Athletes and watches have gone hand in hand for decades now, and have become essential tools for timing car races or for recording moments like Roger Bannister beating the four minute mile.
And while most athletes today sport brand new production watches, the market for vintage sports watches has been growing in recent years. This was made clear when Paul Newman's old Rolex "Paul Newman" Daytona sold at auction for a record breaking $17.8 million (£13.2 million) in October.
Expensive Swiss mechanical watches don't have much practical use in today's sporting world, yet you can't go to a major sporting event without seeing some serious watch game.
Watch brands are champing at the bit to sponsor the the world's most elite and up-and-coming athletes, with most of the big name brands partnering with teams of athletes — from fighters like Floyd Mayweather to half of the tennis world, including Federer and Nadal — to wear and promote their watches.
Scroll down to see 16 of the most expensive watches worn by the world's most elite atheletes, ranked in ascending order by price:
SEE ALSO: 10 luxury watches that are actually worth the investment
Neymar — Gaga Milano, $2,100 (£1,569).
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Neymar's love of watches is well documented, with his trip to a Gaga Milano store ending in a $180,000 (£13,4620) purchase and an endorsement deal. Spending that much in one go might seem excessive, but when you're one of the highest paid football stars in the world it becomes a bit more understandable. Despite his own line of timepieces being on the lower end of the luxury watch bracket, it looks as though he has some special editions worth much more in his collection.
Price according to Gaga Milano.
Andy Murray — Rado Hyperchrome XXL, $3,475 (£2,600).
When Andy Murray won his first Wimbledon back in 2013 he was a Rado brand ambassador, and as soon as he won, he reportedly hurried to slap on his Rado Hyperchrome. He put it on so quickly he didn't notice that it was seven hours out. He has since dropped Rado as a sponsor and instead works with brands such as Jaguar and Under Armour.
Price according to the Daily Mirror.
David Beckham— Tudor Black Bay Chrono, $4,480 (£3,350).
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David Beckham is one of the major sponsors for Tudor's Born to Dare campaign and is often seen wearing one of the brand's highly popular watches. Beckham sits alongside other high-profile ambassadors of Tudor such as Lady Gaga and the New Zealnds All Blacks rugby team.
Price according to Tudor.
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