Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet and Rare Dial
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: 1969 / 70 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex OP Date 14k Yellow Gold With Jubilee Bracelet Shantung Dial 1973 Rare!
By Rolex
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, 'ca, 1973. Reference 1503, in 14K gold with a matching 14K gold jubilee style USA bracelet. This is a classic and what makes it unusual is the "Shantun...
14k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960'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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Black Dial, Ref. # 6427
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Ref. # 6427 Similar to the Rolex Ref. #1016 Manual winding Year of production 1968 Movement Manual winding Caliber/movement 1225 Number...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Factory Original Silver 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 Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIO...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Date With Rare Factory Original Black Dial 2002
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 2120 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 2002 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X D...
Stainless Steel
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 Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960'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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Factory Original "Deep Sea" Dial 1956
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
It doesn't get any more rare and vintage than this Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6532.
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare White Dial circa, 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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
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 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 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 Mid Size Oysterdate with Original Bracelet Rare Charcoal Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is rare to find this watch with this dial. We have just serviced it and it still has a factory rating on it.
Stainless Steel
RARE Vintage Rolex Datejust 16220 100 CLUB OF HOUSTON Dial 36mm Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Rare Rolex 100 CLUB - This watch came from Rolex with the logo of the 100 CLUB on it- a Houston based organization that supports police officers and firefighters who have f...
Rolex Oyster Precision 34mm Two-Tone Rose Gold Steel Rare Dial 1978 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Details: Item Type: Rolex Precision Watch Model: Oyster Date Precision Metal: Two-tone Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Dial: White with Brown Accents (Rare Dial) Case Diameter: 34mm (a...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex DateJust Model 69178 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rare Chevrolet Dial Box
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex Model 69178 DateJust 18k Yellow Gold, 26mm Rare Chevrolet Dial made for Jubilee Anniversary, Automatic Movement, Made in Switzerland with Original Box and Booklet c.198...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Black Dial from 1960's Custom Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
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
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 Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Flawless Black 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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X...
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...
Rare Rolex Datejust 36 18k Gold Green Floral Dial Steel Unisex Watch 116233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Comes with the original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 116233 Style: Luxury Department: Unisex Adult Vintage: No Co...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust 26mm 179173 Two Tone Ladies Watch Rare Myriad Pearl Dial Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The silver case is complemented by a yellow gold fluted bezel and features Roman numerals on the rare mother of pearl dial. The watch is powered by a mechanical automatic movement an...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rare Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K White Gold Steel Pink Dial Ladies Watch 179174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition, Rare Factory Pink Dial. It comes with an original box but no paper.
Steel
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.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel O.P Date with Factory Original Rare Charcoal Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date model with rare charcoal dial and an unusual machined index bezel.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Flawless Black 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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Rare Original Satin Grained Silver Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This unique model has a very rare Satin Grained Dial. Rolex's reliability, you have piece of mind this timepiece will get you from point A to B on time for all occasions.
RARE, Rolex GMT-Master II Yellow Gold Green Dial & Ceramic Bezel Oyster Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
18k yellow gold case with a 18k yellow gold rolex oyster bracelet. Bi-directional rotating, 18k yellow gold bezel. Green dial with yellow gold tone hands and luminous dots hour marke...
Yellow 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 Steel and Rose Gold "Bubble Back" with Rare Original Dial from 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
We seldom see this watch is such good condition. The example has the rare machined rose gold bezel as well as a rare dial design.
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare, Bulls Eye Dial from 1958 Caliber 1060
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6552 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1958 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm Length X Diamet...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare White Dial, circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic Date model is fitted with a rare white enamel dial and Roman numerals. The watch has just been serviced by us and comes with our 18 month wa...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare "Pie Pan" Factory Original Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original White Dial and Original Bracelet Late 60
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm x Diamete...
Steel
Rare Rolex Cellini Time 18k Rose Gold Black Diamond Dial Men Watch 50605RBR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with the original box and papers. Very unique beautiful watch. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Cellini Time Model Number: 50605RBR Type: ...
Rose Gold
Rolex 69174 Datejust Stainless Steel "Rolex" Pyramid Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This model features a rare and striking white “Rolex” pyramid dial, adorned with crisp Arabic numerals and sleek white hands for a clean, refined look.
