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1910 Rolex Watch

Rolex Ladies' 9 Karat Rose Gold Watch Bracelet, 1917
Rolex Ladies' 9 Karat Rose Gold Watch Bracelet, 1917

Rolex Ladies' 9 Karat Rose Gold Watch Bracelet, 1917

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

to Time Worn Watches Caring for your early 20th century watch: watches of this period are not sealed

Category

Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Military WWI c1918 S/Silver Trench Rolex Officer's Watch w Hinged Stockwell Case
Military WWI c1918 S/Silver Trench Rolex Officer's Watch w Hinged Stockwell Case

Military WWI c1918 S/Silver Trench Rolex Officer's Watch w Hinged Stockwell Case

By Rolex

Located in MELBOURNE, AU

import marks, 925 stamp and the R.W.C. Ltd (Rolex Watch Co. Ltd) signature, firmly situating production

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique c1915 Rolex W&D 9K 375 Rose Gold 28mm Hinged Round Case Ladies' Watch
Antique c1915 Rolex W&D 9K 375 Rose Gold 28mm Hinged Round Case Ladies' Watch

Antique c1915 Rolex W&D 9K 375 Rose Gold 28mm Hinged Round Case Ladies' Watch

By Rolex

Located in MELBOURNE, AU

! This sophisticated ladies’ timepiece is an antique Rolex watch from circa 1915, yet it’s in beautiful

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Edwardian Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Antique c1913 Rolex W&D 9K 375 Rose Gold Case & 9K Gold Bracelet Ladies' Watch
Antique c1913 Rolex W&D 9K 375 Rose Gold Case & 9K Gold Bracelet Ladies' Watch

Antique c1913 Rolex W&D 9K 375 Rose Gold Case & 9K Gold Bracelet Ladies' Watch

Located in MELBOURNE, AU

sophisticated ladies’ timepiece is an antique Rolex watch from circa 1913, yet it’s in beautiful original

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Edwardian Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold

Recent Sales

Vintage Rolex Ladies 9 Karat Rose Gold Watch, 1910s
Vintage Rolex Ladies 9 Karat Rose Gold Watch, 1910s

Vintage Rolex Ladies 9 Karat Rose Gold Watch, 1910s

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1910's Vintage Rolex Ladies 9k Light Rose Gold Art Deco Design watch with Original Sunburst Silver

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Watch Company Ladies Rose Gold Diamond Wristwatch
Rolex Watch Company Ladies Rose Gold Diamond Wristwatch

Rolex Watch Company Ladies Rose Gold Diamond Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bracelet / Diamond Bezel / Evening Watch

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Sterling Silver Military Campain W.W. 1 Watch from 1915
Rolex Sterling Silver Military Campain W.W. 1 Watch from 1915

Rolex Sterling Silver Military Campain W.W. 1 Watch from 1915

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Military / Campaign Series METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex Sterling Silver Tonneau Shape circa 1915 over 100 Years Old
Rolex Sterling Silver Tonneau Shape circa 1915 over 100 Years Old

Rolex Sterling Silver Tonneau Shape circa 1915 over 100 Years Old

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This rare and early Rolex watch was produced sometime between 1910 and 1920

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Wrist Watches

1914 ROLEX Rare Vintage Mens World War I Era Military Trench - Sterling Silver
1914 ROLEX Rare Vintage Mens World War I Era Military Trench - Sterling Silver

1914 ROLEX Rare Vintage Mens World War I Era Military Trench - Sterling Silver

By Rolex

Located in Suwanee, GA

Watch - Sterling Silver Rare & Early Rolex Wristwatch - Military Trench Watch Style - 1 Year Warranty

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rolex Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Military Style Pocket Watch
Rolex Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Military Style Pocket Watch

Rolex Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Military Style Pocket Watch

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Pocket Watch / Open Faced METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Pocket Watches

Rolex 9Ct, Ladies Hand Made Watch from 1915
Rolex 9Ct, Ladies Hand Made Watch from 1915

Rolex 9Ct, Ladies Hand Made Watch from 1915

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Campaign Style / Wire Lugs METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Tortue Shaped Watch from 1915
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Tortue Shaped Watch from 1915

Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Tortue Shaped Watch from 1915

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tortue / Reference 6875 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Sterling Silver and Enamel Art Deco Watch from Mid Teens
Rolex Sterling Silver and Enamel Art Deco Watch from Mid Teens

Rolex Sterling Silver and Enamel Art Deco Watch from Mid Teens

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex Gold Art Deco Watch with Hand Engraved Bezel from 1915
Rolex Gold Art Deco Watch with Hand Engraved Bezel from 1915

Rolex Gold Art Deco Watch with Hand Engraved Bezel from 1915

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Octagon Shaped METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

Rolex Rolco Rose Gold Mechanical Wind Wristwatch 1910s
Rolex Rolco Rose Gold Mechanical Wind Wristwatch 1910s

Rolex Rolco Rose Gold Mechanical Wind Wristwatch 1910s

By Rolex

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Ref COM809 Condition 9 - Excellent condition Gender Unisex Age 1910's Case Diameter 30 mm Case

