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Montre Rolex

Rolex Precision 18 K Gold and Elegant Watch Center Seconds Ref 9708
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
clean and is signed Montres Rolex S.A Geneva -Swiss-17 Jewels- 7258 Case interior is signed Montres
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rare & Important Rolex Precision Keyless Lever Stainless Steel Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
satin finished plain snap on case back. The case is signed Montres Rolex SA Geneve Swiss with model and
Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 6605
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
case: 1157 6605 Montres Rolex SA Movement: 25 jewels Adjusted to temperature +5 positions 1035 All of
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Steel, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold

Vintage Rolex Dealer's Quote Pad, Swiss, Leather Bound, Notebook Slip, Late 20th
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
' Company address to the canvas base reads 'Montres Rolex S.A. - Geneve Suisse' Accepts new note pads for
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss More Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

14 Kt Gold Alpina Gruen / Rolex Prince Doctors Jump Hour Wrist Watch
Located in Antwerp, BE
, Société Anonyme, Fabrique des Montres Rolex & Gruen Guild A". In 1930, Gruen sold their Aegler shares and
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

1917 Rolex WW1/Trench Watch, Rare Half Hunter, Stunning Dial
By Rolex
Located in Raleigh, NC
: Rolex, Half Hunter, Sterling Silver, Flip Bezel Cover, Enamel Dial, Hallmarked with the following 925
Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

1917 Rolex WW1/Trench Watch, Rare Half Hunter, Stunning Dial
1917 Rolex WW1/Trench Watch, Rare Half Hunter, Stunning Dial
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H 0.56 in W 1.23 in Dm 1.23 in
Rare, Rare, Harrods/Fortis Water Resistant Dive Watch WW1, Nickel
Located in Raleigh, NC
stamped inside the case back, and also with Rolex and Zenith brand names. The design of the Aquatic
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Other

WW1 ……..Trench Watch. Marvin 15 Jewels, Rare Full Hermetic
By Marvin
Located in Raleigh, NC
found that it was preceded by Gruen some four years earlier (applied 1918/granted 1919). The final Rolex
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

WW1 ……..Trench Watch. Marvin 15 Jewels, Rare Full Hermetic
WW1 ……..Trench Watch. Marvin 15 Jewels, Rare Full Hermetic
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H 0.56 in W 1.23 in Dm 1.23 in
1920's Eberhard Hermetic 15J, Sterling Silver, Trench Watch Totally Restored
By Eberhard & Co.
Located in Raleigh, NC
that it was preceded by Gruen some four years earlier (applied 1918/granted 1919). The final Rolex
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex: The Impossible Collection
By Assouline Publishing
Located in NEW YORK, NY
For more than a century, Rolex stands apart as the most coveted and most legendary brand of watches
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Books

Materials

Metal

Rolex: The Impossible Collection
Rolex: The Impossible Collection
H 18.62 in W 15.55 in D 2.95 in

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Omega 332 Ref. 2398 14 k Gold Solid Gold Men’s Vintage Watch
By Omega
Located in London, GB
Omega 332 Ref. 2398 14 k Gold Solid Gold Men’s Vintage Watch. Vintage Omega Bumper cal. 332 Ref. 2398 1 (Pré Seamaster) Circa: 1947 Swiss Made, automatic Wind Movement, signed...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Rare 18ct Gold Enamel "Special" Diamond Grade Hunter Pocket Watch Waltham, 1898
By American Waltham Watch Co.
Located in London, GB
A Rare 18CT Gold Enamel Special Grade Diamond-Set Antique Hunter Pocket Watch Signed Waltham Mass Circa. 1898 - only 8 of this model type are known to exist. A truly exquisite beau...
Category

Antique 19th Century American Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Enamel, Gold

