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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

Rolex Datejust 16233 Jubilee Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16233 Jubilee Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 16233 Jubilee Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 16233 Serial: L961*** Year: 1989 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Champagne J...

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1987 Rolex Datejust Lady 69173 Two ToneAutomatic Champagne Diamond Dial
Vintage 1987 Rolex Datejust Lady 69173 Two ToneAutomatic Champagne Diamond Dial

Vintage 1987 Rolex Datejust Lady 69173 Two ToneAutomatic Champagne Diamond Dial

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Jubilee bracelet in two tone. It is balanced, familiar, and unmistakably Rolex. At 26mm, the proportions

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Day Date 18078 Red Degrade Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch
Rolex Day Date 18078 Red Degrade Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch

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

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel 16014 Silver Stick Dial, Circa 1987
Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel 16014 Silver Stick Dial, Circa 1987

Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel 16014 Silver Stick Dial, Circa 1987

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex. Authenticity guaranteed! The sale comes with a jewelry box, appraisal certificate and our in

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex President Day-Date Diamond String & Log Dial Bezel Watch18388
Rolex President Day-Date Diamond String & Log Dial Bezel Watch18388

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

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1987 Rolex Datejust 16018 18K Yellow Gold Factory Onyx Dial Automatic 36mm
1987 Rolex Datejust 16018 18K Yellow Gold Factory Onyx Dial Automatic 36mm

1987 Rolex Datejust 16018 18K Yellow Gold Factory Onyx Dial Automatic 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

The Depth Of Natural Onyx The reference 16018 occupies a specific space in the Rolex timeline as

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Oyster 6827 Datejust 18k Solid Gold 1980s Midsize 30mm Automatic RA732
Rolex Oyster 6827 Datejust 18k Solid Gold 1980s Midsize 30mm Automatic RA732

Rolex Oyster 6827 Datejust 18k Solid Gold 1980s Midsize 30mm Automatic RA732

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage luxury, 18k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6827 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1981

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Date Silver Dial Oyster Bracelet Stainless Steel Ladies Watch 69160
Rolex Date Silver Dial Oyster Bracelet Stainless Steel Ladies Watch 69160

Rolex Date Silver Dial Oyster Bracelet Stainless Steel Ladies Watch 69160

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Date Silver Dial Oyster Bracelet Stainless Steel Ladies Watch 69160, Circa 1984, 8 million

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex President 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Watch 69178G Excellent
Rolex President 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Watch 69178G Excellent

Rolex President 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Watch 69178G Excellent

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned. 100% original, Fully serviced and working perfectly. Impossible to find in this condition. Excellent condition. Comes with original box but no papers.

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone 18K YG Champagne Linen Dial Automatic 36mm
Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone 18K YG Champagne Linen Dial Automatic 36mm

Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone 18K YG Champagne Linen Dial Automatic 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

The Refined Versatility Of The Linen Dial The reference 16013 is a staple of vintage Rolex

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Champagne Roman Dial Ladies Watch 69173
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Champagne Roman Dial Ladies Watch 69173

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Champagne Roman Dial Ladies Watch 69173

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69173 Vintage: Yes Year Manufactured: 1980-1989 Country/Region of

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Steel

Rolex Datejust 16000 36mm Blue Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16000 36mm Blue Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 16000 36mm Blue Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 16000 Serial: R50**** Year: 1988 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K YG Matte Blue Factory Diamond Dial 1986
Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K YG Matte Blue Factory Diamond Dial 1986

Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K YG Matte Blue Factory Diamond Dial 1986

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

solid gold Rolex President, elevated by a seldom-seen factory dial configuration. It’s a watch that is

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Lady-Datejust President 26mm 18K Yellow Gold White Dial Ladies Watch 69178
Rolex Lady-Datejust President 26mm 18K Yellow Gold White Dial Ladies Watch 69178

Rolex Lady-Datejust President 26mm 18K Yellow Gold White Dial Ladies Watch 69178

$14,999

H 1.03 in W 1.03 in D 0.42 in Dm 1.03 in L 1.03 in

Rolex Lady-Datejust President 26mm 18K Yellow Gold White Dial Ladies Watch 69178

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned and in good condition. The watch comes complete with its original box and papers. It shows some signs of oxidation and normal wear, which can be polished upon request, alon...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 18K YG 18238 Auto Champagne Diamond 36mm
Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 18K YG 18238 Auto Champagne Diamond 36mm

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...

