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Rolex Bronze Watch

Rolex Datejust 18K White Gold Steel Diamond Bronze Dial Automatic Watch 178344
Rolex Datejust 18K White Gold Steel Diamond Bronze Dial Automatic Watch 178344

Rolex Datejust 18K White Gold Steel Diamond Bronze Dial Automatic Watch 178344

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned in mint condition. Original Rolex Diamond Bezel and Diamond Dial. Diamond at 6 O' Clock. Comes with a 2024 Rolex service card. Comes with an original box but no papers. G...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Bronze Dial circa, 2000
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Bronze Dial circa, 2000

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Bronze Dial circa, 2000

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 2120 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 2000 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X D...

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1978 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1978 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Bronze Dial circa, 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Bronze Dial circa, 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Bronze Dial circa, 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: 1978 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Bronze Dial and Diamond Markers circa, 1970's
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Bronze Dial and Diamond Markers circa, 1970's

Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Bronze Dial and Diamond Markers 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

Recent Sales

Rolex Cellini Pocket Watch Yellow Gold Bronze Dial 3718 Manual Wind Pocket Watch
Rolex Cellini Pocket Watch Yellow Gold Bronze Dial 3718 Manual Wind Pocket Watch

Rolex Cellini Pocket Watch Yellow Gold Bronze Dial 3718 Manual Wind Pocket Watch

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

An 18k Yellow Gold Cellini Vintage Pendant Pocket Watch, bronze dial with applied index batons, an 18k yellow fixed bezel, mineral glass, manual wind movement, in excellent condition...

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Bronze Dial Automatic Ladies Watch 67480
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Bronze Dial Automatic Ladies Watch 67480

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Bronze Dial Automatic Ladies Watch 67480

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

This pre-owned Rolex Oyster Perpetual 67480 is a beautiful Ladie's timepiece that is powered by mechanical (automatic) movement which is cased in a stainless steel case. It has a rou...

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust Steel Diamond Bronze Wave Dial Automatic Unisex Watch 116244
Rolex Datejust Steel Diamond Bronze Wave Dial Automatic Unisex Watch 116244

Rolex Datejust Steel Diamond Bronze Wave Dial Automatic Unisex Watch 116244

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Details: MSRP 17200 Model Number 116244 Brand Rolex Department Women Style Dress/Formal, Luxury Model Rolex Datejust 116244 Band Color Steel Dial Color Bronze Case Color Steel Displa...

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel Bronze Dial Automatic Ladies Watch 67480
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel Bronze Dial Automatic Ladies Watch 67480

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel Bronze Dial Automatic Ladies Watch 67480

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

It is completed with a stainless steel band that opens and closes with a fold-over clasp. The band of this watch has minor slack. This watch was produced in 1995.

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Bronze Sticks Dial Automatic Ladies Watch 67180
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Bronze Sticks Dial Automatic Ladies Watch 67180

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Bronze Sticks Dial Automatic Ladies Watch 67180

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

This watch is preowned with a minor slack on a bracelet. Original Box and Papers are not included come with a Chronostore presentation box and authenticity card. Covered by a one-yea...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust Steel Rose Gold Custom 1 Cttw Diamond Bronze Dial Watch 179171
Rolex Datejust Steel Rose Gold Custom 1 Cttw Diamond Bronze Dial Watch 179171

Rolex Datejust Steel Rose Gold Custom 1 Cttw Diamond Bronze Dial Watch 179171

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Original Box and Papers are not included comes with a Chronostore presentation box and authenticity card. Details: Brand Rolex Department Women Model Number 179171 Country/Region of ...

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Day-Date II President 18K White Gold Bronze Havana Roman Dial Watch 218239
Rolex Day-Date II President 18K White Gold Bronze Havana Roman Dial Watch 218239

Rolex Day-Date II President 18K White Gold Bronze Havana Roman Dial Watch 218239

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned. Good condition. Free polishing upon request. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. * Free Shipping within ...

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Rolex Rose Gold Bronze Wave Dial Day Date II  Wristwatch
Rolex Rose Gold Bronze Wave Dial Day Date II  Wristwatch

Rolex Rose Gold Bronze Wave Dial Day Date II Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date II MPN: 218235 Serial: "G" Case Material: 18k Rose Gold Case Diameter: 41 mm Bezel: 18k rose gold fluted bezel Dial: Bronze wave dial with day ...

