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Rolex Datejust 1987

Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Champagne Dial TT YG/SS 1987
Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Champagne Dial TT YG/SS 1987

Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Champagne Dial TT YG/SS 1987

By Rolex

Located in SYDNEY, AU

Rolex Mini Datejust 69173 – 26mm – Champagne Dial – Two-Tone Yellow Gold & Steel – 1987 SKU 1931

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Vintage 1987 Rolex Datejust Lady 69173 Two ToneAutomatic Champagne Diamond Dial
Vintage 1987 Rolex Datejust Lady 69173 Two ToneAutomatic Champagne Diamond Dial

Vintage 1987 Rolex Datejust Lady 69173 Two ToneAutomatic Champagne Diamond Dial

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Specs: Reference: 69173 Model: Datejust Lady Year: 1987 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 26mm Bezel

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel 16014 Silver Stick Dial, Circa 1987
Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel 16014 Silver Stick Dial, Circa 1987

Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel 16014 Silver Stick Dial, Circa 1987

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex. Authenticity guaranteed! The sale comes with a jewelry box, appraisal certificate and our in

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1987 Rolex Datejust 16018 18K Yellow Gold Factory Onyx Dial Automatic 36mm
1987 Rolex Datejust 16018 18K Yellow Gold Factory Onyx Dial Automatic 36mm

1987 Rolex Datejust 16018 18K Yellow Gold Factory Onyx Dial Automatic 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

find. This 1987 example represents a peak era for Rolex stone dials where the manufacturing was refined

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Two Tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Original Rare Black Dial 1987
Rolex Two Tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Original Rare Black Dial 1987

Rolex Two Tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Original Rare Black Dial 1987

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1600

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 31mm 68274 Salmon Roman Dial Stainless Steel Watch Circa 1987
Rolex Datejust 31mm 68274 Salmon Roman Dial Stainless Steel Watch Circa 1987

Rolex Datejust 31mm 68274 Salmon Roman Dial Stainless Steel Watch Circa 1987

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has been inspected to

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1987 Rolex Lady-Datejust 69138 18K YG Champagne Pleiade Diamond Dial Auto 26 mm
1987 Rolex Lady-Datejust 69138 18K YG Champagne Pleiade Diamond Dial Auto 26 mm

1987 Rolex Lady-Datejust 69138 18K YG Champagne Pleiade Diamond Dial Auto 26 mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

enduring prestige of a full-gold Rolex. Key Specs Reference: 69138 Model: Lady-Datejust Year: 1987

Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone Silver lndex Dial Jubilee 16013 Circa 1987 Complete
Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone Silver lndex Dial Jubilee 16013 Circa 1987 Complete

Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone Silver lndex Dial Jubilee 16013 Circa 1987 Complete

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

guaranteed! The sale comes with a Rolex box, papers and our in-house 1 year mechanical warranty.

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex DateJust Model 69178 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rare Chevrolet Dial Box
Vintage Rolex DateJust Model 69178 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rare Chevrolet Dial Box

Vintage Rolex DateJust Model 69178 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rare Chevrolet Dial Box

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Rolex Model 69178 DateJust 18k Yellow Gold, 26mm Rare Chevrolet Dial made for Jubilee

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Rolex Ladies Rose Gold Datejust Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 6917, circa 1987
Rolex Ladies Rose Gold Datejust Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 6917, circa 1987

Rolex Ladies Rose Gold Datejust Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 6917, circa 1987

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Vintage lady’s Rolex 18K rose gold Datejust ref# 6517 serial # L3 million circa 1987. Featuring a

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Lady-Datejust 69174 Box and Papers 1987
Rolex Lady-Datejust 69174 Box and Papers 1987

Rolex Lady-Datejust 69174 Box and Papers 1987

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

This beautiful Rolex Lady Datejust is presented in excellent condition accompanied with original

Category

Vintage 1980s Central American Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Unisex 16200, 1987
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Unisex 16200, 1987

Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Unisex 16200, 1987

By Rolex

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

AGE 1987 CASE DIAMETER 36 mm CASE SIZE 36mm BOX & PAPERS Box & Manuals MOVEMENT Automatic CASE

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1987 Rolex DateJust Model 1601 Rare Black Tapestry Dial
Vintage 1987 Rolex DateJust Model 1601 Rare Black Tapestry Dial

