Rolex Explorer II 1655 'Albino Freccione' Vintage Steel Mens Watch W/Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Explorer II 1655 'Albino Freccione' Vintage Steel Mens Watch.
Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II 1655 'Albino Freccione' Vintage Steel Mens Watch W/Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Explorer II 1655 'Albino Freccione' Vintage Steel Mens Watch.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II Steve McQueen 1655
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Explorer II Steve McQueen vintage wristwatch. Featuring a matte black dial with a date aperture, an orange GMT hand and a fixed stainless steel 24 hour bezel. Equipped with a stai...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Explorer II Steve McQueen Albino Mark II Dial 1655
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Steve Mcqueen Rolex Explorer II labelled the albino. Hard to come by, the orange 24-hour hand the Explorer is iconically known for has faded over the years to white, ultimatel...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steve McQueen Explorer II "Freccione" Ref. #1655 Straight Hand Watch, 1971
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: Explorer II * UNPOLISHED* Year: 1971 Serial number: 327xxxxx Reference: #1655 Case: Show normal sign of wear with no sign of polish from previous; inner ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II 1655 “Steve McQueen†Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Explorer II 1655 Mens Watch. 39mm Stainless Steel case.
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Chronometer Automatic Wristwatch Ref. 1655
By Rolex
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Explorer Ref. 1655 Rare Explorer II, Orange Hand - Steve McQueen Case-Screwed case, steel, acrylic glass, screw-down crown Movement-Caliber Rolex 1570, automatic, chronometer...
Rolex Explorer II Steve McQueen 1655
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: W4888 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Explorer II Model Ref: 1655 Age: Gender: Mens Complete With: Box & Guarantee Dial: Black Baton Glass: Plexiglass Movement: Automatic Water Resi...
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This Explorer II was serviced at Rolex in 1991 and fitted during service with a new dial, bezel and hands. For those hunting for a vintage piece that looks like new, this would be th...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Serviced at Rolex and accompanied by the service records. Retaining the original bezel and thick case, the watch has an attractive soft patina and during service was fitted with newe...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Nice overall condition with an early original “T Swiss T” MK II dial, service bezel and newer flip lock bracelet. 40mm
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Ref# 1655 "Steve McQueen" Stainless Steel Explorer II
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A fantastic example of the coveted Orange Hand 1970's Ref# 1655 Explorer II. This wristwatch has an evenly aged dial with even patina distribution across markers. The orange hour han...
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Ref 1655 Explorer II "Straight Hand" 1st Series
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stainless Steel Orange Hand "Steve McQueen" Explorer II by Rolex. A must have for all collectors, recognized for its original design with big orange 24-hour hand. A true tool watch w...
Stainless Steel
ROLEX "Steve McQueen" Ref 1655 Stainless Steel Explorer II
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stainless Steel Orange Hand "Steve McQueen" Explorer II by Rolex. A must have for all collectors, recognized for its original design with big orange 24-hour hand. A true tool watch w...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel 1655 Explorer II Steve McQueen Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex MPN: 1655 Model: Explorer II Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 40mm Crystal: Plastic Bezel: Stainless steel graduated 24-hour bezel Dial: Black dial w...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Orange Hand Explorer II Watch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Unpolished condition Rolex Explorer II, aka "The Steve McQueen", complete with box and papers in absolutely exceptional condition, among the nicest we have encountered. Original beze...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Orange Hand Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
For the purist who, like most collectors in today's market, prefers an unpolished case, we are pleased to offer this "Steve McQueen" Rolex Explorer II in original condition. Unspoile...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Explorer II Steve McQueen Straight Hand Watch 1655
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Explorer II Steve McQueen wristwatch by Rolex. Featuring a matte black dial with a date aperture, an orange GMT hand and a fixed stainless steel 24 hour bezel. The watch is...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II "Steve McQueen" Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
Circa 1978 with original 78360 bracelet MK2 Frog Foot Dial MK2 Bezel A wearable, collectable, iconic example of a 1970's Rolex. Also referred to as "Freccione" for the la...
Stainless Steel
Pre-Owned Mint Rolex Explorer II Ref. #1655 with Patina
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This watch is noted for its exceptional “pumpkin” colored patina, mint overall condition and unpolished case. It is an example that would suit the preference of the discerning collec...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655 with Box & Papers
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
If you have been searching for the "perfect" Explorer II, you just found it! There are no excuses here; this offers everything you want: thick lugs, beautiful matched patina on the o...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Steve McQueen Orange Hand Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex stainless steel Explorer II orange hand Steve McQueen wristwatch, Ref. 1655, with automatic movement, 26 jewels, acrylic crystal.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel "Straight Hand" Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655 Circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rolex stainless steel "straight hand" Explorer II wristwatch, Ref. 1655, Circa 1975.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Orange Hand Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655 circa 1982
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Rolex stainless steel Orange hand Explorer II Steve McQueen wristwatch, Ref 1655, circa 1982, with a cal. 1575 movement.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II Steve McQueen Vintage Stainless Steel Matte Black Dial 1655
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40 mm Stainless Steel Explorer II Steve McQueen Vintage Gents Wristwatch, original matte black dial with hour markers, date at 3 0'clock, orange GMT hand, a fixed stainless steel 2...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II Steve McQueen Vintage Stainless Steel Matte Black Dial 1655
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Stainless Steel Explorer II Steve McQueen Vintage Gents Wristwatch, matte black dial with hour markers, date at 3 0'clock, orange GMT hand, a fixed stainless steel 24 hour bezel, a...
