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Retro Rolex Dial

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Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Red Dial circa, 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Red Dial circa, 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Red Dial circa, 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

made Red dial, made to Rolex of Switzerland specifications. This watch is fitted with the original

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Cellini White Round Cushion Dial 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Watch
Rolex Cellini White Round Cushion Dial 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Watch

Rolex Cellini White Round Cushion Dial 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Watch

By Rolex

Located in Tysons, VA

Rolex - Cellini Watch - 57 Grams - 14k Gold - 7 inches length, 1970s origin, Cushion Shape Dial

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Day Date 18078 Red Degrade Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch
Rolex Day Date 18078 Red Degrade Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch

Rolex Day Date 18078 Red Degrade Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Rolex Day-Date 18038 Men's Watch. This timepiece features a 36mm case made of 18K yellow gold

Category

1980s Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Dial from 1970's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Dial from 1970's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Dial from 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

specialty custom dial house, made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous specifications. All the other

Category

1970s Swiss Modernist Retro Rolex Dial

Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA768
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA768

Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA768

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

An iconic classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 Linen Dial Datejust automatic with18k gold

Category

1970s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel, 18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Yellow Gold Steel Champagne Dial Automatic Watch 79173
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Yellow Gold Steel Champagne Dial Automatic Watch 79173

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Yellow Gold Steel Champagne Dial Automatic Watch 79173

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned in good condition. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Women Model Number: 79173

Category

1990s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Rolex DateJust 36mm Black Dial 18K Gold Stainless Steel Jubilee Watch 16233
Rolex DateJust 36mm Black Dial 18K Gold Stainless Steel Jubilee Watch 16233

Rolex DateJust 36mm Black Dial 18K Gold Stainless Steel Jubilee Watch 16233

By Rolex

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Classic, elegant, and unmistakably Rolex, the Datejust Ref. 16233 is a timeless expression of

Category

1990s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Dark Green Dial circa, 1970's
Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Dark Green Dial circa, 1970's

Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Dark Green Dial circa, 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex has a custom finished dial made

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1970s Linen Dial Automatic RA768C
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1970s Linen Dial Automatic RA768C

Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1970s Linen Dial Automatic RA768C

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A timeless icon, Rolex 1601 Oyster Datejust Linen dial automatic, c.1973, in excellent working

Category

1970s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Custom Dial Blue Ladies Watch 69173
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Custom Dial Blue Ladies Watch 69173

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Custom Dial Blue Ladies Watch 69173

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned. Good condition. Custom diamond dial and bezel General Information: Brand: Rolex Model

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's

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 Date / Reference 1500

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Blue Roman Dial Diamond Bezel Oyster Band Steel Watch
Rolex Datejust Blue Roman Dial Diamond Bezel Oyster Band Steel Watch

Rolex Datejust Blue Roman Dial Diamond Bezel Oyster Band Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1990s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Salmon Roman Dial with Diamonds and Rubies Steel Watch
Rolex Datejust Salmon Roman Dial with Diamonds and Rubies Steel Watch

Rolex Datejust Salmon Roman Dial with Diamonds and Rubies Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Cream Pyramid Dial Ruby/Diamond Bezel Two Tone Watch
Rolex Datejust Cream Pyramid Dial Ruby/Diamond Bezel Two Tone Watch

Rolex Datejust Cream Pyramid Dial Ruby/Diamond Bezel Two Tone Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Salmon Roman Dial Diamond Bezel and Lugs Steel Watch
Rolex Datejust Salmon Roman Dial Diamond Bezel and Lugs Steel Watch

Rolex Datejust Salmon Roman Dial Diamond Bezel and Lugs Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Sapphire/Diamond Bezel Two Tone Watch
Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Sapphire/Diamond Bezel Two Tone Watch

Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Sapphire/Diamond Bezel Two Tone Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Cream Index Dial Diamond/Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch
Rolex Datejust Cream Index Dial Diamond/Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch

Rolex Datejust Cream Index Dial Diamond/Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex White Roman Dial Datejust Diamond Bezel/Lugs Stainless Steel Watch
Rolex White Roman Dial Datejust Diamond Bezel/Lugs Stainless Steel Watch

Rolex White Roman Dial Datejust Diamond Bezel/Lugs Stainless Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel/Lugs Cream Index Dial Two Tone Watch
Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel/Lugs Cream Index Dial Two Tone Watch

Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel/Lugs Cream Index Dial Two Tone Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Grey Roman Dial Diamond Bezel/Lugs Stainless Steel Watch
Rolex Datejust Grey Roman Dial Diamond Bezel/Lugs Stainless Steel Watch

Rolex Datejust Grey Roman Dial Diamond Bezel/Lugs Stainless Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Grey Roman Dial Diamond/Sapphire Bezel Two Tone Watch
Rolex Datejust Grey Roman Dial Diamond/Sapphire Bezel Two Tone Watch

Rolex Datejust Grey Roman Dial Diamond/Sapphire Bezel Two Tone Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1990s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Diamond Bezel/Lugs Steel Jubilee Watch
Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Diamond Bezel/Lugs Steel Jubilee Watch

Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Diamond Bezel/Lugs Steel Jubilee Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Champagne Index Dial Automatic Diamond Wrist Watch Two Tone
Rolex Datejust Champagne Index Dial Automatic Diamond Wrist Watch Two Tone