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Black Dial, circa 1970s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Black Dial, circa 1970s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Black Dial, circa 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Presidential 18kt Gold White Diamond Dial Bezel and Lugs 6917
Rolex Presidential 18kt Gold White Diamond Dial Bezel and Lugs 6917

Rolex Presidential 18kt Gold White Diamond Dial Bezel and Lugs 6917

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 26mm Presidential 18kt Gold White Diamond Dial Bezel and Lugs 6917 This watch is in like new

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Rolex Presidential 18kt Gold Green Diamond Dial Bezel and Lugs 6917
Rolex Presidential 18kt Gold Green Diamond Dial Bezel and Lugs 6917

Rolex Presidential 18kt Gold Green Diamond Dial Bezel and Lugs 6917

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 26mm Presidential 18kt Gold Green Diamond Dial Bezel and Lugs 6917 This watch is in like new

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Rolex Datejust 31mm 68274 Salmon Roman Dial Stainless Steel Watch Circa 1987
Rolex Datejust 31mm 68274 Salmon Roman Dial Stainless Steel Watch Circa 1987

Rolex Datejust 31mm 68274 Salmon Roman Dial Stainless Steel Watch Circa 1987

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has been inspected to

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 31mm 68274  Grey Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch Circa 1984
Rolex Datejust 31mm 68274  Grey Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch Circa 1984

Rolex Datejust 31mm 68274 Grey Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch Circa 1984

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has been inspected to

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Ref 6917 Lady Oyster Date 18k Gold SS Automatic 1980s Swiss Luxury RA735B
Rolex Ref 6917 Lady Oyster Date 18k Gold SS Automatic 1980s Swiss Luxury RA735B

Rolex Ref 6917 Lady Oyster Date 18k Gold SS Automatic 1980s Swiss Luxury RA735B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless luxury, Rolex 18k gold and stainless steel Lady Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1981

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

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

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

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

dial and bezel. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69173 Type

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, 18k Gold

Rolex President Brown Dial Diamond 18K Day Date Watch Ref 18038
Rolex President Brown Dial Diamond 18K Day Date Watch Ref 18038

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

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Day-Date 36mm Yellow Gold Watch, Oxblood Stella Dial 18038, Circa 1982
Rolex Day-Date 36mm Yellow Gold Watch, Oxblood Stella Dial 18038, Circa 1982

Rolex Day-Date 36mm Yellow Gold Watch, Oxblood Stella Dial 18038, Circa 1982

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A rare yellow gold Day-Date by Rolex. Featuring the highly collectable Oxblood Stella dial which is

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Lady Oyster Date Ref 6917 18k Gold SS Automatic 1980s Swiss Luxury RA735
Rolex Lady Oyster Date Ref 6917 18k Gold SS Automatic 1980s Swiss Luxury RA735

Rolex Lady Oyster Date Ref 6917 18k Gold SS Automatic 1980s Swiss Luxury RA735

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless luxury, Rolex 18k gold and stainless steel Lady Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1981

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

1988 Rolex Datejust 36 16013 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Diamond Dial 36mm
1988 Rolex Datejust 36 16013 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Diamond Dial 36mm

1988 Rolex Datejust 36 16013 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Diamond Dial 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex aesthetics. Elevated Brilliance: The Factory Diamond Dial This specific reference is elevated by

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone White Diamond Dial Jubilee 16233 Circa 1989
Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone White Diamond Dial Jubilee 16233 Circa 1989

Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone White Diamond Dial Jubilee 16233 Circa 1989

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

guaranteed! The sale comes with a new style Rolex box, appraisal certificate and our in-house 1 year

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 36 18038 18k Gold Automatic Champagne Dial 36mm
Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 36 18038 18k Gold Automatic Champagne Dial 36mm

