$94,608 / set
Rolex Day-Date Masterpiece Diamond Set 18956
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Day-Date Masterpiece, in platinum by Rolex. Featuring a distinctive ice blue dial set with 8 single cut diamonds and 2 baguette diamond hour markers.
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex NOS Day-Date Diamond Dial 18038
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A yellow gold Day-Date by Rolex. Featuring a champagne dial set with 8 round brilliant cut diamonds as well as 2 baguette cut diamond hour markers and a fixed yellow gold fluted beze...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date NOS Diamond Dial 18038
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A yellow gold NOS Day-Date by Rolex. Featuring a champagne dial set with 8 round brilliant cut diamond hour markers, 2 baguette cut diamond hour markers and a fixed yellow gold flute...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date NOS Diamond Set 18048
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning vintage 36mm Day-Date by Rolex crafted in yellow gold. Featuring a champagne dial with 8 round brilliant cut diamonds and 2 baguette cut diamond hour markers, as well as a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Rare Day-Date Platinum Diamond Set 18046
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Day-Date in platinum by Rolex with a single-quick movement.
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex Rare Day-Date Octopus Diamond Set 18048
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A yellow gold 36mm rare vintage Day-Date Octopus by Rolex. Features a champagne dial set with 2 baguette cut and 8 round brilliant cut diamond hour markers.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date II Diamond & Ruby Dial 218238
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A yellow gold 41mm Day-Date II by Rolex. Featuring a champagne dial set with 8 baguette cut diamonds and 2 baguette cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date White Gold Diamond Dial 18039
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm vintage Day-Date in white gold by Rolex. Features a black dial set with 8 round brilliant cut diamonds and 2 baguette cut diamonds, complemented by a fixed white gold fluted b...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
1988 Rolex Day Date Rubellite Diamond Dial Ref. 18038
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
A beautiful watch that is coveted not only from Stone dial collectors but also loved for its beautiful color. Brand: Rolex Model: Day Date Rubellite Diamond dial Ref.
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date 40 Olive Dial Diamond Bezel 228349RBR
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's white gold Day-Date 40 by Rolex. Featuring the highly sought after olive green dial with Roman numerals and bezel set with 48 round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Gold
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 Say It.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date II Diamond Set White Gold 41mm 218349
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Day-Date wristwatch crafted in 18K white gold by Rolex.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
Rolex Day‑Date 18078 “Bark” President – Factory Champagne Diamond Dial, 18K
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
Offered here is by our assessment an all‑original Rolex Day‑Date reference 18078 in 18K yellow gold, featuring the distinctive factory “bark” finish bezel and President bracelet and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Custom Diamond Day-Date with Blue Pearl Diamond Roman Dial 18038
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Custom Diamond Day-Date 36mm with Blue Pearl Diamond Roman Dial 18038
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rolex 228349RBR Day-Date 18k White Gold Meteorite Diamond Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 228349RBR Day-Date 18k White Gold Meteorite Diamond Dial Watch This beautiful Rolex 228349RBR Day-Date Watch is in excellent condition and is ready to ship!
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Rolex Day-Date Genuine Diamonds Black Roman Dial Presidential Bracelet 18038
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Day-Date 18038 Genuine Diamonds Black Roman Dial Presidential Bracelet
Diamond, Gold
Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz 19049A 18K White Gold Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oysterquartz President Day-Date 19049A Men's Watch.
18k Gold
Rolex Diamond Day Date with Green Pearl Dial Roman Numerals Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Diamond Day Date with Green Pearl Dial Roman Numerals 36mm Watch 18038
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rolex 128345RBR Day-Date 36mm All Factory Diamond Dial and Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date 36 Reference: 128345RBR Material: 18k Everose Gold Dial: Diamond-paved, with baguette-cut diamond markers Bezel: Factory-set diamond bezel Case Diameter:...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex 18948 Day-Date 18k Mother of Pearl Masterpiece Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Case Diameter: 39mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold bezel with Diamonds Dial: Mother of pearl Dial with yellow gold hands...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 is crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Rolex President Quartz Day-Date Factory Diamond Dial 18k Gold
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Day Date Original Diamond Dial 18k Solid Gold Mint Condition 1982 with box and papers.
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Rolex NOS Day-Date Green Stella Dial Diamond Set 18048
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare NOS yellow gold Day-Date by Rolex from 1980. Featuring a stunning green Stella dial with diamond set hour markers and a fixed yellow gold fluted bezel set with 44 round brilli...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Rare Day-Date Platinum Omani Khanjar Dial 1804
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare and important Rolex Omani Day-Date 1804, available now at our Showroom, London.
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex 118388 Day-Date 18k Yellow Gold Factory Diamond Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Case Diameter: 36mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold bezel with Diamonds Dial: All Diamond dial with black Roman numerals ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K YG Matte Blue Factory Diamond Dial 1986
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
While any solid gold Day-Date makes a statement, this example stands apart with its factory matte blue diamond dial.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date 36 Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Watch 1803
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
-Mint condition -Single quick -18k Yellow Gold -Case size: 36mm -Diamond Hour Markers -Aftermarket Dial: Black -Aftermarket Diamond Bezel -Diamond: 3.25ct, VS clarity, G color -Comes...
Rolex Day-Date Full of Diamonds Arabic Script Dial Presidential YG Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Day-Date Full of Diamonds Arabic Script Dial Presidential Yellow Gold Watch 18238
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage Gents President Day Date 18K Diamond Dial and Bezel 118348
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Features ALL ORIGINAL Scratch resistant mineral crystal, black enamel diamond dial, gold markers, day and magnified cyclops lens date windows, and gold hands.
