1980 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Roman Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Definitive Gold Rolex The reference 18038 is a landmark for the Day-Date.
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
18k Gold
1980 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Roman Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Definitive Gold Rolex The reference 18038 is a landmark for the Day-Date.
18k Gold
Rolex Presidential 18K Gold Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage 18k yellow gold (stamped) Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date "President" Wristwatch. Rolex introduced the Day-Date in 1956, making history as the first wristwatch to display bot...
18k Gold
Rolex President 1803 Day-Date 18K Gold 36mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex President 1803 Day-Date 18k Gold Watch with Aftermarket MOP Diamond Dial. Luxury at its finest. Material: 18k Yellow Gold Model: President Day-Date Ref: 1803 Movement: Swiss ...
18k Gold
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Day Date 36mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
An enduring symbol of prestige and refined craftsmanship, this vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date is crafted in 18K yellow gold and features the iconic fluted bezel that has bec...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Rare Day-Date Platinum Diamond Set 18046
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Day-Date in platinum by Rolex with a single-quick movement. Only a few of these were in production before the introduction of the 18346. Featuring a silver dial set with 2 ba...
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex Day Date 18238 Myriad Diamond Dial 18k YG
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2275 Brand Rolex Model Day Date Reference 18238 Dial Myriad Diamond Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Diameter 36mm Movement Automatic Serviced Yes Box No Paper...
$49,000Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 18k Yellow Gold Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date, reference 19018, is a remarkable timepiece crafted from solid 18k yellow gold. Produced in 1983, this rare and well-preserved watch featur...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date UAE Champagne Dial 19018
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Oysterquartz Day-Date 36mm 19018, by Rolex. As well as applied hour markers and the iconic weekday and date apertures, the champagne dial features an image of the former nati...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz 19049A 18K White Gold Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oysterquartz President Day-Date 19049A Men's Watch. This timepiece features a 36mm case made of 18K white gold. It is equipped with an 18K white gold bezel that has factory-set...
18k Gold
Rolex Day Date President 18038 36mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18038 Serial: 644**** Year: 1980 Model: Rolex Day Date President Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: Custom 18k Yellow Gold President Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex President Day-Date Diamond String & Log Dial Bezel Watch18388
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
ROLEX President Day-Date Diamond String Diamond Log Dial Bezel Watch reference 18388 This Watch Say It. Hardly worn in original condition!! A Rare 36mm circa 1991 18k Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Day‑Date 18078 “Bark” President – Factory Champagne Diamond Dial, 18K
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
Offered here is by our assessment an all‑original Rolex Day‑Date reference 18078 in 18K yellow gold, featuring the distinctive factory “bark” finish bezel and President bracelet and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Day Date President 18038 36mm Champagne Dial Quickset 18k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18038 Serial: 644**** Year: 1980 Model: Rolex Day-Date President Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold President Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Flut...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date President 18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Sapphire Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent Rolex Day-Date President wrist watch, reference 18038, is a true statement of luxury, meticulously crafted from solid 18k yellow gold. The iconic President bracelet,...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date 18078 Bark Custom Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional Rolex Day-Date President Ref. 18078 wrist watch, crafted from heavy 18k yellow gold, features a custom diamond-set bezel and a tropical diamond dial, presenting a un...
Diamond
Vintage Rolex Day Date Ref 18038 80s Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold 36mm Case.
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Day Date reference 18038 automatic (single quick) with a champagne sunburst dial in 18K yellow gold from the 1980s. Measurements include a 36mm case, 20mm lug ...
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Rolex Day-Date 18038 Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Bridge To The Modern Day-Date The reference 18038 is a landmark model for the Day-Date. Introduced around 1977, it brought the collection into a new era by adding a sapphire cry...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex President Brown Dial Diamond 18K Day Date Watch Ref 18038
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome, hardly ever worn Gentlemen’s Rolex President Day Date watch, Ref 18038 dated late 1986.It is crafted in 18k yellow gold. Featuring All Original scratch resistant Sapphire C...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Day Date 18238 Men's Watch #23710
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Presidential Day Date Watch Model: 18238 Serial: L327924 This elegant 18K yellow gold men's Rolex features day/date settings and quickset design. Champa...
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex President Quartz Day-Date Factory Diamond Dial 18k Gold
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Day Date Original Diamond Dial 18k Solid Gold Mint Condition 1982 with box and papers. This Rolex watch is a true collectible to a Rolex lover. In mint condition with o...
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oysterquartz Day-date ref 19018 / 19018N, 18ct yellow gold, B&P's, 1987.
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and rare Rolex Oysterquartz Day-date reference 19018 / 19018N features a 36mm 18k yellow gold case and integrated 18ct yellow gold bracelet. The original champagne dial h...
Rolex Day Date 18078 Red Degrade Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Day-Date 18038 Men's Watch. This timepiece features a 36mm case made of 18K yellow gold, complemented by an 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. The dial showcases a striking red degr...