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

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1984 Rolex Datejust 36 16014 White Gold Bezel Auto Silver Linen Dial 36mm
1984 Rolex Datejust 36 16014 White Gold Bezel Auto Silver Linen Dial 36mm

1984 Rolex Datejust 36 16014 White Gold Bezel Auto Silver Linen Dial 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

entry point into vintage Rolex that does not feel like a compromise. It has the modern convenience of

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Datejust 16013 36mm 18k SS 1980s Linen Dial Mens Automatic RA395C
Rolex Oyster Datejust 16013 36mm 18k SS 1980s Linen Dial Mens Automatic RA395C

Rolex Oyster Datejust 16013 36mm 18k SS 1980s Linen Dial Mens Automatic RA395C

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16013

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1982 Ladies Rolex 6917 with Diamond Bezel 18k Yellow Gold Complete
Vintage 1982 Ladies Rolex 6917 with Diamond Bezel 18k Yellow Gold Complete

Vintage 1982 Ladies Rolex 6917 with Diamond Bezel 18k Yellow Gold Complete

By Rolex

Located in South Pasadena, CA

Complete with original box and papers. Vintage 6917 18k 1982 ladies Datejust with a diamond bezel. Crafted out of 18k yellow gold paired with a champagne dial and the iconic Presiden...

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1985 Rolex Day-Date 36 18K YG 18038 Auto Champagne Diamond Dial 36mm
1985 Rolex Day-Date 36 18K YG 18038 Auto Champagne Diamond Dial 36mm

1985 Rolex Day-Date 36 18K YG 18038 Auto Champagne Diamond Dial 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

diamond dial is the quintessential 1980s configuration. It represents the peak of Rolex design from that

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Day-Date 36mm 18238 18K Yellow Gold Watch Fluted Bezel Champagne Diamond
Rolex Day-Date 36mm 18238 18K Yellow Gold Watch Fluted Bezel Champagne Diamond

Rolex Day-Date 36mm 18238 18K Yellow Gold Watch Fluted Bezel Champagne Diamond

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

blemishes. Leather strap and gold plated buckle are custom aftermarket. The watch itself is a genuine Rolex

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Day-Date 18238 36mm 18K Yellow Gold Watch Fluted Bezel Champagne Dial
Rolex Day-Date 18238 36mm 18K Yellow Gold Watch Fluted Bezel Champagne Dial

Rolex Day-Date 18238 36mm 18K Yellow Gold Watch Fluted Bezel Champagne Dial

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

blemishes. Leather strap and gold plated buckle are custom aftermarket. The watch itself is a genuine Rolex

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust Midsize 31mm 68274 Black Dial Steel 18K White Gold Box Paper
Rolex Datejust Midsize 31mm 68274 Black Dial Steel 18K White Gold Box Paper

Rolex Datejust Midsize 31mm 68274 Black Dial Steel 18K White Gold Box Paper

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 68274 Serial: R785*** Model: Rolex Datejust Midsize Case Material: Stainless Steel

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex President Day-Date 18238 36mm 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Watch
Rolex President Day-Date 18238 36mm 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Watch

Rolex President Day-Date 18238 36mm 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Watch

By Rolex

Located in Boca Raton, FL

The epitome of prestige and timeless elegance, the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18238 is a true icon in the

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Custom Diamond Red Dial Watch 16013
Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Custom Diamond Red Dial Watch 16013

Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Custom Diamond Red Dial Watch 16013

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 16013 Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Style: Luxury

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Rolex Vintage Gents President Day Date 18K Diamond Dial and Bezel 118348
Rolex Vintage Gents President Day Date 18K Diamond Dial and Bezel 118348

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

Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial circa, 1970's 80's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial circa, 1970's 80's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial circa, 1970's 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 Day Date President 18248 Bark Champagne Original Diamond Dial 18K Gold
Rolex Day Date President 18248 Bark Champagne Original Diamond Dial 18K Gold

Rolex Day Date President 18248 Bark Champagne Original Diamond Dial 18K Gold

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 18248 Serial: L229*** Year: 1989 Model: Rolex Day Date President Case Material: 18K

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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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.