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.
1990s Rare Rolex Cellini ref. 6623 in Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Amazing and fascinating Rolex Cellini Ref. 6623 Period : 1990s Serial n. S10**72 18KT Yellow gold 37 mm case (still with plastic on the back) Fantastic fascinating golden dial with a...
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1982 Ladies Rolex 6917 with Diamond Bezel 18k Yellow Gold Complete
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Complete with original box and papers. Vintage 6917 18k 1982 ladies Datejust with a diamond bezel. Crafted out of 18k yellow gold paired with a champagne dial and the iconic Presiden...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1946 Rolex Precision Vintage Mens Claw Lugs Square Dress Watch - 14K Gold & SS
By Rolex
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...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
2000 Rolex Submariner Men's Watch 16610 Black Dial Bezel #24693
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2000 Rolex Submariner Watch Model: 16610 Serial: P702253 This classic Rolex Submariner men's watch is set in stainless steel. Black dial with luminescent markers. 40mm case size ...
Stainless Steel
2000 Rolex Ladies Two Tone Datejust 79163 Diamond Slate Dial #24682
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2000 Rolex Ladies Two Tone Datejust Model: 79163 Serial: K143131 This classic ladies Rolex watch is set in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold...
Stainless Steel
1981 Rolex Datejust 31 President 6827 18K Yellow Gold Watch White Roman #24681
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1981 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Datejust 31 Watch Model: 6827 Serial: 6703098 This elegant Rolex midsize watch is set in solid 18K gold. 31mm case w...
18k Gold
1960's Rolex Ladies Datejust 18K Pink Gold Watch 6517 Champagne Dial #24698
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1960's Rolex Ladies Datejust Watch Model: 6517 Serial: 1xxx13 ( numbers have been worn over time so full serial is not visible) This vintage Rolex ladies watch is set in 18K pink g...
18k Gold
1932 Rolex Compteur Very Rare Vintage Antique Mens Stopwatch, 49mm Nickel Chrome
By Rolex
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...
Other
2000 Rolex Submariner 16613 Two Tone Black Dial Men's Watch Box/Papers #24537
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2000 Rolex Submariner Men's Two Tone Watch Model: 16613 Serial: P469791 This classic men's Rolex submariner is set in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold. Stainless steel case wit...
Stainless Steel
1998 Men's Rolex 40mm GMT Master with Black Dial and Pepsi Bezel. (Unworn)
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
SN# U35**** Year: 1998. Brand: Rolex. Gender: Men's. Dial Color: Black. Condition: Unworn. Model: GMT Master. Case Back: Screw-Back. Model Number: 16700. Case Dimensions: 40mm. Meta...
1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Day Date 18238 Men's Watch #23710
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Presidential Day Date Watch Model: 18238 Serial: L327924 This elegant 18K yellow gold men's Rolex features day/date settings and quickset design. Champa...
18k Gold
1962 Rolex Explorer Ref. 5501 Vintage Mens Watch - Stainless Steel & 14K Gold
By Rolex
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 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1962 ROLEX EXPLORER...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
1999 26mm Rolex Presidential 18K Gold with Champagne Dial and Fluted Bezel.
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
SN# U80**** Year: 1999. Brand: Rolex. Crystal: Sapphire. Gender: Women's. Bezel: Fluted Bezel. Dial Color: Champagne. Case Dimensions: 26mm. Condition: Mint Condition. Metal Type: 1...
18k Gold
1998 26mm Rolex Presidential 18K Gold Watch with Champagne Dial and Fluted Bezel
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
SN# U80**** Brand: Rolex. Crystal: Sapphire. Gender: Women's. Bezel: Fluted Bezel. Condition: Unworn. Dial Color: Champagne. Case Dimensions: 26mm. Metal Type: 18K Solid Yellow Gold....
18k Gold
1947 Rolex Precision Vintage Mens Claw Lugs Square Dress Watch, 14K Rose Gold SS
By Rolex
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...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
1978 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with Original Ravagnani Warranty and Box
By Rolex
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Amazing and fascinating Rolex Gmt Master ref. 1675 Year 1958 Serial n. 587**40 Fantastic dial with cream index and charming blue and red well aged tonality Jubilee bracelet Case, dia...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Precision 22m 18K Gold Champagne Dial Manual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Precision ladies manual-wind watch in 18K yellow gold featuring a cushion-shaped case with a champagne sunray dial, applied gold baton indices, and Rolex crown logo, wi...
18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 Mens 34mm 1960s Vintage Automatic RA766B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1961, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, unrestored Rolex signed ...
Stainless Steel
ROLEX CELLINI Vintage Ladies Ref. 6691 18K Gold & Factory Diamond Watch
By Rolex
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...
