Rolex Datejust 18k White Gold Men's Watch on Leather Strap Band 116189
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust 18k White Gold Men's Watch on Leather Strap Band 116189 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal.
White Gold
1950's Rolex Oyster Speedking Precision in Red Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Precision stainless steel watch circa 1950.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Date Gilt Dial w/ Leather Strap Ref. 6694
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 6694 Year: 1965 Serial number: 12XXXXX Reference: C0_ Case: 34mm diameter without crown; show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case b...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Precision Silver Dial Manual Wind w/ Leather Strap Ref. 6424
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 6424 Year: 1964 Serial Number: 10XXXXX Reference: OT3160 Case: 36mm diameter without crown; show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner cas...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Day Date President 1803 Buckley Dial 18K Yellow Gold Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1803 Serial: 3841*** Year: 1974 Model: Rolex Day Date Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: Custom Leather Band Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: ...
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Blue Dial circa, 1960's Patent Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Day Date 18038 36mm Factory Diamond Dial and Leather Strap 18k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18038 Serial: 962**** Year: 1987 Model: Rolex Day Date Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: Factory Rolex Leather Strap & Clasp Bezel: 18k Ye...
Rolex unisex 34mm 1500 Date black stick on leather strap
By Rolex
Located in San Fernando, CA
(Watch Description) Brand - Rolex Gender - Unisex Model - 1500 Date Metals - Stainless Steel Case size - 34mm Bezel - Rolex steel smooth Crystal - Acrylic Movement - Automatic Cal.15...
Stainless Steel
Giren Dupre' 18kt Solid Gold Daytona Style Chronograph, Leather Strap, Automatic
By Rolex
Located in Mestre Venezia, IT
Brand new, " Giren Dupre' " Swiss made, 18kt solid gold wrist watch on Alligator strap. Automatic movement. the crocodile Strap attached is a Rolex alligator strap. custom made ...
Gold
Giren Dupre' 18kt Solid Gold Daytona Style Chronograph, Leather Strap, Automatic
By Rolex
Located in Mestre Venezia, IT
Brand new, " Giren Dupre' " Swiss made, 18kt solid gold wrist watch on Alligator strap. Automatic movement. the crocodile Strap attached is a Rolex alligator strap. custom made ...
Gold
Vintage ROLEX Oysterdate Precision Date Watch with Brown Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage ROLEX Oysterdate Precision Date Watch with Brown Leather Strap Marked: ROLEX ACIERINOX SWISS MADE Approximate Dimensions: 25 cm (Length) 34 mm (Case Diameter) 1.9 cm (Strap...
Rolex Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch on Leather Strap Band 116138
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch on Leather Strap Band 116138 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel (36mm diam...
Rolex Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch on Leather Strap Band 116138
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch on Leather Strap Band 116138 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel (36mm diam...
Rolex Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch on Leather Strap Band 116188
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch on Leather Strap Band 116188 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. 18k yellow gold case with custom diamond bezel (3...
Sold
H 0.48 in W 0.79 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 18k Gold White Dial Leather Strap Men’s Watch 116518
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Rolex Daytona 116518 is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by a mechanical (automatic) movement which is cased in a yellow gold case. It has a round shape f...
Rolex Datejust 18 Karat Yellow Gold Men's Watch on Leather Strap Band 116138
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch on Leather Strap Band 116138 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel (36mm diam...
Ladies Rolex 1981 Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch With Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Ladies Rolex 1981 Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch With Leather Strap.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 1601 Blue Lapis Lazuli Dial 18k Yellow Gold Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1601 Serial: 6061*** Year: 1978 Model: Datejust Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: Navy Blue Leather Strap with Custom Clasp Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dia...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Daytona Pink Mother of Pearl Dial Diamond Original Green Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k White Gold Oyster Perpetual Daytona 116589 Gents Wristwatch, pink mother of pearl (MOP) dial set with 8 applied round brilliant diamond hour markers, 30 minute recorder at 3 0...