Rare 18ct Gold Enamel "Special" Diamond Grade Hunter Pocket Watch Waltham, 1898
Rare 18ct Gold Enamel "Special" Diamond Grade Hunter Pocket Watch Waltham, 1898
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H 1.19 in W 1.19 in D 0.6 in Dm 1.19 in L 1.19 in
Longines 9kt. yellow gold men's manual winding wristwatch
By Longines
Located in Braintree, GB
Longines 9kt. yellow gold men's manual winding wristwatch. Case was made in England, Birmingham, 1963 Year 1963 Reference Number: 503 Item Specifics: Case Diameter (without crown):...
Category

Vintage 1960s European Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

1972, Prefab Nova House by Studio Rochel
By Societé anonyme francaise
Located in Perpignan, FR
Designed in 1972 by architects Michel Hudrisier and M. Roma for Studio Rochel, the Nova House came to fulfill the fantasy of those dreaming of living in space. While that type of arc...
Category

Vintage 1970s French Space Age Architectural Elements

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

1972, Prefab Nova House by Studio Rochel
1972, Prefab Nova House by Studio Rochel
H 157.49 in W 255.91 in D 314.97 in
Rolex 1940s Yellow Gold Automatic Bubble Back Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1940s Rolex Bubble Back Wrist Watch, 32 M.M. 3 Piece 14K Yellow Gold case with smooth Bezel, Automatic, Self Winding movement. Restored Black Dial with Radium style filled Rom...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Aesthetic Movement Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe 2494J Calatrava Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: This 2494J Patek Philippe Calatrava watch features a 33 mm in diameter case, with a silver white dial, and sub second hand. The watch comes with a 12"-400 caliber move...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vacheron Constantin Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Berlin, DE
High quality collector's pocket watch from Vacheron et Constantin Geneve. Including original case. Hallmarked, 18k Gold The clock works.
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Date 15003 Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15003 Serial: 7422*** Year: 1983 Model: Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Champagne Fac...
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Omega Constellation Steel Screw back Case Original dial
By Omega
Located in London, GB
Omega Constellation Steel Screw back Case Original dial Original dial with very attractive raised steel markers. Steel Hands and steel center second hand. Dial is signed Omega Autom...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Patek Philippe Ref 96 Calatrava Vintage 1945 Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1945 Patek Philippe Reference 96 Calatrava Wrist Watch, 31 M.M. diameter x 7.5 M.M. thick 3 piece case. 18 Jewel Nickle Lever Mechanical, Manual wind movement, mint condition ...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vacheron & Constantin, Yellow Gold Wristwatch, 1957
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Vacheron & Constantin, 18 Karat Men's Manual Watch, 1957. The watch has a 5 Jewel Movement #VC 1002. The case number is 355838, serial #530703. The watch has a silver dial, gold hour...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Omega Solid 14k Gold Watch
By Omega
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add a sleek and cool Omega watch to your collection. Such a perfect piece for everyday wear because of its minimal design and solid 14k gold composition. This would be a perfect piec...
Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Omega Solid 14k Gold Watch
Omega Solid 14k Gold Watch
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W 0.5 in L 6.75 in
Omega Extremely Rare and Stylish Curvex Rectangular Watch
By Omega
Located in London, GB
Omega Extremely rare and stylish Curved Rectangular Watch. This Stylish watch is Curved and with it's original curved glass. Light Silver dial is signed Omega with Omega Logo. Black ...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Omega Extremely Rare and Stylish Curvex Rectangular Watch
Omega Extremely Rare and Stylish Curvex Rectangular Watch
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H 1.54 in W 0.87 in Dm 1.54 in
A & S Railroad Gold Minute Repeating Pocket Watch Presented to J.H. Ramsey, 1865
Located in Stamford, CT
Emile Peret, Locle, Swiss, 1865, hunting case. Minute repeating pocket watch with porcelain dial, movement number 16666, case number 20175, size 20 L, 10 independent bridges, mustach...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb 52.55 Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond Gold Platinum Engagement Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Throughout centuries, diamonds have represented permanence, luxury, and strength. This remarkable David Webb ring exudes all of that and more with its remarkable center emerald cut d...
Category

