Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 Stainless Steel Wristwatch c. 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in stainless steel, this vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 has a silver tone dial.
Steel, Stainless Steel
Unavailable
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 men's Watch. 36mm stainless steel case with smooth bezel.
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 Stainless Steel Watch, 1952
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1952 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6084 Stainless Steel watch with Silver Dial with Applied Steel Arabic 3, 6, 9, and 12 Plus Elongated Arrow Markers. 34mm x 38mm lug to lug (1...
ROLEX 1950's Stainless Steel Rolex ref. 6084
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Nice example of a 1950s watch with sunken markers and a sunken crown. The markers and hands glisten in gold and stand out on the clean off white dial.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch Ref 6084
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Steel Lug tip to lug: 39.43mm Width: 34mm Band width at case: 19mm Case thickness: 12.94mm Band: New Italian brown Crocodile – steel Rolex buckle Crystal: Plastic Dial: Origin...
Steel
Vintage 1952 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Ref. 6084
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A highly collectible 1952 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Ref. 6084, featuring a 34mm 14K yellow gold case with a classic smooth bezel, embodying the refined design of early Rolex...
14k Gold
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel Men's Watch Ref. 6084
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel Men's Watch Ref. 6084 - Automatic winding.
ROLEX Yellow Gold Honeycomb Dial Ref 6084 with Original Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rare Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Ref. 6084, fitted with a gorgeous ivory-colored honeycomb dial and "Officially" printed in red.
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual with Factory Diamond Dial Wristwatch Ref 6084
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Automatic movement. 18k yellow gold case, 34mm diameter. This is a genuine Rolex factory diamond dial which is very rare for this time period. Original 18k yellow gold Rolex bracelet...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 18k Solid Gold 34mm Automatic 1950s Swiss RA467
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic luxury, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6084 semi bubbleback automatic dress watch, c.1954, in excellent working condition.
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14k Yellow Gold 34mm Wrist Watch Ref 6084
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case Material: 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 50.1 Grams Case Size (Diameter): 34mm (not including the crown) Height: 39mm...
Yellow Gold
Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 18k Solid Gold 34mm Automatic 1950s RA467B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6084 semi bubbleback automatic dress watch, c.1954, in excellent working condition.
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wristwatch Ref 6084
By Rolex
Located in Milano, IT
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wristwatch Ref 6084 circa 1951 A very nice clean Rolex in excellent condition !
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6084 Serial: 7490*** Model: Oyster Perpetual Case Material: 14K Yellow Gold Band: Leather Bezel: 14K Yellow Gold Dial: Ivory Face: Acrylic Case Size: 34mm ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
ROLEX Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a beautiful example of a Rolex oyster perpetual from the 1950s with a black original explorer style dial.
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6084
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual in 14 karat yellow gold, reference 6084.
14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Ref 6084, 14K gold case
By Rolex
Located in Sežana, SI
Check out this stunning Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Ref 6084 with a 14K gold case. 100% genuine and all original, fully inspected, serviced, and guaranteed.
Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6084
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18K Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch ref 6084 serial # 794,xxx circa 1952. 34mm diameter case with smooth bezel, acrylic crystal and large Super Oyster crown.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6084
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18K Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch ref 6084 circa 1956. 34mm diameter Oyster case with smooth bezel and acrylic crystal.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 Stainless Steel Watch, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1951 Vintage Rolex Early Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6084 Semi-Bubbleback Stainless Steel watch with Silver Dial with Applied Steel Beveled Triangle Markers. 34mm x 38mm lug to lug (1.34 i...
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 Stainless Steel Watch, 1950
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1950 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6084 Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with Applied Steel Arabic 3, 6, and 9 with Elongated Beveled Arrow Markers. 34mm x 38mm ...
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 in 18 Karat Rose Gold, 1950
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1950 Vintage Rolex Extremely Rare Early Oyster Perpetual 'Super Oyster' Ref. 6084 18k Rose Gold watch with Original Silver Dial with Applied Rose Gold Arrow Markers with Newer Rolex ...
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1951 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Big Semi Bubbleback Ref. 6084 14k Yellow Gold watch with Original Silver Dial with Recessed Gold Color Arabic 3, 6, 9, and 12 with Elongated Bevel...
Rolex Pink Gold Oyster Perpetual Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 6084, circa 1950
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18K PG Oyster Perpetual ref# 6084 serial # 698,xxx circa 1952.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6084
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, ref 6084, serial# 913,xxx circa 1953. 34mm diameter case with dome bezel and acrylic crystal.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1951 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084. 18K Yellow Gold case.