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Bronze Dial Day-Date Wristwatch Ref 1803
Rolex Yellow Gold Bronze Dial Day-Date Wristwatch Ref 1803

Rolex Yellow Gold Bronze Dial Day-Date Wristwatch Ref 1803

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Offering a level of exclusivity similar with a Day-Date with a "Stella" dial, but for a far more modest price. The dial is a rare and unique bronze color with white printing, which...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Day-Date 36mm Yellow Gold Bronze Diamonds Dial Oyster Ref 118208
Rolex Day-Date 36mm Yellow Gold Bronze Diamonds Dial Oyster Ref 118208

Rolex Day-Date 36mm Yellow Gold Bronze Diamonds Dial Oyster Ref 118208

By Rolex

Located in București, București

The watch is in a very good condition, it has professional polish and it’s working well. It comes with the original Rolex box, along with a 12 months AGS Jewelry warranty card. For m...

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch with Bronze-Tone Dial Ref 1601 circa 1970s
Rolex Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch with Bronze-Tone Dial Ref 1601 circa 1970s

Rolex Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch with Bronze-Tone Dial Ref 1601 circa 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Fantastic vintage style, with an original Rolex mint condition bronze-color pie pan dial. Wonderful monochromatic look, suitable for a lady or a gentleman. This color offers a simila...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 1601 WIDE BOY Bronze Pie Pan Dial 14K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 WIDE BOY Bronze Pie Pan Dial 14K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 1601 WIDE BOY Bronze Pie Pan Dial 14K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 1601 Serial: 3604*** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 14K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 14K Yellow Gold Di...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust Ladies Steel 18k White Gold Bronze Dial Watch 79174
Rolex Datejust Ladies Steel 18k White Gold Bronze Dial Watch 79174

Rolex Datejust Ladies Steel 18k White Gold Bronze Dial Watch 79174

By Rolex

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rolex Datejust Ladies Steel 18k White Gold Bronze Dial Watch 79174.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold, Bronze, Steel

Rolex Datejust 116234, Bronze Dial, Certified and Warranty
Rolex Datejust 116234, Bronze Dial, Certified and Warranty

Rolex Datejust 116234, Bronze Dial, Certified and Warranty

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Datejust Reference #: 116234. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Bronze 36 MM.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch with Custom-Colored Bronze Dial
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch with Custom-Colored Bronze Dial

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch with Custom-Colored Bronze Dial

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Explanation about sizes of vintage Rolex watches: 36mm full size man's Datejust or Day-Date President. 34mm man's Oyster Perpetual, Air-King, or Oyster Perpetual Date.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex White Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Datejust Bronze Diamond Dial Wristwatch
Rolex White Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Datejust Bronze Diamond Dial Wristwatch

Rolex White Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Datejust Bronze Diamond Dial Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Columbia, MO

This gorgeous midsize Rolex Datejust is simply stunning! This watch has a factory Rolex, bronze Roman numeral dial with diamond VI & a factory Rolex domed diamond sprinkle bezel.

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold GMT-Master II Bronze Dial Automatic Wristwatch Ref 16718
Rolex Yellow Gold GMT-Master II Bronze Dial Automatic Wristwatch Ref 16718

Rolex Yellow Gold GMT-Master II Bronze Dial Automatic Wristwatch Ref 16718

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Rolex Men's GMT-Master II Model 16718 at a great price. Automatic Winding Oyster Perpetual with Date Movement. Featuring a stunning bronze dial with luminous markers, 18k yellow g...

Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Museum Chanel Vintage F/W 1996 Gold Brocade Mughal Jeweled Gripoix 96A Jacket
Museum Chanel Vintage F/W 1996 Gold Brocade Mughal Jeweled Gripoix 96A Jacket

Museum Chanel Vintage F/W 1996 Gold Brocade Mughal Jeweled Gripoix 96A Jacket

By Chanel

Located in Jersey City, NJ

This exceptional Chanel Fall/Winter 1996 gold jacket is a rare masterpiece inspired by Coco Chanel’s fascination with Orientalism in the 1930s. Featuring a structured Mandarin collar...

