1975 Rolex Air-King 5500 Stainless Steel Cream Dial Automatic 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Purest Form Of Rolex The reference 5500 Air-King is a direct link to the foundational principles of Rolex.
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1975 Rolex Datejust 1601 18K White Gold Silver Wide Boy Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
It is the perfect configuration for a collector who appreciates the nuances of vintage Rolex dial design. A Well Preserved White Gold Example This Datejust is in very good condition.
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1975 Rolex Lady Datejust 6917 18K YG Blue Stella Diamond Dial Auto 26 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
It is a configuration that highlights a specific period when Rolex was willing to experiment with high-impact materials and saturated colors.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Orchid Diamonds Halo Set 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Classic Watch
By Rolex
Located in Tysons, VA
Rolex Orchid Diamonds - 6.1 inches length - 18K Yellow Gold - 53.8 Grams Circa 1975 Rolex Orchid, part of Rolex’s series of cocktail watches. u.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel 1975 Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Circa 1975. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2611. Beautiful Watch.
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex OP Date 1501 34mm 18K Gold Black Gloss Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
European market piece weighing 104 grams in solid 18K gold, measuring 8 inches, circa 1975. Product Specifications: Item Type: Men's Automatic Watch Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpe...
18k Gold
1975 Vintage Rolex Oyster Cosmograph in SS 'Pre-Daytona'
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
1975 VINTAGE ROLEX OYSTER COSMOGRAPH IN SS ITEM DESCRIPTION: This is an original vintage Rolex Oyster Cosmograph Men's wristwatch in stainless steel that comes on a matching stainle...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm in steel and with grey Dial
By Rolex
Located in Paris, IDF
Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Reference: 1601 Dial: Silver sunburst Date: Yes, at three o'clock Movement: Rolex mechanical automatic Case: Steel, no. 392...
1975 Rolex Ladies 14k Yellow Gold Steel Watch Black Dial 6723
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 1975 Rolex Ladies Watch Model: 6723 Serial: 3880780 Black Dial, Gold Markers Under magnification, dial shows some light residual epoxy around dial.
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex 1975 GMT Root Beer Gold and Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1975 Rolex Reference 16750 GMT "RootBeer" Wrsit Watch, 39 M.M.
Gold, Steel
Rolex circa 1975 Steel and 14 Karat Gold Ref 1675 GMT "Root Beer" Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1975 Rolex GMT, "Rootbeer" 40 MM Stainless Steel and 14K Yellow Gold Case, Original very slightly faded insert with a few very minor scuffs.
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex circa 1975 Steel and 14 Karat Gold Ref 1675 GMT "Root Beer" Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1975 Rolex GMT, "Rootbeer" 40 MM Stainless Steel and 14K Yellow Gold Case, Original very slightly faded insert with a few very minor scuffs.
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Orchid Diamonds Halo Set 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Classic Watch
By Rolex
Located in Tysons, VA
Rolex Orchid Diamonds - 6.1 inches length - 18K Yellow Gold - 53.8 Grams Circa 1975 Rolex Orchid, part of Rolex’s series of cocktail watches. u.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Rolex Midas 3585 Lapis Lazuli Dial 18k YG 1975
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Queen Midas 3585 Lapis Lazuli Dial 18k Yellow Gold 1975 SKU: 1819 An extraordinary statement of 1970s horological artistry, the Rolex Queen Midas Ref. 3585 is instantly recog...
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer Wristwatch Ref 1016 circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Collectible vintage Rolex stainless steel Explorer I wristwatch, Ref. 1016, with hack feature and automatic movement.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual from 1975 with Factory Service Card
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1975 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm x 34mm MOVEMENT...
Rolex Straight Hand Explorer II Sold by Joyeria Riviera circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
The watch was retailed by esteemed Rolex jeweler "Joyeria Riviera". Additionally, the watch is in absolutely pristine condition.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Charcoal Dial from 1974 or 1975
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
We have it fitted with a dark brown Alligator strap but we have an original Rolex bracelet available for it as well. This watch was produced in 1974 or 1975.
