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Rolex Explorer Ii Polar

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Panna Polar S Serial 1993
Rolex Explorer II 16570 Panna Polar S Serial 1993

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Panna Polar S Serial 1993

By Rolex

Located in SYDNEY, AU

Rolex Explorer II 16570 “Panna” Polar – S Serial (1993) – Rare Collectible Vintage An exceptional

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Rolex Explorer II 216570 Polar White Dial Orange 42mm Stainless Steel Watch
Rolex Explorer II 216570 Polar White Dial Orange 42mm Stainless Steel Watch

Rolex Explorer II 216570 Polar White Dial Orange 42mm Stainless Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in Boca Raton, FL

The Rolex Explorer II 216570 Polar White Dial Orange 42mm Stainless Steel Watch is a rugged yet

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer II 40mm White Polar Dial Stainless Steel Oyster Mens Watch 16570
Rolex Explorer II 40mm White Polar Dial Stainless Steel Oyster Mens Watch 16570

Rolex Explorer II 40mm White Polar Dial Stainless Steel Oyster Mens Watch 16570

By Rolex

Located in Aventura, FL

This Oyster Perpetual Explorer Ii in Oystersteel with an Oyster Bracelet Features a White Dial with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Recent Sales

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar Men's Watch
Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar Men's Watch

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar Men's Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Men's Watch. 40mm Stainless Steel case. Stainless Steel 24 Hour Time

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar Men's Watch
Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar Men's Watch

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar Men's Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Men's Watch. 40mm Stainless Steel case. Stainless Steel 24 Hour Time

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar "Swiss" Dial Men's Watch
Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar "Swiss" Dial Men's Watch

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar "Swiss" Dial Men's Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar ""Swiss"" Dial Men's Watch. 40mm Stainless Steel case. Stainless

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Men's Watch
Rolex Explorer II 16570 Men's Watch

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Men's Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar ""Swiss"" Dial Men's Watch. 40mm Stainless Steel case. Stainless

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

2003 Rolex Explorer II Polar White 16570 Stainless Steel 40mm
2003 Rolex Explorer II Polar White 16570 Stainless Steel 40mm

2003 Rolex Explorer II Polar White 16570 Stainless Steel 40mm

By Rolex

Located in Newport Beach, CA

We are pleased to offer this 2003 Rolex Explorer II Polar White 16570. This watch features a 40mm

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer II Polar 16570
Rolex Explorer II Polar 16570

Rolex Explorer II Polar 16570

By Rolex

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Ref: W4937 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Explorer II Model Ref: 16570 Age: 9th January 2003 Gender

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Rolex Explorer II Polar Stainless Steel Gents 16570, 2007
Rolex Explorer II Polar Stainless Steel Gents 16570, 2007

Rolex Explorer II Polar Stainless Steel Gents 16570, 2007

By Rolex

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Ref: W3733 Model: 16570 Serial: Z27**** Condition: 9 - Excellent condition Age: 22nd May 2007 Case Diameter: 40 mm Case Size: 40mm Box and Papers: Box, Manuals and Guarantee Movement...

Category

2010s Chinese Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer II Polar Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet White Dial 216570
Rolex Explorer II Polar Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet White Dial 216570

Rolex Explorer II Polar Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet White Dial 216570

By Rolex

Located in Aventura, FL

distinguished from the night. Details: Brand: Rolex Model: Explorer II Model number: 216570 Movement: Automatic

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Polar Explorer II GMT
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Polar Explorer II GMT

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Polar Explorer II GMT

By Rolex

Located in Brisbane City, QLD

This 1990s Rolex is known as an Oyster Perpetual Polar Explorer II GMT. The timepiece is crafted

Category

1990s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Polar Automatic Wristwatch 16570
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Polar Automatic Wristwatch 16570

Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Polar Automatic Wristwatch 16570

By Rolex

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Ref: W3666 Model: 16570 Serial: Z12**** Condition: 9 - Excellent condition Age: 2008 Case Diameter: 40 mm Case Size: 40mm Box and Papers: Box, Manuals & Guarantee Movement: Automatic...

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Polar Automatic Wristwatch 16570
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Polar Automatic Wristwatch 16570

Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Polar Automatic Wristwatch 16570

By Rolex

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Ref: W3604 Model: 16570 Serial: A71**** Condition: 9 - Excellent condition Age: 1999 Case Diameter: 40 mm Case Size: 40mm Box and Papers: Box, Manuals and Open Guarantee Movement: Au...