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex 9 Ct Yellow Gold Ladies Early Wristwatch from 1915
Rolex 9 Ct Yellow Gold Ladies Early Wristwatch from 1915

Rolex 9 Ct Yellow Gold Ladies Early Wristwatch from 1915

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Campaign Series METAL / MATERIAL: 9CT. Yellow

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Square-Shaped Sterling Silver Watch, 1910s
Vintage Rolex Square-Shaped Sterling Silver Watch, 1910s

Vintage Rolex Square-Shaped Sterling Silver Watch, 1910s

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1910's Vintage Rolex Square-shaped Sterling Silver watch. Original, but restored enamel dial. Black

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex 18 KCarat Yellow Gold Gentleman's Open Faced Keyless Pocket Watch
Rolex 18 KCarat Yellow Gold Gentleman's Open Faced Keyless Pocket Watch

Rolex 18 KCarat Yellow Gold Gentleman's Open Faced Keyless Pocket Watch

By Rolex

Located in Windsor Forest, Berkshire

A stunning Gentleman's 18 Carat yellow gold open faced keyless wind pocket watch by Rolex. The

Category

Vintage 1910s British George V Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1913
Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1913

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1913

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D 0.36 in Dm 1.19 in L 1.34 in

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1913

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

, suitable for a lady or a man that likes small watches. 15-Jewel Rolex movement. White enamel dial with

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1916
Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1916

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1916

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W 1.34 in D 0.36 in Dm 1.34 in L 1.62 in

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1916

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

A rare vintage Officers wristwatch by Rolex made in 1916. Sterling Silver round case with hinged

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Rolex 18ct Gold Officers Trench Watch circa 1914
Rolex 18ct Gold Officers Trench Watch circa 1914

Rolex 18ct Gold Officers Trench Watch circa 1914

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D 0.36 in Dm 1.26 in L 1.46 in

Rolex 18ct Gold Officers Trench Watch circa 1914

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

A rare vintage Officers wristwatch in 18ct Gold by Rolex made in Circa 1914. 18 carat gold round

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Sterling Silver Officers Trench Wristwatch, 1917
Rolex Sterling Silver Officers Trench Wristwatch, 1917

Rolex Sterling Silver Officers Trench Wristwatch, 1917

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

watches worn on chains were the norm. However, the impracticality of using a pocket watch during combat in

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Rolex Sterling Silver Officers Trench Wristwatch, 1915
Rolex Sterling Silver Officers Trench Wristwatch, 1915

Rolex Sterling Silver Officers Trench Wristwatch, 1915

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

watches worn on chains were the norm. However, the impracticality of using a pocket watch during combat in

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Rolex Sterling Silver Half Hunter Officer's Wristwatch, 1919
Rolex Sterling Silver Half Hunter Officer's Wristwatch, 1919

Rolex Sterling Silver Half Hunter Officer's Wristwatch, 1919

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

watches worn on chains were the norm. However, the impracticality of using a pocket watch during combat in

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

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Chopard Ladies Diamond Wristwatch 18 Karat Gold Swiss Watch Retro Mid-Century
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By Chopard

Located in New York, NY

This is a gorgeous Chopard Ladies Diamond Wristwatch in 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Made in Switzerland. The stunning and elegant Chopard watch has a diamond surround. The diamo...

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Mid-20th Century Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17
Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17

Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17

By Cartier

Located in Jersey City, NJ

Sold out worldwide with a waitlist extending over a year, this petite timepiece is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Skilfully created in the house's Swiss atelier, it boasts 18-karat ...

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Art Deco Platinum Watch 2.40 TCW VS2 G/H Antique 17.5g Manual 6/5"
Art Deco Platinum Watch 2.40 TCW VS2 G/H Antique 17.5g Manual 6/5"

Art Deco Platinum Watch 2.40 TCW VS2 G/H Antique 17.5g Manual 6/5"

Located in Puyallup, WA

Introducing a work of art and a testament to exquisite craftsmanship, this Platinum Art Deco Watch. Adorned with exquisite natural diamonds, this timepiece stands as a statement of s...

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Van Cleef and Arpels 18932 B2 watch. 18k Gold VCA Classique Diamond Bezel.
Van Cleef and Arpels 18932 B2 watch. 18k Gold VCA Classique Diamond Bezel.

Van Cleef and Arpels 18932 B2 watch. 18k Gold VCA Classique Diamond Bezel.

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Genuine Van Cleef & Arpels Watch Classic or Classique Ladies ref. 18932 B2 Diamond Bezel with Diamonds Bezel set on lugs. 18k Yellow Gold Case. 18k Yellow Gold Original VCA Buck...

Category

20th Century Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch
Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch

Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1920s Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 X 9 M.M. 2 Piece Platinum Case set with European cut Diamonds totaling 1 Carat, the case sides and back are fu...

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Elgin 14k White Gold Vintage Art Deco Diamond Ladies Manual Wind Watch
Elgin 14k White Gold Vintage Art Deco Diamond Ladies Manual Wind Watch

Elgin 14k White Gold Vintage Art Deco Diamond Ladies Manual Wind Watch

By Elgin

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Movement: manual Function: hours, minutes Case: round 10mm 14k white gold diamond case Dial: champagne Serial # H615XXX No box or papers. Guaranteed to be authentic by seller.

