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Rolex Air King Bracelet

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Original Dial and Bracelet Late 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Original Dial and Bracelet Late 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Original Dial and Bracelet Late 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diamete...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial Rare Jubilee Bracelet,  Early 1970's
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial Rare Jubilee Bracelet,  Early 1970's

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial Rare Jubilee Bracelet, Early 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diam...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Dark Green Dial and Solid Link Bracelet 1970's
Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Dark Green Dial and Solid Link Bracelet 1970's

Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Dark Green Dial and Solid Link Bracelet 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm Length X 34mm ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air King with a Custom Red Dial and Original Oyster Bracelet Mid 60s
Rolex Steel Air King with a Custom Red Dial and Original Oyster Bracelet Mid 60s

Rolex Steel Air King with a Custom Red Dial and Original Oyster Bracelet Mid 60s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Recent Sales

Rolex Air-King Automatic Steel Mens Oyster Bracelet Watch 116900
Rolex Air-King Automatic Steel Mens Oyster Bracelet Watch 116900

Rolex Air-King Automatic Steel Mens Oyster Bracelet Watch 116900

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Air-King Automatic 40mm Steel Mens Oyster Bracelet Watch 116900 2017 excellent condition original box and papers all original Rolex Parts 2 year warranty shop with confi...

Category

2010s European Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Air King Wristwatch Ref 140101M. Oyster Bracelet, Silver Dial. Circa 2002.
Rolex Air King Wristwatch Ref 140101M. Oyster Bracelet, Silver Dial. Circa 2002.

Rolex Air King Wristwatch Ref 140101M. Oyster Bracelet, Silver Dial. Circa 2002.

By Rolex

Located in Canterbury, England

Our classic neo vintage Rolex Air-King reference 140101M features a stainless steel 34mm case with engine turned bezel and Oyster bracelet, and silver dial.

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Rolex Air-King Ref 5500 Wristwatch, Silver Dial, Oyster Bracelet, B&P's, 1987
Rolex Air-King Ref 5500 Wristwatch, Silver Dial, Oyster Bracelet, B&P's, 1987

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 Oyster bracelet and silver dial, making for a very classical combination.

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Air King Custom Finished Yellow Dial Rare Jubilee Bracelet from 1962
Rolex Steel Air King Custom Finished Yellow Dial Rare Jubilee Bracelet from 1962

Rolex Steel Air King Custom Finished Yellow Dial Rare Jubilee Bracelet from 1962

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Ref.5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1962-63 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm x 34mm MOVEME...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air King Custom Dial Original Oyster Bracelet from 1980 or 1981
Rolex Steel Air King Custom Dial Original Oyster Bracelet from 1980 or 1981

Rolex Steel Air King Custom Dial Original Oyster Bracelet from 1980 or 1981

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Ref. 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980-81 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 41mm X 39mm MOVEMENT / CALIBE...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air King with Original Bracelet, circa 1970s
Rolex Steel Air King with Original Bracelet, circa 1970s

Rolex Steel Air King with Original Bracelet, circa 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King Oyster Perpetual METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: 1970's DIMENSIONS: 39mm X 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetu...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Air King Custom Red Dial Original Oyster Bracelet, Early 1980's
Rolex Steel Air King Custom Red Dial Original Oyster Bracelet, Early 1980's

Rolex Steel Air King Custom Red Dial Original Oyster Bracelet, Early 1980's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Ref. 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 41mm X 39mm MOVEMENT / C...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Air King with Custom Dial and Original Oyster Bracelet from 1980 or 1981
Rolex Air King with Custom Dial and Original Oyster Bracelet from 1980 or 1981

Rolex Air King with Custom Dial and Original Oyster Bracelet from 1980 or 1981

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Ref. 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980-81 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 41mm X 39mm MOVEMENT / CALIBE...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Air King with Custom Dial and Original Oyster Bracelet from 1980 or 1981
Rolex Air King with Custom Dial and Original Oyster Bracelet from 1980 or 1981

Rolex Air King with Custom Dial and Original Oyster Bracelet from 1980 or 1981

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Ref. 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980-81 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 41mm X 39mm MOVEMENT / CALIBE...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Classic Air King with Rare Dial and Original Bracelet, Early 1970's
Rolex Steel Classic Air King with Rare Dial and Original Bracelet, Early 1970's

