Skip to main content

Black Rolex Watches

to
14
284
174
72
527
311
174
164
65
58
378
21
5
2
184
344
1
1
11
22
20
18
86
1
63
12
1
104
3
2
2
1
98
3
1
1
1
529
1
459
68
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

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300 Black Dial Mens Watch Box & Papers
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300 Black Dial Mens Watch Box & Papers

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300 Black Dial Mens Watch Box & Papers

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300 Mens Watch. 41mm stainless steel case with smooth bezel. Black dial

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Black Dial Stainless Steel Watch
Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Black Dial Stainless Steel Watch

Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Black Dial Stainless Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

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

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Black Index Dial Steel Watch
Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Black Index Dial Steel Watch

Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Black Index Dial Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

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

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Thunderbird 16264 Diamond Bezel Black Dial Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Thunderbird 16264 Diamond Bezel Black Dial Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Thunderbird 16264 Diamond Bezel Black Dial Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 16264 Serial: K962*** Year: 2001 Model: Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph "Thunderbird

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer Steel 39mm Black Dial Automatic Automatic Watch 214270
Rolex Explorer Steel 39mm Black Dial Automatic Automatic Watch 214270

Rolex Explorer Steel 39mm Black Dial Automatic Automatic Watch 214270

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Name: Explorer Model Number: 214270 Year

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Daytona big red black dial white registers ref 6263
Rolex Daytona big red black dial white registers ref 6263

Rolex Daytona big red black dial white registers ref 6263

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Rolex Daytona 6263 Mens Watch. 37mm stainless steel case. Black acrylic bezel with tachymetric

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Daytona 18k Gold With Black Face & Diamond Dot Dial
Rolex Daytona 18k Gold With Black Face & Diamond Dot Dial

Rolex Daytona 18k Gold With Black Face & Diamond Dot Dial

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

Rolex Daytona 18k Gold Diamond Dot Dial 1999 Model - Solid 18k Yellow gold Daytona watch with

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Submariner Date Certified Two Tone Black Dial Service Papers
Rolex Submariner Date Certified Two Tone Black Dial Service Papers

Rolex Submariner Date Certified Two Tone Black Dial Service Papers

By Rolex

Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA

BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner Date REFRENCE: 16803 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Mixed Metal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Original Black Dial, circa 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Original Black Dial, circa 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Original Black Dial, circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

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

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT-Master II Two Tone Yellow Gold Black Dial
Rolex GMT-Master II Two Tone Yellow Gold Black Dial

Rolex GMT-Master II Two Tone Yellow Gold Black Dial

$18,100Sale Price|20% Off

Dm 1.58 in

Rolex GMT-Master II Two Tone Yellow Gold Black Dial

By Rolex

Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA

BRAND: Rolex MODEL: GMT Master II REFERENCE: 116713 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Mixed Metal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner Non-Date Vintage Stainless Steel Matte Black Dial 5513
Rolex Submariner Non-Date Vintage Stainless Steel Matte Black Dial 5513

Rolex Submariner Non-Date Vintage Stainless Steel Matte Black Dial 5513

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Submariner Non-Date Vintage Men's Wristwatch, matte black dial

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Black Oyster Reference# 126334, Complete set, 2025
Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Black Oyster Reference# 126334, Complete set, 2025

Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Black Oyster Reference# 126334, Complete set, 2025

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126334-0011 stands as a perfect expression of prestige, innovation, and

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Air King Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel 116900
Rolex Air King Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel 116900

Rolex Air King Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel 116900

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Air King Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel 116900. Black PVD/DLC coating has been added

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yacht-Master Steel Black Dial Black Dial SS/RG Oyster Bracelet 116621
Rolex Yacht-Master Steel Black Dial Black Dial SS/RG Oyster Bracelet 116621

Rolex Yacht-Master Steel Black Dial Black Dial SS/RG Oyster Bracelet 116621

By Rolex

Located in Aventura, FL

116221 black dials are characterized by Rolex 18ct gold hour markers. The Yacht-Master 116622 steel and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Steel

1979 Rolex Submariner Date 1680 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
1979 Rolex Submariner Date 1680 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm

1979 Rolex Submariner Date 1680 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex added a date complication to its legendary Submariner line. This 1979 example comes from the very

Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex 176200 Datejust Stainless Steel Black Semi Arabic Dial Watch
Rolex 176200 Datejust Stainless Steel Black Semi Arabic Dial Watch

