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1952 Rolex

Rolex Pocket Watch 9165. Antique Rolex Precision 9165 Circa 1952
Rolex Pocket Watch 9165. Antique Rolex Precision 9165 Circa 1952

Rolex Pocket Watch 9165. Antique Rolex Precision 9165 Circa 1952

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Vintage Rolex Pocket Watch. Precision Ref: 9165 Circa 1952 Please refer to pictures to see the

Category

Vintage 1950s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch from 1952
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch from 1952

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch from 1952

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6106 MOVEMENT

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Post-War Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold Dress Watch With Diamonds circa, 1952
Rolex 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold Dress Watch With Diamonds circa, 1952

Rolex 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold Dress Watch With Diamonds circa, 1952

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch / Reference 3863 METAL

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Steel Early Oyster with Original Super Oyster Crown circa 1952-53
Rolex Steel Early Oyster with Original Super Oyster Crown circa 1952-53

Rolex Steel Early Oyster with Original Super Oyster Crown circa 1952-53

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6084 METAL

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 1952-1961 Oyster 34 Perpetual Reference 1003 Two Tone Jubilee Band
Rolex 1952-1961 Oyster 34 Perpetual Reference 1003 Two Tone Jubilee Band

Rolex 1952-1961 Oyster 34 Perpetual Reference 1003 Two Tone Jubilee Band

By Rolex

Located in Providence, RI

This iconic two tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch blends luxury and functionality into a classic

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster 6244 c1952
Rolex Oyster 6244 c1952

Rolex Oyster 6244 c1952

$3,887

W 1.23 in Dm 1.23 in

Rolex Oyster 6244 c1952

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

Rolex Oyster 6244 Circa 1952 Manual Wind Ivory Honeycomb Dial Vintage Collectors Piece A rare

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Recent Sales

Vintage Rolex Oyster Ladies Dudley Stainless Steel Watch, 1952
Vintage Rolex Oyster Ladies Dudley Stainless Steel Watch, 1952

Vintage Rolex Oyster Ladies Dudley Stainless Steel Watch, 1952

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1952 Vintage Oyster by Rolex Ladies Lady Dudley Ref. 3640 Stainless Steel watch with Original

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage 1952 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Ref. 6084
Vintage 1952 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Ref. 6084

Vintage 1952 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Ref. 6084

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

A highly collectible 1952 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Ref. 6084, featuring a 34mm 14K yellow

Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage 1952 Rolex Precision 18KT Yellow Gold Ref. 8790
Vintage 1952 Rolex Precision 18KT Yellow Gold Ref. 8790

Vintage 1952 Rolex Precision 18KT Yellow Gold Ref. 8790

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

C. 1952 This elegant timepiece is crafted in 18K yellow gold by Rolex. It features a square dial

Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster manual wind Wristwatch Ref 6082, circa 1952
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster manual wind Wristwatch Ref 6082, circa 1952

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster manual wind Wristwatch Ref 6082, circa 1952

By Rolex

Located in Firenze, IT

baton numerals, Rolex oyster crown on brown leather strap, circa 1952, case diameter 34mm, Ref 6082 Case

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 1952 Steel Case with California Dial Automatic Wristwatch
Rolex 1952 Steel Case with California Dial Automatic Wristwatch

Rolex 1952 Steel Case with California Dial Automatic Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1952 Rolex Reference 6106, 34 MM & Steel 2 piece case. Caliber 1300 Automatic, self winding

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 1952 Steel Case with California Dial Automatic Wristwatch
Rolex 1952 Steel Case with California Dial Automatic Wristwatch

Rolex 1952 Steel Case with California Dial Automatic Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1952 Rolex Reference 6106, 34 MM & Steel 2 piece case. Caliber 1300 Automatic, self winding

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel California Dial Wristwatch Ref 6426
Rolex Stainless Steel California Dial Wristwatch Ref 6426

Rolex Stainless Steel California Dial Wristwatch Ref 6426

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1952 Rolex, Reference 6426 34 MM Stainless Steel Water proof Case, caliber 1215 Manual wind

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Vintage Gold Top and Steel back Larger Manual Wind Wrist Watch
Rolex Vintage Gold Top and Steel back Larger Manual Wind Wrist Watch

Rolex Vintage Gold Top and Steel back Larger Manual Wind Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1952 Rolex Wrist Watch, 35 M.M 3 piece snap back case with Yellow Gold Bezel, Lug Tops and