Vintage 1987 Rolex DateJust Model 1601 Rare Black Tapestry Dial

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Maker: Rolex Model: 1601 DateJust Year: 1987 Material: 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Datejust Automatic Wristwatch Ref 69178, 1987
Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Datejust Automatic Wristwatch Ref 69178, 1987

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Datejust Automatic Wristwatch Ref 69178, 1987

By Rolex

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

September 1987 Case Diameter: 26 mm Case size: 26mm Box and Papers: Box and Guarantee Movement: Automatic

Category

Vintage 1980s Singaporean Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1987 Rolex Men's Watch Two Tone Jubilee Bracelet 16013 Linen Logo Dial
1987 Rolex Men's Watch Two Tone Jubilee Bracelet 16013 Linen Logo Dial

1987 Rolex Men's Watch Two Tone Jubilee Bracelet 16013 Linen Logo Dial

By Rolex

Located in Washington Depot, CT

1987 Rolex Men's Datejust Watch Model: 16013 Serial: 9787302 Two tone jubilee bracelet - fits up

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Ladies Stainless Steel Rolex Datejust 26mm Jubilee Bracelet Watch Ref. 69174
Ladies Stainless Steel Rolex Datejust 26mm Jubilee Bracelet Watch Ref. 69174

Ladies Stainless Steel Rolex Datejust 26mm Jubilee Bracelet Watch Ref. 69174

By Rolex

Located in Montclair, NJ

This Rolex Datejust is from 1987 and reference 69174. The automatic self-winding movement runs

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel 16014 Silver Index RT Dial, Circa 1987
Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel 16014 Silver Index RT Dial, Circa 1987

Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel 16014 Silver Index RT Dial, Circa 1987

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex. Authenticity guaranteed! The sale comes with a jewelry box, appraisal certificate and our in

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 16013 18k SS 36mm Linen Dial Automatic 1980s NA108B
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 16013 18k SS 36mm Linen Dial Automatic 1980s NA108B

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 16013 18k SS 36mm Linen Dial Automatic 1980s NA108B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Ref 16013 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 16030 circa 1987
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 16030 circa 1987

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 16030 circa 1987

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch, Ref. 16030, serial number 9.7 million, circa 1987. 36mm

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 16200 circa 1987
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 16200 circa 1987

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 16200 circa 1987

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Datejust wristwatch, Ref. 16200, serial number R5, circa 1987. 36mm diameter

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold Enamel Dial Datejust Automatic Wristwatch Ref 16018 1987
Rolex Yellow Gold Enamel Dial Datejust Automatic Wristwatch Ref 16018 1987

Rolex Yellow Gold Enamel Dial Datejust Automatic Wristwatch Ref 16018 1987

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

An exceptional condition example Rolex 18K gold Datejust ref# 16018 serial# 5.8 million circa 1987

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold Midsize Datejust  President Wristwatch Ref 68278 circa 1987
Rolex Yellow Gold Midsize Datejust  President Wristwatch Ref 68278 circa 1987

Rolex Yellow Gold Midsize Datejust President Wristwatch Ref 68278 circa 1987

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Midsize Datejust President ref 68278 serial number R4 circa 1987. Featuring

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss 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

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel 26mm Just Date Women's Wrist Watch
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel 26mm Just Date Women's Wrist Watch

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel 26mm Just Date Women's Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date display watch is a classic example of Rolex's timeless elegance and durability. With it's versatile satin 26mm stainless steel case, this water resis...

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

ROLEX Estate 18K/Stainless Steel Lady Datejust Wristwatch
ROLEX Estate 18K/Stainless Steel Lady Datejust Wristwatch

ROLEX Estate 18K/Stainless Steel Lady Datejust Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Narberth, PA

A gorgeous Rolex wristwatch! Crafted in vibrant 18k yellow gold and stainless steel, this Lady-Datejust watch was created in the mid 1980s! The circular face of the watch features tw...

Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Ladies Two Tone Rolex Datejust 26mm Jubilee Bracelet Wrist Watch Ref. 79173
Ladies Two Tone Rolex Datejust 26mm Jubilee Bracelet Wrist Watch Ref. 79173

Ladies Two Tone Rolex Datejust 26mm Jubilee Bracelet Wrist Watch Ref. 79173

By Rolex

Located in Montclair, NJ

Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case, Bezel & Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel & 18k Gold Weight: 55.5 Grams Width: 26mm (not including th...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Ref 6426 Classic 1950s Steel Manual wind Wrist Watch
Rolex Ref 6426 Classic 1950s Steel Manual wind Wrist Watch

Rolex Ref 6426 Classic 1950s Steel Manual wind Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1959 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster Case, 17 Jewel Caliber 1210 Manual Wind Nickle Lever Movement, Beautiful Original Mint Condition S...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1946
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1946

Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1946

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 9488 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1946 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold
CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold

CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold

$17,200Sale Price|20% Off

H 1.18 in W 1.22 in Dm 9 in L 9 in

CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

An automatique Ceinture large wrist-watch designed by Cartier. This is the rare large model of the Ceinture automatique wristwatch, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of C...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

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 Lady Datejust 26mm 18K White Gold Steel Silver Stick Dial Watch 69174
Rolex Lady Datejust 26mm 18K White Gold Steel Silver Stick Dial Watch 69174

Rolex Lady Datejust 26mm 18K White Gold Steel Silver Stick Dial Watch 69174

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned in good condition. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. No original box and papers. Comes with chronostore ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Factory Original Silver Dial 1980's
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Factory Original Silver Dial 1980's

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Factory Original Silver Dial 1980's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 16000 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel & White Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIO...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 26mm Steel Custom Turquoise Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 69174
Rolex Datejust 26mm Steel Custom Turquoise Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 69174

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Navy Dial Ladies Custom Diamond Watch 69173
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Navy Dial Ladies Custom Diamond Watch 69173

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Navy Dial Ladies Custom Diamond Watch 69173

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned. Good condition. Custom dial and bezel. No original box and papers. High-quality natural diamond dial and bezel. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Mo...

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Watch With Original Shantung Dial 1971
Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Watch With Original Shantung Dial 1971

Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Watch With Original Shantung Dial 1971

By Rolex

Located in Saint Petersburg, FL

A men's vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual stainless watch Ref # 1002, with a service box. This Rolex with a production year of 1971 based on serial # (2688482) features a 34mm stainless...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1985 Rolex Lady-Datejust Wristwatch in 18k Yellow Gold Ref: 69068
1985 Rolex Lady-Datejust Wristwatch in 18k Yellow Gold Ref: 69068

1985 Rolex Lady-Datejust Wristwatch in 18k Yellow Gold Ref: 69068

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

This 1985 Rolex Datejust is a luxurious ladies’ timepiece crafted from 18k yellow gold with a 26mm case, a classic champagne dial, and a President bracelet. Adorned with factory-set ...

Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

1964 Vintage Rolex Datejust 1603, Stainless Steel, Jubilee Bracelet
1964 Vintage Rolex Datejust 1603, Stainless Steel, Jubilee Bracelet

1964 Vintage Rolex Datejust 1603, Stainless Steel, Jubilee Bracelet

By Rolex

Located in Tucson, AZ

Vintage 1964 Rolex Datejust with Papers, Custom Jubilee Bracelet An iconic classic, this vintage Rolex Datejust from 1964 offers timeless style and collectibility. Featuring a silve...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Santos Octagon 0906 Yellow Gold Automatic White Dial Ladies Watch 25mm
Cartier Santos Octagon 0906 Yellow Gold Automatic White Dial Ladies Watch 25mm

Cartier Santos Octagon 0906 Yellow Gold Automatic White Dial Ladies Watch 25mm

By Cartier

Located in Boca Raton, FL

The Cartier Santos Octagon 0906 Yellow Gold Automatic White Dial Ladies Watch is a sophisticated blend of timeless design and precise functionality. Crafted in luxurious yellow gold,...

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Rolex Datejust 1987 For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact rolex datejust 1987 you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using 18k Gold, Gold and Stainless Steel. When shopping for a rolex datejust 1987, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or women today than there are for men.

How Much is a Rolex Datejust 1987?

The price for a rolex datejust 1987 starts at $4,450 and tops out at $12,650 with these watches, on average, selling for $6,795.

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.