Calculators are one of those things that we take for granted. We use them for math, science, finance, and even games. But did you know that some calculators are worth more than a car, a house, or even a private jet? Yes, you read that right. There are some calculators out there that are so rare, so unique, or so luxurious that they cost a fortune. In this article, we will show you 10 of the most expensive calculators in the world, and why they are so pricey. Let’s get started!
Louis Vuitton Monogram Pocket Calculator – $1,265
Louis Vuitton is a famous French fashion house that is known for its luxury products, such as handbags, luggage, clothing, and accessories. One of their most unusual products is a pocket calculator that is covered with their iconic monogram pattern. The calculator is a Casio SL-800 model, which is a basic solar-powered calculator. The calculator can perform simple arithmetic functions, and it has an 8-digit LCD. The calculator also has a leather case that matches the monogram design. The calculator is a vintage item, and it was sold at an auction for $1,265 in 2018.
Hewlett Packard Watch – $1,700
Hewlett Packard, or HP, is a well-known American company that produces various electronic devices, such as computers, printers, cameras, and calculators. One of their most innovative products is a watch that has a built-in calculator. The watch is an HP-01 model, which was released in 1977. The watch is a digital electronic wristwatch that can perform basic arithmetic functions, as well as time, date, alarm, stopwatch, timer, and calendar. The watch has a 7-digit LED display and a keypad that has 28 tiny buttons. The watch also has a stylus that can be used to press the buttons. The watch is made of stainless steel and yellow gold, and it has a quartz movement. The watch is very rare and collectible, and it was sold at an auction for $1,700 in 2019.
Sui President Series Calculator – $1,922
If you want to feel like a boss, you might want to get yourself a Sui President Series Calculator. This calculator is made of solid brass and has a gold-plated finish. It also has a leather case and a wooden stand. The design is inspired by the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s. The calculator can perform basic arithmetic functions, as well as percentages, square roots, and memory. It also has a 12-digit LCD and a solar panel. This calculator is not only elegant but also eco-friendly.
Pascal’s Calculator – $16,325
Pascal’s Calculator, also known as the Pascaline, is one of the earliest mechanical calculators ever invented. It was created by the French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal in the 17th century. The calculator consists of a series of gears and wheels that can add and subtract numbers up to eight digits. The user enters the numbers by turning the dials on the front, and the result appears on the windows on the top. The calculator can also carry over digits and perform multiplication and division by repeated addition and subtraction. Pascal made about 50 of these calculators, but only a few of them survive today. One of them was sold at an auction for $16,325 in 2013.
Kenny Scharf Calculator – $20,160
Kenny Scharf is a famous American artist who is known for his colorful and whimsical paintings and sculptures. He is also a fan of calculators, and he has created several artworks using them. One of his most notable pieces is a calculator that he decorated with acrylic paint, glitter, and plastic toys. The calculator is a Casio FX-82 model, which is a basic scientific calculator. The artwork is titled “Calculator”, and it was sold at an auction for $20,160 in 2014.
Deakin & Francis 18 Karat Gold Calculator – $21,982
Deakin & Francis is a British company that specializes in making luxury cufflinks and accessories. One of their most extravagant products is an 18-karat gold calculator that doubles as a pendant. The calculator is fully functional and can perform basic arithmetic operations. It also has a chain that is made of 18-karat gold and has a lobster clasp. The calculator is engraved with the company’s logo and hallmarks. The calculator is a limited edition item, and only 10 of them were made. The price of this calculator is $21,982, which is more than enough to buy a decent car.
Texas Instruments Cal-Tech Prototype – $68,825
The Texas Instruments Cal-Tech Prototype is a rare and historic calculator that was developed in the late 1960s. It was one of the first handheld calculators ever made, and it was designed for the students and faculty of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The calculator can perform advanced mathematical functions, such as trigonometry, logarithms, exponentiation, and roots. It also has a 10-digit LED display and a rechargeable battery. The calculator is very large and heavy, measuring 8.5 x 4 x 2.5 inches and weighing 2.5 pounds. Only a few of these calculators were produced, and they are highly sought after by collectors. One of them was sold at an auction for $68,825 in 2015.
Grillet Portable Calculator – $155,000
The Grillet Portable Calculator is another early mechanical calculator that was invented in the 18th century. It was created by the French engineer and inventor Louis-Bertrand Grillet. The calculator is made of brass and steel, and it has a cylindrical shape. The calculator can add and subtract numbers up to six digits, and it can also multiply and divide by using a slide rule. The user enters the numbers by sliding the rings on the cylinder, and the result appears on the windows on the top. The calculator is very compact and portable, measuring only 6.5 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. It also has a leather case and a wooden stand. The calculator is very rare and valuable, and one of them was sold at an auction for $155,000 in 2014.
Thomas de Colmar’s Arithmomètre – $313,000
Thomas de Colmar’s Arithmomètre is considered to be the first commercially successful mechanical calculator. It was invented by the French industrialist and inventor Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar in the 19th century. The calculator can perform all four basic arithmetic operations, as well as fractions, decimals, and percentages. It can also handle numbers up to 16 digits. The calculator consists of a wooden base, a metal frame, and a series of levers, gears, and cylinders. The user enters the numbers by turning the knobs on the front, and the result appears on the dials on the top. The calculator is very large and heavy, measuring 20 x 10 x 6 inches and weighing 30 pounds. The calculator was very popular and widely used in banks, offices, and schools. More than 1,500 of these calculators were made, but only a few of them are still in working condition. One of them was sold at an auction for $313,000 in 2015.
German 19th-Century Brass Calculator – $11.8 million
The German 19th-century Brass Calculator is the most expensive calculator ever sold at an auction. It was created by an unknown German craftsman in the 19th century. The calculator is made of brass and has a circular shape. The calculator can add and subtract numbers up to 10 digits, and it can also multiply and divide by using a slide rule. The user enters the numbers by turning the dials on the edge, and the result appears on the windows on the surface. The calculator is very intricate and ornate, and it has a lot of decorative details, such as flowers, stars, and animals. The calculator is also very rare and unique, and it is believed to be the only one of its kind. The calculator was sold at an auction for $11.8 million in 2012, making it the most expensive calculator in the world.