18k Gold
Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 18K YG 18238 Auto Champagne Diamond 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Old money energy in watch form This 1984 Day-Date comes from a time when these were purchased for daily wear, not tucked away. Solid 18k yellow gold case, fluted bezel, President br...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Vintage Gents President Day Date 18K Diamond Dial and Bezel 118348
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
This Exquisite 36mm Collectible Gentlemen's Rolex is cast in 18K yellow gold and remains in Pristine Condition. Reference number 118348. Features ALL ORIGINAL Scratch resistant ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1981 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Introduction Of The Quickset The reference 18038 represents a major turning point for the Day-Date collection. Introduced in the late 1970s, it was the first reference to featur...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1986 Rolex Day-Date 18048 18K YG Anniversary Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Factory Statement In Gold And Diamonds The Day-Date reference 18048 sits at the more luxurious end of the model's spectrum. While the Day-Date has always been crafted from preciou...
18k Gold
Vintage 1988 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K YG Champagne Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Unambiguous Symbol Of Success Since its introduction in 1956, the Day-Date has been the absolute flagship of the Rolex catalog. It has only ever been offered in precious metals ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex President Day-Date 36mm 18038 Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in very good condition. Comes with the original box and a full set. 1984 Production. It shows normal signs of wear or scratches. All photos are of the actual watch. The wat...
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 36 18038 18k Gold Automatic Champagne Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Old Money Energy In Watch Form This Rolex comes from a period when the Day Date was still treated as a daily watch, not a safe queen. Yellow gold case, fluted bezel, President brace...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date 36mm 18k Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Automatic Watch 18038
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-Owned. Factory Diamond dial. Comes with an original box, No papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buye...
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1987 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K Yellow Gold Silver Tapestry Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Definitive Precious Metal Rolex The Day-Date has been Rolex's flagship model since its debut, offered exclusively in precious metals as the ultimate statement of prestige. The r...
18k Gold
Vintage 1987 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K Yellow Gold Purple Sunburst Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
An Uncommon Execution The purple dial removes this Day-Date from a purely formal context and gives it a more personal character. It delivers all the weight and recognition of Rolex'...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date 36mm 18238 18K Yellow Gold Watch Fluted Bezel Champagne Diamond
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. Leather strap and gold plated buckle are custom aftermarket. The watch its...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date 18238 36mm 18K Yellow Gold Watch Fluted Bezel Champagne Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. Leather strap and gold plated buckle are custom aftermarket. The watch its...
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1985 Rolex Day-Date 18078 18K YG Bark Blue Vignette Diamond Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Presidential Standard With A Rare Dial The Day-Date has been Rolex’s flagship model since its introduction, offered exclusively in precious metals and worn by a global roster of...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1987 Rolex Day Date 18038 18K YG Onyx Pyramid Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Dial Of Compounding Rarity The Day-Date reference 18038 is a cornerstone of the Rolex catalog, but this example is a study in just how far the brand would go for its most exclusiv...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date 18238 18K Yellow Gold Watch 36m Fluted Bezel Silver Dial Unisex
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. Leather strap and gold plated buckle are custom aftermarket. The watch its...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date 36mm 18238 18K Yellow Gold Watch Fluted Bezel Silver Diamond Face
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. Leather strap and gold plated buckle are custom aftermarket. The watch its...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date 18K WG White Gold Ombre Blue Dial Diamond 18038 Auto Watch, 1982
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 18049 Year: 1982 Serial number: 76xxxxx Reference: C03782 Case: 18K White gold 36mm without crown; Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; in...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Day Date 18038 Wood Dial President Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Day-Date 18038 President Men's Watch. 36mm 18k Yellow gold case. 18k Yellow Gold fluted Stationary bezel. Wood dial with gold hands and index hour markers. Minute markers o...
Rolex Day-Date 36 18038; 18 Karat
By Rolex
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the world of timeless elegance with this exquisite Rolex Day-Date 36 – a masterpiece of Swiss watchmaking from 1984–1985, renowned for both its luxurious presence...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date 18038 Diamond Dial Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Day-Date 18038 Diamond Dial Men's Watch. 36mm yellow gold case with a stationary fluted bezel. Black dial with gold hands and factory set diamond hour markers. Gold oyster brac...
Rolex Ladies Diamond Dial Bezel 18K Day Date President
By Rolex
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
This classic timepiece is one highly sought after. This ladies diamond bezel, dial Rolex contains the following. This watch is 18k yellow gold and sized to a 7" wrist. The bracele...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Dial 18038 Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date President 18038 Mens Watch. 36 mm 18k yellow gold case. 18k yellow gold fluted bezel. Champagne factory placed diamond dial with luminous hands. Day d...
Rolex Yellow Gold Oysterquartz Day Date Wristwatch Ref 19028
By Rolex
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Oysterquartz Ref. 19028 Very rare Day-Date "Pyramid" Case-A screwed case, yellow-gold, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, "Pyramid" bezel, R serie, 36mm Movement-Caliber Rol...
