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Rolex 1556 Movement

Rolex 1803 Oyster Day Date 18k Gold Mens 1970s 36mm Diamond Automatic RA659B
Rolex 1803 Oyster Day Date 18k Gold Mens 1970s 36mm Diamond Automatic RA659B

Rolex 1803 Oyster Day Date 18k Gold Mens 1970s 36mm Diamond Automatic RA659B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Solid gold fluted bezel on 18k solid gold case measures 36mm wide, in immaculate vintage condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1556 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excell...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex President Day Date 1803 18k Solid Gold 1970s Mens Diamond Automatic RA659
Rolex President Day Date 1803 18k Solid Gold 1970s Mens Diamond Automatic RA659

Rolex President Day Date 1803 18k Solid Gold 1970s Mens Diamond Automatic RA659

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Solid gold fluted bezel on 18k solid gold case measures 36mm wide, in pristine vintage condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1556 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellen...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Recent Sales

Rolex Yellow Gold Day Date Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1803
Rolex Yellow Gold Day Date Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1803

Rolex Yellow Gold Day Date Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1803

By Rolex

Located in Munich, Bavaria

Day Date Ref. 1803 Very nice Day-Date CASE screwed case, yellow-gold, acrylic glass, screw-down crown, no. 3.4 mio, d=36mm MOVEMENT caliber Rolex 1556, automatic, chronomete...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Yellow gold Day Date Automatic Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 1803
Rolex Yellow gold Day Date Automatic Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 1803

Rolex Yellow gold Day Date Automatic Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 1803

By Rolex

Located in Munich, Bavaria

Day Date Ref. 1803 CASE screwed case, yellow-gold, acrylic glass, screw-down crown, no. 2.6mio, d=36mm MOVEMENT caliber Rolex 1556, automatic, chronometer, day date DIAL ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Day-Date White Gold Salmon Dial Watch 1802
Rolex Day-Date White Gold Salmon Dial Watch 1802

Rolex Day-Date White Gold Salmon Dial Watch 1802

By Rolex

Located in Southampton, PA

This timeless accessory is powered by a Rolex calibre 1556 movement. This timepiece is offered in pre-owned condition and includes a gift box.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Day Date President 1803 18k Gold Automatic 1970s Luxury NA131
Mens Rolex Oyster Day Date President 1803 18k Gold Automatic 1970s Luxury NA131

Mens Rolex Oyster Day Date President 1803 18k Gold Automatic 1970s Luxury NA131

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Solid gold fluted bezel on 18k solid gold case measures 36mm wide, in pristine vintage condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1556 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellen...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Day Date President 1803 18k Gold Automatic 1970s Luxury NA131
Mens Rolex Oyster Day Date President 1803 18k Gold Automatic 1970s Luxury NA131

Mens Rolex Oyster Day Date President 1803 18k Gold Automatic 1970s Luxury NA131

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Solid gold fluted bezel on 18k solid gold case measures 36mm wide, in pristine vintage condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1556 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellen...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Day Date 1803 18k Solid Gold Mens President Automatic 1970s Vintage RA543
Rolex Day Date 1803 18k Solid Gold Mens President Automatic 1970s Vintage RA543

Rolex Day Date 1803 18k Solid Gold Mens President Automatic 1970s Vintage RA543

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Solid gold fluted bezel on 18k solid gold case measures 36mm wide, in pristine vintage condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1556 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellen...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1601 18k White Gold SS Automatic 1970s RA337
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1601 18k White Gold SS Automatic 1970s RA337

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1601 18k White Gold SS Automatic 1970s RA337

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Acrylic crystal. 18k white gold bezel on stainless steel case measuring 36mm, case in excellent condition, case serial no.2633532. Original Rolex crown. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1556 chr...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date President Automatic Wristwatch, 1970s
Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date President Automatic Wristwatch, 1970s

Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date President Automatic Wristwatch, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Day-Date Presidential Watch from the Early 1970's Beautiful Factory Tungsten Grey Minute Track Dial with Applied Yellow Hour Markers Yellow Gold Gold Fluted Be...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Day Date Champagne Dial Automatic Wristwatch
Rolex Yellow Gold Day Date Champagne Dial Automatic Wristwatch

Rolex Yellow Gold Day Date Champagne Dial Automatic Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Day-Date Presidential Watch from the Early 1970's Beautiful Factory Champagne Dial with Applied Yellow Hour Markers Yellow Gold Gold Fluted Bezel 18K Yellow Go...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex White Gold Diamond Dial Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch, 1970s
Rolex White Gold Diamond Dial Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch, 1970s

Rolex White Gold Diamond Dial Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 18K White Gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Watch Beautiful Rolex Factory Blue Diamond Dial with 18K White Gold Bezel Rare Rolex 18K White Gold Model from the 1970s 18K White Go...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex White Gold Factory Diamond Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch, 1970s
Rolex White Gold Factory Diamond Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch, 1970s

Rolex White Gold Factory Diamond Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 18K White Gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Watch Beautiful Rolex Factory Blue Diamond Dial with Matching Factory 18K White Gold Diamond Bezel Rare Rolex 18K White Gold Model from...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex 18K White Gold Factory Diamond Day-Date Automatic Watch, 1970s
Rolex 18K White Gold Factory Diamond Day-Date Automatic Watch, 1970s

Rolex 18K White Gold Factory Diamond Day-Date Automatic Watch, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 18K White Gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Watch Beautiful Rolex Factory Blue Diamond Dial with Matching Factory 18K White Gold Diamond Bezel Rare Rolex 18K White Gold Model from...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Day Date President White Dial Automatic Wristwatch, 1970s
Rolex Yellow Gold Day Date President White Dial Automatic Wristwatch, 1970s

Rolex Yellow Gold Day Date President White Dial Automatic Wristwatch, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Day-Date Presidential Watch from the 1970's Beautiful Factory White Dial with Applied Yellow Hour Markers and Minute Track Around Perimeter Yellow Gold Gold Flu...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex White Gold Black Confetti Dial Daydate Automatic Watch, with Papers
Rolex White Gold Black Confetti Dial Daydate Automatic Watch, with Papers

Rolex White Gold Black Confetti Dial Daydate Automatic Watch, with Papers

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 18K White Gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Watch Beautiful Rolex Factory Matte Confetti Dial with Stunning Luminous Plots 18K White Gold Bezel Rare Rolex 18K White Gold Model fr...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Day-Date President Automatic Wristwatch
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Day-Date President Automatic Wristwatch

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Day-Date President Automatic Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Day-Date Presidential Watch from the Early 1970's Beautiful Factory Champagne Dial with Applied Yellow Hour Markers Yellow Gold Gold Fluted Bezel 18K Yellow Go...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex White Gold Diamond Factory Blue Dial Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch, 1970s
Rolex White Gold Diamond Factory Blue Dial Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch, 1970s

Rolex White Gold Diamond Factory Blue Dial Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 18K White Gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Watch Beautiful Rolex Factory Blue Diamond Dial with 18K White Gold Bezel Rare Rolex 18K White Gold Model from the 1970s 18K White Go...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Day-Date President Automatic Watch 1970s
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Day-Date President Automatic Watch 1970s

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Day-Date President Automatic Watch 1970s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Yellow Gold Gold Fluted Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Case 36mm in size Features Rolex Automatic Movement with Calibre 1556 with Non-Quick Day and Date Functions Acrylic Crystal From 1970s...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Day-Date President Black Confetti Dial Automatic Watch
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Day-Date President Black Confetti Dial Automatic Watch