Rolex Stainless Steel "Straight Hand" Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655 Circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rolex stainless steel "straight hand" Explorer II wristwatch, Ref. 1655, Circa 1975.
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18k Gold Ladies Datejust 6917 Automatic w/Diamond, c.1975 Swiss Lux LV889
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious elegance, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady Datejust with diamond setting, c.1975, on original 18k gold bracelet.
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Jubilee Bracelet Watch, circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: 40mm X 43mm CIRCA: 1974/75 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perp...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 6927 Yellow Gold 1975 Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Total Weight: 63.6 gr Circa: 1975 Metal: 18K yellow gold Condition: Good Movement : Automatic Rolex 2030 Signature: Rolex Geneve Swiss Made ref 3953 Case measurements: Height: ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Blue Dial 1975
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: 1975 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X D...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel with Charcoal Dial from 1974 or 1975
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
We have it fitted with a dark brown Alligator strap but we have an original Rolex bracelet available for it as well. This watch was produced in 1974 or 1975.
Rolex Tudor Prince Oysterdate "Ranger" Ref 9101/0 Automatic Watch, circa 1975
By Tudor
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Fine & Rarely Seen Rolex Prince OysterDate by Tudor "RANGER" Gents' Wristwatch, reference: 9101/0 Original factory polish. is an elegant & versatile vintage timepiece from 1975.
Stainless Steel
1975 Rolex Daytona Stainless Steel 6265 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Vintage * *Complete with: Box Only dated 1975 *Case Size: 37mm *Strap: Stainless Steel Oyster *Age: 1975 *Strap length: Adjustable up to 18cm.
Stainless Steel
1975 Rolex Explorer I Stainless Steel 1016 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Vintage * *Complete with: Presentation Box & Guarantee dated 9th January 1975 *Case Size: 36mm *Strap: Stainless Steel Oyster *Age: 1975 *Strap length: Adjustable up to 19cm.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Double Red Seadweller Wristwatch Ref 1665 circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Double Red Seadweller wristwatch, Ref. 1665, case serial number 4.1 million, circa 1975.
Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date Wristwatch circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18k yellow gold Day-Date wristwatch, Ref. 1803, serial number 4.1 million, circa 1975. 36mm full-size man's model with fluted bezel, acrylic crystal and original champagne pie ...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Date Wristwatch Ref 1530 circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rolex Date Ref. 1530 First case with sapphire crystal Case Stainless steel, screw back, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 36mm Movement Automatic, caliber 1570, date ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer Wristwatch Ref 1016 circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Explorer wristwatch, Ref. 1016, serial number 4.0 million, circa 1975. 36mm case with original matte black dial with patinaed luminous indexes.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner "red" ref. 1680 c. 1975
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Submariner ref # 1680 serial # 3.9 million circa 1975 original matte black dial with RED Submariner with warm ivory colored patina'd luminous indexes and matching luminous...
Stainless Steel
Rolex White Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1601 1975
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust ref 1601 serial number 4.0 million circa early 1975.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel and rose gold full size man's Datejust wristwatch, Ref. 1601, serial number 3.9 million, circa 1975. 36mm diameter case with fluted 14k rose gold bezel and very...
Stainless Steel, 14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Cosmograph Daytona Wristwatch Ref 6263 circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Cosmograph Wristwatch, Ref. 6263, serial number 4.0 million, circa 1975. 38mm diameter case with black tachometer bezel and acrylic crystal.
Stainless Steel
Rolex SS Explorer II ref #1655 c.1975
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Explorer II ref #1655 39mm fixed 24 hour bezel serial #3.9 million circa 1975 with very pleasing original matte black dial with white luminous indexes and hands, and fluo...
