Vintage Rolex Submariner 1680 Stainless Steel 1978
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1680 Serial: 5295*** Year: 1978 Model: Rolex Submariner Case Material: Stainless
Vintage Rolex Submariner 1680 Stainless Steel 1978
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1680 Serial: 5295*** Year: 1978 Model: Rolex Submariner Case Material: Stainless
Rolex Submariner 1680 Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Westport, CT
An original vintage black Rolex Submariner (1680) circa 1980s. This magnificent piece features a
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Red Rolex Submariner 1680 Original Dial Complete Box & Papers, 1970
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1680 Serial: 2936*** Year: 1970 Model: RED Letter Submariner Case Material
Stainless Steel
$17,500
W 1.58 in L 1.58 in
Vintage 1978 Rolex Submariner Ref 1680 Stainless Steel Automatic Black Dial 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Classic Reference In Immaculate Condition The ref. 1680 sits at a turning point for the
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Submariner Single Red Matte Dial 1680 Steel Automatic Watch, 1970
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 1680 Year: 1970 Serial number: 29xxxxx Reference: C03865 Case: Show
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date, Ref 1680, 40mm Case, Dial & Hands Coeval Patina, 1977/78
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Rolex Submariner Date , reference 1680, features a 40mm stainless steel case with
Rolex Rare Submariner Date Red Writing Vintage Stainless Steel Mark VI 1680
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
vintage wristwatch is a Submariner 1680; a watch that is incredibly sought after and one that every watch
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Single Red MK II 1680 Tropical Brown Steel Automatic Watch 1969
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 1680 Year: 1969 Serial number: 21xxxxx Reference: C03413 Case: Show
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Rare Nipple Dial Omani Crest Submariner Date B&P 1680
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare 18k Yellow Gold Omani Crest Submariner Date Vintage Men's Wristwatch, original matte black nipple dial, date at 3 0'clock, an 18k yellow gold bi-directional rotating bezel wit...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner 1680
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
. 40 mm case size. **Bank wire only at this price** Ref 1680. Circa 1978. Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 1680, Black Dial Certified Authentic
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Submariner Reference #:1680. Rolex Submariner 1680 Mark I Mens Automatic Vintage Watch White
Rolex Submariner 1680, Black Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Submariner Reference #:1680. Rolex Submariner 1680 Mark I Mens Automatic Vintage Watch White
Rolex Submariner 1680, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Submariner Reference #:1680. Rolex Submariner 1680 Mark I Mens Automatic Vintage Watch White
Unavailable
W 0.79 in Dm 1.58 in L 0.31 in
Rolex Submariner 1680 Vintage Stainless Mens Automatic Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Submariner 1680 Vintage Stainless Mens Automatic Watch 40mm
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 1680, Black Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Submariner Reference #: 1680. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Black 40 MM
Rolex Submariner 1680, Black Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Submariner Reference #: 1680. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Black 40 MM
Rolex Stainless Steel Red Submariner Wristwatch Ref. 1680
By Rolex
Located in Westlake Village, CA
, size, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner 1680 2879573 1970 40 mm.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Big Red 1680 Submariner Wristwatch, 1979
By Rolex
Located in Epsom, Surrey
This Rolex has undergone a thorough inspection and service to ensure all aspects of the watch are
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Full Set Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Bologna, IT
Rolex Rolex Submariner FULL SET Ref. 1680 Serial Number: 53xxxxx Steel Case Black Dial (SWISS
Rolex Submariner ‘5 Serial’ Stainless Steel Automatic Men's Watch 1680
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Rolex Band Color: Stainless Steel Gender: Men's Case Size: 40-43.5mm MPN: Does Not Apply
Stainless Steel
Unavailable
W 0.79 in D 0.56 in Dm 1.58 in L 7.49 in
Rolex Submariner 1680 Mark IV Vintage Black Dial Men's Watch 1968
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Submariner 1680 Mark IV Vintage Black Dial Men's Watch 40mm 1968
