Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Dark Blue Dial from 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 36mm...
Rolex Steel Datejust with Original Bracelet and Custom Made Dial from 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm...
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
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust Wide Boy 14 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Watch, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
a 1972 Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1601. 14K White Gold & Stainless Steel case.
Rolex White Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 1601
By Rolex
Located in Westlake Village, CA
Case In stainless steel with white gold fluted bezel Movement Rolex, self winding caliber 1570 Dial Silvered, textured finish Band Original and matching year Jubilee band, 4-7...
Stainless Steel, White Gold
Vintage 1972 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 – Automatic
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 1972 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 is a striking example of Rolex’s classic two-tone design paired with a desirable black gloss dial.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Pink Dial 1971 or 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This vintage classic Rolex Datejust has a custom made pink diamond dial made to Rolex of Switzerland specifications.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1600 Wristwatch. Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel, Champagne Dial, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and attractive Rolex Datejust 1600 features a 36mm stainless steel case with yellow gold fluted bezel, champagne dial and riveted oyster bracelet in steel/ yellow gold.
Rolex Steel Datejust with Original Bracelet and Custom Made Dial from 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 44mm X 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpe...
Rolex Two-Tone Datejust Watch with Thunderbird Bezel from 1971 or 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Ref. 1625 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt.
Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1600 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rolex stainless steel and yellow gold Datejust wristwatch, perhaps the most classic wristwatch of record, with smooth bezel. This minor detail offers a clean, modern look and is a ni...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
ROLEX For Tiffany, Oyster Perpetual DateJust Men's Watch, C 1972
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very rare, collectible stainless steel, with white gold bezel Rolex for Tiffany, Oyster Perpetual DateJust watch for men, Circa 1972.
Sold
H 1.29 in W 1.03 in
1972 Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Rolex Datejust 26mm Jubilee Bracelet Watch Ref. 6917
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case, Bezel & Bracelet Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 65.4 Grams Case Size: 26mm (not including the crown) ...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Two-Tone Datejust with Rare Smooth Bezel and Linen Dial from 1972 or 1973
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 - 73 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm X 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Original Linen Dial and Baton Markers / Baton Hand...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Wristwatch, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1972 Rolex Reference 1603 Datejust Wrist Watch, 36 M.M. 3 piece Stainless Steel case with fluted Bezel.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Dark Blue Dial from 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 36 X 42 MOVEMENT / CALIBER:...
1972 Rolex Lady Datejust 26MM 6916 Diamond Dial & Bezel Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
No.: 6916 Serial No.: 3,091,XXX Production Year: 1972 Water Resistance: 100 meters Caliber Properties Caliber No.: 2035 Number of Jewels: 28 Power Reserve: 42.0 hours Movement Type...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Original Bracelet and Custom Made Dial from 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 44mm X 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpe...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel and Rose Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1601 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex stainless steel and 14k rose gold Datejust wristwatch with Jubilee steel and rose gold bracelet.
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Blue Dial Datejust Watch from 1971 or 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Ref. 1601 CIRCA / YEAR: 1971 / 1972 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Cal. 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Ori...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 1.29 in W 1.03 in
1972 Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Rolex Datejust 26mm Jubilee Bracelet Watch Ref. 6917
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case, Bezel & Bracelet Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 65.4 Grams Case Size: 26mm (not including the crown) ...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Two-Tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref 1601 from 1972 with Original Papers
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / 14Kt Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Two-Tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref 1601 from 1972 with Original Papers
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Ref 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / 14Kt Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 44mm x 36mm MOVEMENT /...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Charcoal Linen Dial, circa 1972 or 1973
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Ref. 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 / 73 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 43mm X 36mm MOVEMENT / CA...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Black Dial Datejust Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is an all original black dial Rolex Datejust manufactured in 1972 and then originally sold in 1974.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch, ref 1601, serial #329xxxx, circa 1972. 36mm diameter case with fluted bezel and acrylic crystal.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1601 Linen Dial, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1972 Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 Stainless Steel watch with Fluted Steel Bezel with Original Rare Linen Textured Silver Dial with Applied Steel Rounded Stick/Bar/Baton Markers w...
Vintage Rolex Thunderbird Datejust Reference 1625 Watch, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1972 Vintage Rolex Thunderbird Turn-O-Graph Bezel Datejust Ref. 1625 Two Tone 14k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel watch with Original Champagne Dial with Attached Gold Color Stick/Ba...
Rolex Yellow Gold Midsize Datejust Wristwatch circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14k yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust midsize wristwatch, circa 1972, 31mm diameter case with smooth bezel and beautiful original champagne dial with applied indexes and ba...
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1601 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust ref 1601 serial number 3.04 million circa 1972. 36mm diameter Oyster case with fluted bezel, acrylic crystal and signed crown.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch ref 1601 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref 1601 serial no 3.1 million circa 1972. 36mm diameter case with 14K white gold fluted bezel and acrylic crystal.
14k Gold, Stainless Steel, White Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1603 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex Datejust ref 1603 case serial #3.2 million circa 1972.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1603 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex Datejust ref 1603 case serial no. 3.4 million circa 1972.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust ref #1620 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Datejust ref #1620 36mm full size man's model with smooth bezel circa 1972 with custom colored "rootbeer" pie pan dial with applied silver indexes.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel "Fat Boy" Datejust Wristwatch circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Datejust wristwatch, Ref. 1601, serial number 3.2 million, 36mm case, circa 1972. 36mm case with engine turned bezel and acrylic crystal.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1601 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust ref 1601 serial number 3.2 million circa 1972. 36mm diameter Oyster case with 14K white gold fluted bezel, acrylic crystal and signed Rolex crown.