White Gold
Rolex 14Kt Solid Rose Gold Rare Oyster Viceroy Art Deco Watch circa 1938
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Viceroy / Reference 3116 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1938 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm "Lug ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold
1940's Rolex Ladies Vintage Cocktail Watch - Platinum & Diamonds
By Rolex
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...
Platinum
Rolex 14Kt Solid Rose Gold Rare Oyster Viceroy Art Deco Watch circa 1938
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Viceroy / Reference 3116 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1938 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm "Lug ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Lady Date, ref 6917, 26mm Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel, c1975
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Rolex lady Date, reference 6917, features a 26mm stainless steel case with yellow gold fluted bezel and stainless steel riveted bracelet. It may of course be paired to a ...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" Dial 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's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length "Lug Tip to Lug T...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Cellini Danaos 18K Rose Gold Black Dial Ladies Quartz Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Cellini Danaos ladies quartz watch in 18K rose gold, reference 6229, featuring a cushion-shaped case with a black graduated dial, white Arabic numerals, rose gold leaf hands, and "Cellini" script signature, with original Rolex buckle on an aftermarket black leather strap. 26mm case, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Product Specifications: Item Type: Vintage Ladies Luxury Dress Watch Brand: Rolex Model: Cellini Danaos Reference: 6229 Metal: 18K Rose Gold Case Size: 26mm cushion-shaped Movement: Quartz Dial: Black graduated with white Arabic numerals Indices: Arabic numerals 1–12 in white Bezel Type: Smooth, polished Bezel Color: Rose gold Crown: Rose gold fluted at 3 o'clock Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire Band Material: Aftermarket black leather strap Band Color: Black Clasp: Original Rolex buckle (rose gold) Features: Sapphire crystal, original Rolex buckle Style: Vintage, ladies dress watch Period: 1990 About the Rolex Cellini: The Rolex Cellini collection...
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Datejust Two Tone Men's Watch 16013
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Datejust 16013 is a classic expression of timeless design, crafted in stainless steel and 18k yellow gold. This vintage two-tone model features the iconic fluted bezel, a c...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies' 9 Karat Rose Gold Watch Bracelet, 1917
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A Rolex, early 20th century ladies', rose gold wristwatch, with a circular, white enamel dial, signed Rolex, with black Roman numerals, with the XII marked in red and gold minutes, w...
Rose Gold
Rolex Datejust 1603 Silver Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Datejust 1603 Mens Watch. 36mm stainless steel case. Stainless steel fluted bezel. Silver dial with silver-tone hands and index hour markers. Minute markers on the outer dial. ...
Rolex Datejust 79173 White Dial Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Datejust 79173 Ladies Watch. 26mm Stainless Steel case with 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. White dial with gold hands and Roman numeral hour marker. Date display at the 3 o'cloc...
Vintage 1986 Rolex DayDate President Brown Vignette Box Papers 18038 Unpolished
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1986 Rolex Day Date President with Rare Brown Burst Dial Box Papers Maker: Rolex Model: 18038 Day Date Year: 1986 Material: 18K Yellow Gold, Brilliant cut and Baguette cut ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Modernist Watch circa 1948 with High Grade Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Moderist / Reference 8143 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold & Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm "Lug ...
Gold, Platinum
$2,553Sale Price|20% Off
Classic Rolex Datejust 6916 in Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Bloomington, MN
Classic Rolex Datejust 6916 in Stainless Steel This Rolex Datejust 6916 is crafted in stainless steel and features a clean silver-tone dial with baton hour markers, a date display, ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rare Art Deco 1938 Rolex Prince 9K Solid Gold Watch Vintage
By Rolex
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Beautiful Art Deco period solid gold Rolex Prince watch from 1938. The Prince style watch is distinguished by the second dial which displays the seconds hand. This watch has a solid 9 carat gold case, which is stamped on the interior of the case. The band is 14K two-tone yellow and rose gold, the band is not stamped but has hallmarks that are photographed. The band has been acid tested for purity in three spots, and tests at 14K Gold. This watch is keeping accurate time, and has been stored in a dry safe. This is a classic style that will fit nicely into any collection! This is a stunning piece! Please ask all necessary questions prior to placing an order! Specs: 9K case 14K band Style #2736 (on back) Serial #47406 (on back) Rolex Ref 2735 Circa 1938 Rolex Vintage Rectangular solid gold case with solid wire gold fixed lugs. This watch is manual hand winding. Face is marked Rolex with blued steel hands. Interior movement is signed Rolex 15 Rubies...
Gold, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm "Lug Ti...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Automatic Ladies Watch Ref 6719
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A classic vintage ladies’ wristwatch showcasing Rolex’s timeless Oyster Perpetual design, complete with original paperwork and tag. Crafted in stainless steel, the watch features a c...
