Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Steel & Gold Watch 116523
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Steel & Gold Watch 116523 - Automatic winding, chronograph, 44 jewels, sapphire crystal.
Category
Gold Rolex
to
79
1,262
607
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301
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29
23
18
11
1
943
585
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953
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73
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1,369
145
Rolex Day-Date 40 Yellow Gold Silver Roman Dial 228238
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Day-Date 40 wristwatch in 18k yellow gold, by Rolex. Featuring a distinctive silver dial with Roman applied numerals.
Category
2010s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1995 Rolex Cellini Model 1429 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: Cellini 1429 Year: 1995 Material: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: White with Roman Numerals Case Measurement: 24mm Movement: Manual Wind Weight: 25 Grams Size: Fits up to ...
Category
1990s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex 14K Yellow Gold 19mm Bracelet Ref 1503 15037
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Original Rolex yellow gold bracelet with 19mm lug width, correct for select vintage Rolex models.
Category
Late 20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Precision Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boston, MA
This Rolex Precision is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and design.
Category
Vintage 1950s Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex 69174 Datejust Stainless Steel "Rolex" Pyramid Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex MPN: 69174 Model: Datejust Serial: "U" serial Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 26 mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel: 14k White Gold Fluted Bezel Dial: Whit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel, White Gold
Rolex OP 3131 Bubbleback 18K Gold 31mm Chronometre White Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback reference 3131 features a white dial with applied gold Arabic numerals, blue dauphine hands, and "Chronometre" designation, housed in an 18K...
Category
Vintage 1940s Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Rolex Daytona Rose Gold Bright Black Dial 2025 Unworn 126505
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Cosmograph Daytona in rose gold from Rolex, featuring a bright black and sundust dial with chronograph counters.
Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Rolex Datejust 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Watch, 2024 Model
By Rolex
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This 2024 Rolex Datejust is crafted in 18K yellow gold and stainless, featuring a champagne Roman numeral dial, fluted bezel, and jubilee bracelet.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust 68258 18K Yellow Gold Midsize Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 68258 18K Midsize Ladies Watch. 31mm 18k yellow gold case.
Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Cellini 3807 Champagne Dial 18K Gold Manual Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Cellini manual-wind dress watch in 18K yellow gold featuring a tonneau-shaped case with a champagne dial, applied gold indices, Cellini script signature, and an integra...
Category
20th Century Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Watch With Exceptional Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1025 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell / Diamond Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, Stainless Steel
Antique Rolex 9K Yellow Gold 15 Jewel Manual Wind Women’s Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This antique Rolex women’s watch features a 9K yellow gold case with a coordinating yellow gold link bracelet and a round champagne-tone dial.
Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Rare Vintage Submariner Date Nipple Dial Yellow Gold 1680
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
It is fitted with a yellow gold rotating bezel with a blue bezel insert, a plexiglass crystal, and a yellow gold Oyster bracelet with a folding Oysterlock deployant clasp.
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex OP Date 34mm 14k Gold Champagne Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1986 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date in 14K yellow gold featuring 34mm case with a champagne dial, fluted bezel, and Jubilee bracelet.
Category
Vintage 1980s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Datejust 31 Midsize Yellow Gold Watch 78278
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust 31 Midsize Yellow Gold Watch 78278 - Automatic winding; 31 jewel; sapphire crystal.
Category
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex President 1803 Day-Date 18K Gold 36mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex President 1803 Day-Date 18k Gold Watch with Aftermarket MOP Diamond Dial.
Category
Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, 18k Gold, Custom Diamonds
$38,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, 18k Gold, Custom Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date crafted in 18k yellow gold, customised by jewellery designer Loree Rodkin.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Gold 34mm Bark Finish Watch in 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
ROLEX 1950'S VINTAGE GOLD WATCH *Good condition with Rolex box, no papers.
Category
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Gold
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm Steel & Gold Unworn 2026 Black Dial 126613LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 41mm Submariner Date, in Oystersteel and yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial, this 126613LN also features a yellow gold uni-directional rotatable bezel with a black cerami...
Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel
Rolex “Orchid” Diamond Integral Bracelet Wristwatch in 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in Tysons, VA
A classic example of the Rolex Orchid, reference 267501, crafted in 18K yellow gold.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 6629
$8,252
Rolex Datejust 6629
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rolex midsize Date in yellow gold. Featuring a champagne dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture and a fixed yellow gold bezel.
Category
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Orchid 2673 18K Gold 22mm Diamond Bezel 1989 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Rolex Orchid reference 2673 is crafted entirely in 18K yellow gold and set throughout with approximately 2 carats of round brilliant F-G color VS clarity diamonds, measuring 22m...
