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Antique Officers Trench Watch

Military WWI c1918 S/Silver Trench Rolex Officer's Watch w Hinged Stockwell Case
Military WWI c1918 S/Silver Trench Rolex Officer's Watch w Hinged Stockwell Case

Military WWI c1918 S/Silver Trench Rolex Officer's Watch w Hinged Stockwell Case

By Rolex

Located in MELBOURNE, AU

~ Timepiece is powered by the manually wound MOVEMENT, signed “Rolex Swiss Made” & “15 Jewels” reflecting a quality level above many contemporaneous military or civilian-i...

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Officers Trench Watch

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Recent Sales

1914 ROLEX Rare Vintage Mens World War I Era Military Trench - Sterling Silver
1914 ROLEX Rare Vintage Mens World War I Era Military Trench - Sterling Silver

1914 ROLEX Rare Vintage Mens World War I Era Military Trench - Sterling Silver

By Rolex

Located in Suwanee, GA

Often referred to as a Trench Watch, watches like this one enabled an officer to coordinate his men's activities with precision with just a glance at his wrist.

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Officers Trench Watch

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1913
Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1913

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1913

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D 0.36 in Dm 1.19 in L 1.34 in

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1913

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

These early wristwatches became known as “Officers” or "Trench" watches. They had the same look as a pocket watch, as they were based on the old pocket watch movement, but they neede...

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Officers Trench Watch

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1916
Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1916

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1916

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W 1.34 in D 0.36 in Dm 1.34 in L 1.62 in

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch, 1916

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

These early wristwatches became known as “Officers” or "Trench" watches. They had the same look as a pocket watch, as they were based on the old pocket watch movement, but they neede...

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Officers Trench Watch

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch 1926
Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch 1926

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch 1926

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W 1.23 in D 0.28 in L 1.26 in

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch 1926

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

These early wristwatches became known as “Officers” or "Trench" watches. They had the same look as a pocket watch, as they were based on the old pocket watch movement, but they neede...

Category

1920s Swiss Antique Officers Trench Watch

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Rolex Rose Gold Officers Trench Watch, 1928
Rolex Rose Gold Officers Trench Watch, 1928

Rolex Rose Gold Officers Trench Watch, 1928

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D 0.32 in Dm 1.3 in L 1.58 in

Rolex Rose Gold Officers Trench Watch, 1928

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

These early wristwatches became known as “Officers” or "Trench" watches. They had the same look as a pocket watch, as they were based on the old pocket watch movement, but they neede...

Category

1920s Swiss Antique Officers Trench Watch

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex 18ct Gold Officers Trench Watch circa 1914
Rolex 18ct Gold Officers Trench Watch circa 1914

Rolex 18ct Gold Officers Trench Watch circa 1914

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D 0.36 in Dm 1.26 in L 1.46 in

Rolex 18ct Gold Officers Trench Watch circa 1914

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

These early wristwatches became known as “Officers” or "Trench" watches. They had the same look as a pocket watch, as they were based on the old pocket watch movement, but they neede...

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Officers Trench Watch

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Sterling Silver Officers Trench Wristwatch, 1917
Rolex Sterling Silver Officers Trench Wristwatch, 1917

Rolex Sterling Silver Officers Trench Wristwatch, 1917

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

These early wristwatches became known as “Officers” or "Trench" watches. They had the same look as a pocket watch, as they were based on the old pocket watch movement but t...

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Officers Trench Watch

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Rolex Sterling Silver Officers Trench Wristwatch, 1915
Rolex Sterling Silver Officers Trench Wristwatch, 1915

Rolex Sterling Silver Officers Trench Wristwatch, 1915

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

These early wristwatches became known as “Officers” or "Trench" watches. They had the same look as a pocket watch, as they were based on the old pocket watch movement but they needed...

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Officers Trench Watch

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Rolex Sterling Silver Half Hunter Officer's Wristwatch, 1919
Rolex Sterling Silver Half Hunter Officer's Wristwatch, 1919

Rolex Sterling Silver Half Hunter Officer's Wristwatch, 1919

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

These early wristwatches became known as “Officers” or "Trench" watches. They had the same look as a pocket watch, as they were based on the old pocket watch movement but they needed...

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Officers Trench Watch

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

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20th Century Antique Officers Trench Watch

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Rolex Steel Early Speedking with Original Dial from 1941 or 1942
Rolex Steel Early Speedking with Original Dial from 1941 or 1942

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Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Rolex Oyster Royal 2280 Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1939 Beautiful Watch. Generic Stainless Steel Bracelet (not original Rolex). 30mm round c...

