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Retro Rolex Dial

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Rolex Datejust Green Vignette Dial Diamond Bezel + Lugs + Emerald 69173
Rolex Datejust Green Vignette Dial Diamond Bezel + Lugs + Emerald 69173

Rolex Datejust Green Vignette Dial Diamond Bezel + Lugs + Emerald 69173

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Green Vignette Dial Diamond Bezel + Lugs + Emerald Two Tone Watch 69173

Category

1990s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Purple Dial, 1960s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Purple Dial, 1960s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Purple Dial, 1960s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

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

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, Circa 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, Circa 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, Circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

vintage Rolex has a custom finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust White MOP Dial Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs + Sapphire
Rolex Datejust White MOP Dial Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs + Sapphire

Rolex Datejust White MOP Dial Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs + Sapphire

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Men's Rolex 36mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee White MOP Dial Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs + Sapphire

Category

1990s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner Non-Date Vintage Stainless Steel Matte Black Dial 5513
Rolex Submariner Non-Date Vintage Stainless Steel Matte Black Dial 5513

Rolex Submariner Non-Date Vintage Stainless Steel Matte Black Dial 5513

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Submariner Non-Date Vintage Men's Wristwatch, matte black dial

Category

1970s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

1987 Rolex Datejust 16030 Stainless Steel Grey Stick Dial Automatic 36mm
1987 Rolex Datejust 16030 Stainless Steel Grey Stick Dial Automatic 36mm

1987 Rolex Datejust 16030 Stainless Steel Grey Stick Dial Automatic 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

. This gives the watch a more rugged and industrial feel that leans into the tool-watch heritage of Rolex

Category

1980s Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1973 Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 Manual Silver Sunburst Dial 34mm
Vintage 1973 Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 Manual Silver Sunburst Dial 34mm

Vintage 1973 Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 Manual Silver Sunburst Dial 34mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

A Pure Manual Expression The 6426 represents the most stripped-back version of the Rolex Oyster

Category

1970s Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex President Day-Date Diamond String & Log Dial Bezel Watch18388
Rolex President Day-Date Diamond String & Log Dial Bezel Watch18388

Rolex President Day-Date Diamond String & Log Dial Bezel Watch18388

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

ROLEX President Day-Date Diamond String Diamond Log Dial Bezel Watch reference 18388 This Watch

Category

1980s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial, 1970s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial, 1970s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

custom made bright yellow dial, made to Rolex of Switzerland specifications. All the other mechanical

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial, 1960s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial, 1960s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial, 1960s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

custom made bright yellow dial, made to Rolex of Switzerland specifications. All the other mechanical

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1987 Rolex Datejust Lady 69173 Two ToneAutomatic Champagne Diamond Dial
Vintage 1987 Rolex Datejust Lady 69173 Two ToneAutomatic Champagne Diamond Dial

Vintage 1987 Rolex Datejust Lady 69173 Two ToneAutomatic Champagne Diamond Dial

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

when they think of a vintage Lady-Datejust. Champagne dial, diamond hour markers, fluted bezel, and a

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Champagne Dial TT YG/SS 1987
Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Champagne Dial TT YG/SS 1987

Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Champagne Dial TT YG/SS 1987

By Rolex

Located in SYDNEY, AU

Rolex Mini Datejust 69173 – 26mm – Champagne Dial – Two-Tone Yellow Gold & Steel – 1987 SKU 1931

Category

1980s Retro Rolex Dial

Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz 19018 36mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold
Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz 19018 36mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold

Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz 19018 36mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 19018 Serial: 579**** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex Oysterquartz Day Date

Category

1970s Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1970s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1970s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

Datejust has a custom made orange dial, made to "Rolex of Switzerland" specifications. All the other

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex OP Date 1501 34mm 18K Gold Black Gloss Dial Watch
Rolex OP Date 1501 34mm 18K Gold Black Gloss Dial Watch

Rolex OP Date 1501 34mm 18K Gold Black Gloss Dial Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date featuring rare petroleum black gloss dial in 34mm 18K yellow gold case

Category

1970s Contemporary Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage 1979 Rolex Datejust Two-Tone 16013 Auto Blue Dial 36mm
Vintage 1979 Rolex Datejust Two-Tone 16013 Auto Blue Dial 36mm

