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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.
- Is there a white gold Rolex?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Rolex makes several different watches in white gold, giving you lots of options. According to the Rolex website, its white gold is made with only the purest metals and meticulously inspected before being formed and shaped into the fine timepieces that you expect from Rolex. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary Rolex watches from top sellers around the world.
- How much gold is in a Rolex?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021There is 75% pure gold in a Rolex watch. Rolex uses 18k gold which is composed of 75% pure gold and 25% other materials such as silver, copper, platinum, or palladium.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021There is around 18-carat gold in a gold Rolex Submariner. The Submariner was first launched in 1953. The model comes in Oyster steel, white & yellow gold, & two-tone with the date or no date. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and antique gold Rolex Submariners.
- Is the Rolex Daytona white gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Rolex Daytona is available in a variety of constructions, including white gold, yellow gold and platinum. The Daytona style measures elapsed time and also calculates average speed. Shop a wide selection of Rolex watches, including the Daytona, on 1stDibs.
- Are all Rolex watches real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, Rolex watches are made of real gold. Rolex exclusively uses 18 carat gold, durable for everyday use. Rolex watches are also made in steel, silver, and platinum.
- Does Rolex use 24K gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Rolex does not make 24K gold watches. 24K gold is simply too soft for practical, everyday use and many people love to wear their Rolex watches on an everyday basis. All modern Rolex watches are made of 18K gold and you’ll find some older models made of 14K gold. Find vintage and contemporary Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Rolex Submariner bears an 18k stamp and the number “750,” which means that 75 percent of the watch is made out of pure gold model. The most luxurious of all timepieces, the Rolex Submariner has been continuously manufactured since 1951. Find vintage Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A Presidential Rolex is worth about $20,000. Presidential Rolex watches are typically yellow gold with white, green or gold faces. Some models feature diamonds and other gems, but the classic doesn’t. Find Presidential Rolex watches and other Rolex models on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022All Rolex gold watches are crafted with 18 karat gold to a premium standard at the brand’s foundries. The gold used for ladies Rolex watches is always at least 75 percent pure gold, with the other 25 percent being materials used to increase the strength of the watch. Shop a wide range of Rolex watches for men and women on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A solid gold Rolex watch is made of 18-karat gold and can cost $20,000 or more. While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Find a collection of antique and vintage solid gold Rolex watches on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Rolex has made watches of 14k gold in the past. While 18k gold is now standard for most watches and jewelry, including Rolex watches, there are popular models of Rolex watches from its past line-ups that were made of 14k gold. Find vintage and contemporary Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Gold Rolex pieces are only made with solid gold, never gold-plated. Crafted with high-quality materials, Rolex uses 18-karat gold made at their in-house foundries to ensure the utmost premium metals are used in each Rolex. Shop a selection of gold Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Rolex Perpetual is available in a variety of constructions, including white gold, yellow gold and platinum. The Perpetual style watch runs on the energy provided by the motion of the wearer’s wrist rather than manual winding. Shop a wide selection of Rolex watches, including the Oyster Perpetual, on 1stDibs.
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