Skip to main content

1980 Rolex

to
3
172
148
112
56
26
106
3
3
1
1
271
1
268
157
62
52
92
9
2
2
1
to
223
6
6
260
1
32
5
2
1
271
248
14
Women's Rolex Datejust White Stick Dial Diamond & Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch
Women's Rolex Datejust White Stick Dial Diamond & Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch

Women's Rolex Datejust White Stick Dial Diamond & Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Women's Rolex 31mm Datejust White Stick Dial Diamond & Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch We take great

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Datejust Presidential Diamond Ruby 18K Gold Watch
Vintage Rolex Datejust Presidential Diamond Ruby 18K Gold Watch

Vintage Rolex Datejust Presidential Diamond Ruby 18K Gold Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage 1988 Rolex Datejust Presidential automatic watch in 18K yellow gold featuring a fully paved

Category

Vintage 1980s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 68258 18K Yellow Gold Midsize Ladies Watch
Rolex Datejust 68258 18K Yellow Gold Midsize Ladies Watch

Rolex Datejust 68258 18K Yellow Gold Midsize Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 68258 18K Midsize Ladies Watch. 31mm 18k yellow gold case. Pyramid

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Cellini Red Mirror Dial Yellow Gold 24mm 4127
Rolex Cellini Red Mirror Dial Yellow Gold 24mm 4127

Rolex Cellini Red Mirror Dial Yellow Gold 24mm 4127

$11,633

H 1.3 in W 0.95 in D 0.24 in

Rolex Cellini Red Mirror Dial Yellow Gold 24mm 4127

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A stunning rectangular Rolex Cellini, reference 4127, featuring a striking red mirror dial with

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 16220 36mm Silver Tropical Dial Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16220 36mm Silver Tropical Dial Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 16220 36mm Silver Tropical Dial Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 16220 Serial: L49**** Year: 1989 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Diamond Lugs Diamond/Emerald Bezel Two Tone
Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Diamond Lugs Diamond/Emerald Bezel Two Tone

Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Diamond Lugs Diamond/Emerald Bezel Two Tone

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 36mm Datejust White Roman Dial Diamond Lugs Diamond/Emerald Bezel Two Tone We take great

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex White Roman Numeral Dial Diamond/Emerald Bezel Two Tone Jubilee Watch
Rolex White Roman Numeral Dial Diamond/Emerald Bezel Two Tone Jubilee Watch

Rolex White Roman Numeral Dial Diamond/Emerald Bezel Two Tone Jubilee Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Diamond Bezel Two Tone Oyster Band Watch
Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Diamond Bezel Two Tone Oyster Band Watch

Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Diamond Bezel Two Tone Oyster Band Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Women's Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial 2 Tone Watch with Emeralds/Diamonds
Women's Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial 2 Tone Watch with Emeralds/Diamonds

Women's Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial 2 Tone Watch with Emeralds/Diamonds

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rare Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date UAE Champagne Dial 19018
Rare Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date UAE Champagne Dial 19018

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

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Champagne Dial TT YG/SS 1987
Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Champagne Dial TT YG/SS 1987

Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Champagne Dial TT YG/SS 1987

By Rolex

Located in SYDNEY, AU

Rolex Mini Datejust 69173 – 26mm – Champagne Dial – Two-Tone Yellow Gold & Steel – 1987 SKU 1931

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16220 Datejust Mens 1980s 36mm Automatic RA761
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16220 Datejust Mens 1980s 36mm Automatic RA761

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16220 Datejust Mens 1980s 36mm Automatic RA761

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Classic icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref.16220 automatic, c.1989, in excellent

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 16700 GMT-Master Stainless Steel Black Dial Watch
Rolex 16700 GMT-Master Stainless Steel Black Dial Watch

Rolex 16700 GMT-Master Stainless Steel Black Dial Watch

By Rolex

Located in Boca Raton, FL

The Rolex 16700 GMT-Master Stainless Steel Black Dial Watch is a classic timepiece renowned for its

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 16000 Oyster Perpetual Datejust Mens 36mm 1980s Vintage Automatic RA762C
Rolex 16000 Oyster Perpetual Datejust Mens 36mm 1980s Vintage Automatic RA762C

Rolex 16000 Oyster Perpetual Datejust Mens 36mm 1980s Vintage Automatic RA762C

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Classic luxury, Rolex 16000 Oyster Datejust automatic, c.1986, in excellent running condition

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref 16220 Mens 1980s 36mm Automatic RA761B
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref 16220 Mens 1980s 36mm Automatic RA761B

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref 16220 Mens 1980s 36mm Automatic RA761B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref.16220 automatic, c.1989, in excellent

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 69168 18K Yellow Gold white Dial Ladies Watch.
Rolex Datejust 69168 18K Yellow Gold white Dial Ladies Watch.

Rolex Datejust 69168 18K Yellow Gold white Dial Ladies Watch.