Rolex Submariner Yellow Gold Blue Nipple Dial Model 1680, circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Model: Submariner Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Size: 40mm Dial: Blue Nipple Dial
18k Gold
Rolex Submariner 1680 Mark I Men’s Automatic Vintage Watch White Dial SS
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Submariner Reference #:1680. Rolex Submariner 1680 Mark I Mens Automatic Vintage Watch White
Rolex Submariner 1680 Mark I Men's Automatic Vintage Watch White Dial SS
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Submariner 1680 Mark I Mens Automatic Vintage Watch White Dial SS 40mm
Rolex 18 Karat Gold Oyster Perpetual Submariner with Blue Gloss Earth Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
well. Originally created in the late 1960s, the 18K yellow gold Rolex Submariner (reference 1680) came
18k Gold
Vintage 1970 Rolex 1680 Red Submariner
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A true grail piece for vintage Rolex collectors, this 1970 Rolex Submariner 1680 stands out as one
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch, circa 1977
By Rolex
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover this Rolex 1680/0 Submariner Oyster Perpetual Circa 1977. Case : Steel Bracelet : Steel
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch, circa 1977
By Rolex
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover this Rolex 1680/0 Submariner Oyster Perpetual Circa 1977. Case : Steel Bracelet : Steel
Steel
Rolex Submariner Stainless Steel 1680
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Reference: COM1643 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Submariner Model Reference: 1680 Age: Circa 1970
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 1680 Automatic Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Submariner 1680 Automatic Mens Watch - Automatic. Stainless Steel ( 40 mm ). Balck dial with
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Restored, refinished and guaranteed vintage 1979 Rolex submariner ref 1680. 8 Inches and can be
Steel, Stainless Steel
Very Collectible Vintage Rolex Red Submariner, 1680
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Very Collectible Vintage Rolex Red Submariner 1680 - Automatic winding, acrylic crystal. Stainless
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
1970 Rolex, Reference 1680 Submariner with Original Red "Submariner" Dial, 40 MM Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Mint, incredible condition 18 karat yellow gold Submariner ref. #1680, made circa 1970. This watch
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner Tiffany & Co. Single Red 1680
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: COM1411 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Submariner Model Ref: 1680 Age: Gender: Mens Complete With
Rolex Yellow Gold Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
With many vintage Rolex models priced far above their modern counterparts, vintage gold 1680s
Yellow Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A thoughtful style choice for the dapper gentleman, this handsome timepiece offers an authentic vintage look, as well as beautiful original condition. The case and dial are mint. Not...
Yellow Gold
Pre-Owned Rolex “Red” Submariner Ref. #1680
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Noted for its beautiful “café au lait” patina and superior case condition with thick beveled edges, this Submariner is a handsome example of the fabled model. The dial, hands and bez...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Submarine Date Nipple Dial, 1680
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage yellow gold Submariner Date. Featuring a rare distinctive blue dial coined the nipple dial, due to the protruding hour markers made of precious metals in this case yellow g...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex MK IV Red Submariner ref. #1680
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A lovely example of this iconic classic boasting a thick case, beautiful patina that is matched on the hands & dial and "Submariner" printed in bright red raised letters. The bracele...
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel "RED SUBMARINER" Ref. #1680 by Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stainless Steel "RED SUBMARINER" Ref. #1680 by Rolex - Great condition, circa 1973, 40mm Case
Stainless Steel
Pre-Owned Rolex MKV Red Submariner Ref. #1680
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A handsome example of this classic icon, the watch boasts a clean original dial with beautifully matched creamy patina on the markers and original hands. The bezel insert and Oyster ...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel “NATO” Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Looking for a cool example of the world’s most iconic watch? This piece has amazing provenance! It was sold at the US NATO base in Naples, Italy in 1979. It comes with the original b...