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold Transitional Bubbleback Wristwatch, circa 1952
Rolex Yellow Gold Transitional Bubbleback Wristwatch, circa 1952

Rolex Yellow Gold Transitional Bubbleback Wristwatch, circa 1952

By Rolex

Located in Stamford, CT

Rolex 14k yellow gold transitional bubbleback wristwatch, circa 1952, with original Rolex dial

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

1952 Rolex Precision Model 6044 “Royal” Oyster
1952 Rolex Precision Model 6044 “Royal” Oyster

1952 Rolex Precision Model 6044 “Royal” Oyster

By Rolex

Located in Raleigh, NC

1952! Let me introduce you to a special watch. It’s a Rolex that has a very special Crown. One of

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1952
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1952

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1952

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1952 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6285. 14K Yellow Gold case. Machined bezel. 34mm wide

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Yellow Gold Bombe Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 6090, circa 1952
Rolex Yellow Gold Bombe Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 6090, circa 1952

Rolex Yellow Gold Bombe Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 6090, circa 1952

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18K YG Bombe ref # 6090 serial# 729,xxx circa 1952. Featuring 34 x 40mm bombe style case

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Omega Stainless Steel Seamaster Wristwatch circa 1952
Omega Stainless Steel Seamaster Wristwatch circa 1952

Omega Stainless Steel Seamaster Wristwatch circa 1952

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

1952. 33.5 x 42mm case with wide bezel and heavy lugs. Original black waffle dial with applied gold

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Tudor Prince Stainless Steel Jumbo Oysterdate Wristwatch Ref 7024/0
Tudor Prince Stainless Steel Jumbo Oysterdate Wristwatch Ref 7024/0

Tudor Prince Stainless Steel Jumbo Oysterdate Wristwatch Ref 7024/0

By Tudor

Located in New York, NY

consumers had come to expect from Rolex. 1952 saw the introduction of the Tudor Oyster Prince, with a famous

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pre-Owned Circa 1952 Rolex
Pre-Owned Circa 1952 Rolex

Pre-Owned Circa 1952 Rolex

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Model: Rolex Movement: Automatic Case Material: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Case Size: 34mm Dial: Silver

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1952
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1952

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1952

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, Ref. 6084, serial number 736,XXX, circa 1952

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Precision Dress Model manual wristwatch, circa 1952
Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Precision Dress Model manual wristwatch, circa 1952

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Precision Dress Model manual wristwatch, circa 1952

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

A scarce and striking design vintage lady’s Rolex 18K YG dress model circa 1952. Featuring a 22mm

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Rolex 1958 Lady-Datejust Watch 6517 - Yellow Gold 18k Automatic One Year
Rolex 1958 Lady-Datejust Watch 6517 - Yellow Gold 18k Automatic One Year

Rolex 1958 Lady-Datejust Watch 6517 - Yellow Gold 18k Automatic One Year

By Rolex

Located in Greensboro, NC

Brand: Rolex Model: Lady-Datejust Model Number: 6517 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Year: 1958 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Champagne Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Ma...

Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Del1950031417 Golden Dial Gold Plated Tonneau Case Men's Wat
Omega Del1950031417 Golden Dial Gold Plated Tonneau Case Men's Wat

Omega Del1950031417 Golden Dial Gold Plated Tonneau Case Men's Wat

By Omega

Located in Toronto, CA

Description Brand: Omega Model: Deville Reference Number:1950031 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Quartz Cal.1417 Case Material: Gold Plated Stainless steel Meas...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

ICA 18K White Gold 0.71ct Oval Vivid Green Tsavorite & 0.38ct Diamond Halo Ring
ICA 18K White Gold 0.71ct Oval Vivid Green Tsavorite & 0.38ct Diamond Halo Ring

ICA 18K White Gold 0.71ct Oval Vivid Green Tsavorite & 0.38ct Diamond Halo Ring

Located in เกาะสมุย, TH

A luminous celebration of rare color and refined craftsmanship, this halo-set cocktail ring showcases a vivid 0.71ct oval-cut Tsavorite garnet, certified untreated by the ICA GemLab....

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold

Waltham Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Open Face Pocket Watch from 1879
Waltham Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Open Face Pocket Watch from 1879

Waltham Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Open Face Pocket Watch from 1879

By Waltham

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced / Full Size METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1879 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 55mm MOVEMENT / CALIB...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Vintage Cartier Santos Automatic 25mm Watch Santos de Cartier Octo SM 18k and SS
Vintage Cartier Santos Automatic 25mm Watch Santos de Cartier Octo SM 18k and SS

Vintage Cartier Santos Automatic 25mm Watch Santos de Cartier Octo SM 18k and SS

By Cartier

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Iconic Santos Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow gold. 25mm Ladies Automatic Movement. Condition: Has Cracks on the white dial. Review photos. Details...