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

2002 Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel Model 16570
2002 Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel Model 16570

2002 Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel Model 16570

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel 40mm White Dial Polar Dial, Model 16570 c.2002 Throughout the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Rolex Explorer II Polar 16570
Rolex Explorer II Polar 16570

Rolex Explorer II Polar 16570

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A 40mm Explorer II in stainless steel by Rolex. Featuring a white dial with distinctive cream

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer II Polar Parachrom Hairspring Steel Mens Watch 16570
Rolex Explorer II Polar Parachrom Hairspring Steel Mens Watch 16570

Rolex Explorer II Polar Parachrom Hairspring Steel Mens Watch 16570

By Rolex

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rolex Explorer II Polar Parachrom Hairspring Steel Mens Watch 16570. Officially certified

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Explorer II Polar Parachrom Hairspring Steel Mens Watch 16570
Rolex Explorer II Polar Parachrom Hairspring Steel Mens Watch 16570

Rolex Explorer II Polar Parachrom Hairspring Steel Mens Watch 16570

By Rolex

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rolex Explorer II Polar Parachrom Hairspring Steel Mens Watch 16570. Officially certified

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Explorer II Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570 Box Papers
Rolex Explorer II Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570 Box Papers

Rolex Explorer II Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570 Box Papers

By Rolex

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570 Box Papers. Officially certified

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Explorer II Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 226570 Box Card
Rolex Explorer II Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 226570 Box Card

Rolex Explorer II Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 226570 Box Card

By Rolex

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rolex Explorer II 42mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 226570 Box Card. Officially certified

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Explorer II 40mm 16570
Rolex Explorer II 40mm 16570

Rolex Explorer II 40mm 16570

Sold

H 1.58 in W 1.58 in

Rolex Explorer II 40mm 16570

By Rolex

Located in Surfside, FL

Rolex Explorer II "Polar" in stainless steel with white dial. Auto w/ sweep seconds and dual time

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar Men's Watch
Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar Men's Watch

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar Men's Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar Men's Watch. 40mm Stainless Steel case. Stainless Steel 24 Hour Time

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570
Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570

By Rolex

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570. Officially certified chronometer

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570
Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570

By Rolex

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570. Officially certified chronometer

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570
Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570

By Rolex

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570. Officially certified chronometer

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570
Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570

By Rolex

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570. Officially certified chronometer

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570
Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570

By Rolex

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570. Officially certified chronometer

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570
Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570

By Rolex

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rolex Explorer II 40mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570. Officially certified chronometer

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Explorer II 42mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 226570
Rolex Explorer II 42mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 226570

Rolex Explorer II 42mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 226570

By Rolex

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rolex Explorer II 42mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 226570. Officially certified chronometer

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Explorer II GMT Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 226570 Box Card
Rolex Explorer II GMT Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 226570 Box Card

Rolex Explorer II GMT Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 226570 Box Card

By Rolex

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rolex Explorer II GMT 42mm Polar White Dial Steel Mens Watch 226570 Box Card. Officially certified

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum, Rhodium, Steel

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2002 Rolex Ladies DateJust Two Tone Blue Diamond Dial Watch 79173 #23237
2002 Rolex Ladies DateJust Two Tone Blue Diamond Dial Watch 79173 #23237

2002 Rolex Ladies DateJust Two Tone Blue Diamond Dial Watch 79173 #23237

By Rolex

Located in Washington Depot, CT

2002 Rolex Ladies Datejust Watch Model: 79173 Serial: Y611504 This classic Rolex ladies watch is set in stainless steel with 18K gold bezel and gold accents on oyster band 26mm ca...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Chanel 1989 Montre Mademoiselle 16 cm Yellow Gold Pearls bracelet Watch M
Chanel 1989 Montre Mademoiselle 16 cm Yellow Gold Pearls bracelet Watch M

Chanel 1989 Montre Mademoiselle 16 cm Yellow Gold Pearls bracelet Watch M

By Chanel

Located in PARIS, FR

Chanel Mademoiselle model watch, square yellow gold case, quartz movement, white background with Roman numeral indexes, crown with a small half pearl, yellow gold and pearl bracelet,...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Persian Numbers circa, 1960's
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Persian Numbers circa, 1960's

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Persian Numbers circa, 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 / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diame...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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 Submariner 16613 REHAUT Two-Tone 18K Steel Date 40mm BLUE NO-HOLES Watch
Rolex Submariner 16613 REHAUT Two-Tone 18K Steel Date 40mm BLUE NO-HOLES Watch

Rolex Submariner 16613 REHAUT Two-Tone 18K Steel Date 40mm BLUE NO-HOLES Watch

By Rolex

Located in Boca Raton, FL

The Rolex Submariner 16613 REHAUT Two-Tone 18K Steel Date 40mm Blue No-Holes Watch is a striking blend of sport and luxury, designed for those who appreciate both performance and ele...

