Rare Rolex NOS Day-Date Green Stella Dial Diamond Set 18048
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare NOS yellow gold Day-Date by Rolex from 1980.
Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Rolex NOS Day-Date Green Stella Dial Diamond Set 18048
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare NOS yellow gold Day-Date by Rolex from 1980.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978
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 Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Silvered Dial and Gilt Markers
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 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex 6305 RED Datejust Rare TROPICAL DIAL Stainless Steel 36mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6305 Vintage Rolex Serial: 572** Year: 1960 Model: Rolex Datejust ("Red" Datejust) Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: S...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original Charcoal Dial from, 1960'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 43...
Stainless Steel
Rare Ladies Rolex Datejust 69178, 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial year 1987
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our ladies Rolex Datejust reference 69178 features a 26mm 18ct yellow gold case with 18ct president bracelet, and champagne with diamond set dial. Presented in original unpolished co...
DISCONTINUED RARE, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Coral Red Dial 124300, 41 MM
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Coral Red Dial 124300 2021 is in overall excellent pre-owned condition. Comes with new card. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 reference 124300 with “Cora...
Coral, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 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 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 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 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Black 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 39mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Oyster Bracelet & Rare Black 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 X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 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 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Original Patinated Black Dial 1958
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 6605 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1958 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Oyster Bracelet & Rare Black Dial, 1979
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 1200 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1979 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rare Rolex Day-Date Yellow Gold Qaboos Dial Bark Finish 1807
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare 36 mm vintage Day-Date by Rolex, in yellow gold.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Rare "Bubble Back" with Factory Original Dial 1948
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Bubble Back" / Reference 5011 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
14k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Engine Turned Bezel circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diam...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel with Rare Original Dial and Bracelet from 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is the only example of this reference number that I have ever seen. The watch is full size and it is fitted with the famous 775 Caliber movement, th...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Signa Charcoal Dial circa 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 "Lug T...
Stainless Steel
Rare Rolex Day-Date Oyster Quartz Pyramid Egyptian 19028 Original Land Dweller
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
The watch is equipped with a reliable in house rolex swiss-made quartz movement, displaying the day and date.
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is a strikingly beautiful watch and our finest Rolex Trained Watchmaker has just given the watch a factory quality service.
Stainless Steel
Rare 1950s Rolex Rose Gold Chronometer Champagne Dial Precision Vintage 4134
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 37mm 18k Rose Gold Vintage Precision Gents Wristwatch, a rare original chronometer champagne dial with applied 18k rose gold index batons and roman numerals at 3,6,9 and 12 0'clock...
Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Zenith Movement Daytona Rare Champagne Mark I Floating Dial 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...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Factory Original Black Dial 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 44...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Rare Tiffany Stamp Black Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual with Machined Bezel Rare Charcoal Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1003 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Dia...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet and Rare Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This model with the Charcoal is rare and it is the perfect unisex size as well. It goes great as a professional watch and casual watch as well.
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 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
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 Datejust with Rare Original Black Dial 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 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.
Stainless Steel
Rolex perpetual 3372 Rose Gold SS Men Rare 1940s 32mm Bubbleback Automatic RA750
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex ...
Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King With Rare Factory Original Charcoal Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
Don't miss out on this rare example. This watch comes with a complimentary spring bar tool to adjust the bracelet for your convenience.
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 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 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 Steel Speed King with Rare Original Waffle Dial from 1954
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Speed King / Reference 6221 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm x Diam...
$4,480Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 14k Solid Rose Gold Pendant Ref 3959 1930s Rare Vintage Luxury RA651
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex ...
Gold, Rose Gold, 14k 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...
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 Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual with Rare Original Black Dial from 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 34...
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 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 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 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 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.
Vintage Rolex DateJust Model 69178 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rare Chevrolet Dial Box
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The original maker of the watch is not under any obligation to service watches sold by Stephanie Windsor.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1943 Rolex Very Rare Lund & Blockley Oyster Aqua Vintage Mens Midsize World War
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...
Stainless Steel
$31,200Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex perpetual 4134 18k Rose Gold Rare Mens Jumbo 37mm Automatic 1940s RA691
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
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...
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 Two Tone Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Dress Watch, circa 1930's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / Reference 3893 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone 14Kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm "Lu...
Rose 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 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 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. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1987 DIMENSIONS / SIZ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oysterdate with Rare Super Oyster Crown, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Super Oysterdate / Reference 6094 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 33mm CIRCA: 1951 MOVEM...
Rolex Rare Submariner Date Red Writing Vintage Stainless Steel Mark VI 1680
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date Red Writing men's wristwatch, in stainless steel. This rare vintage wristwatch is a Submariner 1680; a watch that is incredibly sought after and...
Steel, 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 Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Flawless Black Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This is a wonderful watch for dress or casual wearing, whether with jeans or a dark suit you will get there on time and in style with the rare watch.
Stainless Steel
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.