Vintage Rolex Oyster 6246 36mm Dial Small Seconds Manual Wind Watch Circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Reference Number: 6246 Year: 1972 Case Size: 36mm Case Material: Gold-tone case Case Shape: Round Oyster case Crystal: Acry...
Gold
1972 Rolex Day Date Oxblood Stella 'Qaboos' Ref. 1803
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
We have here a pristine example of a Rolex Day Date reference 1803 in yellow gold from 1973.
18k Gold
Rolex GMT "Root Beer" Yellow Gold Brown Nipple Dial Model 1675, circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Model: GMT Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Size: 40mm Dial: Brown Nipple Dial "Root Beer" Model Number: 1675 Age: 1972 Serial Number: 35809** Band: Custom Leather & Buck...
18k Gold
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.
1972 Rolex Zephyr 1512 Men's Watch Steel 14K Yellow Gold #15772
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1972 Rolex Zephyr Men's Watch Model: 1512 Serial: 2963622 This vintage men's rolex is set in stainless steel with a 14K yellow gold bezel original two tone oyster rivet bracelet -...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Gold Shell Series in New Condition, circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Date METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell / Gold Filled / Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: 40mm X 34mm CIRCA: 1972 MO...
Gold
Rolex Cellini Wristwatch Ref 4091. 18K Yellow Gold. 170mm Wrist. Year 1972
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very rare vintage mid size Rolex Cellini reference 4091 features a large for period 18k yellow gold case (30mm x 25mm) and integral bracelet and is powered by a cal 1600 manual w...
Yellow Gold
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 GMT Master reference 1675 / 8 18K Yellow Gold Wristwatch, 'Root Beer' 1972
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very rare Rolex GMT Master reference 1675 (1675/8 internally to Rolex) features a 18k yellow gold 40mm case, brown 'nipple' dial and brown/ gold rotating bezel as well as 18k yel...
Yellow Gold
Sold
H 1.38 in W 1.25 in
1972 Rolex Cellini Vintage Mens Handwound Ref. 3806 TV Watch - 18K White Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
Detailed Appraisal: Manufacturer: Rolex Country of origin: Switzerland Model: Reference 3806, Cellini Serial no.: 3,110,142 Year made: c. 1972 Functions: Hours and Minutes ...
White Gold
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 Yellow Gold Shell Top Oyster Perpetual Date Watch From 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Date / Ref. 1550 METAL / MATERIAL: Steel w/ Solid Gold Shell Top DIMENSIONS: 39mm X 34mm CIRCA: 1972 /...
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
Sold
H 1.11 in W 1.11 in
Rolex Cellini, Very Rare 18k WGold "King Midas" Ref. 4017 Wristwatch, C. 1972
By Rolex
Located in Paris, FR
Produced Circa 1972. This Rolex King Midas-Cellini is fitted in a solid 18kt White gold case and with a striking Silver-finish dial and black and silver hours markers.
18k Gold
Rolex 18 Karat Rare Rose Gold President Day Date from 1971 or 1972 Ref. 1805
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: President / Ref. 1805 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Rose Gold DIMENSIONS: 44 mm X 36 mm CIRCA: 1971 / 1972 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perp...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel and Rose Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1601 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rose gold bezel and crown. Circa 1972. Stainless steel and rose gold Bracelet Length: 7.25 inches Length: 43.48mm Width: 36mm Bracelet width at case: 20mm Case thickness: 11....
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt Solid White Gold Cellini circa, 1972 Ultra Thin High Grade Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cellini / Reference 3810 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 29mm "Lug Tip to...
White Gold
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 Oyster Perpetual Two Tone with Rare Vertical Grained Gold Dial from 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm x 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1500 DIAL / HANDS: Original Rare Gold Grained Dial with Appli...
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 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
1972 Rolex Day-Date Yellow Gold 1803 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
Vintage * *Complete with: Presentation Box dated 1972 *Case Size: 36mm *Strap: Brown Leather *Age: 1972 *Strap length: Adjustable up to 20cm.
Yellow Gold
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 Steel & Gold GMT circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS/14K YG GMT ref# 1675 serial # 3.1 million circa 1972 with original chocolate brown dial with gold applied rivet indexes. 24 hour bronze and gold bezel insert.
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 18K Rose Gold Day & Date Presidential circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18K Rose Gold Day and Date model ref 1803 circa 1972.
1972 Rolex Beta 21 Texano Ref. 5100
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
The Texano The Beta 5100 is one of the rarest serial-production Rolex watches ever made. Nicknamed the “Texano” — after its early adopters among Texan oil billionaires — this except...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1503, circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref# 1503 serial # 3.0 million circa 1972.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 GMT-Master Wristwatch Ref 1675 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18k yellow gold GMT-Master wristwatch, Ref. 1675, serial number 3.1 million, circa 1972. 24-hour bronze-color rotating bezel.
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold GMT-Master Wristwatch Ref 1675 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18k yellow gold GMT-Master wristwatch, Ref. 1675, serial number 3.1 million, circa 1972. 40mm case with 24-hour bronze-color rotating bezel and acrylic crystal.