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Rolex Datejust 69168 Ladies' Watch. This elegant timepiece features a 26mm case made of 18K yellow

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage 1987 Rolex OysterQuartz Datejust Steel 17000 Quartz White Roman 36mm
Vintage 1987 Rolex OysterQuartz Datejust Steel 17000 Quartz White Roman 36mm

Vintage 1987 Rolex OysterQuartz Datejust Steel 17000 Quartz White Roman 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

The Source of Inspiration To Modern Rolex Design The OysterQuartz occupies a unique space in Rolex

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

1981 Rolex Air King 5500 Silver Dial 34mm Watch Stainless #25018
1981 Rolex Air King 5500 Silver Dial 34mm Watch Stainless #25018

1981 Rolex Air King 5500 Silver Dial 34mm Watch Stainless #25018

By Rolex

Located in Washington Depot, CT

1981 Rolex Air King Model: 5500 Serial: 6559514 Stainless steel case - 34mm in diameter Silver

Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1978 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with Original Ravagnani Warranty and Box
1978 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with Original Ravagnani Warranty and Box

1978 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with Original Ravagnani Warranty and Box

By Rolex

Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT

Amazing and fascinating Rolex Gmt Master ref. 1675 Year 1958 Serial n. 587**40 Fantastic dial with

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz 19049A 18K White Gold Diamond Bezel
Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz 19049A 18K White Gold Diamond Bezel

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

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Rolex OP Date 34mm 14k Gold Champagne Dial Watch
Vintage Rolex OP Date 34mm 14k Gold Champagne Dial Watch

Vintage Rolex OP Date 34mm 14k Gold Champagne Dial Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage 1986 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date in 14K yellow gold featuring 34mm case with a champagne

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16000 Datejust 36mm Mens 1980s Vintage Automatic RA762B
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16000 Datejust 36mm Mens 1980s Vintage Automatic RA762B

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16000 Datejust 36mm Mens 1980s Vintage Automatic RA762B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Ref 16000 Datejust automatic, c.1986, in excellent running

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Datejust White Dial Buckley w/ Box set & paper Ref. 16014
Rolex Steel Datejust White Dial Buckley w/ Box set & paper Ref. 16014

Rolex Steel Datejust White Dial Buckley w/ Box set & paper Ref. 16014

By Rolex

Located in Central & Western District, HK

Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 16014 Year: 1979 Serial number: 62xxxxx Reference: OT3078 Case: Show

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

1987 Rolex Datejust 16030 Stainless Steel Grey Stick Dial Automatic 36mm
1987 Rolex Datejust 16030 Stainless Steel Grey Stick Dial Automatic 36mm

1987 Rolex Datejust 16030 Stainless Steel Grey Stick Dial Automatic 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

. This gives the watch a more rugged and industrial feel that leans into the tool-watch heritage of Rolex

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

1984 Rolex Explorer II 16550 Spider Rail Dial Men's Watch #23711
1984 Rolex Explorer II 16550 Spider Rail Dial Men's Watch #23711

1984 Rolex Explorer II 16550 Spider Rail Dial Men's Watch #23711

By Rolex

Located in Washington Depot, CT

1984 Rolex Explorer II Men's Watch Model: 16550 Serial: 8584581 This vintage Rolex Explorer II

Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Datejust 26MM 18K Yellow Gold Steel Jubilee Cream Dial Watch 69173
Rolex Datejust 26MM 18K Yellow Gold Steel Jubilee Cream Dial Watch 69173

Rolex Datejust 26MM 18K Yellow Gold Steel Jubilee Cream Dial Watch 69173

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with original box and paper. 🕰️ Rolex Datejust 69173 – Full

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Platinum DateJust Presidential 15 Carat Diamond 26mm Watch
Rolex Platinum DateJust Presidential 15 Carat Diamond 26mm Watch

Rolex Platinum DateJust Presidential 15 Carat Diamond 26mm Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage 1988 Rolex Datejust Presidential in platinum featuring 15 carats of natural diamonds. Pave

Category

Vintage 1980s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1988 Rolex Submariner 168000 Triple Zero 904L Steel Auto Black Dial 40mm
1988 Rolex Submariner 168000 Triple Zero 904L Steel Auto Black Dial 40mm

1988 Rolex Submariner 168000 Triple Zero 904L Steel Auto Black Dial 40mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

collectors as the “Zubmariner”. It represents a precise and brief moment of Rolex evolution that is far

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Submariner 1680 Black Dial Stainless Steel Automatic Mens Watch
Rolex Submariner 1680 Black Dial Stainless Steel Automatic Mens Watch

Rolex Submariner 1680 Black Dial Stainless Steel Automatic Mens Watch

By Rolex

Located in Westport, CT

An original vintage Rolex Submariner reference 1680 stainless steel men’s wristwatch, circa 1980s

