Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial from 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This model is also fitted with a rare dial with red "Officially" printed on it stating it was checked as an observatory watch and rated as such. We seldom see this model with this di...
Omega 18 Karat Gold Constellation Observatory Chronometer, circa 1950-1960
By Omega
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Constellation Chronometer METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950 / 60's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 44mm x 35mm MO...
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Prince Observatory Doctor's Stainless Steel Watch, 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1930's Vintage Rolex Prince Observatory Steel Doctor's watch with Two Tone Silver and Gray Dial with Black Arabic Painted Numbers. 19mm x 44mm lug to lug (0.75 in. x 1.73 in.) - Powe...
Rolex Prince Imperial Observatory Quality Bi-Colour Gold Dress Pocket Watch 1930
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The movement is signed “Rolex Observatory, Rolex Hairspring Observatory Quality, Timex 6 positions, 17 Rubies, Swiss Made, Brevetes Francais, S.G.D.G”.
Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Omega 18 Karat Gold Constellation Observatory Chronometer, circa 1950-1960
By Omega
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Constellation Chronometer METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950 / 60's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 44mm x 35mm MOVEME...
18k Gold
Rolex A 9CT Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Open Face Observatory Quality Pocketwatch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The hand finished movement makes this an excellent Observatory quality pocket watch. It is very rare to find Rolex pocket watches with their original presentation boxes, especially ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vacheron Constantin Historiques Chronometre Royal 1907 Rose Gold 86122/000r-9362
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Mayfair, London, London
This 39 mm rose gold Chronometre Royal 1907 by Vacheron Constantin was produced in 2007, as part of the Historiques collection - commemorating the 100th anniversary of the brand's fi...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex. Asprey. A Rare Gold Observatory Pocket watch C1920
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Asprey's were a major retailer for Rolex in the U.K. This watch would make a fine addition to one's collection of Rolex watches.
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Royalite Observatory Wristwatch circa 1942
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
All our watches are guaranteed genuine and come with a 1 year warranty of accurate timekeeping.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Royalite Observatory Wristwatch circa 1942
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Royalite Observatory wristwatch, serial number 227,XXX, circa 1942/43. 31mm boy's-size model.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Everest Observatory Ref# 4647, circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Scarce model vintage Rolex Oyster Everest Observatory model ref 4647 circa 1940’s. Featuring a 30 x 35mm thick cushion shaped Oyster case with side flat bezel with sloped sides, hea...
Stainless Steel
Rare 18k Gold Rolex Observatory Prince Imperial Dress Pocket Watch, circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful rare and very fine quality 45mm diameter gold pocket watch is in good working condition and it is running well. It comes with an old box. This watch weighed 43.3 grams...
18k Gold
Patek Philippe Vintage Calatrava Reference 3484 in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A distinguished Patek Philippe Calatrava, model 3484. The round case is meticulously crafted from 18k yellow gold, featuring a champagne sunburst dia...
18k Gold
18 Kt Rainer Brand Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Wrist Watch, Collectors
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Rainer Brand Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Wrist Watch, Brand New In Box With all Warranty Papers, Rare Collectors Watch Case : 18 Kt Solid Gold, Diameter 39.5 mm Strap :...
18k Gold
Rolex Ref 6426 Classic 1950s Steel Manual wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1959 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster Case, 17 Jewel Caliber 1210 Manual Wind Nickle Lever Movement, Beautiful Original Mint Condition S...
Steel
Lady's 18K Yellow Gold Patek Philippe "Calatrava" Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Lady's 18K Yellow Gold Patek Philippe "Calatrava" Ref.#4819/1J Wacth White Dial with Black Roman Numerals, Hobnail Pattern Bezel, 18K Yellow Gold Patek Philippe Meshh Bracelet. Swiss...
Yellow Gold
$17,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.18 in W 1.22 in Dm 9 in L 9 in
CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An automatique Ceinture large wrist-watch designed by Cartier. This is the rare large model of the Ceinture automatique wristwatch, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of C...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Paris Centure Collection Wrist Watch, 18k Yellow Gold 27 X 27 M.M. 2 Piece stepped case. 17 jewel mechanical, manual wind movement. White Dial with Black Roman nu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500. 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1520 Automatic, Self winding movement, excellent Mint condition Silver Satin "Sunburst"...
Steel
Patek Philippe Round Crystal Dial Leather Strap Wristwatch in Yellow Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
A classic Patek Philippe wristwatch, featuring a round dial covered in crystal with hours and hands represented by yellow gold lines. Case and case back are made of 18K yellow gold. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Rare Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual from 1952 Oversized Bubble Back Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm...
Cartier Riviera Paris Vintage Yellow Gold Ladies Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Riviera Paris Wrist Watch, 23 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind movement, White dial with Black Roman numerals. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Early Speedking with Original Dial from 1941 or 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 3373 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 36mm X Diameter 30mm CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 / 1942...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble Back Rare Roman Dial Perpetual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 32mm CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perp...
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Modernist Watch circa 1948 with High Grade Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Moderist / Reference 8143 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold & Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm "Lug ...
Gold, Platinum
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 3121 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Royal 3121 9k Yellow Gold Bezel and Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1943 Beautiful Watch. New Genuine Leather band. 29mm round case ...
9k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold "President" Day-Date circa
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Day-Date / Reference 1803 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1974 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lug...
18k Gold
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Very Rare Deepsea From 1954 / 55 Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6332 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 / 55 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diamet...
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, vintage and luxury 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, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs that includes Cartier watches, Rolex watches, Patek Philippe watches and more — we promise it will be worth your time.
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.