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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 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 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 Yellow Gold Day Date with Custom Colored Green Dial circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18k yellow gold Day Date wristwatch, Ref. 1803, serial number 3.2 million, circa 1972. 36mm diameter case with fluted bezel and acrylic crystal.
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date Wristwatch circa 1972 with Custom-Colored Dial
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18k yellow gold Day-Date wristawtch, Ref. 1803, serial number 3.1 million, circa 1972. 36mm case with smooth bezel and non cyclops dome crystal.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel GMT-Master Wristwatch ref 1675 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel and 14K Yellow Gold GMT-Master ref 1675 serial number 3.4 million circa 1972. 39.5mm diameter case with bi-directional 24 hour bronze and gold 24 hour bezel and...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow 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 Steel and Gold GMT-Master Wristwatch Ref 1675 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel and yellow gold GMT-Master, Ref 1675, serial 3.1 million, circa 1972.
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 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
Rolex Yellow Gold GMT-Master Wristwatch Ref 1675 with UAE Dial circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 Case 18k yellow gold, screw back, acrylic glass, rotating bezel, screw-down crown, 40mm Movement caliber 1570, automatic, chronometer, 24-hour in...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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. Great looking full size man's model 36mm diameter case with smooth bezel and beautifully restored antique salmon pie p...
14k Gold, 18k Gold
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 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 18K YG Day Date ref 1803 circa 1972 Rare Oxblood Dial
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18K YG Day Date ref 1803 circa 1972 with rare original oxblood pie pan dial with gold applied baton indexes. 36mm diameter Oyster case serial # 3.3 million with 18K YG fluted b...
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. Featuring 36mm diameter case with 14K WG fluted bezel, acrylic crystal, and original gray pie pan dial ...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Patek Philippe Round Crystal Dial Leather Strap Wristwatch in Yellow Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
A classic Patek Philippe wristwatch, featuring a round dial covered in crystal with hours and hands represented by yellow gold lines. Case and case back are made of 18K yellow gold. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$21,500
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...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Steel Air King with Black Finish and Custom Made Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diam...
Stainless Steel
$1,995
H 1.62 in W 1.34 in
1966 Omega (Seamaster) Rare Cal. 560 Vintage Mens 10K Gold Filled & Stainless St
By Omega
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Gold-filled, Stainless Steel
1999 Rolex Lady Datejust 26 mm Diamond Bezel Two-Tone Jubilee Watch
By Rolex
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A timeless 1999 Rolex Lady Datejust featuring a 26mm stainless steel and 18K yellow gold Oyster case paired with the iconic Jubilee bracelet. This elegant timepiece showcases a white...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5146G Cream Dial Watch & Papers
By Patek Philippe
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5146G-001 Men's Watch. This timepiece features a 39mm case and bezel made of 18K white gold. The cream dial is complemented by luminous white gold hand...
18k Gold
$14,981Sale Price|25% Off
H 0.44 in W 1.11 in Dm 1.11 in
Rolex Vintage 28mm 18k Yellow-Rose Gold Diamonds w Oyster Perpetual Band 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Vintage 28mm 18k Yellow-Rose Gold and Diamonds on the Numbers with an Oyster Band Creator: Rolex 2416631 , 6627 Design: Oyster Perpetual Case Material: 18kYellow-Rose Gold S...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,119
W 1.34 in L 1.62 in
1966 Omega (Seamaster) Rare Cal. 560 Vintage Mens 10K Gold Filled & Stainless St
By Omega
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Gold-filled
Vintage 1990s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 56175SA Two-Tone Grey Dial Quartz 33mm
By Audemars Piguet
Located in New York, NY
The Genta Blueprint In A Classic Size The Royal Oak is a foundational design in modern watchmaking. This two-tone reference 56175SA delivers the full impact of Gérald Genta's iconic...
Stainless Steel
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.34 in
Rolex Ref 6022 Oyster Precision Mens Vintage 1950s 34mm Manual Wind RA781
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision ref.6022 manual hand-wind dress watch, c.1952, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 Mens 1960s 35mm 14k SS Diamond Automatic RA742B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dazzling classic, Men's 14k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Go...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 15000 34mm 1980s Mens Vintage Automatic RA771B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref 15000 automatic, c.1981, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, R...
Stainless Steel
$7,280Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.26 in
Rolex 3372 Chronometre Rose Gold SS Men 1940s 32mm Automatic Bubbleback RA750B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare and historic Rolex Perpetual Ref.3372 with solid rose gold bezel, c.1947, unrestored dial, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Ro...
Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
1961 Rolex Oyster Royal 6427 Stainless Steel Patina White Dial Manual 34 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Mid-Century Oyster Foundation The reference 6427 represents a pure, unadorned expression of mid-century design language, originating from an era when utilitarian durability and ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 18k Rose Gold Rolex Bubbleback Automatic Watch Ref 6011
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Classic vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback wrist watch crafted in 18k rose gold. This reference 6011 features the distinctive early automatic Rolex case with screw-down Oyster...
18k Gold
$10,560Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.42 in
Rolex Ref 6098 Oyster Precision Mens 36mm 1950s Automatic Bubble Back RA712B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Historical classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Precision Ref 6098 big bubble back automatic, c.1953, unrestored, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watc...
Stainless 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.
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry 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.