Rolex Air King 5500 Cream Dial Watch, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Air King precision reference 5500 automatic with a silver cream dial from
Rolex Air King 5500 Cream Dial Watch, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Air King precision reference 5500 automatic with a silver cream dial from
Vintage Rolex Air-King Pool Intairdril 5500 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens 34mm vintage Air King wristwatch by Rolex. Features a silver dial with applied hour markers
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Explorer Super Precision Underline Dial 5500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Explorer in stainless steel. Featuring a black gilt dial with arabic numbers, a
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel Air-King Rolex Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A true vintage classic, this 1967 Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 offers understated sophistication with a
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Air King Vintage Steel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Rolex Air King Reference 5500 Wrist watch, 34 M.M Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case
Steel
Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500. 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1520
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Pink Dial, Circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless
Unavailable
Rolex 5500 Air-King Pink MOP Diamond
By Rolex
Located in San Fernando, CA
Brand - Rolex Gender - Unisex Model - 5500-AIR KING Condition - pre owned Metals - Stainless steel
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 Stainless Steel Watch, 1981
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1981 Vintage Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with Applied
Rolex Air King Oyster Perpetual SS Men's Automatic Watch 5500 1979
By Rolex
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Movement #1520 (26 Jewels) Case #5500 Serial #61608XX Year: 1979 Stainless Steel Case 34 mm in
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King '5 Serial' Stainless Steel Automatic Mid-Size Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Rolex Band Color: Stainless Steel Gender: Unisex Case Size: 32-35.5mm MPN: Does Not Apply
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Calibre 1520 Wristwatch Ref 5500, circa 1977
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
Vintage Rolex Air-King Stainless Steel Watch, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1972 Vintage Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 Stainless Steel watch with Original RARE Unique Champagne
Rolex Unisex Date 1500 Two-Tone 34mm Malachite Diamond Roman jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Fernando, CA
(Watch Description) Brand - Rolex Gender - Unisex Model - 5500 Datejust Metals - Stainless steel
Diamond, Malachite, Gold, Stainless Steel
Unavailable
W 1.34 in
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Peach Dial Self-Winding Wristwatch, c1973
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A terrific looking tropical dial Rolex Airking ref 5500 serial # 3.5 million circa 1973. Featuring
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 5500
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Watch: Rolex Air King 5500 Stock Number: CHW6231 We have just had this classic Rolex Air King 5500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King Reference 5500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Air-King reference 5500 from 1966 and remains a timeless classic suitable for
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Vintage Air-King 5500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 34mm Air-King by Rolex in stainless steel. Featuring an extremely rare silver dial with
Stainless Steel
Rolex Airking 5500 Complete collectors Set
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
If you are looking for a classic Rolex Air King 5500 then you would be hard pressed to find a full
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel California Dial Automatic Wristwatch Ref 5500
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1974 Rolex Reference 5500, 34 MM water proof 2 piece case. Caliber 1520 Automatic, self
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch 5500
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Air-King Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual - Automatic winding, acrylic crystal. Wristwatch
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch Ref 5500 circa 1985
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch, Ref. 5500, with a caliber 1520 Self-Winding Movement
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King 5500 Super Precision – 1964 – RAF Provenance – Full Set
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
This remarkable Rolex Air-King 5500 Super Precision isn’t just a vintage watch – it’s a time
Steel
Vintage Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500 - Automatic winding
Vintage Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500 - Automatic winding
Vintage Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500 - Automatic winding
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Silver Dial Mens Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King 34mm Silver Dial Men's Watch 5500. The Bracelet
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King Automatic, 1970s Vintage RJC190
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster Precision Air-King Ref.5500 automatic, c.1978
Rolex Air-King Gents Stainless Steel Silver Dominos Pizza Dial 5500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
, comes with a Rolex box, our own certificate of authenticity and our own one year warranty.
Silver, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Ref 5500 Custom Green Dial from 1973-1974
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Ref 5500 METAL
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Air-King Gold Dial Model 5500 Stainless Steel c.1987
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex Air-King Model 5500 Stainless Steel Yellow/Gold Original Dial c.1987 Stephanie
Stainless Steel
1983 Rolex Air-King Stainless Steel Model 5500 with Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: 5500 Air-King Year: 1983 Material: Stainless Steel Dial: Original Pale Yellow
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Ref 5500 Oyster Precision Air King Automatic 1960s Swiss RJC191S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's Rolex Ref.5500 Oyster "Air-King" Precision automatic, c.1967, all original
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1970s Vintage NA140G
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oyster "Air-King" Precision Ref.5500 automatic, c.1972, unpolished, in
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1970s Vintage NA140
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster "Air-King" Precision Ref.5500 automatic, c
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1960s Vintage NA141B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic vintage, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision Ref.5500 "Air-King" automatic, c.1969, in excellent
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King Ref 5500 Wristwatch, Silver Dial, Oyster Bracelet, B&P's, 1987
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Rolex Air-King reference 5500 features a 34mm stainless steel case with stainless steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch Ref 5500 with Custom-Colored Dial
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Automatic winding, acrylic crystal. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (34mm diameter). Custom-colored blue dial with stick markers. Stainless steel Oyster bracelet. Circa 1970s,...
