$10,000 Ultra-Premium Vapes Arrive on Rodeo Drive
Written by Wyles Daniel
On Rodeo Drive, the global epicenter of luxury, a new class of accessory is quietly making its mark alongside the heritage timepieces and haute couture handbags: the ultra-premium vaping device. A marvel of engineering and artistry, typically crafted from exotic woods, aerospace-grade titanium, and even precious metals, these vapes come with price tags that can soar into the five and six figures.
For a discerning clientele that values craftsmanship and exclusivity, these devices are less about nicotine and more about personal expression, functioning as functional art and the latest signifier of status. This is not the world of corner-store disposables; this is the rarefied air of bespoke luxury.
A New Category of Luxury
The emergence of this market is a natural extension of the booming global wellness industry, a sector valued at more than $2 trillion. And with affluent consumers in Beverly Hills and beyond continuing to prioritize health and harm reduction, many are seeking alternatives to traditional smoking. But for this demographic, the solution must align with a lifestyle defined by quality and aesthetic refinement.An analysis of consumer behavior commissioned by the online retailer Discount Vape Pen highlights this trend. Their Q4 2025 study, “The Affluent Vaper,” found that high-net-worth individuals are more than twice as likely as the general population to invest in high-quality, refillable vaping systems. A significant 23% of these users own a device valued at over $500, with some collections reaching into the tens of thousands.
High net worth consumers tend to appreciate craftsmanship and exclusivity, according to vape industry expert James Smith from Discount Vape Pen.
“When they see a hand-engraved vaping device made from aerospace-grade titanium, they recognize it as a functional work of art, kind of like a Patek Philippe watch or a Montblanc pen.”
The Artisans Behind the Art
This new category of luxury is being defined by a small group of master artisans whose work is sought after by collectors worldwide.● Otto Carter: A master engraver based in Texas, Otto Carter transforms high-performance metal vape mods into intricate, one-of-a-kind art pieces. His hand-engraved creations, which can command prices upwards of $3,000, are celebrated for their artistry and have a waiting list of several months.
● Gepetto Mods: From a small workshop in Poland, Gepetto Mods has gained a global following for its handcrafted devices made from rare and exotic stabilized woods. Each piece is unique, and their limited availability has created a fervent secondary market where collectors pay a significant premium for the brand’s artistry.
● Top Hat Mods: Representing the pinnacle of the market, the elusive Top Hat TI 26650 box mod is a $10,000 masterpiece of precision engineering, blending a titanium body with museum-quality wood inlays. It is the ultimate statement piece for the serious collector.