Category
Vintage 1980s Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Gold
Rolex. A Rare Gold and Enamel Keyless Pocket Watch C1920
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold and Enamel Keyless Lever Pocket Watch Retailed By The Alex Clarke Company London C1920.
Category
Vintage 1920s Swiss Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Rolex Daytona Ref 116509 Racing Dial White Gold Chronograph Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Daytona Chronograph Reference 116509. This watch has become one of the most iconic watches Rolex has ever made and is sought after all over the world.
Category
2010s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1974 Rolex Cellini 18 Karat White Gold Model 3807
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: Cellini 3807 Year: 1974 Material: 18 Karat White Gold Dial: Blue Vignette Case Measurement: 27mm x 36.5mm Strap: Blue Aftermarket Strap with Rolex Tang Buckle Mov...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer Steel & Rose Gold Unworn
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A GMT-Master II Root Beer 126711CHNR in Oystersteel and Rose Gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with the date and second time zone hand.
Category
2010s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Lady DateJust 26mm Two-Tone Gold & Steel Tapestry Dial Watch
$15,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Lady DateJust 26mm Two-Tone Gold & Steel Tapestry Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Rolex Lady DateJust, model 69173, is a timeless embodiment of Swiss luxury and precision engineering.
Category
1990s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel, Gold, Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18ct Everose gold with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126515LN is a 40mm watch made of 18 ct Everose gold.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26mm 18k Yellow Gold Ref. 6718
By Rolex
Located in Media, PA
Up for sale is a beautiful vintage Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual crafted in solid 18k yellow gold.
Category
Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Sky-Dweller Yellow Gold White Dial Box and Papers
$57,500Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Sky-Dweller Yellow Gold White Dial Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Sky-Dweller REFERENCE: 326938 SIZE: 42mm CASE: Yellow Gold DIAL: White BEZEL: Yellow Gold BAND: Oyster Yellow Gold MOVEMENT: Automatic Blemishes through out, no ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Ladies Rolex President 18k Gold Diamond Watch 69138
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Ladies Rolex President 18k Gold Diamond Watch 69138 - Automatic winding, Quickset date, sapphire crystal.
Category
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex Cellini Blue Vignette Watch in 18K white gold, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Cellini manual wind in 18K white gold with a blue vignette dial from the 70s.
Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex DateJust 26mm Steel and 18k Gold Diamond Jubilee Watch
$17,500Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex DateJust 26mm Steel and 18k Gold Diamond Jubilee Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
This set includes the original Rolex fluted bezel, allowing for a return to the classic aesthetic if desired, and arrives with an official Rolex presentation box.
Category
2010s Swiss Contemporary Link Bracelets
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel, Steel
Iconic Vintage Rolex Submariner Steel and Gold Wristwatch with Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in Palm Beach, FL
It is guaranteed by Rolex to be "waterproof" to a depth of 300 meters.
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel
Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Automatic Coral dial Ladies Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1978 Rolex Reference 6719 Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 M.M. 14k Yellow Gold 3 piece Oyster case with Fluted bezel, Oyster Perpetual Automatic, self winding movement, Custom finished ...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 26mm Two-Tone 18k Gold Steel Watch
$14,700Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 26mm Two-Tone 18k Gold Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
This sophisticated Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, reference 69173, represents a timeless classic in women's horology, expertly crafted from a combination of 18k yellow gold and dur...
Category
Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Vintage Rolex Cellini 6621 Diamond Hour Marker 18K Gold 26mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Cellini, reference 6621, in 18K yellow gold with a 26mm case and a champagne gold dial set with factory original diamond hour markers.
Category
1990s Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold
Rolex Day-Date 18k Yellow Gold Baguette Diamond Bezel Wrist Watch
$40,440Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Day-Date 18k Yellow Gold Baguette Diamond Bezel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent Rolex Day-Date President, reference 18038, exudes timeless luxury and horological prestige.
Category
2010s Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Steel & Gold Watch 116523
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Steel & Gold Watch 116523 - Automatic winding, chronograph, 44 jewels, sapphire crystal.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date Men's 18K Gold Watch 19018
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date Men's 18K Gold Watch 19018 - Quartz; quick-set; sapphire crystal.
