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1980s Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date from Early 1980's
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date from Early 1980's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date from Early 1980's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 15000 METAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Factory Original Silver Dial 1980's
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Factory Original Silver Dial 1980's

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Factory Original Silver Dial 1980's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 16000

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Original Black Dial 1980's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Original Black Dial 1980's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Original Black Dial 1980's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 16030

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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 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

HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex MODEL : Oyster Perpetual Datejust, Ref.16000

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

, aftermarket leather strap and aftermarket buckle. Uncompromised luxury, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1981 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26MM Stainless Steel & 18KT YG Ref. 6719
Vintage 1981 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26MM Stainless Steel & 18KT YG Ref. 6719

Vintage 1981 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26MM Stainless Steel & 18KT YG Ref. 6719

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

A refined two-tone classic from the early 1980s, this Vintage 1981 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6719

Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Recent Sales

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Beautiful Factory Silver Dial with Applied Hour

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex  Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch, 1980s
Rolex  Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch, 1980s

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch, 1980s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch Factory Champagne Dial with Applied

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1002, 1980s
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1002, 1980s

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1002, 1980s

By Rolex

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Ref: W4345 Model Number: 1002 Serial Number: 886**** Condition: 8 - Good Condition Age: 1980's

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 15010 35mm 1980s Automatic Swiss RA473B
Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 15010 35mm 1980s Automatic Swiss RA473B

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 15010 35mm 1980s Automatic Swiss RA473B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Modern classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 15010 Date automatic polar dial, c.1984, in excellent

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 5552
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 5552

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 5552

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1980s Rolex Stainless Steel Reference 5500 Oyster Perpetual Chronometer. Three Piece 34 M.M

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 5552
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 5552

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 5552

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1980s Rolex Stainless Steel Reference 5500 Oyster Perpetual Chronometer. Three Piece 34 M.M

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual All Original  with Service Document, Mid 1980's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual All Original  with Service Document, Mid 1980's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual All Original with Service Document, Mid 1980's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Ref. 1002 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Blue Dial, circa 1980's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Blue Dial, circa 1980's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Blue Dial, circa 1980's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15505 34mm Gold Capped Automatic 1980s RA455
Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15505 34mm Gold Capped Automatic 1980s RA455

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15505 34mm Gold Capped Automatic 1980s RA455

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Luxurious classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15505 "Golden Egg" automatic, c.1986, in

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

ROLEX Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 15037 circa 1980s
ROLEX Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 15037 circa 1980s

ROLEX Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 15037 circa 1980s

By Rolex

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Rolex Date, Ref. 15037, with silvered dial, fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet, and comes complete with

Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Beautiful Factory Silver Dial with Applied Hour

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

1980's Comes Fitted on a Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet Includes Letter of Authenticity Along

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

1980's Comes Fitted on a Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet Includes Letter of Authenticity Along

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch, 1980s
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch, 1980s

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch, 1980s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch Factory Champagne Dial with Applied

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch Factory Sand Colored 'Buckley' Dial with

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

ROLEX Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Midsize Ref 6827 circa 1980s
ROLEX Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Midsize Ref 6827 circa 1980s

ROLEX Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Midsize Ref 6827 circa 1980s

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18k yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Midsize, Ref. 6827, 31mm diameter case with smooth

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

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18 Kt Rainer Brand Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Wrist Watch, Collectors
18 Kt Rainer Brand Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Wrist Watch, Collectors

18 Kt Rainer Brand Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Wrist Watch, Collectors

Located in Antwerp, BE

18 Kt Rainer Brand Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Wrist Watch, Brand New In Box With all Warranty Papers, Rare Collectors Watch Case : 18 Kt Solid Gold, Diameter 39.5 mm Strap :...

Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch
Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch

Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Mens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1972 36 mm Preowned Reference: 1600 18kt yellow and stainless steel

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Engine Turned Bezel 1957
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Engine Turned Bezel 1957

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Engine Turned Bezel 1957

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6565 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamet...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Steel Silver Dial Manual Wind Mens Watch 6694
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Steel Silver Dial Manual Wind Mens Watch 6694

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Steel Silver Dial Manual Wind Mens Watch 6694

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned fair condition. No original box and papers. 1 year seller warranty. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 6694 Country/Region of Manufacture: Swi...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex 34mm Oyster Perpetual Factory Olive Green Dial Watch
Rolex 34mm Oyster Perpetual Factory Olive Green Dial Watch

Rolex 34mm Oyster Perpetual Factory Olive Green Dial Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Perpetual Oyster Perpetual 34 Watch of Stainless Steel. Olive green dial with index hour markers. Screw-down solid crown with twin lock double waterproofness system. Scratch-re...

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Original Dial with Gilt Markers 1970s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Original Dial with Gilt Markers 1970s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Original Dial with Gilt Markers 1970s

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 x Diame...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Pink Dial 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Pink Dial 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Pink Dial 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...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Charcoal Dial 1970s
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Charcoal Dial 1970s

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Charcoal Dial 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Date / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 18Kt. Gold President with Custom Blue Diamond Marker Dial, 1980's
Rolex 18Kt. Gold President with Custom Blue Diamond Marker Dial, 1980's

Rolex 18Kt. Gold President with Custom Blue Diamond Marker Dial, 1980's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: President / Reference 18000 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17
Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17

Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17

By Cartier

Located in Jersey City, NJ

Sold out worldwide with a waitlist extending over a year, this petite timepiece is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Skilfully created in the house's Swiss atelier, it boasts 18-karat ...

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Silver Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Silver Dial

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Silver Dial

$6,320Sale Price|20% Off

Dm 1.34 in

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Silver Dial

By Rolex

Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA

BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Oyster Perpetual REFRENCE: 15200 SIZE: 34mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Grey BAND: Jubilee Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic WRTIST SIZE: Apx. 7.75 Very Good c...

Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Dial and Bezel circa, 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Dial and Bezel circa, 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Dial and Bezel 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...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 1960s Oysterdate Precision 6694 Steel Wrist Watch
Rolex 1960s Oysterdate Precision 6694 Steel Wrist Watch

Rolex 1960s Oysterdate Precision 6694 Steel Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1966 Rolex Oysterdate Precision Reference 6694 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster Case, 17 Jewel Caliber 1225 Manual wind movement, Original Black dial with r...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Mid 1960's
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Mid 1960's

Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Mid 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 7008 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SI...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble Back Rare Roman Dial Perpetual Wind Watch
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble Back Rare Roman Dial Perpetual Wind Watch

Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble Back Rare Roman Dial Perpetual Wind Watch

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 32mm CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perp...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made Sage Green Dial 1960s or 70s
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made Sage Green Dial 1960s or 70s

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made Sage Green Dial 1960s or 70s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diame...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

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1980s Rolex Oyster Perpetual For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate 1980s rolex oyster perpetual for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and yellow gold, this item was constructed with great care. If you’re looking for a 1980s rolex oyster perpetual from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 20th Century. When shopping for a 1980s rolex oyster perpetual, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or women today than there are for men.

How Much is a 1980s Rolex Oyster Perpetual?

Prices for a 1980s rolex oyster perpetual can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $4,800 and can go as high as $10,600, while this accessory, on average, fetches $7,200.

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.