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi 16750, Stainless Steel, 1982, Swiss Made
Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi 16750, Stainless Steel, 1982, Swiss Made

Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi 16750, Stainless Steel, 1982, Swiss Made

By Rolex

Located in Tucson, AZ

This rare Rolex GMT features its original iconic red and blue “Pepsi” bezel insert with a beautiful patina. Throughout the watch you will see a consistent patina with all original pa...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Day-Date President 40 18K Yellow Gold Green Lacquer Dial Men Watch 228238
Rolex Day-Date President 40 18K Yellow Gold Green Lacquer Dial Men Watch 228238

Rolex Day-Date President 40 18K Yellow Gold Green Lacquer Dial Men Watch 228238

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Unworn. Comes with Box and papers. 🕰️ Product Overview Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date 40 Model Number: 228238 Type: Wristwatch Style: Luxury Department: Men Country/Region of Manufa...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18 Karat Gold Black and Pink Dial Men's Watch 116505
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18 Karat Gold Black and Pink Dial Men's Watch 116505

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18 Karat Gold Black and Pink Dial Men's Watch 116505

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Unworn. This watch comes with an original box and papers. Movement Type Mechanical (Automatic) Movement Caliber Rolex Caliber 4130 Complications Chronograph,Small Seconds SubDial,Ta...

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Chanel Green Crocodile Alligator Vintage Mini Minuadiére Kelly Top Handle Bag
Chanel Green Crocodile Alligator Vintage Mini Minuadiére Kelly Top Handle Bag

Chanel Green Crocodile Alligator Vintage Mini Minuadiére Kelly Top Handle Bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Green Chanel Crocodile mini top handle flap with classic CC closure 1997 {VINTAGE 25 Years} Gold Hardware Interior zipper pocket Black Lambskin interior lining 8.5" H x 7" W x 2.5" ...

Category

1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

Rolex Submariner 41mm 18K Yellow Gold Ceramic Black Dial Watch 126618LN
Rolex Submariner 41mm 18K Yellow Gold Ceramic Black Dial Watch 126618LN

Rolex Submariner 41mm 18K Yellow Gold Ceramic Black Dial Watch 126618LN

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned excellent condition. 2023 card. Box and papers.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Precision Vintage Manual wind Steel Wrist Watch
Rolex Precision Vintage Manual wind Steel Wrist Watch

Rolex Precision Vintage Manual wind Steel Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1954 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case, screw down crown, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle Lever movement, acrylic crystal, "...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

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Steel

Vintage Red Rolex Submariner 1680 Original Dial Complete Box & Papers, 1970
Vintage Red Rolex Submariner 1680 Original Dial Complete Box & Papers, 1970

Vintage Red Rolex Submariner 1680 Original Dial Complete Box & Papers, 1970

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 1680 Serial: 2936*** Year: 1970 Model: RED Letter Submariner Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Dial: Black Face: Acrylic Cas...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Omega Seamaster 120M Jacques Mayol
Omega Seamaster 120M Jacques Mayol

Omega Seamaster 120M Jacques Mayol

By Omega

Located in PARIS, FR

Discover the iconic Omega Seamaster PloProf 120M Jacques Mayol, a watch that combines legendary durability with understated elegance. Housed in a 37 mm stainless steel case, this mod...

Category

Vintage 1980s European Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust 1603 'Ghost' Gray Dial 3.5m Serial 1979 Full Set
Rolex Datejust 1603 'Ghost' Gray Dial 3.5m Serial 1979 Full Set

Rolex Datejust 1603 'Ghost' Gray Dial 3.5m Serial 1979 Full Set

By Rolex

Located in SYDNEY, AU

Rolex Datejust 1603 “Ghost Dial” — 3.5M Serial, 1979 (Full Set) A perfect blend of subtle patina and vintage soul, this 1979 Rolex Datejust 1603 stands out with its mesmerizing matt...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Rolex Explorer II Reference# 226570, Complete set, 2023
Rolex Explorer II Reference# 226570, Complete set, 2023

Rolex Explorer II Reference# 226570, Complete set, 2023

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

The Rolex Explorer II Ref. 226570-0001 is a robust and iconic timepiece designed for adventurers who demand reliability, precision, and legibility in the most challenging environment...

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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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.