Vintage 1969 Rolex Datejust 1601 Steel Silver Linen Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Vintage Rolex The reference 1601 is the quintessential vintage Datejust. Produced from the late 1950s through the 1970s, it defined the classic 36mm dress watch for...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original White Dial and Original Bracelet Late 60
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm x Diamete...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel O.P Date with Rare Vignette Dial
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: 1969 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Rare Early Air King with Original Patinated Dial Early 60s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diame...
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
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref 1002 All Original Mens 34mm 1960s Automatic RA793
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with an Original Silvered Dial 1969
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 6517 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1969 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 31mm "Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with a Custom Red Dial and Original Oyster Bracelet Mid 60s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter...
Rolex Datejust 1601 Champagne Pie Pan Doorstop Dial 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1601 Year: 1961 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: Custom Leather Band Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Champagne Pie P...
1961 Rolex Oysterdate 6694 Gold Plated Silver Sunburst Dial Manual 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century Entry To The Oyster Case The reference 6694 is a cornerstone of the vintage Rolex world, representing the classic manual-wind Oysterdate. While stainless steel variant...
Gold Plate
Rolex Steel Oyster Date Gilt Dial w/ Leather Strap Ref. 6694
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 6694 Year: 1965 Serial number: 12XXXXX Reference: C0_ Case: 34mm diameter without crown; show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case b...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Vintage 1964 Rolex Datejust 1601 18K YG Champagne Dauphine Hands Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
An Early And Elegant Execution A solid gold Datejust is a cornerstone of any serious collection, but not all are created equal. This reference 1601/8 from 1964 stands apart due to i...
18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1601 14k Gold Mens 1960s Diamonds Automatic RA412C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning iconic classic, Men's solid 14k gold Rolex 1601 Oyster Perpetual Datejust diamond automatic, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchma...
14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust with steel bracelet. From the 1960s.
By Rolex
Located in bronshoj, DK
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust with steel bracelet. From the 1960s. In excellent condition. The watch is in working order. Watch case diameter 33mm.
Steel
Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 Mens 1960s 14k Solid Gold Diamonds Automatic RA412D
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning luxurious classic, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex 1601 Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic with diamond set, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a ma...
14k Gold
Vintage 1969 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 Steel Blue Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Dial On A Foundational Reference The Oyster Perpetual Date is a cornerstone of the Rolex catalog, the purest expression of the brand's founding principles. This example from ...
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: Two Tone Solid Gold & Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1964 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust 18k Gold 36mm Mens 1960s Date Automatic RA701C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex ...
18k Gold
Rolex 1002 Oyster Perpetual 14k Gold Mens 1960s 34mm Vintage Automatic RA785B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision ref.1002 automatic, c.1968, in immaculate working and aesthetic condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gor...
Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1960s Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA774
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 manual wind, c.1969, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, u...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1960s Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA774B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 manual wind, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, unrestored Rolex signe...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Steel 1500 Auto Gilt Black 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Gilt Dial From The Mid-Century Gilt dials represent a specific moment in Rolex history, a method of production where text was printed in a warm, metallic finish. This Oyster Perpe...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1967 Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual Date 6519 Steel Silver Dial Auto 25mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundation Of The Brand The Oyster Perpetual Date is the direct descendant of the watch that built Rolex. It combines the brand's two most important innovations, the waterproof ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$5,272Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 Mens Vintage Automatic 1960s RA675B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.1501 Men's automatic, c.1963, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silve...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1969 Rolex Datejust 1601 18K Yellow Gold Mocha Stick Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Gold Standard Of Its Era The reference 1601 is a cornerstone of any vintage Rolex collection, but the solid 18K yellow gold 1601 elevates the watch to a different level. Produce...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ref 6615 Oyster Perpetual 18k Solid Gold Ladies 1960s Automatic RA784
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless elegance, 18k solid gold Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual 6615 automatic, c.1966, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1965 Rolex Submariner 5513 Stainless Steel Gilt Dial Automatic 40 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Gilt Era Submariner The reference 5513 is one of the longest-running and most revered models in Rolex history. It is the definitive no-date Submariner, celebrated for its pure, ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$5,032Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1960s Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Rolex ref.6694 Mens Oysterdate Precision manual wind, c.1967, unrestored, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, untouched...
Stainless Steel
$11,760Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust 18k Gold 36mm Mens 1960s Date Automatic RA701B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex ...