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Day-Date President Black Confetti Dial Automatic Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Day-Date Presidential Watch from the Early 1970's Beautiful Factory Black Matte Confetti Dial with Rare White Applied Hour Markers and Perfect Lume Plots Below ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Dial Day Date President Automatic Watch, 1970s
Rolex 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Dial Day Date President Automatic Watch, 1970s

Rolex 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Dial Day Date President Automatic Watch, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Yellow Gold Gold Fluted Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Case 36mm in size Features Rolex Automatic Movement with Calibre 1556 with Non-Quick Day and Date Functions Acrylic Crystal From 1970s...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Vintage Day-Date Grey Dial Automatic Wristwatch
Rolex Yellow Gold Vintage Day-Date Grey Dial Automatic Wristwatch

Rolex Yellow Gold Vintage Day-Date Grey Dial Automatic Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Day-Date Presidential Watch from the Early 1970's Beautiful Factory Tungsten Grey Minute Track Dial with Applied Yellow Hour Markers Yellow Gold Gold Fluted Be...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Dial Day Date President Automatic Watch, 1970s
Rolex 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Dial Day Date President Automatic Watch, 1970s

Rolex 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Dial Day Date President Automatic Watch, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Yellow Gold Gold Fluted Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Case 36mm in size Features Rolex Automatic Movement with Calibre 1556 with Non-Quick Day and Date Functions Acrylic Crystal From 1970s...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

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Personally Owned & Worn By Don McLean with Two COAs - Daniel Steiger Generation
Personally Owned & Worn By Don McLean with Two COAs - Daniel Steiger Generation

Personally Owned & Worn By Don McLean with Two COAs - Daniel Steiger Generation

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...

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex x Loree Rodkin Watch
Rolex x Loree Rodkin Watch

Rolex x Loree Rodkin Watch

$38,400Sale Price|20% Off

Rolex x Loree Rodkin Watch

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date crafted in 18k yellow gold, customised by jewellery designer Loree Rodkin. The watch features a champagne dial with baton hour markers, day aperture...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Santos Ref 4072 WSSA0018 Diamond Dial Diamond Band Case Steel Box Paper
Cartier Santos Ref 4072 WSSA0018 Diamond Dial Diamond Band Case Steel Box Paper

Cartier Santos Ref 4072 WSSA0018 Diamond Dial Diamond Band Case Steel Box Paper

By Cartier

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: WSSA0018 / 4072 Year: 2021 Case Material: Stainless Steel with Custom Diamonds Band: Custom Diamond Stainless Steel Band Bezel: Custom Diamond Stainless ...

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

MINT Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rose Gold 116515LN 40mm Black Oysterflex Complete
MINT Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rose Gold 116515LN 40mm Black Oysterflex Complete

MINT Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rose Gold 116515LN 40mm Black Oysterflex Complete

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

This is the stunning Everose gold Cosmograph Daytona on Oysterflex ref. 116515LN. With the introduction of the Oysterflex bracelet, Rolex completely changed the importance & versati...

Category

2010s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch
Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch

Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1970s Cartier Paris Centure Collection Wrist Watch, 18k Yellow Gold 27 X 27 M.M. 2 Piece stepped case. 17 jewel mechanical, manual wind movement. White Dial with Black Roman nu...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Choreograph Vintage 18k gold wrist watch cal.33.3 1950
Omega Choreograph Vintage 18k gold wrist watch cal.33.3 1950

Omega Choreograph Vintage 18k gold wrist watch cal.33.3 1950

By Omega

Located in Berlin, BE

Handaufzugs omega uhr in 18k gelbgold mit lederband und orginaler omega dornschließe cal.33,3 plexiglas uhr weisst leichte gebrauchspuren

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Aesthetic Movement Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

1960s Retro Omega De Ville 18 Karat Gold Men's Watch
1960s Retro Omega De Ville 18 Karat Gold Men's Watch

