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1955 Rolex

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Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster, circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster, circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster, circa 1955

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W 0.91 in L 1.23 in

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster, circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex Oyster reference# 6480, serial# 94,xxx circa 1955. Featuring a 34mm diameter case with

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Reference 6480 Stainless Steel Watch, 1955
Rolex Oyster Reference 6480 Stainless Steel Watch, 1955

Rolex Oyster Reference 6480 Stainless Steel Watch, 1955

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1955 Vintage Rolex Oyster Ref. 6480 Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with Applied

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Manual Wind Model, circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Manual Wind Model, circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Manual Wind Model, circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex Oyster reference# 6480, serial# 94,xxx circa 1955. Featuring a 34mm diameter case with smooth

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1955
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1955

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1955

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1955 Vintage Rolex Ouster Perpetual Ref. 6564 14k Yellow Gold with Original Silver Dial Turning

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

1955 Rolex Men's Watch 6586 Stainless Steel White Dial Gold Markers
1955 Rolex Men's Watch 6586 Stainless Steel White Dial Gold Markers

1955 Rolex Men's Watch 6586 Stainless Steel White Dial Gold Markers

Located in Washington Depot, CT

1955 Rolex Men's Watch Model: 6586 Serial: 97860 Automatic movement White Dial - gold markers

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Pendant Watch 18K Gold Diamonds Signed, 1955
Rolex Pendant Watch 18K Gold Diamonds Signed, 1955

Rolex Pendant Watch 18K Gold Diamonds Signed, 1955

By Rolex

Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv

Rolex Pendant watch 18K Gold and fine Diamonds. Extremely rare jewelry item, Rolex have only

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Ladies Watch 18 K Gold Diamonds Signed, 1955
Rolex Ladies Watch 18 K Gold Diamonds Signed, 1955

Rolex Ladies Watch 18 K Gold Diamonds Signed, 1955

By Rolex

Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv

Rolex Ladies Pendant watch 18K Gold and Fine Diamonds. Extremely rare jewelry item, Rolex has only

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Rolex Rose Gold Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 9162 circa 1955
Rolex Rose Gold Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 9162 circa 1955

Rolex Rose Gold Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 9162 circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in Firenze, IT

Rolex 18k rose gold chronograph wristwatch, Ref. 9162, Case No. 130792, circa 1955, 30 minute and

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Dial from, 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Dial from, 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Dial from, 1955

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6564 METAL

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Speedking Manual Red Depth Honeycomb Dial 6420, 1955's
Rolex Oyster Speedking Manual Red Depth Honeycomb Dial 6420, 1955's

Rolex Oyster Speedking Manual Red Depth Honeycomb Dial 6420, 1955's

By Rolex

Located in Central & Western District, HK

Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 6420 Year: 1955 Serial number: 72xxx Reference: OT1868 Introducing a

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

1955 Rolex Oysterdate Stainless Steel 6494 Wristwatch
1955 Rolex Oysterdate Stainless Steel 6494 Wristwatch

1955 Rolex Oysterdate Stainless Steel 6494 Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

Vintage * *Complete with: Box & Guarantee dated 18th July 1955 *Case Size: 34mm *Strap: Brown

Category

Vintage 1950s Brazilian Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1955 Rolex Oyster Precision Stainless Steel 6424 Wristwatch
1955 Rolex Oyster Precision Stainless Steel 6424 Wristwatch

1955 Rolex Oyster Precision Stainless Steel 6424 Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

Vintage * *Complete with: Presentation Box dated 1955 *Case Size: 36mm *Strap: Stainless Steel

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1955  ref #6352
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1955  ref #6352

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1955 ref #6352

By Rolex

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rolex Oyster Perpetual from 1955 with the original cream waffle "3 6 9" dial. The reference

Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, Ref. 6564, serial number 82,XXX, circa 1955

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wristwatch Ref 6480 circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wristwatch Ref 6480 circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wristwatch Ref 6480 circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Oyster wristwatch, Ref# 6480, production serial # 96,XXX, circa 1955. 34mm

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Precision 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ref. 4477, circa 1955
Rolex Precision 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ref. 4477, circa 1955