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel, White Gold
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial Rare Jubilee Bracelet, 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 40mm X Diam...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Rare Early Air King with Original Patinated Dial Early 60s
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 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diame...
Rolex Datejust 36 Ref.1601 36mm Solid Yellow Gold & Steel Rare Pie Pan Step Dial
By Rolex
Located in Zurich, CH
A Highly Coveted Vintage Icon Featuring the Rare Slate Grey Sunburst "Pie-Pan" Step Dial in Two-Tone 18K Gold and Steel.
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date With Rare Engine Turned Bezel and Black 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 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm Length X 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Day-Date Vintage Men's 18K Yellow Gold Omani Dial Bark Finish 1807
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A very rare 18k yellow gold Day-Date men's wristwatch by Rolex, produced for the Sultan of Oman.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Slate Blue Dial from Early 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 ...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Slate Blue Dial from Early 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 ...
Rolex Stainless Steel with T. Blue Dial Rare Machined Bezel from Mid 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 3109 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Dia...
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original White Dial and Hand Made Strap Late 1960
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FFACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm x Diamet...
Rolex Steel Rare Super Oyster Model with Original Dial from the Mid 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Reference 6202 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 34mm MOV...
Rolex Zenith Movement Daytona Stainless Steel & Gold Rare Mark I Dial B&P 16523
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Zenith Movement Cosmograph Daytona Men's Wristwatch, rare Mark I floating champagne dial with applied hour markers, 30 min...
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Very Rare Day-Date 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Omani Dial Bark Finish
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Very Rare 36 mm 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Vintage Gents Wristwatch, silver dial with applied hour markers, day at 12 0'clock, date at 3 0'clock, Omani Crest at 6 0'...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Rolex Very Rare Day-Date Vintage Gents 18k Yellow Gold Champagne Omani Dial 1803
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36 mm Very Rare 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Vintage Gents Wristwatch, champagne dial with applied hour markers, day at 12 0'clock, date at 3 0'clock, Omani Crest at 6...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Rare Nipple Dial Omani Crest Submariner Date B&P 1680
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare 18k Yellow Gold Omani Crest Submariner Date Vintage Men's Wristwatch, original matte black nipple dial, date at 3 0'clock, an 18k yellow gold bi-directional rotating bezel wit...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Double Red Sea Dweller 1665 RARE MK 3 Dial with PATINA 40mm Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1665 Serial: 354**** Year: 1974 Model: Vintage Rolex Double Red Sea Dweller Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Date Model with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's with Custom Made Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / Custom Diamond Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSION...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Vintage Oyster Perpetual Yellow Gold 1035
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A striking mens yellow gold Oyster Perpetual by Rolex. Featuring a rare champagne dial with applied hour markers and a textured yellow gold bezel.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 16234 Tropical Stardust Dial 36mm Circa 1988 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Men’s Luxury Wristwatch Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Datejust Reference Number: 16234 Serial Number: R93**** Circa: 1988 Case Material: Sta...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15210 Salmon Dial Stainless Steel 34mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
SKU: W4516 Catch every hint of sunlight with a rare salmon-dial Rolex. Slide the Oyster Perpetual Date 15210 onto your wrist, and the warm rose-gold sheen of its dial instantly sets...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex President Blue Vignette Diamond Dial & Bezel Ladies Watch Ref 69138
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Ladies Rolex 28 mm ref 69138 Ant condition 18k yellow gold case Rare Rolex Blue Dial with Factory set Diamond bezel with diamond dial with luminous hands.
Diamond, 18k Gold
$8,208Sale Price|24% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34mm Tiffany & Co Blue Dial Stainless Steel Watch Rare
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptionally collectible Rolex Oyster Perpetual featuring the highly coveted Tiffany & Co. co-signed dial, this refined 34 mm timepiece represents the perfect union of two of...
Tudor by Rolex Two Tone Prince Oysterdate Rare Charcoal Original Dial 1960's
By Tudor
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tudor Watch Company by Rolex STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince Oysterdate Automatic METAL / MATERIAL: 2 Tone Steel & Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Len...
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.