Vintage 1979 Rolex Datejust Two-Tone 16013 Auto Blue Dial 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

. Two tone case, fluted yellow gold bezel, Jubilee bracelet, and a blue stick dial. By the late 1970s

Category

1970s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

1991 Rolex Datejust 16233 Two-Tone Champagne Diamond Dial Automatic 36mm
1991 Rolex Datejust 16233 Two-Tone Champagne Diamond Dial Automatic 36mm

1991 Rolex Datejust 16233 Two-Tone Champagne Diamond Dial Automatic 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

introducing the sapphire crystal and the 3135 movement, Rolex created a watch that retained a classic

Category

1990s Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Custom Green Diamond Dial, 1960's
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Custom Green Diamond Dial, 1960's

Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Custom Green Diamond Dial, 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex Datejust has a custom made green diamond dial, made

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Rolex Oyster Date 15200 Automatic Watch Stainless Steel Silver Dial Strap
Rolex Oyster Date 15200 Automatic Watch Stainless Steel Silver Dial Strap

Rolex Oyster Date 15200 Automatic Watch Stainless Steel Silver Dial Strap

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15200 automatic watch in stainless steel featuring a 34mm case

Category

1990s Art Deco Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Black Color Dial
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Black Color Dial

Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Black Color Dial

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Black Color Dial Bezel +Lugs + Rubies 69173 Rolex

Category

1990s European Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Vintage Patinated Dial 1960's
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Vintage Patinated Dial 1960's

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Vintage Patinated Dial 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

dial is a conversation starter for any occasion. Reliability and elegance are synonymous with the Rolex

Category

1960s Swiss Modernist Retro Rolex Dial

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

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 Diamond Bezel Silver Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch
Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Silver Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch

Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Silver Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 31mm Datejust Diamond Bezel Silver Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch This watch features

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

1984 Rolex Explorer II 16550 Spider Rail Dial Men's Watch #23711
1984 Rolex Explorer II 16550 Spider Rail Dial Men's Watch #23711

1984 Rolex Explorer II 16550 Spider Rail Dial Men's Watch #23711

By Rolex

Located in Washington Depot, CT

1984 Rolex Explorer II Men's Watch Model: 16550 Serial: 8584581 This vintage Rolex Explorer II

Category

1980s Contemporary Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Steel

Vintage Rolex Datejust 36mm in Steel & Gold, White Jubilee Diamond Dial
Vintage Rolex Datejust 36mm in Steel & Gold, White Jubilee Diamond Dial

Vintage Rolex Datejust 36mm in Steel & Gold, White Jubilee Diamond Dial

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

factory white Jubilee motif dial, displaying the repeating ROLEX pattern and adorned with brilliant-cut

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Unique Dark Blue Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Unique Dark Blue Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Unique Dark Blue Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

1996 Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Stainless Steel Tritium Dial Automatic 40mm
1996 Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Stainless Steel Tritium Dial Automatic 40mm

1996 Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Stainless Steel Tritium Dial Automatic 40mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

watch era and modern luxury Rolex. Produced for over twenty years, it represents the final evolution of

Category

1990s Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Vintage Steel Date Model 1501 Black Dial Wrist Watch
Rolex Vintage Steel Date Model 1501 Black Dial Wrist Watch

Rolex Vintage Steel Date Model 1501 Black Dial Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1957 Rolex Reference 1501 Date Model Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless Steel case with

Category

1950s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Steel

Women's Rolex Datejust Champagne Dial Diamond and Emerald Bezel Watch
Women's Rolex Datejust Champagne Dial Diamond and Emerald Bezel Watch

Women's Rolex Datejust Champagne Dial Diamond and Emerald Bezel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Women's Rolex 31mm Datejust Champagne Dial Diamond and Emerald Bezel Watch We take great pride in

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Diamond Lugs Champagne Dial Two Tone Women's Watch
Rolex Datejust Diamond Lugs Champagne Dial Two Tone Women's Watch

Rolex Datejust Diamond Lugs Champagne Dial Two Tone Women's Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 31mm Datejust Champagne Dial Diamond Lugs Ruby and Diamond Bezel Watch We take great pride

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust White Dial Diamond & Ruby Bezel Stainless Steel Watch
Rolex Datejust White Dial Diamond & Ruby Bezel Stainless Steel Watch