Stainless Steel
Rolex SS Explorer II Orange Hand Ref #1655 & Papers
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
A collectors dream. This is a Rolex Explorer II, known in the watch collectors’ world as the "Steve McQueen" Explorer reference #1655 serial # 325XXXX.
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Freccione Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a Rolex Explorer II reference 1655 with an orange GMT hand known as the Steve McQueen or Freccione.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Steve McQueen Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a great example of a stainless steel Rolex Explorer II, Ref. 1655, circa 1974. It has the original factory bezel and a beautiful original dial with pleasing luminous markers.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Ref 1655 aka Steve McQueen or Freccione c.1974
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a great example of a Rolex Explorer II from 1970's. It has the original factory bezel and a beautiful original dial with pleasing luminous markers. This watch has been nickna...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II
By Rolex
Located in Oyster Bay, NY
This Rolex Explorer II 1655 has a black baton dial and a bracelet strap.
Steel
ROLEX Steel Explorer II Ref# 1655 Circa 1982
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Explorer II ref # 1655 serial #7.4 million circa 1982.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Explorer II ref 1655 circa 1982
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Explorer II ref 1655 serial # 7.2 million circa 1982.
Stainless Steel
Rolex SS Explorer II ref #1655 c.1975
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Explorer II ref #1655 39mm fixed 24 hour bezel serial #3.9 million circa 1975 with very pleasing original matte black dial with white luminous indexes and hands, and fluo...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II ref 1655 serial #7.4 million circa 1982. 40mm diameter Oyster case with fixed outer 24 hour bezel and acrylic crystal.
Stainless Steel
Rolex SS Explorer II ref # 1655 circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Explorer II ref # 1655 circa 1974 original matte black dial with evenly faded luminous indexes and matching faded luminous hands fixed 24 hour dual time zone bezel self w...
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Ref 1655 serial number 6.6 million circa 1981. 39mm case diameter with steel 24 hour bezel and acrylic crystal.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Paris, FR
Rare and fine stainless steel self winding wristwatch with box and paper. Black dial, date and orange hand.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Explorer II ref 1655 2.9m circa 1970
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Explorer II ref 1655 early model serial # 2.9 million circa 1970 with straight sweep seconds hand without luminous dot.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel McQueen Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Rolex Explorer is one of the more iconic, well known Rolex models of the past 40 years. This particular model, a reference 1655, has a number of nicknames, including the McQueen,...
Steel
Pre-Owned Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel 1655 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
Rolex is the undisputed king of watchmaking with a crown logo to match. Rolex set the standard in immaculate design and precision engineering, which were virtues dear to prolific Ger...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Steve McQueen 1655 Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brand Name: Rolex Style Number: 1655 Series: Explorer II Gender: Men's Case Material: Stainless Steel Dial Color: Black Mark II Dial Movement: Automatic Engine: Cal. 1570/15...
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Steel Explorer II Straight Hand Ref 1655 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Explorer II, Ref. 1655, serial 3.25 million, circa 1972.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655 circa 1979
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Explorer II wristwatch, Ref. 1655, serial number 6.3 million, circa 1979.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch, ref 1655 circa 1973
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II, ref 1655, serial # 3.9 million, circa 1974.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655 circa 1973
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Explorer II wristwatch, Ref. 1655, serial number 3.7 million, circa 1973.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655 circa 1971
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Explorer II wristwatch, Ref. 1655, serial number 2.9 million, circa 1971, so-called Steve McQueen.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Explorer II ref. 1655 Orange Hand c. 1973 "McQueen"
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Explorer II ref 1655 Orange hand serial #3.5 million circa 1973 superb condition mint orignal dial, bezel, case and heavy Oyster bracelet.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II "Steve McQueen" Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1655
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brand Name: Rolex Style Number: 1655 Series: Explorer II Gender: Men's Case Material: Stainless Steel Dial Color: Black Mark II Dial Movement: Automatic Engine: Cal. 1570/15...
