Rolex President Day-Date 36 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Men Watch 18038
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date Model Number: 18038 Style: Luxury Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Year Manufactured: 1980–1989 Country/Region of Manufacture...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Steel 18K Yellow Gold Custom Diamonds Black Dial Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. Custom Dial and bezel. It comes with a Chronostore box and a 1 year Seller warranty. Natural Diamonds
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 41 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Watch 218238
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date II Model Number: 218238 Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Style: Luxury Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Year Manufactured: ...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Day Date 118238 Presidential 36 mm 18K Yellow Gold Black Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Day Date 118238 Presidential 36mm 18K Yellow Gold Black Diamond Dial This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner 18K White Gold Black Dial Mens Automatic Watch 126619LB
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn Rolex Submariner Date Oyster Perpetual 41mm 18k White Gold Black Dial Mens Automatic Watch 126619LB.
Rolex GMT Master II White Gold Black Dial Pepsi Bezel Mens Watch 116719BLRO
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex GMT Master II White Gold Pepsi Bezel Mens Watch 116719.
18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Rolex Cellini Time 18k Rose Gold Black Diamond Dial Men Watch 50605RBR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Cellini Time Model Number: 50605RBR Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Vintage: No Year Manufactured: 2018 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switz...
Rose Gold
Rolex Day Date President 40 18K Gold Index Black Dial Diamond Watch 228349RBR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We do not defraud Customs. Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Day-Date 228349RBR Department: Men Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Vintage: No Display: Analog Y...
18k Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18k Rose Gold Black Dial Men Watch 126515LN Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with box and papers. 2025 card.
Rose Gold
Rolex Datejust 31mm 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 178273
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust 178273 Model Number: 178273 Type and Style: Type: Wristwatch Style: Luxury Department: Women Display: Analog Vintage:...
Steel, 18k Gold
Rolex Sky-Dweller Steel 18K Yellow Gold BlacK Dial Automatic Mens Watch 326933
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Comes with the original box and papers. General: Brand: Rolex Model: Sky-Dweller 326933 Type: Wristwatch Department: Men's Style: Luxury, Sport Country of Manufacture: Switzerland ...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Submariner 40mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 16803
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Submariner Steel 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Mens Watch 16803.
Yellow Gold, Steel
Unworn Rolex Submariner Date 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Men Watch 126613LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Submariner 126613LN Model Number: 126613LN Type and Style: Type: Wristwatch Style: Luxury Department: Men Display: Analog Vint...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust II 116333 18K Yellow Gold Steel Roman Black Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Good pre-owned condition. Box and papers. Free polishing upon request. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. Rolex Da...
Steel
Rolex Submariner 116613LN Steel 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
🕰️ Basic Information Brand: Rolex Model: Submariner Date Model Number: 116613LN Department: Men Style: Luxury Country of Manufacture: Switzerland Year Manufactured: 2010–Pr...
Steel
Rolex Datejust Steel & Yellow Gold Watch Black Diamond Dial Oyster Band 178243
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We are a premiere distributor of pre-owned and new watches, where we guarantee complete authenticity and corresponding aesthetic to all of our timepieces. We guarantee the watch you ...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116505 Black Dial Pink Subdials 18K Rose Gold Box/Card
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Discover our collection of carefully evaluated and inspected pre-owned watches, each meticulously assessed and authenticated by our in-house certified horologists. Every piece underg...
Rose Gold
Rolex Day-Date 40 Yellow Gold Black Diamond Dial Automatic Mens Watch 228238
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with the original box and papers.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Steel 18K White Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 116334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust 116334 Model Number: 116334 Movement: Mechanical (Automati...
White Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm 126281RBR Rose Gold Steel Black Diamond Dial Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers.
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex GMT Master II Black Dial Yellow Gold Steel Mens Watch 16713 - 2008
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned, in excellent condition, Rolex GMT-Master II ref 16713 from 2008 is becoming more popular as newer GMT models gain attention. The attraction to it grows because it's g...
Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel & 18K White Gold Black Index Dial Mens Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. This watch comes with the original box and paper. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 126334 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Lu...
White Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual with Rare Original Black Dial from 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 34...
Rolex GMT-Master II Rootbeer 18K Rose Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 126711
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The original box and papers are included. Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex GMT Master II 126710BLRO Model Number: 126710BLRO Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) Origin: Made in Switzerland St...
Rose Gold, Steel
Unworn Rolex Yacht-Master 42mm White Gold Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 226659
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with the original Box and papers.
White Gold
Rolex GMT-Master II 18K Rose Gold Root Beer Black Dial Mens Watch 126715CHNR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex GMT-Master II 126715CHNR Model Number: 126715CHNR Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Department: Men Style: Luxury Vintage: No Y...
Rose Gold
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel 18K Yellow Gold Black Diamond Dial Men’s Watch 126333
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. It comes with an original box and paper.
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 18K Yellow Gold Jubilee Black Dial Men Watch 126718
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with the original box and papers.