Rolex Precision 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ref. 4477, circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex Precision 18K YG man’s manual wind dress model ref. 4477 circa 1955. A very attractive

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Bombe Wristwatch Ref 6590 circa 1955
Rolex Yellow Gold Bombe Wristwatch Ref 6590 circa 1955

Rolex Yellow Gold Bombe Wristwatch Ref 6590 circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18k yellow gold Bombe wristwatch, Ref. 6590, serial number 120,XXX, circa 1955. Fabulous

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wriswatch Ref 6422 circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wriswatch Ref 6422 circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wriswatch Ref 6422 circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Great looking vintage Rolex stainless steel Oyster wristwatch, Ref. 6422, serial number 69,XXX

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Precision Wristwatch Ref 6282 circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Precision Wristwatch Ref 6282 circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Precision Wristwatch Ref 6282 circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Vintage Rolex Oyster Precision ref 6282 circa 1955 with beautiful condition original waffle dial

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Bulls Eye Wristwatch circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Bulls Eye Wristwatch circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Bulls Eye Wristwatch circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, Ref. 6532, serial number 120,XXX, circa 1955

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Pink Gold Datejust ref# 6305  circa 1955
Rolex Pink Gold Datejust ref# 6305  circa 1955

Rolex Pink Gold Datejust ref# 6305 circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18K PG Datejust ref #6305 serial# 36,xxx circa 1955. 36mm diameter fully size man's model

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual ref # 6584 serial c.1955
Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual ref # 6584 serial c.1955

Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual ref # 6584 serial c.1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual ref # 6584 serial # 41,XXX circa 1955. 34mm diameter Oyster case with

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Rolex 18K Pink Gold Bombe serial # 57, xxx circa 1955.
Rolex 18K Pink Gold Bombe serial # 57, xxx circa 1955.

Rolex 18K Pink Gold Bombe serial # 57, xxx circa 1955.

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18K PG Bombe serial # 57,xxx circa 1955. Gorgeous and rare model in rose gold featuring

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

ROLEX Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6567 circa 1955
ROLEX Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6567 circa 1955

ROLEX Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6567 circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18k rose gold Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, Ref. 6567, serial 128XXX, circa 1955. 34mm

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Perpetual Date Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6518
Rolex Stainless Steel Perpetual Date Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6518

Rolex Stainless Steel Perpetual Date Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6518

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

.Serial number 996996. Circa :1955 .Swiss Made .Comes with Rolex Box .Warranted for 1 year from Date of

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 6305
Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 6305

Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 6305

By Rolex

Located in Boston, MA

Rolex stainless steel and 14k yellow gold Datejust wristwatch, circa 1955, automatic movement, size

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, Ref. 6565, serial number 129,XXX, circa 1955

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Wristwatch, Ref 6564, Circa 1955
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Wristwatch, Ref 6564, Circa 1955

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Wristwatch, Ref 6564, Circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rolex Oyster Perpetual stainless steel wristwatch, reference 6564. This Rolex watch features a rare

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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By Patek Philippe

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By Omega

Located in Stamford, CT

Late 1950’s solid 18k yellow gold Omega manual wind. Florentine bezel. Omega dial refinished and custom colored in a bright ice blue. 18k yellow gold Length: 37.36mm Width: 34mm Ban...

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Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

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By Patek Philippe

Located in Chicago, IL

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Rolex Precision Vintage Manual wind Steel Wrist Watch
Rolex Precision Vintage Manual wind Steel Wrist Watch

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By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1954 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case, screw down crown, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle Lever movement, acrylic crystal, "...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

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Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty
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Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty

By Rolex

Located in Greensboro, NC

Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date President Model Number: 1803 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Date: 1964 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Aftermarket Champagne Diamond Metal Con...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

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Day-Date Rose Gold 40mm Olive green with box and papers
Day-Date Rose Gold 40mm Olive green with box and papers

Day-Date Rose Gold 40mm Olive green with box and papers

By Rolex

Located in Neguri, Vizcaya

*We can have it new or second hand You can request more info* Prices will vary- Instantly recognizable, its unique design has forged its identity. At its launch, the Day-Date was t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Rose Gold