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Rolex Royal ref 2280 Art-Deco c1936 S/Steel Manual 15 Jewels 30mm Mens' Watch
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By Rolex

Located in MELBOURNE, AU

This fine & rare Art-Deco Rolex Royal reference 2280 S/Steel wristwatch, dating back to circa 1936, featuring: 30mm S/Steel Case, 35mm including the original signed screw-down cr...

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1930s Swiss Art Deco Antique Officers Trench Watch

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Stainless Steel, Steel

Rolex Precision Ref. 3400 Openface, Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, Stainless Steel
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Rolex Precision Ref. 3400 Openface, Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in Berlin, DE

Rare collectors Watch. Original Condition. Watch needs an overhaul. Including certificate of authenticity.

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1966 Rolex Ladies Dress Watch, Silver Dial - 14K White Gold
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This is a rare find, in great running condition with sterling silver case with undisturbed patina. The case is approximately 31mm cushion cases, the crystal is in very good condition...

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Rolex 1930s Ladies Rose Gold and Steel Oyster Case Manual Wind Wrist Watch
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Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1930s Rolex Oyster Wrist Watch, 24 M.M. Rose Gold top with Steel back oyster Case and curved down Lugs. mechanical, manual wind movement, original screw down Oyster logo Crown,...

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Vintage 1954 Rolex Small Second Manual Wind Watch Ref. 3882
Vintage 1954 Rolex Small Second Manual Wind Watch Ref. 3882

Vintage 1954 Rolex Small Second Manual Wind Watch Ref. 3882

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex’s early dress-watch craftsmanship is reflected in this vintage 1954 reference 3882, a manual wind watch with a refined small seconds layout. The design carries the understated ...

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Rolex Unicorn Silver with Original Breguet Engine Turned Dial circa 1915

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Rolex Case Material : Stainless Steel Case Size : 42.2mm Gender : U96r630s

Rolex Case Material : Stainless Steel Case Size : 42.2mm Gender : U96r630s

By Rolex

Located in Dix hills, NY

Measurements: Length: 1.6" Width: .3" Height: 2" OVERALL GOOD- CONDITION ( 6.75/10 or B- ) Signs of Wear: Exterior: Very Minor Scratches Hardware: Minor Scratches, Minor Rubbing...

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21st Century and Contemporary Antique Officers Trench Watch

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Located in London, GB

Rolex Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938 From a time before formal reference numbers and when a 26mm case was considered suitable for any wrist, this vintage Rolex fr...

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This elegant Art-Deco gents’ Rolex ref 47085 is from 1930’s, yet it’s in a beautiful original condition & in excellent working order Featuring a rarely seen intricate feature - a ...

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Waltham Fontomatic Men's Wrist Watch w Date
Waltham Fontomatic Men's Wrist Watch w Date

Waltham Fontomatic Men's Wrist Watch w Date

By Waltham Watch Company

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

In its period and considered modernist style circa late 1950's, this 33mm vintage Waltham Men's Wrist Watch presents a sleek look with a black face,contrasting gold-toned spear hands...

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1960s American Antique Officers Trench Watch

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1918 Longines Tiffany & Co. Caliber 13.33 Mens World War I Military Chronograph
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1918 Longines Tiffany & Co. Caliber 13.33 Mens World War I Military Chronograph

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Located in Suwanee, GA

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Rolex Chromium Marconi Hermetic Manual Wind Watch, circa 1930s

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By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex / Marconi STYLE / REFERENCE: Hermetic METAL / MATERIAL: Chromium CIRCA: 1930's DIMENSIONS: Length 35mm X Diameter 29mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 ...

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This Tudor Rolex Vintage Gents’ Watch is dating from 1960’s, it is in good working order & in overall good original condition An ivory-beige coloured Dial is adorned with brand’s ic...

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Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Trench watch / Campaign Style METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver CIRCA / YEAR: 1914 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diamete...

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Rolex 1930s Reference 3858 Steel 2 Register Chronograph Wrist Watch

Rolex 1930s Reference 3858 Steel 2 Register Chronograph Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa late 1930s Rolex Chronograph Wrist Watch, 32 M.M Stainless Steel 3 piece case, 17 Jewel Mechanical, manual wind movement, 2 register chronograph timing functions, center second...

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1930s Swiss Antique Officers Trench Watch

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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.