Rolex Steel Classic Air King with Rare Dial and Original Bracelet, Early 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm x 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Classic Air King with Rare Dial and Original Bracelet Early 1970's
Rolex Steel Classic Air King with Rare Dial and Original Bracelet Early 1970's

Rolex Steel Classic Air King with Rare Dial and Original Bracelet Early 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm x 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Dark Green Dial and Solid Link Bracelet 1970's
Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Dark Green Dial and Solid Link Bracelet 1970's

Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Dark Green Dial and Solid Link Bracelet 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm Length X 34mm ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Oyster Bracelet Wristwatch, circa 1990
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Oyster Bracelet Wristwatch, circa 1990

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Oyster Bracelet Wristwatch, circa 1990

By Rolex

Located in New Orleans, LA

Excellent condition 1990 Rolex Air King with a silver colored dial and all Stainless Steel Casing.

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Air-King Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet Watch 114200 Box & Papers
Rolex Air-King Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet Watch 114200 Box & Papers

Rolex Air-King Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet Watch 114200 Box & Papers

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Rolex Air-King Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet Watch 114200 Box & Papers "G Serial #" Manufacturer Rolex Model Air-King Reference Number. 114200 Band Type.

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

People Also Browsed

Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066
Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Original Oyster Bracelet and Sub Seconds circa 1957
Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Original Oyster Bracelet and Sub Seconds circa 1957

Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Original Oyster Bracelet and Sub Seconds circa 1957

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6504 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 / 58 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 31mm X D...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dial with Gold Baton Markers 1970's
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dial with Gold Baton Markers 1970's

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...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Oyster Bracelet & Rare Black Dial, 1979
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Oyster Bracelet & Rare Black Dial, 1979

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...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch
Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch

Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Mens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1972 36 mm Preowned Reference: 1600 18kt yellow and stainless steel

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 36mm  18K Gold Steel Custom Turquoise Diamond Dial Watch 16233
Rolex Datejust 36mm  18K Gold Steel Custom Turquoise Diamond Dial Watch 16233

Rolex Datejust 36mm 18K Gold Steel Custom Turquoise Diamond Dial Watch 16233

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned. Custom Diamond and bezel. This Beautiful Timepiece is Powered by Mechanical (Automatic) Movement And Features a round Stainless Steel case and Gold Jubilee Bracelet, Fixe...

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond 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...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet and Rare Dial
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet and Rare Dial

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet and Rare Dial

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: 1969 / 70 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41m...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial
Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial

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 Automatic, Self winding movement, excellent Mint condition Silver Satin "Sunburst"...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Made Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial, 1970's
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Made Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial, 1970's

Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Made Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial, 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Two Tone Zephyr with Original Bracelet from 1968
Rolex Two Tone Zephyr with Original Bracelet from 1968

Rolex Two Tone Zephyr with Original Bracelet from 1968

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Zephyr / Reference 1038 / 1008 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone 14Kt. & Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1968 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Roman Numeral Green Dial circa, 1970's
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Roman Numeral Green Dial circa, 1970's

Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Roman Numeral Green Dial circa, 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date chocolate dial 34mm
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date chocolate dial 34mm

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date chocolate dial 34mm

$5,685

H 0.48 in W 1.23 in Dm 1.34 in

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date chocolate dial 34mm

By Rolex

Located in Berlin, BE

Behold the astonishingly beautiful Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, a timepiece that exudes unparalleled elegance and sophistication. With the reference number (15210), this horological ...

Category

Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Light Blue Dial, 1970s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Light Blue Dial, 1970s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Light Blue Dial, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm x 34...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Yellow Dial 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Yellow Dial 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Yellow 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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Steel Omega Speedmaster Vintage 1970 's Chronograph Wrist Watch Ref. ST145.022
Steel Omega Speedmaster Vintage 1970 's Chronograph Wrist Watch Ref. ST145.022

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

Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

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Rolex Air King Bracelet For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact rolex air king bracelet you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using stainless steel, steel and gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 737 vintage editions and 167 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect rolex air king bracelet may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. A rolex air king bracelet can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but diamond rings, from our inventory of 13, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes alternatives. When shopping for a rolex air king bracelet, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or women today than there are for men.

How Much is a Rolex Air King Bracelet?

Prices for a rolex air king bracelet can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $2,700 and can go as high as $18,950, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,648.

Rolex for sale on 1stDibs

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You

Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.

Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.

Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.

In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.

Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.