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
1981 Rolex Air King 5500 Silver Dial 34mm Watch Stainless #25018
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1981 Rolex Air King Model: 5500 Serial: 6559514 Stainless steel case - 34mm in diameter Silver
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5500 Air King Precision Mens 1970s 34mm Automatic RA754S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Men's Rolex Perpetual 5500 "Air King" Prevision automatic, c.1978, all-stainless
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 5500 Air King Mens 1970s 34mm Automatic RA754
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Precision Ref 5500 "Air King" automatic, c.1978, in excellent working
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 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
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
/ OYSTER-PERPETUAL / Air-King" 27 mm in Diameter Stainless Steel Oyster Band w/ Deployment Clasp Inner
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King '5 Serial' Stainless Steel Automatic Mid-Size Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Resistance Rating: 50 m (5 ATM) Model: Air-King (5 Serial) Display: Analog Serial Number: 5500 Watch Shape
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Calibre 1520 Wristwatch Ref 5500, circa 1977
By Rolex
Located in Epsom, Surrey
. Specifications; Model Number: 5500 Year: 1977 Dial: Black Air King Precision Bezel: Steel Domed Accessories
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 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 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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
Rolex Air-King Gents Stainless Steel Silver Dominos Pizza Dial 5500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 34 mm Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King Gents Wristwatch, silver dial with applied hour
Silver, Stainless Steel
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
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 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 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 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
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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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
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 RJC106B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision Air-King 5500 automatic, c.1967. Verified authentic by
Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Mens Automatic 1970s Vintage NA142R
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oyster "Air-King" Precision Ref.5500 automatic, c.1970, unpolished, in
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
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Ref. 5500 Glossy Black Dial, Late 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Ref. 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1970s All Original RA493
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Precision Ref.5500 "Air King
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King Ref. 5500 Original Dial from 1973-74
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1970s Vintage RA477B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.5500 Precision "Air King" automatic, c.1971, in
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 Steel Air King with Custom Dial from 1969 or 1970
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Green Dial, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Green Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial, circa 1984 or 1985
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Green Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless
Mont Blanc Star Classique Mens SS Steel Watch - Mint with Warranty
By Mont Blanc
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...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Must de Cartier 21 Quartz Watch, Stainless Steel & Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER Must 21 W10050F4 Watch SSYG Silver/Gold Quartz Ladies Ivory Dial A Refined Synthesis of Elegance and PrecisionAdd a touch of classic luxury to your wrist with this Must de C...
Quartz, Gold, Silver, Stainless Steel
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....
Stainless Steel, Gold Plate
Rolex Datejust 16233 Champagne Dial Watch in 18K Yellow Gold & Steel, 1990s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16233 automatic two tone with a champagne sunburst dial from the early 90s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements include a...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1550 34mm Champagne Dial 14k Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1550 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Case Material: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Steel Band: Custom Leather Strap Bezel: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Ste...
14k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
$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
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
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
Unworn Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference# 124200, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34 124200-0009 captures the essence of Rolex watchmaking—pure, precise, and timeless. Crafted from Oystersteel, a highly corrosion-resistant alloy exclusiv...
Stainless Steel
Hermès 1991 Sac Bolide 35 Brown Leather Bolide Bag With Strap Hermes Spa
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Bolide model bag, size 35, in lightly grained brown (hazelnut) leather, interior in soft, coordinated leather with a large patch pocket, 2 handles for carrying by hand and a r...
Waltham Gold Filled Tortue Shaped Art Deco Watch with Flawless Original Dial
By Waltham
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tortue Shape METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1930 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Diameter 30...
Stainless Steel
Omega De Ville Prestige Chronometer Tonneau Automatic Mens Watch
By Omega
Located in Toronto, CA
Description Brand: Omega Model: De Ville Prestige Reference Number: 1681220 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Material: Stainless steel Measurements...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Made Blue Dial, circa 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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm x 34mm MOVEME...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 1952-1961 Oyster 34 Perpetual Reference 1003 Two Tone Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in Providence, RI
This iconic two tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch blends luxury and functionality into a classic formal wrist watch. The exquisite dial features 14k yellow gold stick indices and the...
Stainless Steel
$5,500
H 1.38 in W 1.66 in
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Original Dial Gilt Markers, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Rolex OP 1500 Silver Dial Watch, 1960-70s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual date reference 1500 automatic with a silver sunburst dial from the late 60s, early 70s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements...
Silver
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.
The black-and-white Rolex Daytona is arguably the most famous panda-style watch.
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.