Rolex Datejust White Dial Diamond & Ruby Bezel Stainless Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 26mm Datejust White Dial Diamond & Ruby Bezel Stainless Steel Watch We take great pride in

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Silver Roman Dial Diamond + Sapphire Stainless Steel Watch
Rolex Datejust Silver Roman Dial Diamond + Sapphire Stainless Steel Watch

Rolex Datejust Silver Roman Dial Diamond + Sapphire Stainless Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 26mm Datejust Silver Roman Dial Diamond + Sapphire Stainless Steel Watch We take great pride

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Silver Dial Custom Diamond Bezel Steel Ladies Watch
Rolex Datejust Silver Dial Custom Diamond Bezel Steel Ladies Watch

Rolex Datejust Silver Dial Custom Diamond Bezel Steel Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 26mm Datejust Silver Dial Custom Diamond Bezel Steel Ladies Watch We take great pride in

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

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

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1998 Rolex Explorer I Steel 14270 Auto Black Dial 36mm
Vintage 1998 Rolex Explorer I Steel 14270 Auto Black Dial 36mm

Vintage 1998 Rolex Explorer I Steel 14270 Auto Black Dial 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

sits in the sweet spot of neo-vintage Rolex. It is the reference that proved the Explorer did not need

Category

1990s Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz 19018 36mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold
Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz 19018 36mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold

Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz 19018 36mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 19018 Serial: 630**** Year: 1979 Model: Vintage Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz

Category

1970s Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking Original Dial Manual Watch, circa 1952
Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking Original Dial Manual Watch, circa 1952

Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking Original Dial Manual Watch, circa 1952

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: 3/4 Size Precision / Oyster Speedking METAL

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Retro Rolex Dial

Vintage Rolex Ref 1501 70s Automatic Grey Sigma Dial 34mm Case.
Vintage Rolex Ref 1501 70s Automatic Grey Sigma Dial 34mm Case.

Vintage Rolex Ref 1501 70s Automatic Grey Sigma Dial 34mm Case.

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Here’s a vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 1501 automatic with a grey sigma dial from the

Category

1970s Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies Datejust Stainless Steel Black Dial Jubilee Bracelet Watch
Rolex Ladies Datejust Stainless Steel Black Dial Jubilee Bracelet Watch

Rolex Ladies Datejust Stainless Steel Black Dial Jubilee Bracelet Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Stainless Steel Black Color Dial Jubilee Bracelet 69174. This watch is

Category

1990s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

1997 Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
1997 Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm

1997 Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

balanced professional diver Rolex ever produced. While the Submariner is the more common choice, the Sea

Category

1990s Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

1990 Rolex Lady-Datejust 69173 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Dial 26mm
1990 Rolex Lady-Datejust 69173 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Dial 26mm

1990 Rolex Lady-Datejust 69173 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Dial 26mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

movement. This configuration is the cornerstone of the brand’s identity, utilizing the champagne dial and

Category

1990s Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

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

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Custom Diamond Bezel, Pave Roman Numerals Dial 16014
Rolex Datejust Custom Diamond Bezel, Pave Roman Numerals Dial 16014

Rolex Datejust Custom Diamond Bezel, Pave Roman Numerals Dial 16014

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 36mm Datejust Custom Diamond Bezel, Pave Roman Numerals Dial 16014 This watch is in like new

Category

1990s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Presidential 18kt Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 68278
Rolex Presidential 18kt Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 68278

Rolex Presidential 18kt Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 68278

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 31mm Presidential 18kt Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 68278 This watch is in like

Category

1990s European Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust Custom Diamond Bezel, Red Diamond Roman Dial 16014
Rolex Datejust Custom Diamond Bezel, Red Diamond Roman Dial 16014

Rolex Datejust Custom Diamond Bezel, Red Diamond Roman Dial 16014

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 36mm Datejust Custom Diamond Bezel, Red Diamond Roman Dial 16014 This watch is in like new

Category

1990s Swiss Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Date 15210 34mm Gray Dial Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel Jubilee
Rolex Date 15210 34mm Gray Dial Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel Jubilee

Rolex Date 15210 34mm Gray Dial Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel Jubilee

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 15210 Serial: X74**** Year: 1991 Model: Rolex Date Case Material

Category

1990s Retro Rolex Dial

Materials

Diamond, Steel, 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.