Vintage 1970 Rolex Lady Datejust 6516 Steel Grey Sunburst Dial Automatic 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Ladies' Reference The reference 6516 represents the pure, original vision for the Lady-Datejust. Introduced in 1957, it took all the groundbreaking elements of the ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex 78360 Oyster Bracelet 20mm / 558 Endlinks Watch in Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex heavy Oyster bracelet reference 78360 with 558 endlinks and 20mm lug width. Made of stainless steel with brushed finish and signed clasp. Fits up to a 7 inch w...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made Navy Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi 1675 40mm Red Blue Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1675 Serial: 316**** Year: 1973 Model: Rolex GMT-Master Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Pepsi - Blue and Red ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Air King with Original Factory Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970'S DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Vintage Rolex Cellini Geneve 23mm 18K White Gold Blue Dial Ladies Manual Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
18K Rolex Cellini Ladies 23mm 1974 w/ Blue Leather Strap 7" Adjustable ; 7/10 Vintage Condition (Dial Fading) A 1974 vintage Rolex Cellini Genève ladies manual wind wristwatch in an...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Navy Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm "Lug Tip to L...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6551 Two Tone 18K Gold Champagne Dial 31mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A 1972 vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 6551 in two-tone stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, featuring a champagne dial with gold baton hour markers, gold stick hands, a fluted y...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Perpetual Datejust with Custom Finished Green 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...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
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: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diamet...
Vintage 1978 Rolex Date 1503 14K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Automatic 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Datejust you may not have heard of before The reference 1503 occupies a unique space in the Rolex archive that many collectors overlook. While the 18K gold Day-Date and Datejus...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Factory Original Charcoal Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dark Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
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 / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960 / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diame...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Factory Original Charcoal Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's
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 Ti...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Lady Perpetual Gold Date. Ladies wristwatch, 1970s/80s
By Rolex
Located in bronshoj, DK
Rolex Oyster Lady Perpetual Gold Date. Ladies wristwatch, original bracelet in two-tone steel and 18 carat gold. 1970s / 80s. Case diameter: 26 mm. In excellent original condition....
Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made Navy Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "Lug Tip to ...
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 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm CIRCA: 1...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made Navy Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
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 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
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 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: 1970's DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm x Diameter...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date, Ref 1680, 40mm Case, Dial & Hands Coeval Patina, 1977/78
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Rolex Submariner Date , reference 1680, features a 40mm stainless steel case with stainless steel bracelet. Presented in excellent condition for its age and as a sports R...
Rolex Day-Date 36 Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Watch 1803
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
-Mint condition -Single quick -18k Yellow Gold -Case size: 36mm -Diamond Hour Markers -Aftermarket Dial: Black -Aftermarket Diamond Bezel -Diamond: 3.25ct, VS clarity, G color -Comes...
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Silvered Dial and Gilt Markers
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Ladies Datejust 6905 26mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6905 Serial: 359**** Year: 1974 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Flute...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day Date President 1803 Buckley Dial 18K Yellow Gold Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1803 Serial: 3841*** Year: 1974 Model: Rolex Day Date Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: Custom Leather Band Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: ...
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Silvered Dial and Gilt Markers
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Finished Purple Dial, 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 4...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Made Blue Dial, circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm x 34mm MOVEME...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Navy Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm "Lug Tip to L...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 6917 26mm 18K Gold President Diamond Bezel Black Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Lady Datejust 6917 18K Yellow Gold President Diamond Bezel Watch with Original Dial and Hands Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust “President” ref. 6917, circa 1977, featur...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Vintage Table Top Display Mirror Burl Wood 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Munich, DE
Rolex burl wood frame adjustable mirror store display. Collectors item from seventies with old logo writing Rolex. A highly collectible piece and a must have for any watch lover or h...
Brass
Rolex Vintage Datejust Steel & 14k Rose Gold Grey Slate Dial 1601
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Datejust reference 1601 in stainless steel and 14k rose gold. Featuring a superb grey slate dial with a date display and a 14k rose gold fixed fluted bezel. Fitted ...
Rose Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel, 14k Gold
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
$10,312Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 1029 Zephyr Mens 1970s 18k Gold 35mm Diamond Automatic RA698B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dazzling classic, 18k solid gold Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref.1029 Zephyr diamond bezel, c.1971, in excellent working condition! Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeo...
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Signa Charcoal Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug T...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Custom Red Diamond Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 3...
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 ...
Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Watch With Original Shantung Dial 1971
By Rolex
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A men's vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual stainless watch Ref # 1002, with a service box. This Rolex with a production year of 1971 based on serial # (2688482) features a 34mm stainless...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Custom Orange 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 & White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SI...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1976 Rolex Cellini 4132-32 18K Yellow Gold Burlwood Dial Manual 29mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Art Of Rolex, Found In Wood The Cellini collection has always been Rolex’s platform for artistic expression, a space where the constraints of the Oyster case were set aside in f...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Vintage 1970 Rolex Datejust 1601/3 Two-Tone Champagne Stick Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Swiss Watch The Datejust is the reference that established the modern wristwatch. When it launched in 1945, its combination of a waterproof case, automatic movement...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Green 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 42...
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: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1550 34mm 1970s Mens Gold-Capped Automatic RA779
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's Rolex ref 1550 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1970, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, Rolex signed dia...
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1550 34mm 1970s Mens Gold-Capped Automatic RA779
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's Rolex ref 1550 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1970, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, Rolex signed dia...
Stainless Steel, Gold Plate
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Blue 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 42mm x...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 18k SS Mens 1970s 36mm Linen Dial Automatic RA791B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Rolex 1601 Oyster Datejust Linen dial automatic, c.1973, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Rolex classic linen dial, applied ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1974 Rolex Cellini 4122 18K YG White Roman Dial Manual 23 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex's Commitment To Pure Dress Watch Craft The Cellini line was Rolex's deliberate venture into the world of elegant dress watches, setting it apart from its famed utilitarian too...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Lavender Dial Circa 1970'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 39mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Vintage 1970s Automatic RA787
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless classic, Men's 18k yellow gold & stainless steel Rolex Oyster Ref. 1601 Datejust automatic wideboy, c.1973, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master...
18k Gold, 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.