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 Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial. Jubilee Band
Diamond
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Yellow Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster with Custom Made Blue Dial and Diamond Markers 1960 / 70
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6426 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960-70 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to Lug...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Candy Apple Red Dial 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: 1970's DIMENSIONS: 39mm X 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 Ref.1601 36mm Solid Yellow Gold & Steel Rare Pie Pan Step Dial
By Rolex
Located in Zurich, CH
A Highly Coveted Vintage Icon Featuring the Rare Slate Grey Sunburst "Pie-Pan" Step Dial in Two-Tone 18K Gold and Steel. The vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1601 represents one of ...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Queen Midas 3585 Roman Champagne Dial 18k YG 1975
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2258 Brand Rolex Model Queen Midas Reference 3585 Year 1975 Dial Champagne Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Diameter 22.5 x 29.5mm Length 15.2cm Movement Ma...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Orange Dial & Custom Diamond Bezel
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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King with Custom Pink Dial, 1970s
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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40...
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1978 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1978 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Milgauss 1019 Steel White Dial 38 MM Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Rolex Milgauss 1019 is a vintage men's watch featuring a 38 mm stainless steel Oyster case equipped with a Faraday cage for magnetic protection. It has a white dial with black ac...
Rolex Vintage Date Yellow Gold Blue Dial 34mm 1503
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 34mm Rolex Date in yellow gold, reference 1503, dating to approximately 1979. Featuring a blue dial that has lightly faded to a purple hue. Fitted with a plastic crystal, ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Finished Orange Dial, circa 1970s
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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm x 35mm M...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Custom Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial and Bezel
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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Original Black Dial and Gilt Markers
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: 1970''s DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm...
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Made Dial and Original Bracelet, circa 1970s
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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster with Custom Made Navy Blue Dial and Baguette Diamond Markers
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Royal / Reference 6426 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare White Dial circa, 1960's
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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 24mm Oyster Perpetual 6619 18K Gold Vintage 1978 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual, reference 6619, in 18K yellow gold with a fluted bezel and a champagne dial featuring the Rolex crown logo and baton hour markers. Dated 1978, Jubilee bracele...
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Light Blue Dial, 1970s
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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm x 34...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Green Dial And Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Green Dial And Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Date 1503 14K Yellow Gold Jubilee Band 34mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1503 Serial: 6089*** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: 14K Yellow Gold Band: 14K Yellow Gold Bezel: 14K Yellow Gold Dial: Cha...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial and Strap 1970s
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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Orange Dial, Early 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King/ Reference 1003 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Cellini 3804 32mm Champagne Dial Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 3804 Year: 1970's Model: Rolex Cellini Case Material: 14k Yellow Gold Clasp: Yellow Gold Plated Band: Black Leather Bezel: 14k Yellow Gold ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Mother of Pearl Dial and Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel with Custom Bezel Black and White Diamonds CIRCA / YE...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Red Dial and Engine Turned Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini White Round Cushion Dial 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Tysons, VA
Rolex - Cellini Watch - 57 Grams - 14k Gold - 7 inches length, 1970s origin, Cushion Shape Dial The Rolex Cellini collection is truly refinement at its best. Due to its elegance and...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Perpetual Date With Custom Mother of Pearl Dial and Custom Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel with Custom Bezel Black and White Diamonds CIRCA / YE...
Stainless Steel
1973 ROLEX PRECISION Vintage Mens Stainless Steel & Diamond Watch - Mint
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Mother of Pearl Dial and Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel with Custom Diamond Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENS...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Mother of Pearl Dial and Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel with Custom Bezel Black and White Diamonds CIRCA / YE...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller Mark I Great White Dial 1665 C1979
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage great white Sea-Dweller in stainless steel by Rolex, available now at our Showroom in London. Featuring an original mark I matte black dial with a original hands and a dat...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Roulette Date (Two Colour Date Display)
By Rolex
Located in istanbul, TR
Condition Good Seller Notes “for vintage condition excellent” Bezel Color Silver Movement Mechanical (Manual) Closure Fliplock Clasp Number of Jewels 17 Jewels Dial Pattern Sunburst...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial 1970s
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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Vintage Submariner Date Nipple Dial Yellow Gold 1680
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare vintage Rolex Submariner Date reference 1680 featuring a rare blue dial, which has developed an attractive purplish patina over time. The dial also features the distinctive ra...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini Blue Mirror Dial White Gold 22mm 4014
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage rectangular Rolex Cellini, reference 4014, featuring a striking blue mirror dial with frosted textured hands, protected by mineral glass. Powered by a manual movement cali...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1974 Rolex Oysterdate 6694 Stainless Steel Champagne Dial Manual 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Essential Rolex Experience The Oysterdate 6694 is a direct link to the foundation of Rolex. It carries the two core technologies that defined the brand: the water-resistant Oyst...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref. 6694 Blue Dial 34mm Stainless Steel Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Crafted in stainless steel, the Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6694 is a classic manually wound Rolex dating to circa 1978–1979. Its 34mm Oyster case features a smooth domed be...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Day-Date Platinum Omani Khanjar Dial 1804
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare and important Rolex Omani Day-Date 1804, available now at our Showroom, London. This exquisite timepiece, crafted from opulent platinum, is one of very few pieces which were ...
