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2023 MINT Rolex Explorer II 42mm 226570 Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch
2023 MINT Rolex Explorer II 42mm 226570 Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch

2023 MINT Rolex Explorer II 42mm 226570 Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch

By Rolex

Located in Boca Raton, FL

wearability, ideal for both everyday use and outdoor adventures. The black dial features bold hour markers and

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Day-Date President 18K Everose Gold Black Dial Mens Watch 118235
Rolex Day-Date President 18K Everose Gold Black Dial Mens Watch 118235

Rolex Day-Date President 18K Everose Gold Black Dial Mens Watch 118235

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. General Information Brand: Rolex

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex Sky-Dweller 18k Yellow Gold Black Dial Automatic Watch 336238
Rolex Sky-Dweller 18k Yellow Gold Black Dial Automatic Watch 336238

Rolex Sky-Dweller 18k Yellow Gold Black Dial Automatic Watch 336238

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Brand new 2024 card. Comes with original box and papers.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

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

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

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

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

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Air-King 40mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 116900
Rolex Air-King 40mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 116900

Rolex Air-King 40mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 116900

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned good condition. No original box and papers. General Information: Brand: Rolex Type

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Milgauss 116400
Rolex Milgauss 116400

Rolex Milgauss 116400

$11,682

Dm 1.58 in

Rolex Milgauss 116400

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A 40mm Milgauss crafted in stainless steel from Rolex. Features a black dial with applied hour

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT-Master II 40mm Batgirl Black Blue Bezel Steel Men's Watch 126710BLNR
Rolex GMT-Master II 40mm Batgirl Black Blue Bezel Steel Men's Watch 126710BLNR

Rolex GMT-Master II 40mm Batgirl Black Blue Bezel Steel Men's Watch 126710BLNR

By Rolex

Located in Aventura, FL

Rolex GMT Master II Steel Batgirl Bezel Mens Watch 126710. Certified chronometer, automatic self

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR Batgirl Steel Black Dial Mens Watch Box Paper
Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR Batgirl Steel Black Dial Mens Watch Box Paper

Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR Batgirl Steel Black Dial Mens Watch Box Paper

$24,200

H 1.58 in W 0.48 in D 1.58 in Dm 1.58 in L 1.58 in

Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR Batgirl Steel Black Dial Mens Watch Box Paper

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned in excellent condition. Box and papers included. The Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

New 2024 Rolex Submariner Date Steel Ceramic Black Dial Men's Watch 126610LN
New 2024 Rolex Submariner Date Steel Ceramic Black Dial Men's Watch 126610LN

New 2024 Rolex Submariner Date Steel Ceramic Black Dial Men's Watch 126610LN

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. Brand: Rolex

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

New Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Black Dial Domed Oyster Watch 124300
New Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Black Dial Domed Oyster Watch 124300

New Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Black Dial Domed Oyster Watch 124300

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

New. It comes with an original box and paper. 5-year Rolex warranty.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Gold Ceramic Steel Black Dial Men Watch 116519LN
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Gold Ceramic Steel Black Dial Men Watch 116519LN

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Gold Ceramic Steel Black Dial Men Watch 116519LN

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Unworn. 2022 card. Comes with the original box and papers. Brand and Model Brand: Rolex Model

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 36mm SS Diamond Bezel Black Stick Dial Jubilee Bracelet 16014
Rolex Datejust 36mm SS Diamond Bezel Black Stick Dial Jubilee Bracelet 16014

Rolex Datejust 36mm SS Diamond Bezel Black Stick Dial Jubilee Bracelet 16014

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Datejust 36mm Diamond Bezel Black Stick Dial Jubilee Bracelet 16014 Stainless Steel

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 68274 SS Custom Diamond Bezel & Lugs Black Index Dial Watch
Rolex Datejust 68274 SS Custom Diamond Bezel & Lugs Black Index Dial Watch

Rolex Datejust 68274 SS Custom Diamond Bezel & Lugs Black Index Dial Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 31mm Datejust Custom Diamond Bezel & Lugs Black Index Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch 68274

