Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Finished Green Dial, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Purple Dial, 1960s
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 4...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel
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 43...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1967 Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 Stainless Steel Wristwatch, 34mm
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A true vintage classic, this 1967 Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 offers understated sophistication with a storied pedigree. Featuring a 34mm stainless steel case and powered by a reliable ...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Finished Mother of Pearl Dial, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Orange Dial 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Yellow Dial, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Hot Pink Dial, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Dia...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Very Rare Vintage Milgauss Stainless Steel 1019
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Very Rare Vintage Milgauss reference 1019 Wristwatch by Rolex, available now from Watch Centre London. Featuring a silver dial with applied hour markers, a fixed smooth bezel, a b...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Ladies Oyster Perpetual Date with Factory Original Silvered Dial
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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Oysterdate with Original 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 42mm x Diameter ...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Orange Dial, Diamond Markers, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Dia...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Hot Pink Dial, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Dia...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Rolex Cellini 3833 14K Yellow Gold White Roman Dial Manual 32mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Other Side Of Rolex The Cellini line was Rolex’s answer to the pure, elegant dress watch. Named after the Renaissance goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini, these watches intentionally se...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Finished Purple Dial, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Chameleon 2003 Carved Geometric Case 18k WG 1966
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 1946 Brand Rolex Model Chameleon Reference 2003 Year 1966 Dial White Dial Case Carved Geometric Case Bracelet Rolex Chameleon Strap Diameter 24 x 16mm Length N/A Movement Manual...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Custom Orange Dial Engine Turned Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Sage Green Dial with Matching Green Strap 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Deep Blue Dial, Diamond Markers, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39 X Diame...
Rolex Day Date 1803 Gold Khanjar Dial Asprey 18k YG
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2267 Brand Rolex Model Day Date Reference 1803 Year Dial Khanjar Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Diameter 36mm Length Movement Automatic Weight N/A Lug Widt...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King With Rare Factory Original Charcoal Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39 L...
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Orange Dial, circa 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diameter 34m...
Rolex 6694 Oysterdate Precision Blue Sunburst Dial 34mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1964 Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6694 manual-wind stainless steel watch featuring a stunning sunburst blue dial with applied silver baton hour markers, date window a...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Deep Blue Dial, Diamond Markers, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39 X Diame...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King with Custom Pink Dial 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Blue Cosmograph Ref. #6239, Circa 1966
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Rolex Daytona Blue Cosmograph 6239 Circa 1966 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale. This ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Finished Orange Dial circa, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm x 35mm M...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual Date Yellow Gold 34mm 1500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date reference 1500, a classic yellow gold timepiece featuring a silver dial with applied gold baton indices and a date aperture at 3 o'clock, all pr...
Yellow Gold
Rolex. A Rare Yellow Gold Pendant Pocket Watch C1964
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Dress Watch With Original Presentation Box C1964. Dial: The simplistic silver dial with quadrant lines fully signed Rolex Geneve with Rolex Crown at t...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King with Custom Purple Dial 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air-King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Le...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Made Red Diamond Dial from 1960s / 70s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm X 34m...
1964 Vintage Rolex Datejust 1603, Stainless Steel, Jubilee Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
Vintage 1964 Rolex Datejust with Papers, Custom Jubilee Bracelet An iconic classic, this vintage Rolex Datejust from 1964 offers timeless style and collectibility. Featuring a silve...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold Strap Model Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Rolex Wrist Watch, 33 M.M. 14K 2 piece case, 9 M.M. thick, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle lever movement, 2 tone Silver Satin Pie pan dial with raised Gold marke...
14k Gold
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Champagne Brown Dial 34mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Vintage Men's Dress Sport Watch Brand: Rolex Collection: Oysterdate Precision Reference: 6694 Serial: 101*** Calibre: 1560 (Manual Wind) Case Mater...
Silver
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 mm 1501 Silver Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in istanbul, TR
Condition Good Seller Notes “for vintage very good” Country of Origin Switzerland Bezel Color Silver Movement Mechanical (Automatic) Indices Baton Indexes Papers No Year Manufactured...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Original Machined Bezel and Custom Purple Dial Mid 60s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diamete...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial and LV Strap 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic Watch, Stainless Steel, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Queens, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Steel Automatic Watch, reference # 1500, with silvered dial, baton indexes, date window at 3 0'clock, powered by automatic self winding movement, worn on ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust Ruby Diamond Bezel Ladies Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Timeless Elegance: Rolex Lady-Datejust 69173 Experience the perfect blend of luxury and sophistication with the Rolex Lady-Datejust 69173. Designed for women who appreciate timeless...
Diamond, Ruby
1966 Rolex Ladies Dress Watch, Silver Dial - 14K White Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
As mentioned, one used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership. Detailed Appraisal: Manufacturer: Rolex Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market ...
White Gold
$5,920Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref 1002 Mens 34mm 1960s Vintage Automatic RA793B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 automatic, c.1960s, in excellent working condition.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 1600 Datejust 36mm Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA792
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Understated classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Ref. 1600 Datejust automatic in rare black dial, c.1967, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous R...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1963 Rolex Speedking 6430 Stainless Steel Silver Dial Manual 31mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Seldom Seen Size The Speedking occupies an interesting space in the Rolex catalog, representing the pure Oyster concept in a more compact form. At 31mm, this reference 6430 offers...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Steel Watch, 34mm, Men's, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Queens, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Steel Watch, reference # 5500, with silvered dial, baton indexes, powered by automatic self winding movement, worn on wrist with oyster link bracelet ...
Steel
$6,304Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1603 Mens 1960s 36mm Vintage Automatic RA684C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1603 automatic, c.1967, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed ...
Stainless Steel
$6,312Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1603 Datejust 1960s Mens 36mm Vintage Automatic RA684B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1603 automatic, c.1967, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silv...
Stainless Steel
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 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 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 1966 Air King Men's Watch - Stainless Steel Automatic 1007
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Air King Model Number: 1007 Specific Year: 1966 Movement: Automatic Warranty: 1 yr Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Rare brown mirror dial Metal Content: Stainl...
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 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
Vintage classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 automatic, c.1960, all original, in excellent working condition.
Stainless Steel
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 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...
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
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 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
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
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.