Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1600 1970s Automatic Rare Grey Buckley Dial 36m
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16000 (smooth bezel) automatic with a rare grey Buckley
Stainless Steel
Rolex Two Tone Datejust with Rare Polished Bezel circa, 1964
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1600 METAL / MATERIAL
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Datejust Original Blue Dial Gilt Marker & Hands Circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1600 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Two Tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Original Rare Black Dial 1987
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1600
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Polished Bezel Custom Green Dial from 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1600 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless
Rolex Yellow Gold Black Dial Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1600
By Rolex
Located in Westlake Village, CA
For sale is this Gold Rolex Datejust Ref. 1600
Yellow Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1600
By Rolex
Located in Westlake Village, CA
, model, ref, serial #, year, size Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1600 serial # 2483XXX 1969
18k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
W 1.42 in
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Datejust self winding Wristwatch, c1963
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex Datejust ref 1600 stainless steel and 14K gold, case serial # 1.6 million circa 1963
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1600 Wristwatch. Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel, Champagne Dial, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and attractive Rolex Datejust 1600 features a 36mm stainless steel case with yellow
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1600 14k SS Automatic 1960s Swiss Vintage RA169
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 14k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.1600
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Jubilee Silver Dial Automatic Mens Watch 1600
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Classic Model: Rolex Datejust 1600 Vintage: Yes Movement: Mechanical
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Jubilee Silver Dial Automatic Mens Watch 1600
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Classic Model: Rolex Datejust 1600 Vintage: Yes Movement: Mechanical
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Datejust Smooth Bezel Linen Dial Wristwatch Ref 1600
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
difficult-to-find smooth bezel Datejust, ref. #1600 with an even more difficult-to-find ³linen² textured
Yellow Gold
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1600 14k Gold SS Automatic 1960s RA169B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic vintage classic, Men's 14k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.1600
14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1600 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rolex stainless steel and yellow gold Datejust wristwatch, perhaps the most classic wristwatch of
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1600 36mm 14k Gold SS Automatic 1960s RA169T
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare iconic classic, Men's 14k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.1600
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Stainless Steel Smooth Bezel Datejust Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An very rare example of Rolex’s most celebrated model, this steel and rose gold Datejust ref. #1600
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Polished Bezel Custom Green Dial from 1974 or 75
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Ref 1600 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
Rolex Two-Tone Datejust with Rare Smooth Bezel and Linen Dial from 1972 or 1973
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Ref. 1600 METAL / MATERIAL
Rolex Rose Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1600, 1965
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: W4079 Model Number: 1600 Serial Number: 109**** Condition: 8 - Good condition Gender: Gents
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Diamond Men's Wristwatch 1600 Stainless Automatic AGI 1 Yr Wnty
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 1600 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Year: 1970
Diamond
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1600 36mm Automatic Diamond Dial 1960s RA233B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster Datejust ref.1600 automatic with gorgeous
Rolex Stainless Steel Vintage Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1600
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Vintage Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1600
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Vintage Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1600
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Orange Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1600 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Orange Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1600 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Vintage Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Ref. 1600 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Vintage Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Ref. 1600 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Vintage Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Ref. 1600 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Vintage Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Ref. 1600 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Two-Tone Datejust Rare Smooth Bezel circa, 1971 Flawless Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1600
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Smooth Bezel Ref 1600
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a beautiful variation of the classic Rolex Datejust with the taupe dial, white writing and
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 1600 Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 1600. 36 mm case with an 18K yellow gold smooth bezel. Gold dial
Rolex Datejust 1600 Matte Black Rare Automatic 18 Karat Yellow Gold Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust 1600 Matte Black Rare Automatic 18k Yellow Gold Jubilee 36mm
Rolex Datejust 1600, Gold Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust Reference #: 1600. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Yellow Gold Gold 36 MM. Verified
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1600
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch ref 1600 serial number 3.9 million circa 1974
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1600
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch ref 1600 serial # 2.8 million circa 1971. 36mm diameter
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Datejust ref. 1600 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18K YG Datejust ref 1600 serial # 3.2 million circa 1972. 36mm full size man's model with
Rolex Datejust Steel Grey Dial Vintage Mens Watch 1600
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Datejust Steel Grey Dial Vintage Mens Watch 1600. Automatic self-winding movement. Stainless
Steel
Rolex Datejust Silver Dial Steel Vintage Mens Watch 1600
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Datejust Silver Dial Steel Vintage Mens Watch 1600. Automatic self-winding movement
Silver, Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1600 circa 1964
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Datejust wristwatch Ref. 1600, serial 1.0 million, circa 1964. 36mm case with
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1600 circa 1970
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Datejust wristwatch, Ref. 1600, serial number 2.3 million, circa 1970. 36mm
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1600 with Linen Dial, 1971
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1971 Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 160 Stainless Steel watch with Smooth Bezel with Original Rare
Rolex Datejust Ref 1600 Smooth Bezel Grey Dial, circa 1971
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex Datejust ref# 1600 with smooth bezel and original grey metallic dial. Serial # 2.8