1988 Rolex Day Date Rubellite Diamond Dial Ref. 18038
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
Rubellite Rolex hasn’t left a stone unturned when it comes to the selection of materials they used for their dials. One family of dials is the stone dials which categorically inclu...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1989 Rolex Day Date Pavee Dial With Sapphires Ref. 18388
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
Diamonds & Sapphires - Here's a very glamorous Day Date 18388 in yellow gold. With factory diamond setting on the bezel as well as on the lugs. The watch features a beautiful Pavee d...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold President Day-Date Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
BRAND : Rolex MODEL : Day-Date - 18238 CASE : Rolex 18K Yellow Gold - 36mm BEZEL : Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel. DIAL : Rolex Mother of Pearl Dial set with Diamond Hour Mar...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date President 18238 Wood Dial 18 Karat Yellow Gold Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date President 18238 Mens Watch. 36mm 18k yellow gold case. 18k yellow gold stationary fluted bezel. Wood dial with luminous hands and gold-tone index hour...
Unavailable
H 0.52 in W 1.54 in
Rolex Men's 18k Yellow Gold Day-Date President Black Onyx Dial Full Set
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
ROLEX MEN'S 18K YELLOW GOLD DAY-DATE PRESIDENT W/ BLACK ONYX DIAL – A TRUE COLLECTORS RARITY – FULL SET! ITEM DESCRIPTION: One men's extraordinarily rare and collectible vintage da...
Onyx, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Day Date 36MM 18038 Walnut Birch Wood Dial Bark 18K Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Rare 1980 Rolex Day Date Walnut Wood Dial. Pre-owned in very good condition.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Day Date 36MM 18038 Walnut Birch Wood Dial Bark 18K Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Rare 1980 Rolex Day Date Walnut Wood Dial. Pre-owned in very good condition.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ROLEX 1980's "Stella" Omani "Coat of Arms" Arabic Day-Date
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Many Rolex timepieces with "Stella" dials were produced for the Middle-Eastern market. This is a great example, with a rich burgundy dial and has the unique added detail of the Crest...
18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date Bark Finish President
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Day-Date 36 REFRENCE: 18078 SIZE: 36mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold DIAL: Champagne BEZEL: 18k Yellow Gold Bark Finish BAND: President 18k Yellow Gold Bark Finish MOVEME...
Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date 18038, 36mm 18ct yellow gold case, president bracelet, year 1980
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Rolex Day-Date reference 18038 features a 36mm 18ct yellow gold case with 18ct yellow gold president bracelet.
Rolex 18038 Day Date Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex MPN: 18038 Model: Day Date Case Material: 18k yellow gold Case Diameter: 36mm Crystal: Scratch resistant sapphire Bezel: Diamond bezel (aftermarket) Dial: Mother of pear...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date Champagne Dial 18238
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm yellow gold Day-Date by Rolex. Featuring a champagne dial with applied hour markers and a yellow-gold fluted bezel. Equipped with a yellow gold president bracelet and a conce...
18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date President Day Date Diamond Rare Dial and Bezel Gents Watch Ref 18
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage in like new condition and highy Collectable Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date President 18038 Mens Watch CIRCA 1988. 36 mm 18k yellow gold case Rare Rolex Blue Dial with Fa...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex 18038 Day Date Black Tapestry Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex MPN: 18038 Model: Day Date Case Material: 18k yellow gold Case Diameter: 36mm Crystal: Plastic Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold fluted bezel Dial: Black Tapestry textured dial wi...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date 18038, White Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Day-Date Reference #: 18038. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Yellow Gold White 36 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
ROLEX Vintage Day-Date Rare Malachite Dial
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A very collectable Day Date with unique malachite dial. A double quick Day Date movement. 18K yellow gold case in excellent condition.
Malachite, 18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date ox blood stella gents 18038 watch
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
REF W3091 MODEL NUMBER 18038 SERIAL NUMBER 615**** CONDITION 9 - Excellent condition GENDER Gents AGE 1980 CASE DIAMETER 36 mm CASE SIZE 36mm BOX & PAPERS Box only MOVEMENT ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date 18238, Case, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Day-Date Reference #:18238. Rolex Day-Date President in 18K with factory original Onyx stone dial. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. 36 mm case size. Ref 18238. Comes with origin...
Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date Wristwatch Ref 18038
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Described by Josh Bonifas as “mint, mint” condition, this time piece has the further distinction of being accompanied by the original Jubilee bracelet.. One most always finds Day-Dat...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date 18 Karat Yellow Gold 18038
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Reference: W5132 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Day-Date Model Reference: 18038 Age: Circa 1981 Gender: Men's Box and Papers: Box and Service Papers Dial: White Roman Glass: Sapphire Cry...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare “Crown Logo” Crystal Vintage Rolex Day-Date Ref. #18038
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This 18 karat yellow gold single quick Day-Date is noted for a component rarely celebrated among collectors: its crystal.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date 18238, Gold Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Day-Date Reference #: 18238. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Yellow Gold Gold 36 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
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.
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry 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.