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 878XXX
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The movement inside the watch is the automatic Rolex 'bubble back' style movement. The watch has an early "Super Oyster' original crown The case back is fully signed Rolex with model...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century all original, 1951 Rolex stainless steel oyster date precision wristwatch. Red date wheel. Original ruby steel riveted oyster band. Unpolished, minor scratches to case an...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oysterdate with Rare Super Oyster Crown, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Super Oysterdate / Reference 6094 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 33mm CIRCA: 1951 MOVEM...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date from Early 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 15000 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stanless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Dial from 1957
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual .Date / Reference 6534 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Rolex Steel Early Oyster with Original Super Oyster Crown circa 1952-53
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6084 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1952-53 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Di...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch from 1952
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6106 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 20 Jewels / Caliber 645 DIAL / HANDS: Original Matte...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual from 1957 with Original Patinated Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamet...
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Vintage Patinated Dial 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 42mm X Diameter 3...
$5,592Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.38 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 Mens Automatic 1960s All Original RA675
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.1501 Men's automatic, c.1963, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Ref 1002, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970'S DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diam...
Stainless Steel
$5,272Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.38 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 Mens Vintage Automatic 1960s RA675B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.1501 Men's automatic, c.1963, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silve...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Dial Ladies Watch Ref. 6623
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Women's Rolex 6623 Oyster Perpetual vintage ladies wrist watch in stainless steel. Featuring a vintage oyster bracelet, fold over clasp (deployment release), screw-down crown, and 26...
Stainless Steel
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 / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: 1953 DIMENSIONS: Length 36mm X Diameter 30mm M...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Patinated Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial, circa Mid-1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm...
$4,480Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.34 in
Rolex Oyster Ref 6480 All Original Mens 34mm 1950s Manual Wind Vintage RA416S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Rolex ref.6480 Oyster manual hand-wind dress watch, c.1958, all original, unrefurbished, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchma...
Stainless Steel
Unavailable|$5,530
Dm 0.99 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel 26mm Just Date Women's Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date display watch is a classic example of Rolex's timeless elegance and durability. With it's versatile satin 26mm stainless steel case, this water resis...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Cartier Audemars Piguet 1970s Yellow Gold Tank Mechanical mid size Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Cartier classic Tank Wrist Watch, 20 x 20 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown. 20 Jewel, Audemars Piguet Manual wind, Nickle Lever movement. White Enamel Dia...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Rare Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual from 1952 Oversized Bubble Back Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm...
$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
Cartier Vintage Stepped Case Mechanical 18k Gold Plate Wrist watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Mid size Triple Stepped case Wrist Watch, 28 x 28 M.M. 18k Gold Electroplate 2 piece case, original and Excellent, Mint condition Chocolate brown dial with Gold R...
Gold Plate
Cartier Tank Américaine Automatic 18 Karat Gold Ref. 1725
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, DE
Cartier Tank Américaine Automatic 18 Karat Gold Ref. 1725 Including certificate of authenticity. The glass would need to be replaced. We can offer you this service upon request.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Explorer Date 5701
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage stainless steel and yellow gold Rolex Explorer Date ref. 5701 automatic movement wristwatch. Featuring well aged champagne dial with applied dagger-style hour markers. Com...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
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...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Early Datejust Steel and Rose Gold with Original Dial from 1950
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6075 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X ...
$9,360Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.38 in
Mens Rolex Ref 1503 Oyster Perpetual Date 18k Gold Automatic 1960s Rjc156r
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 automatic, c.1960s. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied g...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Oversized "Ovatoni" with Original Dial from Mid-1950s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Ovatoni / Reference 6075 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 35...
Vintage Rolex Royalite Watch 2280 Circa 1939
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Rolex Royalite Watch 2280 Circa 1939 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale. This model was m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Precision 6423 Arrowhead Dagger Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand : Rolex Model: Oysterdate Precision Reference number: 6423 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Hand Wind Case Material: Stainless Steel Measurements :34mm diame...
Stainless Steel
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...
Rolex 31mm Datejust Watch
By Rolex
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Pre-Owned Rolex 31mm Datejust Automatic Watch Crafted in Stainless Steel with Polished Bezel, Acrylic Crystal, White Roman Dial, and Oyster Bracelet. Model 6824, Circa 1975. Overhaul...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Two Tone with Factory Original Dial From 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6105 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Stainless Steel & Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Gold, 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.
A fresh palette of dial colors and technological advances have elevated this classic watch model.
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.