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1960s Vintage RA476B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Precision Ref.5500 "Air King" automatic, c.1968, in
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1960s All Original RA476
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Precision Ref.5500 "Air King
Rolex Air King Custom Gray Meteorite Diamond Dial Steel Men's 1969 Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
. Details: Model Number 5500 Brand Rolex Department Men Style Dress/Formal Model Air King Band Color Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1960s All Original NA141
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster "Air-King" Precision Ref.5500 automatic, c
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer with Custom Made Replacement Dial from 1968
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Ref. 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 1940s Steel Case Automatic Self Winding Scarce Dial Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1946 Rolex Air King, Reference 5500 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case with Smooth
Steel
Mens Rolex Precision Ref.9659 18k White Gold Hand-Wind, c.1960s Swiss RA153
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, men's Rolex Oyster Precision ref.5500 "Air-King" automatic, c.1979. Verified
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex, “Oyster Perpetual, Air-King, Precision, made 1973
Located in Firenze, IT
Ref. 5500, Air-King Rolex, “Oyster Perpetual, Air-King, Precision”, case No. 3346621, Ref. 5500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 5552
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Rolex Stainless Steel Reference 5500 Oyster Perpetual Chronometer. Three Piece 34 M.M
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 5552
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Rolex Stainless Steel Reference 5500 Oyster Perpetual Chronometer. Three Piece 34 M.M
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex 5500 King Super Precision Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 5500 Serial: 869*** Model: Air King Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Custom
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King 5500 Men's Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Men's 34mm Rolex air king 5500. Stainless steel case and oyster band. Circa 1966. 7.75 inches
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel California Dial Wristwatch Ref 5500
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Rolex Reference 5500, Stainless Steel 34 MM water proof case with engine turned Bezel
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 5500 Stainless Steel Leather Band
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 5500 Serial: 6292*** Model: Air King Case Material: Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 5500
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer, Ref. 5500 in a 3 piece, 34 M.M. stainless steel
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 5500 Stainless Steel with Leather Band
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 5500 Serial: 970*** Model: Air King Case Material: Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 Vintage Steel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1972 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Water
Steel
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Ref 5500 Custom Green Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Ref 5500 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King Vintage Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Air-King Vintage Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500 - Automatic winding
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King Automatic 1960s Vintage RJC131
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision Air-King 5500 automatic, c.1969. Verified authentic by
Vintage Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Automatic winding, acrylic crystal. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (34mm diameter). Black dial with stick markers. Stainless steel Oyster bracelet. Pre-owned with custom box.
Stainless Steel
Men's Rolex Oyster Precision "Air-King" Ref.5500 Automatic, circa 1970s RA116BLU
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, men's Rolex Oyster Precision ref.5500 "Air-King" automatic, c.1972. Verified
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 5500 Air King Automatic 1960s Swiss RA340
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision Ref.5500 Air King automatic, c.1962. Verified authentic
Mens Rolex Ref 5500 Oyster Precision Air King Automatic 1960s Swiss RJC191T
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster "Air-King" Precision Ref.5500 automatic, c.1967. Verified
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Ref 5500 Oyster Precision Air King Automatic Swiss 1970s RJC190S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's steel Rolex Ref.5500 Oyster Precision Air-King automatic, c.1978. Verified
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 5500 Air King Automatic 1960s Swiss RJC106B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision Air-King 5500 automatic, c.1967. Verified authentic by
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.34 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6634 34mm Gold Capped Mens 1950s Automatic Original RA673
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6634 "Golden Egg" gold-capped automatic, c.1959, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker....
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dial with Gold Baton Markers 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Automatic Coral dial Ladies Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1978 Rolex Reference 6719 Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 M.M. 14k Yellow Gold 3 piece Oyster case with Fluted bezel, Oyster Perpetual Automatic, self winding movement, Custom finished ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,299
H 1.03 in W 0.44 in Dm 1.03 in
Rolex Datejust 26mm Steel Custom Turquoise Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 69174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. No original box and papers. Custom aftermarket dial. 1 year seller warranty. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69174...
Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Champagne Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Oyster Bracelet & Rare Black Dial, 1979
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 1200 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1979 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rare Cartier Tank Basculante Platinum & Rose Gold
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare, platinum and rose gold Tank Basculante by Cartier. Featuring a silver guilloche dial with roman numerals, blued steel sword-shaped hands, a hidden Cartier signature at VII an...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Rolex 1960s Oysterdate Precision 6694 Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Oysterdate Precision Reference 6694 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster Case, 17 Jewel Caliber 1225 Manual wind movement, Original Black dial with r...
Steel
Vintage Rolex Ref 2387, 9K Yellow Gold Tonneau with Art Deco Dial, H/M UK 1930
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our wonderful vintage Rolex features a 9k yellow gold stepped tonneau shaped case with manual wind 15 jewel movement. Notably, this example has a very attractive art deco style dial ...
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
$7,499Sale Price|25% Off
Rolex Explorer 36mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 14270
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre Owned Rolex Explorer 36mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 14270. The minor patina on the dial near the center of the hands around canon pinion. This Timepiece wa...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Sage Green Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos Galbee Stainless Steel 1565 Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER SANTOS GALBEE 1565 Elegant Ladies Luxury Timepiece. -Condition: Mint -Model: 1565 -Movement: Swiss Quartz -Case Size: 24 x 35mm -Material: Stainless Steel -Dial: White with ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex 34mm SS Date Pink MOP Diamond Dial Smooth Bezel Oyster Band Watch
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brand : Rolex Model : Date (Non-Quickset Model) Gender : Unisex Metals : Stainless Steel Case Size : 34 mm Dial : Custom Pink Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial (This dial is not original...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Cartier Vintage Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Cartier Mid Size Wrist Watch, 30 M.M. X 6 M.M thick 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, Cartier Inc. 17 jewel mechanical, Manual wind movement. Silver Satin Dial with raised Gol...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unworn Rolex Datejust 36 Silver Oyster Reference# 126200, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Datejust 36 126200-0002 is a refined expression of Rolex’s timeless design, crafted for those who value both elegance and precision. Its 36mm Oystersteel case offers except...
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.