel Tower, are all within walking distance of this iconic hotel.

 Inspired by French sophistication and Parisian decor, but with all the modern amenities to fit the luxury travelers’ requirements, George V is a truly outstanding experience in a class of its own. Part of that experience should include a delectable evening at the hotel's famed and prestigious Le Cinq, where guests linger for hours over a tasting menu of courses that only improve with each serving.

St. Regis Hotel, New York, USA

With the classic elegance of New York City, this luxury hotel surrounds visitors with Five-Star & Five Diamond accommodations. In the heart of Manhattan, a refined atmosphere, gracious service and luxury accommodations rank The St. Regis New York among the finest hotels in New York City.

Burj Al Arab, Dubai, U.A.E.

A glittering architectural marvel in the middle of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai's Burj Al Arab is a bastion of luxury in the new Middle East.

Emblematic of Dubai's futuristic architectural feats, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab soars high above the aquamarine Arabian Gulf, making it the second tallest hotel in the world. Even its tenacious perch on an artificial island off the famous Jumeirah Beach is a testament to its no-holds-barred opulence.

 Luxury doesn't begin to describe the pampering you'll receive in every one of Burj Al Arab's oversized rooms. Glide between the two floors of your suite along a marble staircase, and soothe your soul in your spa-like bathroom with Jacuzzi, mosaic floor, and full-size Hermes products.

Hungry?... Choose from six scintillating restaurants, including Al Mahara, only accessible by simulated submarine voyage. Or simply call room service for caviar, champagne, and strawberries.

 When it's time to soak up the cosmopolitan pleasures of Dubai, whether sunbathing or shopping at plush international boutiques, Burj Al Arab's fleet of Rolls Royces is at your beck and call.