Rolex Datejust Champagne Index Dial Automatic Diamond Wrist Watch Two Tone

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Champagne Index Dial Two Tone Watch w Sapphires/Diamonds
Rolex Datejust Champagne Index Dial Two Tone Watch w Sapphires/Diamonds

Rolex Datejust Champagne Index Dial Two Tone Watch w Sapphires/Diamonds

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex 36mm Datejust Ruby/Diamond Bezel Silver Stick Dial Automatic Watch
Rolex 36mm Datejust Ruby/Diamond Bezel Silver Stick Dial Automatic Watch

Rolex 36mm Datejust Ruby/Diamond Bezel Silver Stick Dial Automatic Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Silver Dial Diamond Diamond/Ruby Bezel Oyster Band Watch
Rolex Datejust Silver Dial Diamond Diamond/Ruby Bezel Oyster Band Watch

Rolex Datejust Silver Dial Diamond Diamond/Ruby Bezel Oyster Band Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Presidential 18 Karat Gold Watch Champagne Roman Dial Diamond Bezel
Rolex Presidential 18 Karat Gold Watch Champagne Roman Dial Diamond Bezel

Rolex Presidential 18 Karat Gold Watch Champagne Roman Dial Diamond Bezel

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Rolex Datejust Champagne Index Dial Two Tone Watch with Rubies/Diamonds
Rolex Datejust Champagne Index Dial Two Tone Watch with Rubies/Diamonds

Rolex Datejust Champagne Index Dial Two Tone Watch with Rubies/Diamonds

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Ladies Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel White Roman Dial Oyster Band Watch
Ladies Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel White Roman Dial Oyster Band Watch

Ladies Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel White Roman Dial Oyster Band Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Ruby/Diamond Bezel Jubilee Band Watch
Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Ruby/Diamond Bezel Jubilee Band Watch

Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Ruby/Diamond Bezel Jubilee Band Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Grey Roman Dial Sapphire/Diamond Bezel Two Tone Watch
Rolex Datejust Grey Roman Dial Sapphire/Diamond Bezel Two Tone Watch

Rolex Datejust Grey Roman Dial Sapphire/Diamond Bezel Two Tone Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Steel Oyster Band Diamond/Emerald Bezel Silver Dial Watch
Rolex Datejust Steel Oyster Band Diamond/Emerald Bezel Silver Dial Watch

Rolex Datejust Steel Oyster Band Diamond/Emerald Bezel Silver Dial Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Silver Index Dial Steel Watch Diamond Bezel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Silver Index Dial Steel Watch Diamond Bezel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Silver Index Dial Steel Watch Diamond Bezel

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Custom Set Diamond Bezel White Roman Dial Steel Watch
Rolex Datejust Custom Set Diamond Bezel White Roman Dial Steel Watch

Rolex Datejust Custom Set Diamond Bezel White Roman Dial Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Silver Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee Watch Diamond Bezel/Lugs
Rolex Datejust Silver Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee Watch Diamond Bezel/Lugs

Rolex Datejust Silver Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee Watch Diamond Bezel/Lugs

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Black Roman Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee Watch Diamond Bezel
Rolex Datejust Black Roman Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee Watch Diamond Bezel

Rolex Datejust Black Roman Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee Watch Diamond Bezel

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust with Diamond Bezel White Roman Dial Two Tone Watch
Rolex Datejust with Diamond Bezel White Roman Dial Two Tone Watch

Rolex Datejust with Diamond Bezel White Roman Dial Two Tone Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1990s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch with Sapphires
Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch with Sapphires

Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch with Sapphires

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1990s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Silver Roman Dial Emerald & Diamond Bezel/Lugs Steel Watch
Rolex Datejust Silver Roman Dial Emerald & Diamond Bezel/Lugs Steel Watch

Rolex Datejust Silver Roman Dial Emerald & Diamond Bezel/Lugs Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1990s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Custom Diamond Bezel & Lugs Blue Roman Dial Steel Watch
Rolex Datejust Custom Diamond Bezel & Lugs Blue Roman Dial Steel Watch

Rolex Datejust Custom Diamond Bezel & Lugs Blue Roman Dial Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Black Roman Dial Diamond/Emerald Bezel Stainless Steel Watch
Rolex Datejust Black Roman Dial Diamond/Emerald Bezel Stainless Steel Watch

Rolex Datejust Black Roman Dial Diamond/Emerald Bezel Stainless Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Diamond Lugs White Roman Numeral Dial Two Tone Watch
Rolex Datejust Diamond Lugs White Roman Numeral Dial Two Tone Watch

Rolex Datejust Diamond Lugs White Roman Numeral Dial Two Tone Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Yellow Dial 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Yellow Dial 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Yellow Dial 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

dial made by our specialty custom dial house, made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous specifications

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA768B
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA768B

Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA768B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

An icon, Rolex 1601 Oyster Datejust automatic Linen dial, c.1973, in excellent working condition

Category

1970s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond and Emerald Bezel
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond and Emerald Bezel

Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond and Emerald Bezel

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous

Category

1980s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

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Retro Rolex Dial For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the retro rolex dial you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of Stainless Steel, Gold and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Finding the perfect retro rolex dial may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 20th Century. Take a look at a retro rolex dial featuring Diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also baguette cut cut and brilliant cut cut versions available here, too. If you’re browsing our inventory for a retro rolex dial, 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 Retro Rolex Dial?

On average, a retro rolex dial at 1stDibs sells for $6,352, while they’re typically $995 on the low end and $400,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

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.

Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.