Category

1990s French Jackets

Cartier Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Wristwatch
Cartier Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Wristwatch

Cartier Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in Stamford, CT

Cartier Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Wristwatch embodies timeless sophistication. Its sleek stainless steel case exudes a modern charm, while the iconic dial showcases a blend of l...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original Charcoal Dial from, 1960's
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original Charcoal Dial from, 1960's

Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original Charcoal Dial from, 1960'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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Date Two Tone Watch with Diamond Dial
Rolex Date Two Tone Watch with Diamond Dial

Rolex Date Two Tone Watch with Diamond Dial

By Rolex

Located in Coral Gables, FL

Pre-owned 34mm Rolex Date automatic watch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and steel with aftermarket white diamond dial and Oyster bracelet. Model 1500 circa 1970. Polished and servi...

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Cartier Louis Cartier Classic Tank, Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch
Cartier Louis Cartier Classic Tank, Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch

Cartier Louis Cartier Classic Tank, Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1990s Cartier, Louis Cartier, Classic Tank Wrist Watch, 24 X 18 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, quartz movement, white dial with Black Roman numerals, Sapphire crown. 1/2 in...

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 6605
Rolex Stainless Steel Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 6605

Rolex Stainless Steel Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 6605

By Rolex

Located in Stamford, CT

Rolex Stainless Steel and 14k Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch, Ref. 6605. Natural wear/patina on the dial. Stainless steel and 14k yellow gold Bracelet Length: 8 1/4 inches and adju...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold, Gold, Steel

Cartier Ronde Solo Ref 3517 Large Steel Automatic Wrist Watch
Cartier Ronde Solo Ref 3517 Large Steel Automatic Wrist Watch

Cartier Ronde Solo Ref 3517 Large Steel Automatic Wrist Watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 2018 Cartier Reference 3517 Ronde Solo Wrist Watch, 42 M.M. 2 piece Stainless Steel Water Resistant case, Automatic, Self winding movement, Sapphire set crown, Sapphire Glass C...

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Steel Quickset Datejust with Exceptional Original Silver Dial 1970's
Rolex Steel Quickset Datejust with Exceptional Original Silver Dial 1970's

Rolex Steel Quickset Datejust with Exceptional Original Silver Dial 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 16014 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 4...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Tortue Watch with Diamonds
Cartier Tortue Watch with Diamonds

Cartier Tortue Watch with Diamonds

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 18k white gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds and a navy blue leather alligator strap. Signed by Cartier 28mm face Model #2644

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Unworn Rolex Lady-Datejust Reference# 279171, Complete set, 2025
Unworn Rolex Lady-Datejust Reference# 279171, Complete set, 2025

Unworn Rolex Lady-Datejust Reference# 279171, Complete set, 2025

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Lady-Datejust 279171-0009 – Everose Rolesor Elegance with Chocolate Roman Dial The Rolex Lady-Datejust 279171-0009 masterfully blends refined femininity with Rolex’s signature...

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

Bulgari  Diamond and Sapphire Quadrato Wristwatch
Bulgari  Diamond and Sapphire Quadrato Wristwatch

Bulgari Diamond and Sapphire Quadrato Wristwatch

By Bulgari

Located in New Orleans, LA

This eye-catching Quadrato wristwatch was crafted by the high-end Italian jeweler Bulgari. An array of pavé-set white diamonds totaling approximately 4.51 carats adorn the watch, whi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Oyster Perpetual Date Model Ref. 1501 circa 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Oyster Perpetual Date Model Ref. 1501 circa 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Oyster Perpetual Date Model Ref. 1501 circa 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...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel O.P Date With Custom Made M.O.P Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
Rolex Steel O.P Date With Custom Made M.O.P Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's

Rolex Steel O.P Date With Custom Made M.O.P Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 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

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

Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Gold Dress Watch with Original Dial and Bracelet 1960
Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Gold Dress Watch with Original Dial and Bracelet 1960

Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Gold Dress Watch with Original Dial and Bracelet 1960

By Patek Philippe

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe & Cie. STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch / Reference 3426/3 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 32mm MOVE...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

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Rolex Bronze Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact rolex bronze watch you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of gold, gold plate and steel, this item was constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 12 vintage editions and 3 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a rolex bronze watch may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a rolex bronze watch, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Rolex Bronze Watch?

On average, a rolex bronze watch at 1stDibs sells for $7,550, while they’re typically $1,800 on the low end and $38,895 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.