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.
Vintage Rolex Zephyr Oyster Date 35mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Vintage Rolex Zephyr Oysterdate reference 5501 circa 1966 two tone. This watch is in very nice condition considering its age, the engine turned bezel is still crisp along with the cr...
1978 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with Original Ravagnani Warranty and Box
By Rolex
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Amazing and fascinating Rolex Gmt Master ref. 1675 Year 1958 Serial n. 587**40 Fantastic dial with cream index and charming blue and red well aged tonality Jubilee bracelet Case, dia...
Stainless Steel
1946 Rolex Precision Vintage Mens Claw Lugs Square Dress Watch - 14K Gold & SS
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust Two Tone Diamond Dial Automatic Women's Watch Ref 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A timeless classic, this Vintage 1986 Rolex Datejust Ref. 69173 is crafted in stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, showcasing the iconic two-tone design with a fluted gold bezel and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
1932 Rolex Compteur Very Rare Vintage Antique Mens Stopwatch, 49mm Nickel Chrome
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Other
Vintage 1982 Ladies Rolex 6917 with Diamond Bezel 18k Yellow Gold Complete
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Complete with original box and papers. Vintage 6917 18k 1982 ladies Datejust with a diamond bezel. Crafted out of 18k yellow gold paired with a champagne dial and the iconic Presiden...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$21,500
1981 Rolex Datejust 16018 18K Yellow Gold Blue Dial Automatic 36mm Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Classic In A Confident Combination The Reference 16018 is the solid gold Datejust in its purest form. As the foundational model in the Rolex catalog, the Datejust set the standard...
18k Gold
2000 Rolex Submariner Men's Watch 16610 Black Dial Bezel #24693
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2000 Rolex Submariner Watch Model: 16610 Serial: P702253 This classic Rolex Submariner men's watch is set in stainless steel. Black dial with luminescent markers. 40mm case size ...
Stainless Steel
1981 Rolex Datejust 31 President 6827 18K Yellow Gold Watch White Roman #24681
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1981 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Datejust 31 Watch Model: 6827 Serial: 6703098 This elegant Rolex midsize watch is set in solid 18K gold. 31mm case w...
18k Gold
2000 Rolex Ladies Two Tone Datejust 79163 Diamond Slate Dial #24682
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2000 Rolex Ladies Two Tone Datejust Model: 79163 Serial: K143131 This classic ladies Rolex watch is set in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold...
Stainless Steel
1960's Rolex Ladies Datejust 18K Pink Gold Watch 6517 Champagne Dial #24698
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1960's Rolex Ladies Datejust Watch Model: 6517 Serial: 1xxx13 ( numbers have been worn over time so full serial is not visible) This vintage Rolex ladies watch is set in 18K pink g...
18k Gold
Military WWI c1916 Rolex Mens' Watch with Very Rare Gun Metal 30mm Hinged Case
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This very rare and characterful early Rolex Military Wristwatch dates back to WWI – circa 1916 It is housed in an unusual gun metal (rust-resistant) hinged CASE – a material seldom...
Metal
Rolex Ref 6098 Oyster Precision Mens 36mm 1950s Automatic Bubble Back RA712B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Historical classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Precision Ref 6098 big bubble back automatic, c.1953, unrestored, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watc...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref 1002 All Original Mens 34mm 1960s Automatic RA716S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 automatic, c.1965, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, unrestored Rolex si...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Two Tone Factory Diamond Dial Women's Watch Ref 79173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A classic and elegant vintage Rolex Datejust, presented as a complete set and exemplifying timeless luxury. This Ref. 79173 model from circa 2000 is crafted in Rolex’s iconic two-ton...
Diamond, Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
Rolex Submariner Date 80mm Stainless Steel Ceramic Bezel Desk Clock 909010LN
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Inspired by one of the most iconic dive watches ever created, the Rolex Submariner Date Desk Clock brings legendary watchmaking design into a sophisticated desktop accessory. Crafted...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1971. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2611. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case and Brac...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual Date Yellow Gold 34mm 1500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date reference 1500, a classic yellow gold timepiece featuring a silver dial with applied gold baton indices and a date aperture at 3 o'clock, all pr...
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1975 Rolex Lady Datejust 6917 18K YG Blue Stella Diamond Dial Auto 26 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rarest Form Of The Datejust Rolex Stella dials represent one of the most significant departures from the brand’s traditionally conservative aesthetic, characterized by their bri...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Datejust Two Tone Men's Watch 16013
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 16013 is one of the most recognizable and enduring two-tone luxury watches ever made, combining the prestige of Rolex with the timeless appeal of sta...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1962 Rolex Explorer Ref. 5501 Vintage Mens Watch - Stainless Steel & 14K Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1962 ROLEX EXPLORER...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Antique Art Deco 1939 Rolex Ladies 18K Gold Diamond Manual Wind Watch 1.0CTW
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique 1939 Ladies Rolex Manual Wind Watch – 18K Solid Gold & Diamond Bracelet (1.0 CTW) Elegant and timeless, this exquisite early 20th-century ladies Rolex wristwatch dates to app...