Category
1990s Wrist Watches
Rolex 126715CHNR "Root Beer" 18k Rose Gold on Oyster Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 126715CHNR "Root Beer" 18k Rose Gold on Oyster Bracelet Watch Brand: Rolex Model: ''GMT Master II' Root Beer Reference: 126715CHNR Case Material: 18k Rose Gold Dial: Black Dia...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Mens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1972 36 mm Preowned Reference: 1600 18kt yellow and stainless steel
Category
Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1966 Rolex Ladies Dress Watch, Silver Dial - 14K White Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
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. ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
White Gold
Vintage Rolex 18K Gold DateJust 28mm Diamond Bezel & Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Perpetual DateJust with Aftermarket Diamond Wrist Watch. 28mm dial Rolex all 18k gold with vintage manual movement and the vintage oyster 18k bracelet and fold over cl...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 18kt Gold Champagne Gold Jubilee Engraved Plate Diamond Dial 6917
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 26mm Datejust 18kt Gold Champagne Gold Jubilee Engraved Plate Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 6917
Category
Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Gold
1974 Vintage Rolex Cellini 18 Karat Yellow Gold Red Vignette Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: Cellini Year: 1974 Material: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Red Vignette Movement: Manual Wind Case Measurement: 24mm Weight: 56.5 grams Size: Fits up to a 6" wrist Made i...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex President Day-Date Men's 18k Gold Watch 18038
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex President Day-Date Men's 18k Gold Watch 18038 - Automatic winding; quick-set; sapphire crystal.
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex 6673 Cellini Ladies White Gold and Diamond Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2007 Rolex Cellini Reference 6673 Ladies 18k White Gold Bracelet Wrist Watch, 26 M.M 2 piece case, Factory Diamond set bezel and Lug tops, Quartz Movement, Pink dial with Diamo...
Category
Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex 4431A Chronometer 18K Yellow Gold Fancy Lug Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
While the watch comes accompanied by a textured dark brown leather strap and a gold-plated Rolex buckle, it's important to note that both are aftermarket additions, which could affec...
Category
Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 16000 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1981 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Category
Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 9 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Ladies Dress Watch Circa 1930's
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage Rolex dress watch, circa 1930s, featuring a 27mm round case crafted in 9K yellow gold.
Category
Vintage 1930s Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
RARE Rolex Oysterquartz Day Date 19019 18K White Gold 36mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 19019 Serial: 6127*** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex President Day Date Case Material: 18K White Gold Band: 18K White Gold Bezel: 18K White Gold ...
Category
Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches
Materials
White Gold
Rolex Datejust 69168 18K Yellow Gold white Dial Ladies Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Datejust 69168 Ladies' Watch. This elegant timepiece features a 26mm case made of 18K yellow gold and a smoothed bezel crafted from the same material.
Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Datejust President 26mm 18K Gold Champagne Dial Fluted Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Fits 6.5 inch wrist (contact for sizing). Comes with vintage Rolex box. Product Specifications: Item Type: Ladies Automatic Presidential Dress Watch Brand: Rolex Collection: Oyster ...
Category
1990s Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Rolex 15 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold President Day-Date Watch
$47,640Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 15 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold President Day-Date Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Exuding unparalleled luxury, this exceptional Rolex Day-Date President wristwatch features a breathtaking display of 15 carats of high-quality diamonds.
Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Rare Prince Yellow Gold Dress Pocket Watch 8753 C1920
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Prince. A very rare 38mm 18ct yellow gold dress pocket watch with a specially made chain by Rolex, C1920.
Category
20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 179158 18K Yellow Gold MOP Diamond Full-Set 2006
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex President Datejust Ladies Watch in Yellow Gold with Mother of Pearl Dial and Diamonds.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Day Date President 18k White Gold Watch Ref. 1803
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Vintage Rolex Day-Date President Ref. 1803 is a timeless expression of luxury and prestige, crafted in solid 18k white gold and presented on an elegant leather strap.
Category
Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Rolex Presidential Chocolate Roman Diamond Dial Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Presidential 36mm Chocolate Color Roman Diamond Dial Custom Diamond 18KT Yellow Gold Watch 18038 This watch is in like new condition.
Category
1990s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold
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Gold Rolex For Sale on 1stDibs
Surely you’ll find the exact gold rolex you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, yellow gold and 18k gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 13605 vintage editions and 6628 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect gold rolex may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 carat and 1 carat versions are of considerable interest. While most can agree that any gold rolex from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a diamond version from the 1932 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also bead and brilliant cut versions for sale. If you’re browsing our inventory for a gold rolex, you’ll find that many are available today for men, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and women.
How Much is a Gold Rolex?
The price for a gold rolex starts at $0 and tops out at $1,251,163 with these watches, on average, selling for $9,215.
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.
Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship
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.
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.
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