Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Oyster Perpetual Date Model Ref. 1501 circa 1960's
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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1973 Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 Manual Silver Sunburst Dial 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Pure Manual Expression The 6426 represents the most stripped-back version of the Rolex Oyster. By removing the date window and the automatic winding rotor, Rolex achieved a thinne...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$13,504Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 1803 Oyster Day Date 18k Gold Mens 1970s 36mm Diamond Automatic RA659B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic luxury, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Day-Date ref.1803 "The President" with diamond hour set, c.1973, in excellent working condition!
Gold, 18k Gold
$7,920Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 14k Gold SS Mens 1970s Vintage Automatic RA731
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's 14k gold & stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1601 Datejust automatic, c.1973, all original, in excellent working condition.
Stainless Steel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,520Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA768
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An iconic classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 Linen Dial Datejust automatic with18k gold bezel, c.1973, in excellent working condition.
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
$6,336Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1970s Linen Dial Automatic RA768C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless icon, Rolex 1601 Oyster Datejust Linen dial automatic, c.1973, in excellent working condition.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA768B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An icon, Rolex 1601 Oyster Datejust automatic Linen dial, c.1973, in excellent working condition.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 14k Gold SS Mens 1970s Vintage Automatic RA731
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 14k gold & stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1601 Datejust automatic, c.1973, in excellent working condition.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$13,520Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex President Day Date 1803 18k Solid Gold 1970s Mens Diamond Automatic RA659
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxury icon, Rolex 18k solid gold Day-Date ref.1803 "The President" with diamond hour set, c.1973, in excellent working condition!
Gold, 18k Gold
$6,312Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1601 36mm 18k SS 1970s Mens Vintage Automatic RA620B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless classic, Men's 18k white gold & stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1601 automatic, c.1973, in excellent working condition.
White Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,792Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 36mm 18k W Gold SS 1970s Mens Vintage Automatic RA620
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless classic, Men's 18k white gold & stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1601 automatic, c.1973, all original, in excellent working condition.
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel GMT Root Beer Dial Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Ref. 1675 GMT-Master brown dial steel & gold, Oyster Perpetual with 24-hour bezel and hand and a stainless steel & Gold Rolex Oyster Fliplock bracelet with deployant clasp. ...
1973 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1500 Vintage Mens Blue Dial Watch - SS
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 on...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Reference 1500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Date reference 1500 is from 1973 and remains a timeless classic suitable for both men and women. It features an automatic movement, ensuring reliable timekeeping. ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Reference 1500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Date reference 1500 is from 1973 and remains a timeless classic suitable for both men and women. It features an automatic movement, ensuring reliable timekeeping. ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Ref 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm x 34mm MOVEM...
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 14k Gold 35mm Automatic 1970s NA136B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1501 automatic, c.1973, in excellent working condition.
Gold, 14k Gold
Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 14k Gold 35mm Automatic 1970s NA136
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1501 automatic, c.1973, in excellent working condition.
Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Date Ref. 1501 Original Dial from 1973
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: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date Wristwatch Ref 1803 circa 1973
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This watch is impossible to find in such nice condition and is the most classic version of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date wristwatch. This has a difficult-to-find original early...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual Ref 6718, 18K Yellow Gold, Excellent Condition
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
The clasp's Rolex crown is also in excellent condition. We date our Rolex 6718 to 1973 with a 3 ****** serial.
Yellow Gold
Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6916
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Very nice ladies Oyster Perpetual Date 14k yellow gold and steel Rolex watch with Original Rolex dial that has been refinished and custom colored by Peter Suchy with a bright Turquo...
14k Gold, Steel, Yellow Gold
Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual Ref 6718, 18k Yellow Gold, Excellent Condition, Rare
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
The clasp's Rolex crown is also in excellent condition. We date our Rolex 6718 to 1973 with a 3 ****** serial.
Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Date Model Ref. 1501 Dated 1972-1973
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date/ Ref. 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972-73 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm x 34mm MOVEMENT /...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Green Dial, Circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm CIRCA /...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Factory Dial 1970's
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: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 Automatic with Paper 1970s Swiss RA248
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 automatic, c.1973, all original, with original Rolex paper.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 35mm Mens Automatic 1970s All Original RA608
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex all-stainless steel Men's Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1973, all original, in excellent working condition.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, Circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 / 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: 44mm X 36mm CIRCA / DATE: ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch Ref 1501 circa 1973
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This 18kt Yellow Gold Automatic Rolex OP Date is in mint condition. The engine turned bezel is flawless and the 18kt YG Rivet Oyster Bracelet is pristine. This is an excellent exampl...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual "RED" Submariner
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a great example of a Rolex Submariner Date that is quite rare in that it is complete Red Submariner 1680 with double box, guaranty, booklets, anchor,hangtag and extra link. T...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch circa 1973
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Date wristwatch, Ref. 5500, serial number 3.8 million, circa 1973. 34mm diameter case with smooth bezel, acrylic crystal, and very pleasing ori...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Gold Oyster Perpetual Date Tiffany & Co circa 1973
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual Date double signed Tiffany & Co circa 1973. 34mm diameter case with smooth bezel, original bronze dial with gold applied indexes and gold baton hands.
14k Gold
Rolex ladies pink gold stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Date wristwatch, 1973
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Scarce and desirable vintage Lady Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref# 6919, stainless steel and rose gold circa 1973.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch Ref 1503 circa 1973
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14k yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Date wristwatch, Ref. 1503, serial number 3.7 million, circa 1973. 34 x 42mm case with fluted bezel and acrylic crystal.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch ref 1503 circa 1973
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref 1503 serial number 3.5 million circa 1973.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 1.66 in W 1.34 in Dm 1.34 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 Gold Sunburst Dial Solid Gold 14k Gold, 1973
By Rolex
Located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, IDF
The Rolex presented to you is a Oyster Perpetual Date model ref. 1503 from 1973 Make the perfect gift with this beautiful Rolex.
14k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch Ref 1503
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Date ref 1503 serial #3.5 million circa 1973. 34mm diameter case with fluted bezel and acrylic crystal.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Vintage Submariner Date .Model 1680 .Oyster Perpetual .Stainless Steel case .Very Good Condition .Serial Numbers :3933517.Circa:1973.Case Diameter :40mm Leather Strap .Com...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual No Date 1002 Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 1601 Mens Watch. 36mm stainless steel case with an 18K white gold fluted bezel.
Lady Rolex Lady's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch Ref 6919
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Lady Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref 6919 circa 1973.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Date Ref. 1501 Steel Oyster Perpetual Yellow Dial Watch 'R-30'
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Brilliance Jewels, Miami Questions? Call Us Anytime! 786,482,8100 Brand: Rolex Model Number: 1501 Model Name: Date Serial Number: 3,4** (either 1973) Movement: Automatic Case...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 1601 Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 1601 Men's Watch. Stainless steel 36mm case with an 18k Yellow gold fluted bezel. Silver dial with gold tone hands and indexes. Minute markers around ...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 1601 Linen Dial Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 1601 Mens Watch. 36mm stainless steel case with an 18K white gold fluted bezel.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Linen Sigma Dial 1601 Men’s Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Linen Sigma Dial 1601 Mens Watch. 36 mm stainless steel case.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 1603 Sigma Wide Boy Dial Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 1603 Men's Watch. 36mm stainless steel case and fluted bezel.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 1603 Sigma Wide Boy Dial Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 1603 Men's Watch. 36mm stainless steel case and fluted bezel.
Rolex Rose Gold Day-Date President Wristwatch Ref 1803 circa 1973
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
. -34mm man's Oyster Perpetual, Air-King, or Oyster Perpetual Date.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Date Wristwatch with Custom Dial
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Date wristwatch, Ref. 1500, circa 1973. 34mm diameter case with smooth bezel and acrylic crystal and custom-colored dial with applied indexes.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Airking Wristwatch Ref 5500 circa 1973
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Airking Wristwatch, Ref. 5500, serial number 3.5 million, circa 1973. 34mm case with smooth bezel and acrylic crystal.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Date Wristwatch Ref 1500 with Custom-Colored Dial
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Date wristwatch, Ref. 1500, serial number 2.1 million, circa 1973. 34mm case with smooth bezel and acrylic crystal.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 6917, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust Reference #:6917. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ladies Date Two Tone 26 mm Jubilee Watch 6917 Circa 1973.