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 34mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1979 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date reference 1501 automatic watch in stainless steel featuring a silver-tone dial with applied gold-tone baton hour markers, engine-turned bezel...
Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex 6517 Oyster Perpetual Watch. Ladies ROLEX Automatic WG Bezel.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1969. 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6517. White Gold Fluted Bezel Just went through a complete overhaul. Ful...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Royal Vintage Rose Gold and Steel Manual Wind Mid Size Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940 Rolex Reference 4302 Oyster Royal Wrist Watch, 29 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless steel case with Oyster Water Resistant back and a Rose Gold bezel, 17 jewel mechanical, manual win...
Rose Gold, Steel
1947 Rolex Precision Vintage Mens Claw Lugs Square Dress Watch, 14K Rose Gold SS
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1028 18K Gold 34mm Watch Vintage 1963 w/box
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18K Yellow Gold Florentine Bark Finish Bracelet Watch Silver Dial. Vintage circa 1963 Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 1028 manual-wind watch in 18K y...
18k Gold
1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Day Date 18238 Men's Watch #23710
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Presidential Day Date Watch Model: 18238 Serial: L327924 This elegant 18K yellow gold men's Rolex features day/date settings and quickset design. Champa...
18k Gold
Rolex GMT Master "Pepsi" / "Pan am, Box & Papers, Year 1971, Super Provenance..
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and rare Rolex GMT Master "Pepsi" / "Pan am" distinguishes itself by its condition and completeness with box, certificate and significant paperwork: this reference 1675 a...
Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 W Rolex Rivet Oyster Elastic Bracelet ( 6635)
By Rolex
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand: Rolex Model: Oysterdate Precision Reference Number: 6694 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Manual winding Case Material: Stainless steel Measurements : Case ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Gold Filled Standard Art Deco Ladies Watch circa 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Standard METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 27mm "Lug Tip to Lug Tip" X D...
Gold-filled
Rolex Standard Gold Filled Ladies Art Deco Watch with Original Patinated Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Metal Cord Band METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 25mm "Lug Tip t...
Gold-filled
ROLEX CELLINI Vintage Ladies Ref. 6691 18K Gold & Factory Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
White Gold
Rolex DateJust Stainless Steel with Rare Pink Dial Model 17840 31mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: DateJust 178240 Year: 2014-2017 Material: Stainless Steel and 18k White Gold Bezel Dial: "Rare" Pink Case Measurement: 31mm Movement: Automatic Condition: Excelle...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Tiffany & Co Dial 1680 Steel Automatic Date Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A rare vintage 1991 Rolex Submariner reference 1680 retailed and signed by Tiffany and Co., featuring a black dial with tritium hour markers and hands, caliber 1570 automatic movemen...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Precision 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Oval Manual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1960s Rolex Precision manual-wind ladies dress watch in 14K yellow gold featuring an oval case with a factory diamond bezel, champagne di...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage Rolex Two Tone Datejust Tiffany & Co Dial Men's Watch Ref. 16013
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A timeless collaboration piece, this Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 16013 features a coveted co-signed dial by Tiffany & Co., pairing classic Rolex design with iconic Tiffany proven...
Steel
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision 34mm Manual Wind Steel Oyster Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6694 manual-wind watch in a 34mm stainless steel case featuring a silver-tone dial with applied baton hour markers, date window at 3 o'cl...
Stainless Steel
Antique Art-Deco Rolex 26mmx38mm Tonneau Sub Seconds Arabic 9K Gold Manual Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Men's Metal Type: 9K Yellow Gold Length: 8.25 inches Diameter: 22.00 x 32.00 mm Weight: 27.74 grams Rolex gent's 9K yellow gold, ROLEX Swiss made wristwatc...
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K Yellow Gold Wood Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Organic Face Of Prestige The Rolex Day-Date reference 18038 represents a significant leap in the model's history, being one of the first to incorporate the Quickset date functio...
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Datejust Presidential Diamond Ruby 18K Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1988 Rolex Datejust Presidential automatic watch in 18K yellow gold featuring a fully paved diamond and ruby dial, diamond-set beze...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173 - Automatic winding. Datejust. Stainless steel case with Fluted bezel (26mm). Champagne diamond dial. Stainless steel and 18k yellow go...
Vintage Rolex Cellini 3809 Manual 18K White Gold & Silver Mesh Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1972 Rolex Cellini model 3809 manual-wind dress watch in 18K white gold featuring a round silvered dial with "Cellini" script signature, Rolex crown logo, and an aftermarket ...