Rolex 176200 Datejust Stainless Steel Black Semi Arabic Dial Watch

By Rolex

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Rolex 176200 Datejust Stainless Steel Black Semi Arabic Dial Watch The Rolex 176200 Datejust with a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer II Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch
Rolex Explorer II Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch

Rolex Explorer II Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Explorer II Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer 214270 Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch
Rolex Explorer 214270 Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch

Rolex Explorer 214270 Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Explorer 214270 Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex OP Date 1501 34mm 18K Gold Black Gloss Dial Watch
Rolex OP Date 1501 34mm 18K Gold Black Gloss Dial Watch

Rolex OP Date 1501 34mm 18K Gold Black Gloss Dial Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date featuring rare petroleum black gloss dial in 34mm 18K yellow gold case

Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Black Datejust Tow Tone Diamond lugs + Sapphire Bezel 16013
Rolex Black Datejust Tow Tone Diamond lugs + Sapphire Bezel 16013

Rolex Black Datejust Tow Tone Diamond lugs + Sapphire Bezel 16013

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Black 36mm Datejust Tow Tone Diamond lugs + Sapphire Bezel 16013

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Women's Vintage Two Tone Black Color Dial 68273
Rolex Datejust Women's Vintage Two Tone Black Color Dial 68273

Rolex Datejust Women's Vintage Two Tone Black Color Dial 68273

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Women's Vintage Rolex 31mm Datejust Two Tone Black Color Dial 68273

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer 40mm 224270 Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch
Rolex Explorer 40mm 224270 Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch

Rolex Explorer 40mm 224270 Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch

$13,000

H 15.75 in W 4.73 in D 15.75 in Dm 15.75 in L 15.75 in

Rolex Explorer 40mm 224270 Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Unworn. 2023 card. Comes with the original box and papers. It may show handling marks due to store handling.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Explorer II Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch
Rolex Explorer II Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch

Rolex Explorer II Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Explorer II Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch Orange Numerals Bezel 216570

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Black String Datejust Two Tone Side Diamonds + Rubies 68273
Rolex Black String Datejust Two Tone Side Diamonds + Rubies 68273

Rolex Black String Datejust Two Tone Side Diamonds + Rubies 68273

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Women's Rolex 31mm Datejust 2 Tone Oyster Bracelet and Black Color String Diamond Accent Dial 68273

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Stainless Steel

2001 Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Steel Auto Black Bezel 40mm
2001 Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Steel Auto Black Bezel 40mm

2001 Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Steel Auto Black Bezel 40mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

. While other models rely on bright bezel colors, the all-black execution puts the focus entirely on the

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

1997 Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
1997 Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm

1997 Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

balanced professional diver Rolex ever produced. While the Submariner is the more common choice, the Sea

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1998 Rolex Explorer I Steel 14270 Auto Black Dial 36mm
Vintage 1998 Rolex Explorer I Steel 14270 Auto Black Dial 36mm

Vintage 1998 Rolex Explorer I Steel 14270 Auto Black Dial 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

sits in the sweet spot of neo-vintage Rolex. It is the reference that proved the Explorer did not need

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Black Color Dial
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Black Color Dial

Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Black Color Dial

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Black Color Dial Bezel +Lugs + Rubies 69173 Rolex

Category

1990s European Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Vintage Steel Date Model 1501 Black Dial Wrist Watch
Rolex Vintage Steel Date Model 1501 Black Dial Wrist Watch

Rolex Vintage Steel Date Model 1501 Black Dial Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1957 Rolex Reference 1501 Date Model Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless Steel case with

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Explorer I 114270 Stainless Automatic Black Dial Oyster Bracelet 36mm
Rolex Explorer I 114270 Stainless Automatic Black Dial Oyster Bracelet 36mm

Rolex Explorer I 114270 Stainless Automatic Black Dial Oyster Bracelet 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

fits any situation and never feels out of place. It works as a daily watch, a first Rolex, or a long

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Factory Black Diamond Dial Jubilee Bracelet Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Factory Black Diamond Dial Jubilee Bracelet Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Factory Black Diamond Dial Jubilee Bracelet Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Datejust 36mm Factory Black Diamond Dial Jubilee Bracelet Stainless Steel and White Gold

Category

2010s European Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch 124300
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch 124300

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch 124300

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Type

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116519 18K White Gold Black Dial Box & Papers
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116519 18K White Gold Black Dial Box & Papers

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116519 18K White Gold Black Dial Box & Papers

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

engraved 18K white gold tachometer bezel and has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The black dial

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Black Dial Automatic Midsize Watch 124200
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Black Dial Automatic Midsize Watch 124200

