Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Factory Original "Deep Sea" Dial 1956
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Deep Sea" / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1956 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Two Tone Steel and Gold Datejust "Thunderbird" from 1964 all Original
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust "Thunderbird" / Reference 1675 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Stainless Steel and 14Kt.
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Factory Original "Deep Sea" Dial 1956
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Deep Sea" / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1956 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34...
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust from 1967 with Original Dial and Dauphine Hands
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1967 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36mm ...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Original Silver Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Rare Datejust Reference 6605 with Original Dial from 1957
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6605 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 / 58 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Air-King with Original Factory Black Dial 1974
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1974 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40 Len...
Rolex Steel Classic "Bubble Back" with Original Dial and Ladder Bracelet, 1949
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 5015 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1949 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm X Diameter 3...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Bronze Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1978 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Original Navy Blue Dial and Thunderbird Bezel 1979
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 16250 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1979 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter 37mm...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Perpetual with Original Charcoal Dial, Service Papers, Early 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
$11,920Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 6551 14k Solid Gold 1960s Midsize 31mm Automatic All Original Ra756
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
On original Rolex 14k solid gold Oyster bracelet, measures 18.5cm with the watch, in excellent vintage condition.
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Machined Bezel, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
All the other mechanical parts on this watch are original, in fact it still has its original factory rating.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust circa 1953-54 with Original Solid Gold Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 6305 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / 14Kt.
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet. circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SI...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Remarkable Original Patinated Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Speed King with Rare Original Waffle Dial from 1954
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
The case and movement are in excellent condition and it is a very dependable watch with an original Rolex Logo Crown as well.
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Factory Original Charcoal Dial 1970
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Oversized "Ovatoni" with Original Dial from Mid-1950s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Ovatoni / Reference 6075 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 35...
Rolex Steel Datejust with Original Bracelet and Custom Made Dial from 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King With Rare Factory Original Charcoal Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39 L...
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Factory Silver Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: late 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Charcoal Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm ...
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dial with Gold Baton Markers 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Original Black Dial from Mid 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless steel CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual With Factory Original Silver Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm Length X...
Rolex Early Datejust Steel and Rose Gold with Original Dial from 1950
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6075 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X ...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual With Factory Original Dial from 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diam...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Brushed Dial & Solid Link Bracelet 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Mid-1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diame...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Original Dial from 1958
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1958 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diameter 35mm...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Factory Original "Deep Sea" Dial 1956
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Deep Sea" / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1956 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Original Dial Gilt Markers, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Rolex Two Tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Original Rare Black Dial 1987
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1600 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Steel and 18Kt.
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Original Charcoal Dial, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diam...
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made Diamond Bezel and Original Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made Diamond Bezel and Original Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made Diamond Bezel and Original Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Late Series Bubble Back Movement with Original Dial from 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6285 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1951 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Diame...
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made Diamond Bezel and Original Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Original Black Dial from the Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diamet...
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Diamond Bezel and Original Dial from 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Very Rare Deepsea From 1954 / 55 Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
Don't ask me why though, as it is not any more waterproof than the average model by Rolex. The watch is in excellent original condition and we seldom see these type of models in such...
Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare, Original Shaded Sunburst Red Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1974 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X D...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18 Karat Gold With Diamond Bezel President circa 1996 with Original Box
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
The watch is in excellent condition and is still fitted with an original Rolex Box done is leather.
18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 2-Tone With Factory Original Black Dial 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 16000 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel & White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / S...
Stainless Steel, Gold
Rolex Steel O.P Date with Factory Original Rare Charcoal Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Rare Original Black Dial from Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diamet...
Rolex Steel Datejust with Original Machined Bezel and Custom Purple Dial Mid 60s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diamete...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Dial circa Late 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is also fitted with its original Rolex Oyster bracelet. You can wear this fine and original watch for all types of occasions and count on it to get you there on time all the time....
Rolex Steel with Machined Bezel and Original Dial and Dauphine Hands from 1961
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1961 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diame...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Original Black Dial Mid 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This rare black dial is exquisite and shows how elegant a watch can be. From the renown house of Rolex, this watch is as reliable and exceptional as Rolex's reputation over a hundred...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Original Black Dial and Gilt Markers
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970''s DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm...
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial circa, 1970's 80's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Steel Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Original Dial and Bracelet Late 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diamete...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Black Dial and Papers circa 1970
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 15010 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 42mm X Diameter 35mm CIRCA: 197...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Original Charcoal Dial, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diame...
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Patinated Charcoal Dial from 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel and Rose Gold "Bubble Back" with Rare Original Dial from 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 2940 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / 14Kt.
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.
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.