2010s American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Brienz Artisans, Pheasant Box, Late 19th Century Switzerland
By Brienz Switzerland
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful wooden box decorated with two pheasants surrounded by foliage, rocks and flowers. Sold with an embroidered silk pillow. Work from Brienz, Switzerland 19th century, also ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Romantic Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Recent Sales

Rolex Datejust Roman Pyramid Dial Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bradford, Ontario
, 31 Jewels Estimated Production Year: 1988 Markings to Inside: Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Switzerland
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

1968 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6241 Stainless Steel Stem Wind Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bradford, Ontario
: Montres Rolex S.A., Geneva Switzerland, Patented, Stainless Steel, 6241 Functions: Screw Lock Crown
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

1984 Rolex Explorer II 16550 Black Dial Stainless Steel Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bradford, Ontario
Steel, Montres Rolex S.A., Geneva Switzerland Functions: Date Clasp Style: Fold Over Case to Case (mm
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

1997 Rolex Submariner Date 18K Gold and Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bradford, Ontario
: 1997 Markings to Inside: Montres Rolex S.A., Geneva Switzerland, Stainess Steel, Rolex S.A., 16610
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Submariner Wristwatch Ref 16613 circa 1997
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
: Black dial and bezel Outside case: U110470 16613 Inside case: Montres Rolex SA 16610 Stainless Steel
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel, 18k Gold

Rolex Ladies Cellini White Gold White Dial Mesh Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
gold mesh Crystal: sapphire Dial: white with Roman numerals/markers Inside Case: Montres Rolex 18k
Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Gilt and Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch with Custom-Colored Dial
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
: Montres Rolex 26 jewels Adj 5 Pos Temperature D59986 All of our pre-owned watches have been fully
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gilt Metal, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Custom Dial Self Wind Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
case: Montres Rolex SA 1601 Movement: D 270342 26 jewels Adj Temp +5 Positions 1570 All of our pre
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex stainless Steel Yellow Gold Lady's Datejust Jubilee Wristwatch Ref 69173
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
gold Roman numerals Outside case: 69173 T762806 Inside case: Montres Rolex 69000A Movement: 2135
Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Steel, Yellow Gold

Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 68173
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
: 690000A Montres Rolex Geneve Movement: 2135 29 jewels 3571432 29 jewels adj temp 3 pos Other: Buckle V10
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Colored Dial Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Outside case: 16013 6503750 Inside case: 160000 Montres Rolex SA Movement: 3035 5 temperatures 27 jewels
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Steel, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Submariner Wristwatch Ref 16613
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
case: 16613 P376213 Inside case: 2160 Montres Rolex Movement: 3135 31 jewels adj 5 positions temp
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 16233
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
numerals Outside case: 16233 W578156 Inside case: Rolex SA Geneva 16200 Movement: Montres Rolex SA Swiss
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Datejust Blue Dial Wristwatch Ref 16238
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
case: E 723081 Serial # Model #16238 Inside case: Rolex Movement: 3/38 Montres Rolex All of our
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel No-Date Submariner Wristwatch Ref 5512
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
: Montres Rolex 26 jewels adjusted 5 positions All of our pre-owned watches have been fully serviced and
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Platinum Diamond Wristwatch, circa 1960
By Rolex
Located in North Hollywood, CA
signed and confirmed all Rolex parts original, 17 jewels Swiss and Montres 1401. Metal: Platinum Stones
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Artisan Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Tudor Oyster Prince Automatic Small Rose 7965 Original Rolex Rivet Oyster Strap
By Tudor
Located in PARIS, FR
1926 by Swiss watchmaking company Veuve de Philippe Hüther on behalf of Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