Stainless Steel
Sold
W 0.63 in D 0.24 in Dm 0.91 in L 6.97 in
Rolex Cellini Geneve 4335 Vintage 18K Gold Manual Wind Square Lady's Watch 1975
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Cellini Geneve 4335 Vintage18K Gold Manual Wind Square Lady's Watch 1975
Gold
Rolex SS Submariner ref #1680 3.9m Serial c.1975
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Submariner ref # 1680 serial # 3.9 million circa 1975 original matte black dial with RED Submariner with warm ivory colored patina'd luminous indexes and matching luminous h...
Stainless Steel
Rolex SS 1016 Explorer 1 ref# 1016 c. 1975
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS 1016 Explorer 1 ref # 1016 4.0 million serial# circa 1975. 36mm diameter case, matte black dial with light ivory luminous indexes and hands.
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Pink Gold Day-Date Wristwatch Ref 1803 circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18k pink gold Day-Date wristwatch, Ref. 1803, serial 3.9 million, circa 1975. 36mm diameter full size model, smooth bezel, acrylic crystal, beautiful condition original silvere...
18k Gold
Rolex SS Oyster Perpetual Date circa 1975 Custom Kelly Green
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Oyster Perpetual Date ref #1500 34mm diameter smooth bezel case, serial #2.8 million circa 1971. Smooth bezel, custom colored Kelly green dial with applied silver indexes an...
Stainless Steel
Rolex SS Submariner ref# 1680 serial #3.9 Million c. 1975/76
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Submariner ref # 1680 serial #3.9 million circa 1975/76 original matte black dial with patina'd luminous indexes and hands.Calibre 1570 self winding movement with date.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
**Bank wire only at this price** Circa 1975 Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Vintage Rolex Cellini watch is made out of white gold on a 18k White Gold bracelet with a 1...
White Gold
Rolex Cellini 4131, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Manual. 24 mm x 26.5 mm case size. Ref 4131. Circa 1975 Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Vintage Rolex Cellini 4131 watch is made out of yellow gold on a Brown Strap b...
Rolex Cellini 4309, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Manual. 32 mm case size. Ref 4309. Circa 1975. Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Classic Rolex Cellini 4309 watch is made out of yellow gold on a Gold bracelet band with...
Rolex Datejust 36 1601 Men's Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Xupes Reference: W007435 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Variant: 36 Model Number: 1601 Age: 1975 Gender: Men Complete With: Rolex Box Dial: Silver Baton Glass: Sapphire C...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 1601 Men's Stainless Steel Linen Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
Xupes Reference: W007206 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Variant: 36 Model Number: 1601 Age: 1975 Gender: Men's Complete With: Rolex Box Dial: Silver Linen Baton Glass: Pl...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini 4131 18 Karat Gold Dial Manual Watch 'Certified Authentic'
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Manual. Ref 4131. Circa 1975 Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Vintage Rolex Cellini 4131 watch is made out of yellow gold on a Brown Strap band with a 18k tang buckle.
Rolex Datejust 36 1601 Men Stainless Steel Linen Dial Sigma "Aprior" Watch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Xupes Reference: W007206 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Variant: 36 Model Number: 1601 Age: 1975 Gender: Men Complete With: Rolex Box Dial: Silver Linen Baton Glass: Ple...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Double Red Sea Dweller Mark III Wristwatch Ref 1665
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Brand: Rolex Series: "Double Red" Sea-Dweller Ref.: 1665 Serial: 416***Circa 1975 Movement: Original Rolex self-winding chronometer.
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Day Date Watch 1975
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Watch Features a Stunning Blue Gloss Dial with Gold Applied Stick Markers Matching Gold Hands Day and Date Functions Fluted 18K Ye...
18k Gold
LOUIS VUITTON x MURAKAMI white Monogram Multicolore 2025 SPEEDY 25 Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Louis Vuitton x Takeshi Murakami Speedy Bandoulière 25 is crafted in white Monogram Multicolore canvas with natural cowhide leather trims. Accented with gold-tone...