18k Gold
Rolex Vintage 5512 Gilt Underline Dial Pointed Crown Guard Submariner Full Set
By Rolex
Located in Boston, MA
A vintage Rolex Submariner, model 5512, with rare Underline gilt dial and pointed crown guard case. The round case measures 40mm in width, featuring the original black dial with gil...
Stainless Steel
1964 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 PCG “Pepsi” with Gilt Dial & Chronograph Papers
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master ref. 1675, circa 1964, featuring a stainless steel screw-back Oyster case with pointed crown guards, visible chamfered lugs, a bi-directional 24-hou...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Precision Silver Dial Manual Wind w/ Leather Strap Ref. 6424
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 6424 Year: 1964 Serial Number: 10XXXXX Reference: OT3160 Case: 36mm diameter without crown; show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner cas...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel with Machined Bezel and Original Bracelet from 1967
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1967 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diamet...
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s 34mm Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 manual wind, c.1967, unrestored, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gor...
Stainless Steel
$5,592Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 Mens Automatic 1960s All Original RA675
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.1501 Men's automatic, c.1963, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
Stainless Steel
$5,040Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s 34mm Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 manual wind, c.1967, unrestored, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, untou...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 Gray Starburst Piepan Dial 18k WG Fluted Bezel Jubilee 1969
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Datejust 1601 – Gray Starburst Piepan Dial – 18k White Gold Fluted Bezel – 1969 SKU 1925 Available exclusively at Classic Time Club, Sydney — your trusted destination for rare ...
$4,784Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Mens Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA575
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Rolex all-stainless steel Men's Oysterdate Precision 6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1962, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master ...
Stainless Steel
$4,464Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Mens Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA575B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Men's Oysterdate Precision 6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1962, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signe...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Original Black Dial from 1969
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: 1969 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x D...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made Sage Green Dial 1960s or 70s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diame...
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust from 1967 with Original Dial and Dauphine Hands
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1967 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36mm ...
$6,160Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 18k SS 36mm Mens 1960s Linen Dial Automatic RA767B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless icon, Men's 18k and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 Linen Dial Datejust automatic, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watch...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$11,920Sale Price|20% Off
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 14k Gold Diamond Dial Automatic 1960s RA412B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Striking luxurious classic, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex 1601 Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic diamond dial and bezel, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by ...
14k Gold
$11,920Sale Price|20% Off
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 14k Gold Automatic Diamond Bezel 1960s RA412
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning classic, Men's solid 14k gold Rolex 1601 Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic with diamond dial and bezel, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a m...
14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel with Machined Bezel and Black Alligator Strap from 1967
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1967 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diamet...
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Rolex 18k gold and stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Ref.1601, c.1963, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gor...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1601 Datejust 18k yellow gold bezel, c.1963, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signe...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Turn-O-Graph 1625 Thunderbird 14k SS Mens 1960s 36mm Automatic RA759
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stunning iconic classic, Men's 14K gold and stainless steel Rolex 1625 Turn-O-Graph automatic, the Thunderbird, c.1966, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
$9,360Sale Price|20% Off
Mens Rolex Ref 1503 Oyster Perpetual Date 18k Gold Automatic 1960s Rjc156r
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 automatic, c.1960s. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied g...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1960s Automatic RA767
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 Datejust automatic with 18k gold bezel, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Iconi...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 14k Gold SS 34mm Mens 1960s Manual Wind RA745
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Rolex Oyster Precision Ref.6426 14k Gold and stainless steel manual hand-wind, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Go...
Stainless Steel, 14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 35mm 14k SS 1960s Mens Diamond Automatic RA742
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's 14k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1968, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master wa...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Black Dial, Ref. # 6427
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Ref. # 6427 Similar to the Rolex Ref. #1016 Manual winding Year of production 1968 Movement Manual winding Caliber/movement 1225 Number...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Two Tone Steel and Gold Datejust "Thunderbird" from 1964 all Original
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust "Thunderbird" / Reference 1675 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Stainless Steel and 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1964 DIMENSIO...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel with Machined Bezel and Original Dial and Dauphine Hands from 1961
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1961 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diame...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 Mens 1960s 35mm 14k SS Diamond Automatic RA742B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dazzling classic, Men's 14k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Go...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Black Finish and Custom Finished Dial ca 1965
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1965 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diamet...
Stainless Steel
$6,336Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Ref 1601 Oyster Datejust 18k W Gold SS 1960s Mens 36mm Automatic RA621C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex 1601 18k white gold and stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic, c.1967, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchma...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
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...
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.
A fresh palette of dial colors and technological advances have elevated this classic watch model.
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.