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

1988 Rolex Day Date Rubellite Diamond Dial Ref. 18038
1988 Rolex Day Date Rubellite Diamond Dial Ref. 18038

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

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi 16750, Stainless Steel, 1982, Swiss Made
Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi 16750, Stainless Steel, 1982, Swiss Made

Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi 16750, Stainless Steel, 1982, Swiss Made

By Rolex

Located in Tucson, AZ

This rare Rolex GMT features its original iconic red and blue “Pepsi” bezel insert with a beautiful

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Day Date 18238 Men's Watch #23710
1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Day Date 18238 Men's Watch #23710

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

Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

1989 Rolex Day Date Pavee Dial With Sapphires Ref. 18388
1989 Rolex Day Date Pavee Dial With Sapphires Ref. 18388

1989 Rolex Day Date Pavee Dial With Sapphires Ref. 18388

By Rolex

Located in Dubai, AE

increase the glamour level. Specifications Brand: Rolex Model: Day Date Ref. No.: 18388 Serial No

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Rolex NOS Day-Date Green Stella Dial Diamond Set 18048
Rare Rolex NOS Day-Date Green Stella Dial Diamond Set 18048

Rare Rolex NOS Day-Date Green Stella Dial Diamond Set 18048

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A rare NOS yellow gold Day-Date by Rolex from 1980. Featuring a stunning green Stella dial with

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16000 Mens 36mm 1980s Automatic All Original RA762
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16000 Mens 36mm 1980s Automatic All Original RA762

Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16000 Mens 36mm 1980s Automatic All Original RA762

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Classic icon, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster Datejust ref.16000 automatic, c.1986, all

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1510 35mm Mens 1980s Vintage Automatic RA753B
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1510 35mm Mens 1980s Vintage Automatic RA753B

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1510 35mm Mens 1980s Vintage Automatic RA753B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster 15010 Date automatic, c.1983, in excellent working condition

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Datejust 36mm in Steel & Gold, White Jubilee Diamond Dial
Vintage Rolex Datejust 36mm in Steel & Gold, White Jubilee Diamond Dial

Vintage Rolex Datejust 36mm in Steel & Gold, White Jubilee Diamond Dial

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

A refined vintage Rolex Datejust 36mm crafted in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, featuring the

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Custom Dial Blue Ladies Watch 69173
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Custom Dial Blue Ladies Watch 69173

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Custom Dial Blue Ladies Watch 69173

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned. Good condition. Custom diamond dial and bezel General Information: Brand: Rolex Model

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

1989 Rolex Daytona Zenith 16523 Two-Tone Automatic White Dial 40mm
1989 Rolex Daytona Zenith 16523 Two-Tone Automatic White Dial 40mm

1989 Rolex Daytona Zenith 16523 Two-Tone Automatic White Dial 40mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

The Dawn Of The Zenith Era The reference 16523 represents the hinge point where the Daytona transitioned from a niche manual-wind tool into the modern icon it is today. This era is ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex 6827 Oyster Datejust 18k Solid Gold 30mm 1980s Midsize Automatic RA732B
Rolex 6827 Oyster Datejust 18k Solid Gold 30mm 1980s Midsize Automatic RA732B

Rolex 6827 Oyster Datejust 18k Solid Gold 30mm 1980s Midsize Automatic RA732B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Luxurious classic, 18k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6827 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex GMT Ref 16753 Vintage Gold and Steel Wrist Watch
Rolex GMT Ref 16753 Vintage Gold and Steel Wrist Watch

Rolex GMT Ref 16753 Vintage Gold and Steel Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1985 Rolex GMT, Reference 16753, 40 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster Case with 14K 24 Hour

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Steel

Ladies Rolex 31mm Midsize DateJust Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel
Ladies Rolex 31mm Midsize DateJust Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel

Ladies Rolex 31mm Midsize DateJust Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Brand: Rolex. Dial: Diamond. Bezel: Diamond. Crystal: Sapphire. Condition: Good. Gender: Women's

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT Master 16758 NIPPLE DIAL 18K Yellow Gold Jubilee Band 40mm
Rolex GMT Master 16758 NIPPLE DIAL 18K Yellow Gold Jubilee Band 40mm

Rolex GMT Master 16758 NIPPLE DIAL 18K Yellow Gold Jubilee Band 40mm

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 16758 Serial: 8370*** Year: 1984 Model: Rolex GMT Master Case Material: 18K

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "1980 Rolex", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

1980 Rolex For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the 1980 rolex you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, Stainless Steel and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 2058 vintage editions and 1 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect 1980 rolex may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but versions are of considerable interest. While most can agree that any 1980 rolex from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 307 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also baguette cut cut and brilliant cut cut versions available here, too. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 1980 rolex, you’ll find that many are available today for men, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and women.

How Much is a 1980 Rolex?

On average, a 1980 rolex at 1stDibs sells for $7,700, while they’re typically $1,960 on the low end and $113,110 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Rolex for sale on 1stDibs

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.

Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You

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.