Britannia Standard Silver
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Scirca Oyster Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1600
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex Datejust ref 1600 stainless steel and 14K gold, case serial # 2.7 million circa 1970
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex stainless steel Datejust Black Dial wristwatch Ref 1600, circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Datejust ref 1600 stainless steel case with beautiful condition black original pie an dial
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Steel White Gold Buckley Dial Vintage Men's Watch 1600
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Datejust Steel White Gold Buckley Dial Vintage Mens Watch 1600. Automatic self-winding
Rolex Datejust 36 1600 Men's Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
Xupes Reference: W007428 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Variant: 36 Model Number: 1600
Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Sold
W 0.79 in D 0.48 in Dm 1.42 in L 7.72 in
Rolex Datejust Jubilee 1600 Automatic 2-Tone 18k Yellow Gold Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust Jubilee 1600 Automatic 2-Tone 18k Yellow Gold Black Dial 36mm
Yellow Gold
Rolex 1600 Datejust White Dial Roman Numerals 18k Yellow Gold Presidential Band
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Brand: Rolex Model Name: Datejust Model Number: 1600 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 36 mm
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Silver Dial Steel Vintage Mens Watch 1600 Box Service Papers
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Datejust Silver Dial Steel Vintage Mens Watch 1600 Box Service Papers. Automatic self-winding
Silver, Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1600 14 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel, 1968
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1968 Vintage Rolex Datejust Rare Ref. 1600 Two Tone 14k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel watch with
Rolex Datejust Steel Yellow Gold Silver Linen Dial Vintage Mens Watch 1600
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Datejust Steel Yellow Gold Silver Linen Dial Vintage Mens Watch 1600. Officially certified
Steel, Yellow Gold, Silver
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch circa 1969
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust wristwatch, Ref. 1600, serial number 2.3 million, circa 1969. 36mm
Rolex Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust c. 1966
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18k YG oyster perpetual datejust ref # 1600, serial # 1.5 million circa 1966. 36mm diameter
18k Gold
Rolex stainless steel Datejust Smooth Bezel Taupe Dial wristwatch, circa 1971
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex Datejust ref# 1600 with smooth bezel and original taupe dial case serial # 2.9
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1600 With 7.7 in. Band & Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust Reference #:1600. Mens 1600 Rolex Datejust Silver dial with Stick markers a Leather
Rolex Stainless Steel DateJust Wristwatch Ref 1600
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex DateJust steel wristwatch, reference 1600. This classic Rolex watch features a custom green
Stainless Steel
Rolex Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Datejust Bracelet Wristwatch, circa 1966
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex Datejust ref 1600 stainless steel and 14K gold, case serial # 1.5 million circa 1966
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dial with Gold Baton Markers 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
1982 Rolex Lady Datejust 26MM 6917 Champagne Diamond Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Diameter: 26.00 mm Weight: 29.47 grams One ladies 18K yellow gold diamond ROLEX Swiss-made watch. The metal was tested an...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Sage Green Dial 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel with White Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Set Automatic 1980s RA548
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust automatic, c.1986, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Pink Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Two Tone Zephyr with Original Bracelet from 1968
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Zephyr / Reference 1038 / 1008 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone 14Kt. & Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1968 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: ...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 Mosaic Blue JDM 5.1m Serial 1977 Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601, Mosaic Blue Dial, Steel & 18k White Gold, Full Set, 1977 (5.1M Serial, JDM) Among vintage Datejusts, few dials capture collectors’ imaginations like the Mo...
1964 Vintage Rolex Datejust 1603, Stainless Steel, Jubilee Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
Vintage 1964 Rolex Datejust with Papers, Custom Jubilee Bracelet An iconic classic, this vintage Rolex Datejust from 1964 offers timeless style and collectibility. Featuring a silve...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1946
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 9488 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1946 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 6605
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex Stainless Steel and 14k Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch, Ref. 6605. Natural wear/patina on the dial. Stainless steel and 14k yellow gold Bracelet Length: 8 1/4 inches and adju...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold, Gold, Steel
Rolex 18Kt. Gold President with Custom Blue Diamond Marker Dial, 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: President / Reference 18000 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter...
$18,980
H 1.62 in W 0.52 in Dm 1.62 in
Unworn Rolex Datejust 41mm Steel Mint Green Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with the original box and papers. 5-year Rolex warranty. Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust 126300 Model Number: M126300-0014 Movement: Mechanical (Automatic), Rolex C...
Steel
$20,870
H 1.62 in W 0.52 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust Oyster Band Steel 18K Gold Bezel Blue Dial Watch 126334 Unworn
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. 2026 Card. Comes with an original box and paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the ...
18k Gold, Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 2-Tone With Factory Original Black Dial 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 16000 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel & White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / S...
Stainless Steel, Gold
Rolex Men's Blue Date Two-Tone 14K Gold Ref 15003 Quickset 34 mm All Factory
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This Rolex men's wristwatch is a luxury timepiece with a round silver case and a blue and gold bezel. The watch features baton indexes on a gold dial, with a quickset function and a ...
14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Blue Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Stainless Steel
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. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.
Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.
But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.
But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.
Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.
The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.
Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
Antique, vintage and luxury 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, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.
The watch has transformed several times over, but it’s still undeniably a classic.
This is perhaps the least subtle version of the Submariner.
If you think this looks like the Rolex Kermit, you're correct.
This model was designed for lefties.
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.
As the cache goes on display at London’s Design Museum, we speak to its enigmatic owner about some of his rarest acquisitions.
These companies have stood the test of time, making exceptional pieces for generations.