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch with Custom-Colored Red Dial
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Explanation about sizes of vintage Rolex watches: 36mm full size man's Datejust or Day-Date President. 34mm man's Oyster Perpetual, Air-King, or Oyster Perpetual Date.
Stainless Steel
Rolex OP Datejust #1603 Two Tone 18k Gold/SS Men's Automatic Watch w/ Box
By Rolex
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Model: Oyster Perpetual Datejust Model #1603 Serial #34618XX Year: 1973 Movement #1570 Movement Serial #D1561XX Stainless Steel Case w/ 18k Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel 36 mm in Diameter...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Grey Wide Boy Datejust Watch, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Stainless Steel and White Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Watch Factory Rare Grey Wide-Boy Dial with Matching Wide-Boy Hands Stainless Steel Engine-Turned Bezel Stainless Steel ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual "Date " .Stainless Steel case .Reference 1500 .
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Vintage Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date .Reference 1500 .
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century all original, 1951 Rolex stainless steel oyster date precision wristwatch. Red date wheel. Original ruby steel riveted oyster band. Unpolished, minor scratches to case an...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Omega Seamaster De Ville Automatic Day-Date Vintage Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in London, GB
A classic vintage Omega Seamaster De Ville wristwatch, featuring an automatic movement with day-date display. The watch is housed in an elegant gold-plated case, showcasing the refin...
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1550 34mm Champagne Dial 14k Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1550 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Case Material: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Steel Band: Custom Leather Strap Bezel: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Ste...
14k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Francaise Mid Size Unisex Steel Quartz Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2015 Cartier Tank Francaise, Reference 2465 Mid Size Wrist Watch, 25 x 20 M.M. Stainless Steel Water Resistant Case. Quartz Movement, Silvered White Dial with Black Roman Numer...
Steel
Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500. 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1520 Automatic, Self winding movement, excellent Mint condition Silver Satin "Sunburst"...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Automatic 18K Gold & Stainless Steel Men's Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
The Rolex 1995 Oyster Perpetual Datejust is a classic example of Rolex's timeless elegance and durability. The attractive fluted bezel and center links of the Oyster bracelet and ce...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold, Steel
Baume & Mercier Hampton Salmon Dial Stainless steel Watch Boxed
By Baume & Mercier
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand: BAUME & MERCIER Model: HAMPTON Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Quartz Case Material: Stainless steel Measurements : Case width: 25 mm. (without crown) x 40m...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36mm Mens Watch Ref 1601
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage men’s watch is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, 36mm, reference 1601, crafted in stainless steel. Featuring the classic Datejust design, it has a reliable automatic mo...
Stainless Steel
Cartier De Cartier Ronde 18001 Silver Sterling 33 mm New Belt Mens Watch
By Cartier
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand: Cartier Model: Ronde Reference Number: 18001 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Quartz Case Material: Sterling Silver / Gold Measurements : Case width: 33 mm....
Silver
On Hold|$5,440
W 1.34 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6634 34mm Gold Capped Mens 1950s Automatic Original RA673
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6634 "Golden Egg" gold-capped automatic, c.1959, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker....
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Elegant 18k Yellow Gold Gents Tiffany & Co. Quartz Movement Wrist Watch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This truly classic Tiffany & Co. quartz movement men's wrist watch epitomizes the luxury and elegance that Tiffany is perennially associated with. It is large, measuring a full 1 1/2...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Orange Diamond Dial Watch, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: 1970's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Oyster Perpetual / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HAND...
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Made Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial, 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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Modernist Watch circa 1948 with High Grade Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Moderist / Reference 8143 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold & Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm "Lug ...
Gold, Platinum
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 Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date President Model Number: 1803 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Date: 1964 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Aftermarket Champagne Diamond Metal Con...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.