Rare Rolex Cellini Time 18k Rose Gold Black Diamond Dial Men Watch 50605RBR
Rare Rolex Cellini Time 18k Rose Gold Black Diamond Dial Men Watch 50605RBR

Rare Rolex Cellini Time 18k Rose Gold Black Diamond Dial Men Watch 50605RBR

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with the original box and papers. Very unique beautiful watch. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Cellini Time Model Number: 50605RBR Type: ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Cartier Pasha Automatic in Yellow Gold with Diamonds
Cartier Pasha Automatic in Yellow Gold with Diamonds

Cartier Pasha Automatic in Yellow Gold with Diamonds

By Cartier

Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse

18kt yellow gold case with a brown leather strap. Fixed 18kt yellow gold bezel. Arabic numerals mark the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock positions. Automatic movement and water resistant. 8 s...

Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Cellini Series Ladies Watch in Original Condition 1980's
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Cellini Series Ladies Watch in Original Condition 1980's

Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Cellini Series Ladies Watch in Original Condition 1980's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cellini / Reference 4081 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 29mm X Diamet...

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Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual Yellow Gold 6593
Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual Yellow Gold 6593

Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual Yellow Gold 6593

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A yellow gold vintage Oyster Perpetual by Rolex from the 1950s. Features a champagne dial, complemented by a yellow gold fluted bezel. Fitted with plastic glass and a self-winding au...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Cartier Rare King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch C1937
Cartier Rare King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch C1937

Cartier Rare King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch C1937

By Cartier

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Cartier. A Rare and Highly Important King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch, C1937. Dial: The plain silver dial signed Cartier with black Roman numerals and outer minute track wi...

Category

20th Century French Pocket Watches

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Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Genuine Cartier Watch. Must de Cartier Vendome Round Argent Vermeil Trinity Face
Genuine Cartier Watch. Must de Cartier Vendome Round Argent Vermeil Trinity Face

Genuine Cartier Watch. Must de Cartier Vendome Round Argent Vermeil Trinity Face

By Cartier

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Must de Cartier Vendome Trinity Tricolor Face. White, Gold and Rose Gold. Sapphire Cabochon Crown. Condition: Comes with Cartier case. Wear consist...

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Omega 14k Solid Gold 1940s Mens 33mm Vintage Bumper Automatic RA714
Omega 14k Solid Gold 1940s Mens 33mm Vintage Bumper Automatic RA714

Omega 14k Solid Gold 1940s Mens 33mm Vintage Bumper Automatic RA714

By Omega

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Luxurious classic, Men's Omega 14k solid gold bumper automatic, c.1944, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Omega signed dial, applied...

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6634 34mm Gold Capped Mens 1950s Automatic RA673
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6634 34mm Gold Capped Mens 1950s Automatic RA673

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6634 34mm Gold Capped Mens 1950s Automatic RA673

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Luxurious classic, Rolex's "Golden Egg" Ref 6634 Oyster Perpetual gold-capped automatic, c.1959, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, ...

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Tudor Rolex Rose Logo Radial Arabic Numerals c1960's 30mm Manual Mens' Watch
Tudor Rolex Rose Logo Radial Arabic Numerals c1960's 30mm Manual Mens' Watch

Tudor Rolex Rose Logo Radial Arabic Numerals c1960's 30mm Manual Mens' Watch

By Tudor

Located in MELBOURNE, AU

This Tudor Rolex Vintage Gents’ Watch is dating from 1960’s, it is in good working order & in overall good original condition An ivory-beige coloured Dial is adorned with brand’s ic...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster SPEEDKING 4302 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster SPEEDKING 4302 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm

Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster SPEEDKING 4302 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Rolex Oyster SpeedKing 4302 9k Yellow Gold Bezel and Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1946 Beautiful Watch. New Genuine Leather band. 29mm round c...

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Vintage 1940s Modern Wrist Watches

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9k Gold, Stainless Steel

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1955 Rolex For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 1955 rolex you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Stainless Steel, Gold and 18k Gold. Finding the perfect 1955 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 20th Century. When shopping for a 1955 rolex, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or women today than there are for men.

How Much is a 1955 Rolex?

Prices for a 1955 rolex can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $2,745 and can go as high as $65,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $5,075.

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.