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Black Dial Automatic Midsize Watch 124200

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124200 Model Number: 124200 Type

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Rolex Cellini Danaos 18K Rose Gold Black Dial Ladies Quartz Watch
Vintage Rolex Cellini Danaos 18K Rose Gold Black Dial Ladies Quartz Watch

Vintage Rolex Cellini Danaos 18K Rose Gold Black Dial Ladies Quartz Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

" script signature, with original Rolex buckle on an aftermarket black leather strap. 26mm case, scratch

Category

20th Century Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Ladies Datejust Stainless Steel Black Dial Jubilee Bracelet Watch
Rolex Ladies Datejust Stainless Steel Black Dial Jubilee Bracelet Watch

Rolex Ladies Datejust Stainless Steel Black Dial Jubilee Bracelet Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Stainless Steel Black Color Dial Jubilee Bracelet 69174. This watch is

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies Datejust Stainless Steel Black String Diamond Accent Watch
Rolex Ladies Datejust Stainless Steel Black String Diamond Accent Watch

Rolex Ladies Datejust Stainless Steel Black String Diamond Accent Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust 69160 Stainless Steel Black Color String Diamond Accent Dial Deployment

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Black Oyster Reference# 126334, Complete set, 2025
Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Black Oyster Reference# 126334, Complete set, 2025

Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Black Oyster Reference# 126334, Complete set, 2025

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126334-0017 – White Rolesor Sophistication with Bright Black Sunray Dial

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Black Sundust Roman Dial with Diamond Bezel Watch
Rolex Datejust Black Sundust Roman Dial with Diamond Bezel Watch

Rolex Datejust Black Sundust Roman Dial with Diamond Bezel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 36mm Datejust Black Sundust Roman Dial with Diamond Bezel Two Tone Watch Jubilee Hidden Clasp

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Black Jubilee Reference# 126333, Complete set, 2025
Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Black Jubilee Reference# 126333, Complete set, 2025

Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Black Jubilee Reference# 126333, Complete set, 2025

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Datejust 126333-0014 – Two-Tone Luxury with Bold Black Sunray Dial A commanding presence

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 18K White Gold Steel Black Diamond Dial Watch 116234
Rolex Datejust 18K White Gold Steel Black Diamond Dial Watch 116234

Rolex Datejust 18K White Gold Steel Black Diamond Dial Watch 116234

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with original box and card, Rolex service card is also included

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Vintage 1960s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Steel 1500 Auto Gilt Black 34mm
Vintage 1960s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Steel 1500 Auto Gilt Black 34mm

Vintage 1960s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Steel 1500 Auto Gilt Black 34mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

A Gilt Dial From The Mid-Century Gilt dials represent a specific moment in Rolex history, a method

Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Black Roman Dial Diamond Bezel Steel Jubilee Watch
Rolex Datejust Black Roman Dial Diamond Bezel Steel Jubilee Watch

Rolex Datejust Black Roman Dial Diamond Bezel Steel 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, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Black Dial with Sapphires/Diamonds Steel Ladies Watch
Rolex Datejust Black Dial with Sapphires/Diamonds Steel Ladies Watch

Rolex Datejust Black Dial with Sapphires/Diamonds Steel Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

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

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel / Lugs Black Index Dial Steel Watch
Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel / Lugs Black Index Dial Steel Watch

Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel / Lugs Black Index Dial Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

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

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1999 Rolex Cellini 6110 18K YG Quartz Black and Grey 26mm
Vintage 1999 Rolex Cellini 6110 18K YG Quartz Black and Grey 26mm

Vintage 1999 Rolex Cellini 6110 18K YG Quartz Black and Grey 26mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

The Other Side Of Rolex The Cellini collection has always been Rolex’s platform for pure dress

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

original black dial. Our finest Rolex Trained Master Watchmaker has just given this watch a factory quality

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

Black Rolex Watches For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of black rolex watches for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Stainless Steel, Gold and 18k Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our selection of items includes 781 vintage examples as well as 711 contemporary versions. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, has proven very popular over the years. Contemporary and Modern are consistently popular styles when it comes to black rolex watches. Many pieces in our collection are stylish for most occasions, but Diamond versions, from our inventory of 70, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. There are many round cut, baguette cut and emerald cut black rolex watches for sale. There aren’t many items for women in our collection of black rolex watches, as most of the options available are for men.

How Much are Black Rolex Watches?

On average, black rolex watches at 1stDibs sell for $10,027, while they’re typically $1,900 on the low end and $165,630 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.