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Retailed by Tiffany & Co, Explorer II "Steve McQueen" Ref. 1655
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
BRAND NAME: Rolex STYLE NUMBER: 1655 SERIES: Explorer II "Steve McQueen" STYLE (GENDER): Men's CASE MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIAL COLOR: Black with "Tropi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Steve McQueen Wristwatch Ref 1655 circa 1973
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Brand: Rolex Series: Explorer II, Steve McQueen Ref.: 1655 Serial: 3,XXX,XXX / Circa 1973 Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 36.0 millimeters Movement: Original Role...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II Steve Mcqueen Vintage Steel Mens Watch 1655 Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Explorer II Steve Mcqueen Vintage Steel Mens Watch 1655 Box Papers.
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch ref 1655 serial # 2.9 million circa 1971. 40mm diameter Oyster case with stainless steel 24 hour bezel and acrylic crystal.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 1655
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch ref 1655 serial #5.4 million circa 1978.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II First Series circa 1971 Exceptional Example
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II ref 1655 first series with straight seconds hand without luminous dot.
Rolex Stainless Steel Steve McQueen Explorer II Wristwatch circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Explorer II wristwatch, Ref. 1655, so-called Steve McQueen model, serial number 5.3 million, circa 1978.
Stainless Steel
Tudor Black Bay Pro 79470 Men's Watch - Pre-Owned, Adventure-Ready
By Tudor
Located in Holtsville, NY
It takes inspiration from the first model of the Rolex Explorer II, "Ref. 1655," offering a vintage feel while incorporating distinct Black Bay elements.
Stainless Steel
18 Kt Solid Full Gold Breitling B2 with Box & Papers
By Breitling
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Solid Full Gold Breitling B2 with Box & Papers Ref.K42362.1 Weight : 257.8 Gram 18 Kt Solid Gold Breitling Strap , 19 Cm. Length
18k Gold, Gold
Patek Philippe 5970R Grand Complications Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
The Patek Philippe Reference 5970R showcases a 40mm rose gold case and a white dial set with rose gold baton markers and hours, minutes hand. This is a grand complications model fea...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Daytona Black/Red Arabic Racing Dial Black PVD/DLC Coated Watch 116523
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Daytona Black/Red Arabic Racing Dial Black PVD/DLC Coated Watch 116523
Stainless Steel
Historical Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Big Red 6263 steel 1979
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
First launched in 1963 and created specifically for the world of automotive racing, the Rolex Daytona collection is arguably one of the most popular and universally respected lines o...
Steel
18K Gold 6.55cts Bezel Set Men's Colombian Emerald Solitaire Gypsy Signet Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a stunning, Colombian emerald signet bezel ring in 18K yellow gold. This gorgeous statement-size solitaire ring carries a 6.55-carat ethically mined emerald in a secure ...
Emerald, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 3ct Round-Cut Diamond Solitaire Signet Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Commanding in presence and refined in detail, The Imperial Light solitaire signet ring is a masterclass in contemporary opulence. At its heart gleams a breathtaking 3-carat natural r...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Rolex GMT-MASTER II Everose Gold 40mm with box and papers 2023
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II in 18 ct Everose gold with a black dial and an Oyster bracelet. *We can have it new or second hand You can request more info* Prices will vary- ...
Rose Gold, Gold
Rolex Yacht-Master II Steel White Dial Automatic with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
*We can have it new or second hand You can request more info* Prices will vary- Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116680 Country/Region of Manufacture: S...
Stainless Steel
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Survivor Ceramic 26165IO.OO.A002CA.01 Limited
By Audemars Piguet
Located in New York, NY
Limited & Numbered Edition of 1000 Pieces Worldwide! 265/1000 From the famous Royal Oak Offshore collection with the immediately recognizable hexagon design bezel secured by 8 screws...
Titanium
Rolex Daytona 18K White Gold Black Diamond Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116509
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2022 card. Original box and papers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116509 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Model:...
White Gold
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph White Marina Fully Diamond Watch
By Audemars Piguet
Located in New York, NY
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph White Marina Dial 25721ST.OO.1000ST Stainless Steel Automatic Fully Diamond Watch. Luminescent hands and markers on a White Marina di...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Black PVD/DLC Coated Watch 116523
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Black PVD/DLC Coated Watch 116523 Please note: PVD/DLC coating and Dial have been customized aftermarket. We use the highest quality coatin...
Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold, PVD-Coated
Rolex Datejust 41mm 126301 Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Fully Iced Out Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 41mm 126301 Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Fully Iced Out Watch Arabic Script Dial This watch comes with a LIFETIME diamond replacement warranty. We are so confident i...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
$82,220
H 1.58 in W 0.52 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Watch 126508
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. It comes with an original box and papers.
Yellow Gold
$44,910
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Daytona Chronograph Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116500LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2023 Card. Box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticit...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$40,823
H 1.58 in W 0.5 in Dm 1.58 in
Unworn Rolex Daytona 40mm Steel Ceramic White Dial Panda Oyster Watch 116500LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2023 card. Box and papers included. General Information: Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Name: Rolex Daytona 116500LN Model Number: 116500LN Country/Reg...
Steel
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.