14k Gold, Stainless Steel, White Gold
Rolex Datejust ref# 1601 Stainless Steel circa 1972 with Papers
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust ref # 1601 serial #3.3 million circa 1972. 36mm diameter case with 14k white gold fluted bezel and acrylic crystal, Original silver satin dial with app...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch ref 1601 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch, ref 1601 serial number 3.2 million circa 1972. 36mm diameter case with 14K white gold fluted bezel and acrylic crystal.
14k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1601 Wide Boy, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1972 Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 14k White Gold Fluted Bezel and Stainless Steel Watch with Original Wide Boy Silver Dial with Wide 14k White Gold Stick/Bar/Baton Markers with O...
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch with Unusual Dial circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Datejust wristwatch, Ref. 1603, serial number 3.2 million, circa 1972. 36mm diameter case with smooth bezel and acrylic crystal.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1601 Watch with a Grey Dial, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1972 Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref.1601 14k White Gold Fluted Bezel and Stainless Steel watch with Original Gray Dial with Applied Steel Stick/Bar/Baton Markers with White Inlay with Or...
Rolex yellow gold stainless steel Datejust self winding wristwatch, circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage man’s Rolex Datejust stainless steel and 14K gold circa 1972.
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Datejust Presidential Bracelet Wristwatch Ref 1601, circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex 18K YG Datejust ref# 1601 serial number 3.4 million circa 1972.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Datejust self winding Wristwatch Ref 1601, c 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex 18K YG Datejust ref# 1601 serial number 3.4 million circa 1972.
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch with Papers Ref 1601 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch, Ref. 1601, serial number 3.3 million, circa 1972. 36mm diameter case with 14k white gold fluted bezel and acrylic crystal.
14k Gold, Stainless Steel, White Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch circa 1972 with Custom Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Datejust wristwatch, circa 1972, serial number 3.2 million, circa 1972. 36mm case with smooth bezel, acrylic crystal and beautiful custom-colored blue pie-pan d...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch circa 1972 with Custom Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Datejust wristwatch, Ref. 1603, serial number 3.2 million, circa 1972. 36mm case with engine turned bezel and acrylic crystal.
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Datejust ref. 1600 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18K YG Datejust ref 1600 serial # 3.2 million circa 1972. 36mm full size man's model with smooth bezel, acrylic crystal, and beautiful original champagne dial with gold applied...
Rolex Pink Gold Datejust ref 1601 serial# 3.3m circa 1972.
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18K PG Datejust ref 1601 serial # 3.3 million circa 1972.
14k Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust ref 1601 Stainless Steel circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Man’s Stainless Steel Datejust ref 1601 serial # 3.3 million circa 1972.
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's with Original Bracelet
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch / Reference 4217-10 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 23mm X Widt...
Gold
$5,639
H 4.34 in W 7.49 in D 2.37 in
Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Rectangular Mini Full Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Rectangular Mini Full Flap Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: HB4485 Brand: Chanel Model: Rectangular Mini Full Flap Bag Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Se...
1970’s Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse d‘Or White Gold Blue Dial Ref. 3848
By Patek Philippe
Located in Berlin, DE
Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse d‘Or White Gold Blue Dial Ref. 3848. This elegant wristwatch by Patek Philippe made of 18 carat white gold with a blue dial is the perfect watch for th...
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Silvered Dial and Gilt Markers
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 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Sage Green Dial 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel with White Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
1930s 7.28 Carat Aquamarine and 1.30 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1930s 7.28 carat aquamarine and 1.30 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fin...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
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...
Stainless Steel
Exclusive Lynx Fur Gilet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful very stylish vintage naturel bobcat lynx fur vest/gilet Rare to find We offer more exclusive fur items, view our front store Details: With 2 pockets and 3 closing hooks,...
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...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Baume Mercier Vintage Gold Watch 14kt
By Baume & Mercier
Located in New York, NY
Baume & Mercier Geneve Watch is in working condition good condition overall gorgeous band deco casing of watch is: 16mm x 12mm 19mm wide band 49 grams marked "14kt" on band &...
14k Gold
Rubellite, Green Tourmaline, Brown Diamond, Blue Sapphire Ring 18K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Rubellite 18.11 carats, Green Tourmaline 2.98 carats, Blue Sapphire 2.01 carats and Brown Diamond 0.56 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.4 cm Length: 2.8 cm Ring S...
Brown Diamond, Tourmaline, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Chanel Jumbo Matte Ombre Alligator Timeless Double Flap
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Chanel Jumbo Matte Ombre Alligator Timeless Double Flap Bag iconic handbag crafted in Alligator skin and silver hardware. Red double front flap and signature 'CC' turn-...
$3,150Sale Price|25% Off
H 8.5 in W 11.5 in D 3.8 in L 28.5 in
Chanel Vintage 1980s Large Quilted Lambskin Crossbody Bag with CC Lock
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in Port Hope, ON
This is a large quilted lambskin bag which can be worn crossbody or shoulder. Vintage from the 80s it has a rare diamond etched CC turn lock fastening; interwoven leather and gold to...
Tiffany & Co. Signed 2.58 Carat GIA F VS2 Pear Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate love with this stunning Tiffany & Co. Signed Pear Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring, a true symbol of timeless elegance. This exquisite piece features a 2.58 carat pear-shaped...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 4.43 Carat GIA G SI1 Diamond Heart Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Discover the world of Tiffany & Co. with this Diamond Heart Necklace, featuring a breathtaking 4.43 carat heart-shaped GIA certified diamond with G color and SI1 clarity which offers...
Diamond, Platinum
$37,824
H 1.42 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Day-Date President 36 18k Yellow Gold Green Dial Luxury Watch 118138
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with the original box and papers. 3-year in-house warranty.
Yellow Gold
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.