18k Gold
Rolex Vintage Extremely Rare Ladies Yellow Gold Cocktail Watch Ref 4492
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Vintage Extremely Rare Ladies Yellow Gold Cocktail Watch Ref 4492 - Manual. 18K Yellow Gold ( 21 mm). Tonneau shaped refurbished champagne dial with gold hour markers. 18K yell...
1940's Rolex Ladies Vintage Cocktail Watch - Platinum & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Platinum
Rolex Ladies Extremely Rare Gold Tiger Eye Dial Bark President Watch 6927
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Extremely Rare Gold Tiger Eye Dial Bark President Watch 6927 - Automatic winding, 29 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Ladies President. 18k yellow gold with bark beze...
Vintage 1990 Rolex Submariner 16613 Two-Tone Blue Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Submariner With Added Flare The Rolex Submariner 16613 is a reference that perfectly encapsulates the shift from pure tool watch to a versatile luxury item. While maintaining th...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1950's Rolex Ladies Vintage Cocktail Watch - 18K White Gold & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1950's ROLEX Ladies Vintage...
White Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Men's 41mm Stainless Steel 124300
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Men's 41mm Stainless Steel 124300 - Automatic winding, sapphire crystal. Datejust II. Stainless steel case (41mm diameter) with smooth bezel. Green dial with i...
$14,981Sale Price|25% Off
Rolex Vintage 28mm 18k Yellow-Rose Gold Diamonds w Oyster Perpetual Band 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Vintage 28mm 18k Yellow-Rose Gold and Diamonds on the Numbers with an Oyster Band Creator: Rolex 2416631 , 6627 Design: Oyster Perpetual Case Material: 18kYellow-Rose Gold S...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Daytona 116576TBR PT950 Full Diamond Dial Automatic Mechanical 40mm
By Rolex
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Rolex Daytona 116576TBR, 950 Platinum, Factory-set Baguette Diamond Bezel, Ice Blue Full Diamond Dial, Automatic Mechanical Movement, 40mm Case Diameter,full box and all documents
1975 Rolex Air-King 5500 Stainless Steel Cream Dial Automatic 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Purest Form Of Rolex The reference 5500 Air-King is a direct link to the foundational principles of Rolex. It carries the DNA of the original Oyster case and Perpetual movement ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1984 Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Linen Dial Automatic Watch Ref 16014
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 1984 Rolex Datejust ref. 16014 is a classic example of Rolex’s enduring blend of precision engineering and timeless design. Crafted in stainless steel, the watch feature...
Stainless Steel
2001 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15200 Steel Blue Arabic Dial Auto 34 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Purest Expression Of Rolex The Oyster Perpetual Date 15200 embodies the core of Rolex's enduring appeal. It distills the brand's revolutionary innovations, the Oyster case and P...
Steel, Stainless Steel
2000 Rolex Submariner 40mm Oyster Perpetual Two Tone Blue Dial and Blue Bezel
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Year: 2000. Brand: Rolex. Gender: Men's. Dial Color: Blue. Type: Wristwatch. Case Size: 40mm. Bezel Color: Blue. Model: Submariner. Condition: Excellent. Band/Strap: Bracelet. Indice...
Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Champagne Big Diamond Dial SS/YG 2000 Box and Pap
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2115 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 69173G Year 2000 Dial Champagne Big Diamond Dial Case Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Diameter 26mm Length ...
Ladies Rolex 31mm Midsize DateJust Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Brand: Rolex. Dial: Diamond. Bezel: Diamond. Crystal: Sapphire. Condition: Good. Gender: Women's. Case Dimensions: 31mm. Reference Number: 6827. Dial Color: Mother of Peal. Bracelet ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
1985 Rolex 26mm Presidential 18K Gold Watch with Champagne Dial and Fluted Bezel
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Year: 1985. Brand: Rolex. Model: DateJust. Series: President. Crystal: Sapphire. Gender: Women's. Bezel: Fluted Bezel. Condition: Very Good. Model Number: 6917. Dial Color: Champagne...
18k Gold
Ladies Rolex 26mm Presidential 18K Yellow Gold Watch with White Dial and Diamond
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Brand: Rolex. Bezel: Diamond. Model: DateJust. Series: President. Crystal: Sapphire. Numeral: Roman. Dial Color: White. Gender: Women's. Dial: Diamond Dial. Condition: Very Good. Mod...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$38,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex x Loree Rodkin Watch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date crafted in 18k yellow gold, customised by jewellery designer Loree Rodkin. The watch features a champagne dial with baton hour markers, day aperture...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, new and classic vintage watches on 1stDibs.
While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind.
Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. 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.
Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic 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 watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory.
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.
When shopping for a watch, 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 exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.
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