Stainless Steel
Pre-Owned “Loaded” Rolex Red Submariner Ref. #1680
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
The collector who appreciates original accessories will thoroughly enjoy browsing the extensive number of bits that accompany this handsome icon. From the original box and warranty t...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel “NATO” Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Looking for a cool example of the world’s most iconic watch? This piece has amazing provenance! It was sold at the US NATO base in Naples, Italy in 1979. It comes with the original b...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Submariner 1680 Yellow Gold Automatic Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Submariner 1680 Yellow Gold Automatic Mens Watch - Automatic. 18K Yellow gold case
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Vintage Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Submariner 1680 Men's Steel Watch - Automatic winding. Stainless steel case with
Vintage Rolex Submariner 1680 Mark 1 Dial, circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in Cape May, NJ
Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Submariner 1680 Serial/Year: 5,6XX,XXX - 1978 Purchased in 1980 from
Stainless Steel
Blue Vignette 18K Yellow Gold Submariner Ref. #1680 Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Blue Vignette 18K Yellow Gold Submariner Ref. #1680 by Rolex - Vignette color change Dial Blue
18k Gold
Rolex Submariner Date 1680 Blue Nipple Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date 1680 Mens Watch. 40mm 18K yellow gold case. Bi-directional
18k Gold
Pre-Owned "MK I White" Rolex Submariner Ref. #1680
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An early example of the white dial version of the 1680, this watch represents the first version of
Steel
Vintage Rolex Submariner 1680 Stainless Steel Watch, circa 1979
By Rolex
Located in Baltimore, MD
Vintage Rolex Submariner 1680S Stainless Steel Watch Model: 1680S Serial: 616**** Case: 40mm
Steel, Stainless Steel
Collectors Special Rolex Mark II Submariner 1680 Automatic Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Submariner 1680 Automatic Mens Watch - Automatic. Stainless steel case with rotating bezel
Collectors Special Rolex Mark II Submariner 1680 Automatic Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Submariner 1680 Automatic Mens Watch - Automatic. Stainless steel case with rotating bezel
Rolex Stainless Steel Red Submariner 1680 Oyster Bracelet Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Red Submariner 1680 - Automatic winding, acrylic crystal. Stainless steel case with
Pre-Owned Rolex Submariner Ref. #1680 with “Tropical” Dial
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Easily distinguished from its counterparts by the tropical purple color-change dial, this is a unique example of a vintage Submariner. This watch has been guarded in beautiful origin...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ROLEX Exceptional Yellow Gold Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680 circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Exceptional condition Ref. 1680 with stylized "nipple" markers, beautiful rich blue dial and bezel
ROLEX 1970's 18K Yellow Gold Blue Submariner Ref. #1680
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
1970's 18K Yellow Gold Blue Submariner Ref. #1680 by Rolex: -Excellent Condition
18k Gold
Strong Patina Rolex Submariner 1680 with Box & Papers Circa 1979
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Distinctive from its counterparts due to the striking patina, this ref. #1680 Submariner will be a
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Vintage Submariner Date automatic Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
markers, date at 3 o’clock Serial #: 3685XXX (Circa 1971) Reference #: 1680 Box and papers included
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Black Single Red Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Warranty Model No: 1680 This watch has been fully inspected in house. Our experts check all watches
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680 with Incredible Patina
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
The best patina ever on an original Rolex "Red" Submariner. Original insert and original matched
Stainless Steel
Rolex Tropical Brown Dial Stainless Steel Red Submariner Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This is the ultimate Rolex red Submariner for the dedicated collector. The stainless steel watch is
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Tropical Meters First Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rolex and, during this service, a new insert and new hands were added.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Wristwatch ref 1680, with patination, 1979, super history.
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and classic Rolex Submariner Date reference 1680 features a stainless steel 40mm case
Rolex Submariner Date Ref 1680 Wristwatch. 40mm Case, Patinated, Retailed 1979.