1960s Retro Omega De Ville 18 Karat Gold Men's Watch

By Omega

Located in Poitiers, FR

Omega De Ville men's watch. Square case in 18 karats yellow gold, owl hallmark. Total length: 20.5 cm, width of the bracelet: 2.2 cm to 0.6 cm, Case: Side: 2.8 cm, thickness: 5.8 mm...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Vacheron Constantin Patrimony 35MM 44001 Date Sigma White 18K Gold Watch
Vintage Vacheron Constantin Patrimony 35MM 44001 Date Sigma White 18K Gold Watch

Vintage Vacheron Constantin Patrimony 35MM 44001 Date Sigma White 18K Gold Watch

By Vacheron Constantin

Located in Houston, TX

Brand: Vacheron Constantin Gender: Men Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Diameter: 35.00 mm Weight: 43.03 grams Gent's 18K yellow gold VACHERON CONSTANTIN Swiss-made wristwatch with o...

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Tank Americaine 18K WG Quartz 1713 w/ Service Paper. 2000's
Cartier Tank Americaine 18K WG Quartz 1713 w/ Service Paper. 2000's

Cartier Tank Americaine 18K WG Quartz 1713 w/ Service Paper. 2000's

By Cartier

Located in Central & Western District, HK

Cartier Tank Americaine 18K WG Quartz Ref. 1713 w/ Service Paper still under Cartier warranty Brand: Cartier Model: Tank Americaine 1713 Year: 2000’s Serial number: SM1xxxx Refer...

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty
Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty

Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty

By Rolex

Located in Greensboro, NC

Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date President Model Number: 1803 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Date: 1964 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Aftermarket Champagne Diamond Metal Con...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1988 Rolex Day Date Rubellite Diamond Dial Ref. 18038
1988 Rolex Day Date Rubellite Diamond Dial Ref. 18038

1988 Rolex Day Date Rubellite Diamond Dial Ref. 18038

By Rolex

Located in Dubai, AE

Rubellite Rolex hasn’t left a stone unturned when it comes to the selection of materials they used for their dials. One family of dials is the stone dials which categorically inclu...

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 36mm Rose Gold Dial Diamond Bezel Iced Out Jubilee Watch 116233
Rolex Datejust 36mm Rose Gold Dial Diamond Bezel Iced Out Jubilee Watch 116233

Rolex Datejust 36mm Rose Gold Dial Diamond Bezel Iced Out Jubilee Watch 116233

By Rolex

Located in Aventura, FL

Rolex Datejust 36mm Rose Gold Roman Dial Iced Out Diamond Bezel Watch Jubilee Band Watch 116233, This Rolex Datejust has Iced Out Diamonds Two-Tone Stainless Steel and Rose Gold Watc...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Rare Rolex Cellini Time 18k Rose Gold Black Diamond Dial Men Watch 50605RBR
Rare Rolex Cellini Time 18k Rose Gold Black Diamond Dial Men Watch 50605RBR

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: ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

1957 Vacheron & Constantin 18K Gold Manual Wind Art Deco Watch
1957 Vacheron & Constantin 18K Gold Manual Wind Art Deco Watch

1957 Vacheron & Constantin 18K Gold Manual Wind Art Deco Watch

Located in Palm Desert, CA

This vintage 1957 Vacheron & Constantin men’s manual wind watch is crafted in 18K yellow gold and remains in excellent condition. It features a brown leather strap and houses mov...

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Art Deco Wrist Watches

Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Duetto Diamond 18K Rose Gold Watch
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Duetto Diamond 18K Rose Gold Watch

Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Duetto Diamond 18K Rose Gold Watch

By Jaeger-LeCoultre

Located in Miami, FL

Elegant and timeless, this Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duetto is crafted in luxurious 18K rose gold and features the iconic reversible case design. This sophisticated timepiece offers t...

Category

1990s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Vintage Rolex DateJust Model 69178 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rare Chevrolet Dial Box
Vintage Rolex DateJust Model 69178 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rare Chevrolet Dial Box

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...

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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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.