Category

20th Century Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany & Company 1920s Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch
Tiffany & Company 1920s Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch

Tiffany & Company 1920s Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1920s Tiffany & Company retailed Platinum and Diamond Ladies Wrist Watch, 18 x 18 M.M. Cushion shape case with Hand Engraving work and single cut Diamonds set into the beze...

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Edwardian Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Baume & Mercier Montre Mecanique Or Malachite 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Watch
Baume & Mercier Montre Mecanique Or Malachite 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Watch

Baume & Mercier Montre Mecanique Or Malachite 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Watch

By Baume & Mercier

Located in PARIS, FR

Baume & Mercier watch circa 1970 in 18k yellow gold (750/1000), oval case, signed malachite dial, mechanical movement (manual winding), signed green leather strap, signed gold-tone m...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Cartier Santos Octagon 0906 Yellow Gold Automatic White Dial Ladies Watch 25mm
Cartier Santos Octagon 0906 Yellow Gold Automatic White Dial Ladies Watch 25mm

Cartier Santos Octagon 0906 Yellow Gold Automatic White Dial Ladies Watch 25mm

By Cartier

Located in Boca Raton, FL

The Cartier Santos Octagon 0906 Yellow Gold Automatic White Dial Ladies Watch is a sophisticated blend of timeless design and precise functionality. Crafted in luxurious yellow gold,...

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Certified 4.97ct Fancy Light Yellow Old Cushion Cut Diamond Ring
Antique Certified 4.97ct Fancy Light Yellow Old Cushion Cut Diamond Ring

Antique Certified 4.97ct Fancy Light Yellow Old Cushion Cut Diamond Ring

Located in London, GB

A beautiful antique 4.97ct old cushion cut diamond three stone ring set in 18k yellow gold and platinum. The ring is centrally set with a stunning antique old cushion cut diamond wh...

Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Omega De Ville Manual Winding Steel Mesh Bracelet Watch
Omega De Ville Manual Winding Steel Mesh Bracelet Watch

Omega De Ville Manual Winding Steel Mesh Bracelet Watch

By Omega

Located in Toronto, CA

Brand: Omega Model: De Ville Reference Number: 511.444 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Manual Winding Case Material: Stainless steel Measurements : Case width: 2...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Baignoire 1920 Mini WGBA0044 18K Yellow Gold Size 15 Box & Papers
Cartier Baignoire 1920 Mini WGBA0044 18K Yellow Gold Size 15 Box & Papers

Cartier Baignoire 1920 Mini WGBA0044 18K Yellow Gold Size 15 Box & Papers

By Cartier

Located in Newport Beach, CA

We are present this 2025 Cartier Baignoire 1920 Mini, reference WGBA0044, crafted in 18K yellow gold and offered in size 15 with factory warranty good through January 2033. A true ic...

Category

2010s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Baume & Mercier Ladies 14K Yellow Gold 1.50CTW Diamond Quartz Watch
Rare Vintage Baume & Mercier Ladies 14K Yellow Gold 1.50CTW Diamond Quartz Watch

Rare Vintage Baume & Mercier Ladies 14K Yellow Gold 1.50CTW Diamond Quartz Watch

Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA

Vintage Baume & Mercier 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ladies Watch 1.50ctw VS F-G Hexagonal Dial 25.17g Complete service 5/2025 Description: Offered here is an elegant and rare vi...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany & Co. Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1920's
Tiffany & Co. Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1920's

Tiffany & Co. Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1920's

By Shreve & Co.

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Tiffany & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum & Diamonds CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 16mm MOVEME...

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

1967 Tudor (Rolex) Prince Oysterdate Vintage Mens Ref. 7966 Watch -Solid 18Kgold
1967 Tudor (Rolex) Prince Oysterdate Vintage Mens Ref. 7966 Watch -Solid 18Kgold

1967 Tudor (Rolex) Prince Oysterdate Vintage Mens Ref. 7966 Watch -Solid 18Kgold

By Tudor

Located in Suwanee, GA

NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Small Rectangular 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Bucherer Automatic Swiss Watch
Small Rectangular 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Bucherer Automatic Swiss Watch

Small Rectangular 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Bucherer Automatic Swiss Watch

By Bucherer

Located in Sewickley, PA

This elegant vintage ladies’ wristwatch by Bucherer showcases timeless Swiss craftsmanship in a refined and compact design. The rectangular case, crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, me...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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1910 Rolex Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the 1910 rolex watch you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of steel, gold-filled and gold, this item was constructed with great care. You’re likely to find the perfect 1910 rolex watch among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing 1910 rolex watch — no matter the origin — is easy, but Rolex and Elgin each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Most of our 1910 rolex watch for sale are for women, but there are 7 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 1910 Rolex Watch?

Prices for a 1910 rolex watch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $891 and can go as high as $20,436, while this accessory, on average, fetches $11,839.

Rolex for sale on 1stDibs

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.

Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You

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.