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Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. ROLEX Precision 2628 Mechanical Windup. Ladies Rolex
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. ROLEX Precision 2628 Mechanical Windup. Ladies Rolex

Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. ROLEX Precision 2628 Mechanical Windup. Ladies Rolex

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

18k White Gold Case Rolex Precision Ladies Watch with attached Milanese Bracelet (Stainless Steel

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Custom M.O.P. Diamond Dial, Mid 1970's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Custom M.O.P. Diamond Dial, Mid 1970's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Custom M.O.P. Diamond Dial, Mid 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Blued Dial 1970's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Blued Dial 1970's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Blued Dial 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial Rare Jubilee Bracelet,  Early 1970's
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial Rare Jubilee Bracelet,  Early 1970's

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial Rare Jubilee Bracelet, Early 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial circa, 1970's 80's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial circa, 1970's 80's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial circa, 1970's 80's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Genuine Diamond Rolex Watch. Ladies 18k Rolex 2191 Manual Watch.
Genuine Diamond Rolex Watch. Ladies 18k Rolex 2191 Manual Watch.

Genuine Diamond Rolex Watch. Ladies 18k Rolex 2191 Manual Watch.

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Genuine Diamond Rolex Watch. 18k White Gold Case and Stainless Steel Milanese Bracelet Fully

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision
Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision

Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1971.  1400 Caliber

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's

Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k WG Rolex CELLINI 3811 Square WristWatch
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k WG Rolex CELLINI 3811 Square WristWatch

Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k WG Rolex CELLINI 3811 Square WristWatch

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

18k White Gold Rolex Cellini mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Rolex 1600 Movement Ref. 3811 Square

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold, 18k Gold

Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 2653 Vintage Genuine Manual Windup Watch.
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 2653 Vintage Genuine Manual Windup Watch.

Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 2653 Vintage Genuine Manual Windup Watch.

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1973.  1400 Caliber

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel 1971 Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision
Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel 1971 Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision

Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel 1971 Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1975.  1400 Caliber

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Genuine Rolex Watch. Mens ROLEX 3411 Precision 34mm Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex Watch. Mens ROLEX 3411 Precision 34mm Stainless Steel

Genuine Rolex Watch. Mens ROLEX 3411 Precision 34mm Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1973. 17j 1225 cal Rolex

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Genuine Diamond Sapphire Rolex Watch. Ladies 18k Rolex 2189 Manual Watch.
Genuine Diamond Sapphire Rolex Watch. Ladies 18k Rolex 2189 Manual Watch.

Genuine Diamond Sapphire Rolex Watch. Ladies 18k Rolex 2189 Manual Watch.

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Genuine Diamond And Sapphire Rolex Watch. 18k White Gold Case and Stainless Steel Milanese Bracelet

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist Watch
Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist Watch

Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1970s Rolex Wrist Watch, 31 M.M x 4.5 M.M thick 2 piece 14k Yellow Gold case, 17 jewel

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Genuine Rolex 6917 Oyster Perpetual Date Watch. Ladies ROLEX 14k Multi tone
Genuine Rolex 6917 Oyster Perpetual Date Watch. Ladies ROLEX 14k Multi tone

Genuine Rolex 6917 Oyster Perpetual Date Watch. Ladies ROLEX 14k Multi tone

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 6917. 14k Yellow gold and Stainless Steel Multi tone Rolex Ladies

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster 1005 Champagne Dial Gold Vintage Watch
Rolex Oyster 1005 Champagne Dial Gold Vintage Watch

Rolex Oyster 1005 Champagne Dial Gold Vintage Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34mm reference 1005 champagne dial, fluted bezel, and set in 14k

Category

Vintage 1970s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 2653 Vintage Genuine Manual Windup Watch.
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 2653 Vintage Genuine Manual Windup Watch.

Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 2653 Vintage Genuine Manual Windup Watch.

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1973.  1400 Caliber

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k YG Rolex CELLINI 4109 Round Wrist Watch
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k YG Rolex CELLINI 4109 Round Wrist Watch

Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k YG Rolex CELLINI 4109 Round Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

18k Yellow Gold Rolex Cellini Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1976 Rolex 1601

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel 1975 Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision
Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel 1975 Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision

Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel 1975 Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1975.  1400 Caliber

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex 31mm Datejust Watch
Rolex 31mm Datejust Watch

Rolex 31mm Datejust Watch

By Rolex

Located in Coral Gables, FL

Pre-Owned Rolex 31mm Datejust Automatic Watch Crafted in Stainless Steel with Polished Bezel

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k WG Ladies Rolex CELLINI 3803 Barrel WristWatch
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k WG Ladies Rolex CELLINI 3803 Barrel WristWatch

Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k WG Ladies Rolex CELLINI 3803 Barrel WristWatch

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

18k White Gold Rolex Cellini Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Rolex 1600 Movement Ref. 3803