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Black Mother of Pearl Dial with Diamonds 16030
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Black Mother of Pearl Dial with Diamonds 16030

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Black Mother of Pearl Dial with Diamonds 16030

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36mm Black Mother Of Pearl Dial with Diamonds Deployment Band 16030

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex 31mm Datejust With custom Diamond bezel Black Color Roman Numeral Dial
Rolex 31mm Datejust With custom Diamond bezel Black Color Roman Numeral Dial

Rolex 31mm Datejust With custom Diamond bezel Black Color Roman Numeral Dial

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 31mm Datejust With custom Diamond bezel Black Color Roman Numeral Dial Deployment buckle

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Sky-dweller 42mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 326934
Rolex Sky-dweller 42mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 326934

Rolex Sky-dweller 42mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 326934

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

New. Comes with the original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: 326934 Type

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Black Pearl String Datejust S/S Oyster Perpetual Diamond Side + Bezel
Rolex Black Pearl String Datejust S/S Oyster Perpetual Diamond Side + Bezel

Rolex Black Pearl String Datejust S/S Oyster Perpetual Diamond Side + Bezel

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Women's Rolex Black Pearl String 31mm Datejust S/S Oyster Perpetual Diamond Side + Bezel & Lugs

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies Datejust Two Tone Diamond Bezel & Lugs Black MOP Watch 69173
Rolex Ladies Datejust Two Tone Diamond Bezel & Lugs Black MOP Watch 69173

Rolex Ladies Datejust Two Tone Diamond Bezel & Lugs Black MOP Watch 69173

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust 69173 Two Tone Diamond Bezel & Lugs Black MOP Mother Of Pearl Dial

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel

Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Black Color Dial Watch 69173
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Black Color Dial Watch 69173

Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Black Color Dial Watch 69173

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Black Color Dial Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs + Emerald

Category

1990s European Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Air-King With Black Dial Box & Papers 2005
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Air-King With Black Dial Box & Papers 2005

Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Air-King With Black Dial Box & Papers 2005

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

Air King by Rolex. Fitted with an original black dial and a solid link bracelet we seldom see this

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Unisex Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Oyster Black Dial 15210 Circa 1999
Unisex Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Oyster Black Dial 15210 Circa 1999

Unisex Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Oyster Black Dial 15210 Circa 1999

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Unisex Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Oyster Black Dial 15210 Circa 1999 This watch has been

Category

1990s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer II Black Dial 42mm 216570 Stainless Steel Mens Watch Complete
Rolex Explorer II Black Dial 42mm 216570 Stainless Steel Mens Watch Complete

Rolex Explorer II Black Dial 42mm 216570 Stainless Steel Mens Watch Complete

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has been inspected to verify authenticity. Sale comes with a Rolex

Category

2010s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

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

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Grey Dial Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Grey Dial Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Grey Dial Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Grey Dial Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch 114300 Watch has been

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 41mm Fluted Bezel Black Dial Gold Steel Oyster Watch 126334
Rolex Datejust 41mm Fluted Bezel Black Dial Gold Steel Oyster Watch 126334

Rolex Datejust 41mm Fluted Bezel Black Dial Gold Steel Oyster Watch 126334

By Rolex

Located in Aventura, FL

This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 in Oystersteel and white gold features a bright black dial and an

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Steel

Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 116264
Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 116264

Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 116264

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Turn-O-Graph Model Number: 116264 Country/Region of Manufacture

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Black Dial, Ref. # 6427
Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Black Dial, Ref. # 6427

Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Black Dial, Ref. # 6427

By Rolex

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Ref. # 6427 Similar to the Rolex Ref. #1016 Manual

Category

Vintage 1960s European Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner Date 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 126613LN
Rolex Submariner Date 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 126613LN

Rolex Submariner Date 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 126613LN

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Submariner 126613LN Model Number: 126613LN Type and Style: Type

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Rolex GMT-Master II 18K Rose Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 126711CHNR
Rolex GMT-Master II 18K Rose Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 126711CHNR