14-Karat Yellow Gold Rolex Men's Dress Watch
By Rolex
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
14-karat yellow gold Montres Rolex Geneva Swiss watch with a genuine calfskin leather strap, circa
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wristwatch circa 1956
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Outside case: 500128 Inside case: 6427 6426 Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland Movement: Montres Rolex
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Precision 1950 Yellow Gold Lady Wirstwatch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
. Weight: 10.6 g total 7.8 g without strap Metal: 18kt Yellow Gold Signature: Montres Rolex SA • Serial
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Precision1960's, Steel Case Ref 9829
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
- Center seconds-Steel Rolex Crown Original Rolex Winder Movement-signed Rolex Montres-Geneva-Suisse 17
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Precision1960's, Steel Case Ref 9829
Rolex Precision1960's, Steel Case Ref 9829
1 bid
No Reserve
H 1.58 in W 1.34 in Dm 1.34 in
Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Datejust Wristwatch Ref 69178
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Dial: Original factory Rolex diamond Outside case: 69178 R 376165 Inside case: Montres Rolex SA Geneva
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex extremely rare solid gold watch with unusual lugs
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex another lovely and very rare vintage Rolex watch. Unusual lugs and solid Pink gold case with
Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Mesh Dress Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
case: 14k Inside case: Rolex Movement: Adj 2 positions Montres Rolex 17 jewels SA Swiss 1600 All of
Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Precision Wristwatch Ref 6422 circa 1957
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Montres Rolex SA, 17 jewels All of our pre-owned watches have been fully serviced and come with a one
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Custom Dial Wristwatch Model 6718
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
case: Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland 6700 Movement: Rolex 02330 Rolex SA Adjusted to 5 positions
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Jumbo vintage classic green leather presentation watch and jewellery box
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Jumbo Presentation Watch Jewelry Box Montres Rolex S.A. 51.00.01 This exquisite Rolex
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Leather

Rolex Lady's White Gold and Diamond Bracelet Watch Ref 6252 circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
case: 14k Movement: Rolex 17 jewel adj 2 positions Montres 1041 Swiss Inside case: Rolex 6252
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Beautiful Vintage Woman's Rolex Oyster Perpetual
By Rolex
Located in Lewes, DE
Movement: 2130 Automatic, 29 jewels Production year (estimate): 1984 Markings: Montres Rolex S.A., Geneva
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Men’s Oysterquartz Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Dial
By Hana Or
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date Signed: Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switserland Patented 18K 750 19000
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Men’s Oysterquartz Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Dial
By Hana Or
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date Signed: Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switserland Patented 18K 750 19000
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Cellini Classic 1970-1979 Reference 4084 18 Karat Yellow Gold Men's Watch
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rolex Cellini Signed Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Switserland 18K 750 4084 5 371 Manual Winding 18
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Submariner Date 18 Karat Gold
By Rolex
Located in Bradford, Ontario
Inside: Montres Rolex SA. Geneva Switzerland, Stainless Steel, Rolex S.A., 2160 Bracelet/Fob Bracelet
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT, Master "Pepsi" Bezel Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch, Vintage
By Rolex
Located in Bradford, Ontario
Jewels Estimated Production Year: 1990 Markings to Inside: Montres Rolex SA. Geneva Switzerland, Patented
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1954 Rolex Submariner Stainless Steel 6538 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
time. The inner caseback is inscribed with Montres Rolex S.A Geneva Switzerland Patented., then, as
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in Bradford, Ontario
Inside: 7, 377, 4016, Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Switzerland, 18K 0,750 with Helvetica Head, & # 121
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold
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Dm 0.99 in
Rolex Cellini 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in Bradford, Ontario
Jewels Markings to Inside: 7, 377, 4016, Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Switzerland, 18K 0,750 with Helvetica
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

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Montre Rolex For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate montre rolex for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using stainless steel, gold and steel. Finding the perfect montre rolex may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a montre rolex has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Rolex, Eberhard & Co. and Tudor are consistently popular. If you’re browsing our inventory for a montre rolex, you’ll find that many are available today for men, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and women.

How Much is a Montre Rolex?

Prices for a montre rolex can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $550 and can go as high as $158,400, while this accessory, on average, fetches $7,275.

Finding the Right wrist-watches for You

Antique, new and vintage wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.

Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.

Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.

In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.

Find antique, new and vintage wristwatches on 1stDibs.