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1970s Rolex Jubilee 6311 14k Yellow Gold Bracelet 19 mm
Vintage 1970s Rolex Jubilee 6311 14k Yellow Gold Bracelet 19 mm

Vintage 1970s Rolex Jubilee 6311 14k Yellow Gold Bracelet 19 mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Mid-Century Elegance In 14K Gold The Jubilee bracelet is a cornerstone of the Rolex aesthetic

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold "President" Day-Date circa
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold "President" Day-Date circa

Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold "President" Day-Date circa

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Day-Date / Reference 1803 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Rolex Datejust Thunderbird Turn-O-Graph Two Tone Gold Steel Watch
Vintage Rolex Datejust Thunderbird Turn-O-Graph Two Tone Gold Steel Watch

Vintage Rolex Datejust Thunderbird Turn-O-Graph Two Tone Gold Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph "Thunderbird" two-tone 18K yellow gold and stainless steel

Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Rolex Ref 1501 70s Automatic Grey Sigma Dial 34mm Case.
Vintage Rolex Ref 1501 70s Automatic Grey Sigma Dial 34mm Case.

Vintage Rolex Ref 1501 70s Automatic Grey Sigma Dial 34mm Case.

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Here’s a vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 1501 automatic with a grey sigma dial from the

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Finished Green Dial, 1970s
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Finished Green Dial, 1970s

Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Finished Green Dial, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Blue Dial, 1970s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Blue Dial, 1970s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Blue Dial, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Steel-Gold 36mm
Rolex Datejust Steel-Gold 36mm

Rolex Datejust Steel-Gold 36mm

$9,421

H 0.48 in W 1.34 in Dm 1.42 in

Rolex Datejust Steel-Gold 36mm

By Rolex

Located in Berlin, BE

and majestic Rolex Datejust steel gold 36mm, a timepiece that embodies the epitome of luxury from the

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Aesthetic Movement Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Steel

Vintage Rolex Precision 22m 18K Gold Champagne Dial Manual Wind Watch
Vintage Rolex Precision 22m 18K Gold Champagne Dial Manual Wind Watch

Vintage Rolex Precision 22m 18K Gold Champagne Dial Manual Wind Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Rolex Precision ladies manual-wind watch in 18K yellow gold featuring a cushion-shaped case

Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Finished Pink Dial, 1970s
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Finished Pink Dial, 1970s

Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Finished Pink Dial, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Royal with Custom Made Navy Blue Diamond Dial
Rolex Steel Oyster Royal with Custom Made Navy Blue Diamond Dial

Rolex Steel Oyster Royal with Custom Made Navy Blue Diamond Dial

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Royal / Reference 6426 METAL

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Date Steel 1501 Automatic Wrist Watch
Rolex Date Steel 1501 Automatic Wrist Watch

Rolex Date Steel 1501 Automatic Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1973 Rolex Date Wrist watch, 35 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster case. Caliber 1570, 26

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Yellow Dial 1970s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Yellow Dial 1970s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Yellow Dial 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust  6827 31mm Diamond Dial
Rolex Datejust  6827 31mm Diamond Dial

Rolex Datejust 6827 31mm Diamond Dial

$21,433

H 1.23 in W 1.23 in

Rolex Datejust 6827 31mm Diamond Dial

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A midsize Rolex Datejust ref. 6827 crafted in 18k yellow gold. Featuring a silver dial with applied

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Blue Dial 1970s
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Blue Dial 1970s

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Blue Dial 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Classic Steel Datejust with Original Dial and Machined Bezel
Rolex Classic Steel Datejust with Original Dial and Machined Bezel

Rolex Classic Steel Datejust with Original Dial and Machined Bezel

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1970s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1970s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial, 1970s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial, 1970s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster with Custom Made Blue Dial and Diamond Baguette Markers
Rolex Steel Oyster with Custom Made Blue Dial and Diamond Baguette Markers

Rolex Steel Oyster with Custom Made Blue Dial and Diamond Baguette Markers

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6426 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Charcoal Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Charcoal Dial

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Charcoal Dial

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

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

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Persian Numbers circa, 1960's
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Persian Numbers circa, 1960's

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Persian Numbers circa, 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel Watch
Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel Watch

Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel After Market Diamond Bezel & Aftermarket

Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond

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1970 Rolex For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the 1970 rolex you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Stainless Steel, Gold and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. Making the right choice when shopping for a 1970 rolex may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 20th Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but 1.5 Carat and 2 Carat versions are of considerable interest. While most can agree that any 1970 rolex from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 73 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut alternatives. Most of our 1970 rolex for sale are for men, but there are 567 pieces available to browse for women.

How Much is a 1970 Rolex?

The price for a 1970 rolex starts at $1,795 and tops out at $1,299,558 with these watches, on average, selling for $5,900.

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.