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Rolex Submariner , reference 1680, features a 40mm stainless steel case and stainless
$21,500
H 1.18 in W 1.22 in Dm 9 in L 9 in
CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An automatique Ceinture large wrist-watch designed by Cartier. This is the rare large model of the Ceinture automatique wristwatch, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of C...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$56,920
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Gold Ceramic Steel Black Dial Men Watch 116519LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2022 card. Comes with the original box and papers. Brand and Model Brand: Rolex Model: Cosmograph Daytona Model Number: 116519LN Design and Style Style: Luxury Watch Shape: ...
18k Gold
Rolex Submariner Date
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner Date REFERENCE: 16610 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oystersteel MOVEMENT: Automatic WRIST SIZE: 8.25 Good condition,...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 6239 Daytona Stainless Steel Watch in Stock
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 6239 Daytona Stainless Steel Watch in Stock This is a super cool Rolex 6239 Daytona Stainless Steel Watch. The watch is vintage but still very modern and classy. The case size...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Historical Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Big Red 6263 steel 1979
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
First launched in 1963 and created specifically for the world of automotive racing, the Rolex Daytona collection is arguably one of the most popular and universally respected lines o...
Steel
$16,319Sale Price|25% Off
Dm 1.74 in
Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea D-Blue James Cameron Blue Black Dial Mens Watch 126660
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by 3 -year Chronostore Warranty. General Information Brand: Rolex Model Name: Sea-Dweller Model Number: 1266...
Stainless Steel
$15,800
H 0.52 in W 1.97 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Submariner 16613 Two-Tone Gold & Steel Blue Dial Automatic Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in Westport, CT
An authentic Rolex Submariner 16613, a luxurious and durable timepiece that seamlessly blends functionality with style. This gold and stainless steel men’s watch comes with its origi...
Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
$42,380
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Daytona White Panda Dial Steel Ceramic Automatic Mens Watch 116500LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Mint condition. This watch comes with an original box and paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund....
Stainless Steel
$18,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Champagne Men's Watch - 16523
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Champagne Men's Watch - 16523 Excellent condition comes with Rolex Box and certificate of authenticity free overnight shipping fits 8 inch wrist shop wi...
18k Gold
$60,948
H 1.62 in W 0.52 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Submariner 18k Yellow Gold Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126618LB
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn Rolex Submariner 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 126618LNBKSO. Original Box and Papers are Included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty cove...
Yellow Gold
$40,000Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Daytona Platinum Diamond Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Daytona Platinum Diamond Men's Watch all original Rolex parts except custom Diamond dial and diamonds on case excellent condition comes with original box and paperwork shop...
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex Daytona White Gold Racing Dial 116509
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Cosmograph Daytona crafted in white gold by Rolex. Featuring a silver racing dial with red detailing. Like all Daytona's this model features a tachymetric scale, three counters and...
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex GMT-Master II 18K Yellow Gold Jubilee Black Dial Men Watch 126718
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with the original box and papers.
Yellow Gold
Steel Omega Speedmaster Vintage 1970 's Chronograph Wrist Watch Ref. ST145.022
By Omega
Located in Antwerp, BE
Steel Omega Speedmaster Vintage 1970 's Chronograph Wrist Watch Ref. ST145.022 With Omega Extract from The Archives
Stainless Steel, Steel
Hermes Birkin Bag 50cm in Barenia Crinoline
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Do not miss out on this rare Hermès Birkin Bag 50cm in Barenia Crinoline—an extraordinary and rare piece that epitomizes luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. The generous 50...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Black PVD/DLC Coated Watch 116523
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Black PVD/DLC Coated Watch 116523 Please note: PVD/DLC coating and bezel have been customized aftermarket. We use the highest quality coati...
Yellow Gold, PVD-Coated, 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.
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.
These companies have stood the test of time, making exceptional pieces for generations.