Hermes Birkin 25cm Vert D Eau Moreletti Matte White Gold Diamond Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Brand: Hermes Product: Birkin Retourne Size: 25 Cm (10" width x 7.5" height x 4.75" depth; 2.75" handle drop) Colour: Vert D Eau Material: Matte Moreletti Crocodile Hardware: 18...
CHRISTIAN DIOR burgundy CROCODILE LADY DIOR MEDIUM Tote Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Christian Dior Medium Lady Dior bag is crafted in glossy burgundy crocodile leather with a luxurious sheen. The structured silhouette is accented with two hard to...
$3,076
H 6.3 in W 4.53 in D 5.52 in
Gucci by Tom Ford A/W 2002 Runway Cross Body Bag in Black Crocodile Leather
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in London, GB
Gucci by Tom Ford Autumn / Winter 2002 Runway crossbody pouch bag in black crocodile leather. Long braided leather strap with Gucci engraved mother of pearl toggle. Mini flap closure...
1982 Rolex Lady Datejust 26MM 6917 Champagne Diamond Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Diameter: 26.00 mm Weight: 29.47 grams One ladies 18K yellow gold diamond ROLEX Swiss-made watch. The metal was tested an...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1925 Panther Bezel 18K Yellow Gold 28mm Ref 2325 Watch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier 1925 watch reference 2325 in all 18k gold with, quartz movement, fully linked, 28mm case excluding panther head. Get the Cartier timepiece that no one else has. A rare vint...
18k Gold
$59,500
H 10.5 in W 19.5 in
Hermes Birkin 50 Limited Edition Endless Road Bleu De Prusse Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Blue de Prusse Limited Edition Endless Road Birkin 50 Haute à Courroies is a remarkable fusion of artistry and craftsmanship. This exclusive piece from the 2019 Collection...
Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Rose Scheherazade Alligator Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly 20 Sellier bag featured in stunning Rose Scheherazade alligator. Accentuated with crisp with palladium hardware. Timeless and highly ...
Hermes Constance 24cm Limited Edition "Au Bout Du Monde" Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Brand: Hermes Product: Constance 24cm Limited Edition "Au Bout Du Monde" Size: CM: 24 l x 15 h x 5 d INCH: 9.5 l x 7 h x 2 d Strap: Versatile design allows it to be worn as a sing...
$7,299
H 1.03 in W 0.44 in Dm 1.03 in
Rolex Datejust 26mm Steel Custom Turquoise Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 69174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. No original box and papers. Custom aftermarket dial. 1 year seller warranty. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69174...
Steel
Rolex Datejust Steel Custom Diamond Pink MOP Dial Ladies Automatic Watch 69174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Custom Diamond Bezel and Pink Mother of Pearl dial.
Steel
Cartier Colisee Yellow Gold and Diamond Ladies Wrist watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Cartier Colisee collection Wrist Watch, 24 M.M 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, 3 row Diamond Pave Bezel and Diamond set Crown totaling approximately 2 Carats. Quartz movemen...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
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
$1,295
Size: US 4, GB 30, I 38, F 36, D 32
Christian Lacroix Vintage Strapless Floral Print Mini Dress with Raffia, 1990s
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Sparks, NV
Incredible vintage Christian Lacroix strapless mini dress with a floral print and black raffia embroidered lace. Sexy iconic Lacroix! Fully lined with zip closure. The marked size is...
$12,020
H 1.42 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Custom Diamond Red Dial Watch 16013
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. Custom red dial and bezel. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. Comes without a box and pap...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Cartier Ladies White Gold Diamond Baignoire Mini Bracelet Quartz Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Cartier ladies watch with diamonds set on the bezel and bracelet. Size 6 wrist with deployment buckle. Quartz. Watch face measures 24mm by 18mm.
Diamond, 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.