Diamond, 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 Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Original Diamond ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date Presidential Yellow Gold Watch Factory Champagne Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Day-Date Presidential Yellow Gold Watch Factory Champagne Diamond Dial 18238 Double Quick-Set Rolex President Day-Date 36mm Yellow Gold Diamond Mens Watch 18238.
Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day Date in 18KYellow Gold Black Mather of Pearl Diamond
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand Rolex Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Condition: Pre-Owned Bracelet: 18K Yellow Gold Model: President Day Date Diamond: 1.85ctw Clarity: VS1 Color: F Movement: Automatic Case Di...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1988 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K YG Silver Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Definitive Gold Rolex The Day-Date reference 18038 is a landmark model for Rolex.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1982 Rolex Day-Date 36 18038 YG Champagne Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Modern Day-Date The reference 18038 is a landmark for the Rolex Day-Date.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$119,996Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 18958BR Day-Date 18k Tridor Meteorite Dial Masterpiece Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex Case Material: 18k White, Yellow and Rose gold Case Diameter: 39mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold bezel with Factory Baguette Diamonds Dial: Meteorite ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date 36mm 18K Rose Gold Eisenkiesel Diamond Dial Watch 128235
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Comes with original box and papers. 🕰 Rolex Day-Date 128235-0041 Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date Model Number: 128235-0041 Department: Unisex Adult Style: Luxury Country/Region of Ma...
Rose Gold
Rolex Day Date 118238 Presidential 36 mm 18K Yellow Gold Black Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Day Date 118238 Presidential 36mm 18K Yellow Gold Black Diamond Dial This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
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, diamond-set bezel and a President bracelet.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Presidential Day Date MOP Dial with 18k Gold Diamond Bezel and Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
General Details: - Metal: 18k - Model: Day Date - Weight: 143.2 grams Dial Details: - Type: Mother of Pearl - Hour Marker: Roman Numeral - Complication: Day Date - Case Size: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Day Date 40 Presidential 228348RBR Yellow Gold Factory Diamond Dial Bezel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Day Date 40 Presidential 228348RBR Yellow Gold Factory Diamond Dial Bezel The Rolex Yellow Gold President Day Date 40 228348RBR is a wristwatch with an analog display.
Yellow Gold
1978 Rolex Day-Date Model 1807 - 18k Gold Watch with Pave Diamond Accents - 36mm
By Rolex
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is an original 1978 Rolex Day-Date Model 1807 mens watch in 18k yellow gold with added diamond bezel & pave diamond Presidential band.
Diamond, 18k Gold
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, complemented by an 18K yellow gold fluted bezel.
18k Gold
1994 Rolex Day Date British Racing Green Stella Diamond Dial Ref. 18248
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
Brand: Rolex Model: Day Date British Green Stella diamond dial Ref.
18k Gold
Rolex Day Date 18K Rose Gold Diamond Baguette Chocolate Dial Watch 228235
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn Rolex Day Date 40 18K Rose Gold Diamond Baguette Chocolate Dial Watch 228235. 2022 card.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Platinum President Day-Date Men's Watch Mother of Pearl Oxford Diamond Dia
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Platinum President Day-Date Men's Watch Mother of Pearl Oxford Diamond Dial 118206 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal.
1985 Rolex Day-Date 36 18K YG 18038 Auto Black Diamond Dial 36mm 127g
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Definitive Statement In 18K Yellow Gold The Day-Date has been the flagship of the Rolex catalog since 1956, but the five-digit 18038 is where the watch truly modernized.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day Date President 18138 Factory Diamond Dial Bezel & Lugs 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18138 Year: 1986 Model: Rolex Day Date President Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Factory Rolex Diamond Bezel & Fac...
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1971 Rolex Day-Date 36 18K YG 1803 Auto Champagne Diamond Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Undercover Power Move The decision to wear a diamond-dial Day-Date on a leather strap is a deliberate style choice.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1986 Rolex Day-Date 18048 18K YG Anniversary Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The All-Factory Execution For collectors of gem-set Rolex, originality is everything. This 1986 Day-Date features both a factory-original diamond bezel and a factory-original Annive...
18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date President Model Number: 1803 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Date: 1964 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Aftermarket Champagne Diamond Metal Con...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex President Day Date II 218349 41mm Diamond Dial Bezel 18K White Gold 2013
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 218349 Serial: Q7906*** Year: 2013 Model: President Day Date II Case Material: 18K White Gold Band: 18K White Gold Bezel: Factory Diamond Bezel Dial: Factory Diamond ...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date Light Blue Roman Diamond Dial Iced Out Yellow Gold Watch 18038
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Day-Date 36mm Light Blue Roman Diamond Dial Iced Out Yellow Gold Watch 18038
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day Date 40 228238 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Baguette Champagne Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. Rolex Day-Date President 228238 Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Day-Date President 2...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date 40 18k Everrose Gold Diamond Eisenkiesel Dial M228345RBR Unworn
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Factory Diamonds. Comes with the original box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can ...
Rose Gold
Rolex Day-Date 18k Gold Red Vignette Dial Frosted Watch 18038
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Day-Date 18k Gold Red Vignette Dial Frosted Watch 18038
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$13,504Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 1803 Oyster Day Date 18k Gold Mens 1970s 36mm Diamond Automatic RA659B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic luxury, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Day-Date ref.1803 "The President" with diamond hour set, c.1973, in excellent working condition!
Gold, 18k Gold
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.
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
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.
A fresh palette of dial colors and technological advances have elevated this classic watch model.
The watch has transformed several times over, but it’s still undeniably a classic.
This is perhaps the least subtle version of the Submariner.
If you think this looks like the Rolex Kermit, you're correct.
This model was designed for lefties.
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.
As the cache goes on display at London’s Design Museum, we speak to its enigmatic owner about some of his rarest acquisitions.