Yellow Gold
Rolex Black Pearl 8+2 track Datejust Two Tone 18K Gold + SS + Side Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Black Pearl Track 31mm Datejust 68173 2Tone 18K Gold + SS + Side Diamonds Oyster Band + Bezel
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Steel White Gold Bezel Black Diamond Dial Watch 126334 Unworn
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust 126334 Model Number: 126334 Movement: Mechanical (Manual) ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 18k Yellow Gold Steel Diamond Black Dial Mens Watch 126333
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Comes with original box and papers. Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 41 Reference Number: 126333 Year: 2019 Country of Manufacture: Switzerland Department: Men Style: Luxury Dress...
Steel
Rolex Submariner 18k Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 116613
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Covered by a 2-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex Department Men Model Number 116613BKDO Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Model Rolex Submariner 116613 Style L...
$35,292Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Yacht-Master 18k Rose Gold Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116655
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
General Information Brand: Rolex Model Number: 116655 Model: Yacht-Master 116655 Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury, Sport Year...
Rolex Datejust 41 126303 Black Diamond Dial Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
🔹 Model Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 41 Reference Number: M126303-0005 Department: Men Style: Luxury / Classic Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Year M...
Steel
Rolex Speckled Gold Dial 33MM 18K Gold Precision Leather Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
An extremely unique Rolex speckled gold and black dial 33mm Precision model watch in 18k gold.
18k Gold
Rolex GMT-Master II 18K Rose Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 126711CHNR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
General Information: Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 126711CHNR Model: Rolex GMT-Master II Style: Luxury, Sport Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 16013 Black Dial with Baguettes 6&9 18k Yellow Gold & SS Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust 16013 Black Dial with Baguettes 6&9 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Watch This watch is in like new condition.
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Black String RT 26 Datejust Oyster Two Tone 18K Gold + SS + Side Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Black String RT 26 Datejust Two Tone 18K Gold + SS + Side Diamonds Oyster Band + Diamond Bezel 69173 This watch is in like new condition.
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
$14,720Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Submariner Date Certified Two Tone Black Dial Service Papers
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner Date REFRENCE: 16803 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oyster 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel MOVEMEN...
Mixed Metal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26 18k Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Ladies Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with original box and papers.
Steel
Rolex Day-Date President 228238 40MM 8K Gold Black Diagonal-Motif Men Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date President Model Number: 228238 Year Manufactured: 2021 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Vintage: No Cu...
Gold
Rolex Datejust Midsize 31mm 68274 Black Dial Steel 18K White Gold Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 68274 Serial: R785*** Model: Rolex Datejust Midsize Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K White Gold Dial: Black Face: Sapphire Crystal Case ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm 18K Gold Steel Black Diamond Dial Automatic Watch 126233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with an original box and papers.
Diamond, Steel
Rolex Daytona 40mm 18K Yellow Gold Steel Diamond Black Dial Mens Watch 116503
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Card 2023. Full links. Rolex 100% original diamonds. General Information: Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Name: Rolex Daytona 116503 Model Number: 116503 Countr...
Steel
NEW Rolex Datejust 41mm 126333 Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Oyster Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers.
Yellow Gold, Steel
NEW Rolex Datejust 41 126333 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with an original box and papers.
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 18K Rose Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 126711CHNR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
General Information: Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 126711CHNR Model: Rolex GMT-Master II Style: Luxury, Sport Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 18k Yellow Gold Steel Black Index Dial Automatic Watch 116233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 116233 Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Style: Luxury Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Vintage: No Year Manuf...
Steel
Rolex Submariner 40mm 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 16613
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre Owned Rolex Submariner 40mm 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 16613.
NEW Rolex Sky-Dweller Gold Steel Black Dial Oyster Band Automatic Watch 326934
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand and Series Information: Brand: Rolex Series: Sky-Dweller Model Number: 326934 Packaging and Warranty: Packaging: Manufacturer's Box and Papers Production Year: New Style Card...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Black Diamond Dial Jubilee Bracelet Fluted Bezel 126334
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 41mm Datejust by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with diamond set hour markers and a white gold fluted bezel.
Diamond, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Black Diamond Dial Oyster Bracelet B&P 126334
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Rolex Datejust 41 reference 126334, featuring a black dial with diamond-set hour markers and a white gold fluted bezel.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master Steel Black Dial Black Dial SS/RG Oyster Bracelet 116621
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This particular bezel allows the user to calculate the time of sailing during a race, but most important is one of this model's distinctive identities. The 116221 black dials are cha...
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Lady Datejust 26mm 18K White Gold Steel Black Dial Ladies Watch 179174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. Comes with the original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model Number: 179174 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Department: ...
Steel
NEW Rolex Sky Dweller 18k Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch 326933
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
General Information Brand: Rolex Model Number: 326933 Model: Sky-Dweller 326933 Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Year Manufac...
Steel
$62,600Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Daytona MINT Rose Black Dial Box Papers and Service Card
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Daytona REFERENCE: 116505 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Rose Gold DIAL: Black BEZEL: 18k Rose Gold BAND: 18k Rose Gold MOVEMENT: Automatic Very Good condition Box & Card ...
Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Black Dial Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable condition, having undergone professional polishing and servicing to maintain its pristine appearance. The wa...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Black Index Dial Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable condition, having undergone professional polishing and servicing to maintain its pristine appearance. The wa...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 116613LN 40mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with original box and papers. 1-year seller warranty.
Steel
2024 Rolex Datejust 41 126333 Black Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126333 Serial: OU166*** Year: 2024 Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yel...
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.