Rolex GMT-Master II 18K Rose Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 126711CHNR

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 126711CHNR Model: Rolex GMT-Master II Style: Luxury

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

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 Yacht-Master 126655 18K Rose Gold Black Dial Automatic Watch B&P
Rolex Yacht-Master 126655 18K Rose Gold Black Dial Automatic Watch B&P

Rolex Yacht-Master 126655 18K Rose Gold Black Dial Automatic Watch B&P

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

: Rolex Model: Yacht-Master 40 Reference Number: 126655 Department: Men Style: Luxury / Sport Country

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex Day-Date 40 President Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Baguette Black Dial 228348
Rolex Day-Date 40 President Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Baguette Black Dial 228348

Rolex Day-Date 40 President Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Baguette Black Dial 228348

By Rolex

Located in Aventura, FL

The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 18 ct yellow gold, with a bright black, diamond-set dial

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

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

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT-Master II Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16710
Rolex GMT-Master II Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16710

Rolex GMT-Master II Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16710

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned. Minor nicks and scratches on the bezel insert. Recently serviced. Brand: Rolex Type

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Sky-Dweller 42mm 336934 Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch Box Papers
Rolex Sky-Dweller 42mm 336934 Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch Box Papers

Rolex Sky-Dweller 42mm 336934 Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch Box Papers

$28,600

H 1.66 in W 0.48 in D 1.66 in Dm 1.66 in L 1.66 in

Rolex Sky-Dweller 42mm 336934 Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch Box Papers

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Brand new. Comes with original box and papers. 🕰️ General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Sky

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Daytona 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 116523
Rolex Daytona 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 116523

Rolex Daytona 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 116523

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Chronostore Authenticity Card. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex Department Men

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Baby LeMan 40 18K White Gold Black Dial Watch 126509
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Baby LeMan 40 18K White Gold Black Dial Watch 126509

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Baby LeMan 40 18K White Gold Black Dial Watch 126509

$67,100

H 1.58 in W 1.58 in D 1.58 in Dm 0.48 in L 1.58 in

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Baby LeMan 40 18K White Gold Black Dial Watch 126509

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Unworn. Comes with original box and papers. 5 year Rolex warranty.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Rolex Datejust Steel White Gold Bezel Black Diamond Dial Watch 126334 Unworn
Rolex Datejust Steel White Gold Bezel Black Diamond Dial Watch 126334 Unworn

Rolex Datejust Steel White Gold Bezel Black Diamond Dial Watch 126334 Unworn

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust 126334

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner Date 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Watch 126613LN Unworn
Rolex Submariner Date 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Watch 126613LN Unworn

Rolex Submariner Date 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Watch 126613LN Unworn

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Rolex DateJust Jubilee Black Dial Two-Tone Rose Gold Diamond Hour Markers
Rolex DateJust Jubilee Black Dial Two-Tone Rose Gold Diamond Hour Markers

Rolex DateJust Jubilee Black Dial Two-Tone Rose Gold Diamond Hour Markers

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

" style black dial. This dial is a monogrammed repetitive "Rolex" pattern that takes up the entirety of

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Rolex Datejust 41 126303 Black Diamond Dial Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch
Rolex Datejust 41 126303 Black Diamond Dial Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch

Rolex Datejust 41 126303 Black Diamond Dial Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Unworn. Comes with original box and papers. 🔹 Model Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 41

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Submariner No Date Steel Ceramic Bezel Black Dial Mens Watch 114060
Rolex Submariner No Date Steel Ceramic Bezel Black Dial Mens Watch 114060

Rolex Submariner No Date Steel Ceramic Bezel Black Dial Mens Watch 114060

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

authenticity card. Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 114060 Country/Region of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 134300 41mm Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch 2025 B&P
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 134300 41mm Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch 2025 B&P

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 134300 41mm Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch 2025 B&P

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Brand new, 2025 card, comes with original box and papers. 5 years Rolex warranty

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

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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.