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Gorgeous 7.53 Ct Emerald Classic Tennis Bracelet in 925 Silver Gift for Women
Gorgeous 7.53 Ct Emerald Classic Tennis Bracelet in 925 Silver Gift for Women

Gorgeous 7.53 Ct Emerald Classic Tennis Bracelet in 925 Silver Gift for Women

$737Sale Price / item|50% Off

W 0.17 in D 0.16 in L 7.25 in

Gorgeous 7.53 Ct Emerald Classic Tennis Bracelet in 925 Silver Gift for Women

Located in New York, NY

This stunning bracelet features oval-cut emeralds in a beautiful vibrant green hue. With a total gemstone weight of approximately 7.53 Cts, the piece exudes natural elegance and uniq...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique 14k Solid Yellow Gold Waltham Pocket Watch Keystone Hunter Case Monogram
Antique 14k Solid Yellow Gold Waltham Pocket Watch Keystone Hunter Case Monogram

Antique 14k Solid Yellow Gold Waltham Pocket Watch Keystone Hunter Case Monogram

By Waltham

Located in Greer, SC

Beautifully crafted antique Waltham pocket watch in a stunning solid 14k yellow gold hunters case by Keystone (for repair). This pocket watch is circa late 1800's to early 1900's and...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch
Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch

Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1970s Cartier Paris Centure Collection Wrist Watch, 18k Yellow Gold 27 X 27 M.M. 2 Piece stepped case. 17 jewel mechanical, manual wind movement. White Dial with Black Roman nu...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Silvered Dial and Gilt Markers
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Silvered Dial and Gilt Markers

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Silvered Dial and Gilt Markers

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 42mm X Diameter 3...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Waltham 14k Yellow Gold Hunters Cased Pocket Watch Circa 1900 Hand Engraved
Waltham 14k Yellow Gold Hunters Cased Pocket Watch Circa 1900 Hand Engraved

Waltham 14k Yellow Gold Hunters Cased Pocket Watch Circa 1900 Hand Engraved

By Waltham Watch Company

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Hunters Case Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1900 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 45mm Diameter MOV...

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies ROLEX 2649 Precision Cocktail Watch.
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies ROLEX 2649 Precision Cocktail Watch.

Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies ROLEX 2649 Precision Cocktail Watch.

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970s.  1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2649. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism.  Leather Band...

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

1981 Rolex Ladies 18K Yellow Gold Watch 6917 Jubilee Band 26mm #20298
1981 Rolex Ladies 18K Yellow Gold Watch 6917 Jubilee Band 26mm #20298

1981 Rolex Ladies 18K Yellow Gold Watch 6917 Jubilee Band 26mm #20298

By Rolex

Located in Washington Depot, CT

1981 Ladies 18K Yellow Gold Rolex Model: 6917 Serial: 6773423 This Rolex ladies Datejust is set in 18K yellow gold. 41.7 dwt / 64.85 g Jubilee band with deployment clasp. Fits up...

Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe 18kt. Rose Gold Late Art Deco Round Original Dial from 1940s
Patek Philippe 18kt. Rose Gold Late Art Deco Round Original Dial from 1940s

Patek Philippe 18kt. Rose Gold Late Art Deco Round Original Dial from 1940s

By Patek Philippe

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe et Cie. STYLE / REFERENCE: Round Art Deco / Reference 2494 METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 41 Length X 33 D...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Unique Red Dial circa, 1970's
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Unique Red Dial circa, 1970's

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Unique Red Dial circa, 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 40mm "Lug Tip to ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Early Datejust Perpetual Wind Watch, 1953
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Early Datejust Perpetual Wind Watch, 1953

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Early Datejust Perpetual Wind Watch, 1953

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6105 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm CIRC...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare "Pie Pan" Factory Original Dial circa, 1970's
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare "Pie Pan" Factory Original Dial circa, 1970's

Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare "Pie Pan" Factory Original Dial circa, 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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1952 Rolex For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 1952 rolex you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Stainless Steel, 14k Gold and Gold. When shopping for a 1952 rolex, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or women today than there are for men.

How Much is a 1952 Rolex?

Prices for a 1952 rolex can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $2,500 and can go as high as $8,995, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,800.

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.