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex Datejust Two Tone Diamond Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Mens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1978 34 mm Preowned Diamond Dial Reference: 1500 18kt yellow gold and stainless steel
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1978 Rolex Oysterquartz 17000 Stainless Steel Black Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Architect Of The Integrated Rolex The OysterQuartz was the Rolex response to the quartz crisis and remains one of the most distinct departures from their traditional Oyster case...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Green Dial and Diamond Markers circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust Two Tone Watch with Jubilee Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Two-tone Rolex Datejust in stainless steel with 18k gold overlay. 36mm dial ref. 1601 Datejust with gold-colored dial and 3 o'clock cyclops complication. Fluted bezel with sapphire c...
Vintage 1973 Rolex Datejust 1603 Stainless Steel Grey Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Most Versatile Vintage Rolex The Datejust is the watch that defined Rolex for the better part of a century. It set the standard for a reliable, automatic, and water-resistant ca...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 Silver Piepan Dial 18k WG Fluted Bezel 1973
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Datejust 1601 Silver Piepan Dial 18k WG Fluted Bezel 1973 SKU 1906 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 1601 Year 1973 Dial Silver Piepan Dial Case Steel and 18k White Gold ...
Rolex Cellini 3801 Silver Dial 26mm 18K White Gold Vintage Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Crafted in solid 18K white gold, the Rolex Cellini reference 3801 is an elegant dress watch dating to circa 1973. Its 26mm by 23mm cushion-shaped case is paired with an integrated Fl...
Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterquartz from 1979 In Unpolished Condition
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust Oysterquartz / Reference 17014 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1979 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 56mm x...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Gold Sigma Dial, 1973, Men's Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in bronshoj, DK
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Gold Sigma Dial. 1973. Men's wristwatch, original steel bracelet, plexiglass. Automatic. Watch case diameter: 34 mm. Bracelet lenght: 17 cm. In excellent cond...
Rolex Datejust 1603 Sunburst Gray Non Lume Dial 2.7m Serial 1971
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 1272 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 1603 Year 1971 Dial Gray Non Lume Case Steel and 18k White Gold Fluted Bezel Bracelet Leather Strap Diameter 36mm Length N/A Movement Au...
Rolex GMT Master Stainless Steel Blue Red Bezel, Ref 1675
By Rolex
Located in Queens, NY
Rolex GMT Master Stainless Steel Blue Red Bezel, reference no. 1675 with black dial, luminous indexes, date window at 3 o'clock, powered by automatic self winding movement, calibre 1...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Mens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1972 36 mm Preowned Reference: 1600 18kt yellow and stainless steel
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1978 Rolex Datejust 1601 Two-Tone Champagne Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Two-Tone Watch The Rolex Datejust is the benchmark. First released in 1945, it set the standard for a modern dress watch with its automatic movement and date functi...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Blue Dial Steel 1977 Leather Strap Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6694 features a striking blue dial with applied gold-tone baton indices, gold Rolex crown logo, and a date aperture at 3 o'clock, ho...
Stainless Steel
RARE Rolex Oysterquartz Day Date 19019 18K White Gold 36mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 19019 Serial: 6127*** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex President Day Date Case Material: 18K White Gold Band: 18K White Gold Bezel: 18K White Gold ...
White Gold
Rolex Datejust 1603 'Ghost' Gray Dial 3.5m Serial 1979 Full Set
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Datejust 1603 “Ghost Dial” — 3.5M Serial, 1979 (Full Set) A perfect blend of subtle patina and vintage soul, this 1979 Rolex Datejust 1603 stands out with its mesmerizing matt...
Vintage Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26mm 18k Yellow Gold Ref. 6718
By Rolex
Located in Media, PA
Up for sale is a beautiful vintage Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual crafted in solid 18k yellow gold. This timeless, time-only dress watch features a classic smooth bezel, an elegant ch...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made M.O.P Pink Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm "Lug Tip ...
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.