Stainless Steel
Rare Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date UAE Champagne Dial 19018
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Oysterquartz Day-Date 36mm 19018, by Rolex. As well as applied hour markers and the iconic weekday and date apertures, the champagne dial features an image of the former nati...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1943 Rolex Very Rare Lund & Blockley Oyster Aqua Vintage Mens Midsize World War
By Rolex
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...
Stainless Steel
$14,981Sale Price|25% Off
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, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36mm Steel Engine-Turned Bezel Men's Watch 16220
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Rolex Datejust reference 16220 dates back to 1990. Of course, the combination of the light-champagne dial and the stainless steel Jubilee bracelet already is perfect. However, w...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$48,000
Rolex x Loree Rodkin Watch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date crafted in 18k yellow gold, customised by jewellery designer Loree Rodkin. The watch features a champagne dial with baton hour markers, day aperture...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
1960's Rolex Ladies Vintage Cocktail Watch - 18K White Gold & Diamonds
By Rolex
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 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1960's ROLEX Ladies Vintage...
White Gold
Vintage 1968 Rolex Air King Precision Watch Ref 5500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A timeless example of Rolex’s understated sport design, this 1968 Air-King Precision Ref. 5500 features a stainless steel Oyster case paired with a matching Rolex stainless steel bra...
Stainless Steel
Two-Tone 36mm DateJust Rolex Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
This timepiece is in good pre owned condition. 16013 Two-Tone 36mm DateJust Rolex 18k/Stainless Steel Jubilee Band. Movement Automatic. Dial: Aftermarket Champagne Dial
Diamond
Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel After Market Diamond Bezel & Aftermarket Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial. Jubilee Band
Diamond
Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Mens Watch Ref 5112
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Mens Watch Ref 5112 - Manual winding. Cellini. 18K Yellow gold (32 mm). Champagne dial with raised Roman numerals. Black Rolex strap with tang buckle. P...
1973 ROLEX PRECISION Vintage Mens Stainless Steel & Diamond Watch - Mint
By Rolex
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...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1976 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 Blue Sunburst Dial 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Special Dial On A Classic Frame The reference 1002 is the purest distillation of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. It strips away the date complication and the fluted bezel, leaving onl...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" Dial 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's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length "Lug Tip to Lug T...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" Dial 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's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length "Lug Tip to Lug T...
Stainless Steel
Ladies Rolex Prima 2692, Manually Wound, 9ct Yellow Gold, Patination Yr 1936
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our lovely vintage ladies Rolex Prima, reference 2692, features a manually wound movement and is 9ct yellow gold cased. We date manufacture to c.1936 given the 39 ** serial number. T...
Vintage Rolex Datejust Thunderbird Turn-O-Graph Two Tone Gold Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph "Thunderbird" two-tone 18K yellow gold and stainless steel, reference 1625, featuring a champagne sunburst dial with applied gold baton indices, d...
18k Gold
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
Vintage Rolex Ladies Datejust Aftermarket Ruby & Diamond Watch Ref 69178
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Rolex Ladies Datejust reference 69178 crafted in 18k yellow gold, enhanced with an aftermarket ruby and diamond design that brings vibrant color and brilliance to the class...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. ROLEX Precision 2642 Mechanical Windup. Ladies Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Case Rolex Precision Ladies Watch with attached Milanese Bracelet (Stainless Steel). Rolex Windup 1400 Caliber Movement Ref. 2642 . Circa 1970 Case Is 18k White Gol...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King Stainless Steel Wristwatch Circa 1993
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Rolex Air King Stainless Steel Wristwatch Circa 1993. The Rolex Air King Stainless Steel Wristwatch is from 1993. The band is an oyster band and the blue dial has markers and 3/6/9...
Steel, Stainless Steel
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...
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6444 Rare Black Dial 1950s Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Stainless Steel Case ref.6444 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1958 New Leather Band. Beautiful Watch. 31 mm round Case
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster SPEEDKING 4302 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster SpeedKing 4302 9k Yellow Gold Bezel and Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1946 Beautiful Watch. New Genuine Leather band. 29mm round c...
9k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6494 Bitonal Two Tone Dial 1956 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6494 in gold-plated stainless steel featuring rare bitonal two-tone dial with grey outer chapter ring and silver-white center disc, appli...
Gold
Genuine 18k Rolex 9356 Precision . 18k Gold Ladies Diamond Rolex Manual Watch
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1962 Full Diamond Bezel. Dainty 16mm by 23mm Case. Rolex 1400 Movement Ref. 9356 / 8790 . Beautiful Wa...
18k Gold, White Gold
Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, new and classic vintage watches on 1stDibs.
While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind.
Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. 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.
Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic 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 watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory.
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.
When shopping for a watch, 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 exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.
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