Diamond, White Gold
Rolex Air King 5501 14 Karat Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 5501 Serial: 968*** Model: Air King Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Custom Leather Band Bezel: 14K Yellow Gold Dial: Silver Face: Ac...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cellini Watch Model 4016, circa 1976 Rare Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rare Rolex 18 Karat Cellini Watch c.1976 Model # 4016 Composition: 18K Yellow Gold Original Rolex Burgandy Leather Watch Strap Manual Movement Color: Speckled Blue Made in Switzerland
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
The watch has been finished with a Rolex dark brown leather strap and Rolex buckle.
Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 1978 Rolex Date 34MM 1503 14K Yellow Gold Leather Strap Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
No.: 1503 Serial No.5,607,XXX Production Year: 1978 Water Resistance: 100 meters Caliber Properties Caliber No.: 1570 Number of Jewels: 26 Power Reserve: 48.0 hours Movement Type: ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ref. 6622 Cellini in 18k Gold Ladies Watch with Brown Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Original Rolex genuine Ostrich skin strap. Considered to be the highest quality leather in the world.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini Classic 6110 18 Karat Yellow Gold Black Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6110 Serial: A849*** Model: Cellini Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: Leather Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Black Face: Sapphire Crystal Case Size: 25mm Inc...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex 1024 Oyster Perpetual 14K Gold Capped Leather Strap Box Booklet
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1024 Serial: 2197*** Year: 1970 Model: Oyster Perpetual Case Material: 14K Yellow Gold Capped Band: Custom Leather Band Bezel: 14K Yellow Gold ...
14k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini Model 6621 18k Yellow Gold 26mm on Blue Embossed Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Cellini Model 6621 18k Yellow Gold 26mm Blue Roman Numeral Dial Blue Embossed Leather Strap Quartz Movement Tang buckle Made in Switzerland 35 grams c.1990 Fits up to from a...
Yellow Gold
Rolex 6671 Cellini Cellissima MOP Roman Dial 18K White Gold Pink Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6671 Serial: D755*** Year: 2005 Model: Cellini Cellisma Case Material: 18K White Gold Band: Pink Leather Band Bezel: 18K White Gold Dial: White Mother of Pearl ...
Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Rolex Cellini King Midas Watch, circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex Cellini King Midas 18 Karat White Gold Watch c.1974 Model # M4017/9 Composition: 18K White Gold, Rolex Leather Watch Strap Manual Movement Recently serviced by Rolex US...
White Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Tank Americaine Large 1741 18K White Gold Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1741 Model: Cartier Tank Americaine Large Case Material: 18K White Gold Band: Blue Leather Bezel: 18K White Gold Dial: Silver Guilloche Face...
Vintage Rolex Prince Brancard Steel and Gold Watch Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in Greenwich, CT
Vintage Rolex Prince Brancard, Circa 1939-1943 in very good working condition. Original Rolex crown, distributed second. Rectangular curved 14k yellow gold and stainless steel case, ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Date Yellow Gold Leather Strap Automatic Vintage Mens Watch 1503
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Date Yellow Gold Leather Strap Automatic Vintage Mens Watch 1503.
Yellow Gold
Rolex Sky-Dweller 18 Karat Rose Gold Leather Strap Watch 326135
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Sky-Dweller Reference #:326135. 42mm 18K Everose gold case, 18K Everose gold bezel, chocolate sunray dial, automatic Rolex caliber 9001 movement, second time-zone displayed via...
Rolex Cellini Prince Rose Gold Black Dial Leather Strap Mens Watch 5442
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Cellini Prince Rose Gold Black Dial Leather Strap Mens Watch 5442.
Rose Gold
Rolex Cellini Prince Rose Gold Black Dial Leather Strap Mens Watch 5442
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Cellini Prince Rose Gold Black Dial Leather Strap Mens Watch 5442.
Rose Gold
Rolex Date Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Leather Strap Vintage Mens Watch 1511
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Date Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Leather Strap Vintage Mens Watch 1511.
Yellow Gold
Rolex Date Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Leather Strap Vintage Mens Watch 1503
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Date Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Leather Strap Vintage Mens Watch 1503.
Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 36 Steel Yellow Gold Leather Strap Vintage Mens Watch 16013
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Datejust 36 Steel Yellow Gold Leather Strap Vintage Mens Watch 16013.
Steel, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 36 Steel Yellow Gold Leather Strap Vintage Mens Watch 16013
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Datejust 36 Steel Yellow Gold Leather Strap Vintage Mens Watch 16013.
Steel, Yellow Gold
Rolex Daytona 18 Karat White Gold Meteorite Dial Leather Strap Watch 116519
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Daytona Reference #:116519. 40mm 18K white gold case, tachymeter engraved bezel, screw-down push buttons, meteorite dial, and black strap with 18K white gold deployable fliploc...
Rolex Daytona 18 Karat White Gold Meteorite Dial Leather Strap Watch 116519
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Daytona Reference #:116519. 40mm 18K white gold case, tachymeter engraved bezel, screw-down push buttons, meteorite dial, and black strap with 18K white gold deployable fliploc...
Rolex President Day-Date 36mm Yellow Gold Leather Strap Vintage Mens Watch 1803
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex President Day-Date 36mm Yellow Gold Leather Strap Vintage Mens Watch 1803.
Yellow Gold
Rolex President Day-Date 36mm Yellow Gold Leather Strap Vintage Mens Watch 1803
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex President Day-Date 36mm Yellow Gold Leather Strap Vintage Mens Watch 1803.
Yellow Gold
Rolex President Day-Date 36mm Yellow Gold Leather Strap Vintage Mens Watch 1803
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex President Day-Date 36mm Yellow Gold Leather Strap Vintage Mens Watch 1803.
Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini Prince Rose Gold Black Dial Leather Strap Mens Watch 5442 Box Card
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Cellini Prince Rose Gold Black Dial Leather Strap Mens Watch 5442 Box Card.
Rose Gold
Vintage Rolex Oyster Octagonal 1920's Extra Prima 1096 Case RARE
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1096 Serial: 260*** Year: 1925 Model: Rolex Oyster Vintage Octagonal Band: Custom Leather Band Dial: White / Off White Case Size: ~32mm In...
Sold|$6,015
Dm 1.03 in
1982 Rolex Lady Datejust 26MM 6917 Champagne Diamond Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Diameter: 26.00 mm Weight: 29.47 grams One ladies 18K yellow gold diamond ROLEX Swiss-made watch. The metal was tested an...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Silvered Dial and Gilt Markers
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Panthere 1650 Blue MOP 18K White Gold Watch
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Panthere 1650 Ladies Watch. 27mm 18K white gold case. 18K white gold bezel with factory diamond sets. Blue Mother of Pearl dial with white gold hands and White gold Roman num...
White Gold
Rolex 14Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Tank Style Watch circa 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 4391 Ladies Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 27mm "...
14k Gold
Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Paris Centure Collection Wrist Watch, 18k Yellow Gold 27 X 27 M.M. 2 Piece stepped case. 17 jewel mechanical, manual wind movement. White Dial with Black Roman nu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies ROLEX 2649 Precision Cocktail Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970s. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2649. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Leather Band...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Mid 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 7008 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SI...
Gold, Steel
Vintage Cartier Roadster Automatic 2510 Watch
By Cartier
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Vintage Cartier rectangular stainless steel case with silver dial, stainless steel bezel, and date window at 3 o'clock Condition: Worn - Excellent (minor signs of wear). Stainless s...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Ronde Solo Ref 3517 Large Steel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2018 Cartier Reference 3517 Ronde Solo Wrist Watch, 42 M.M. 2 piece Stainless Steel Water Resistant case, Automatic, Self winding movement, Sapphire set crown, Sapphire Glass C...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial 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 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex 6516 Watch. 18k and SS ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k and Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6516. Beautiful Watch. Case is Stainless Steel. 18k Yellow gold b...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Yellow 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 43mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
A Pair of Bulgari Earrings with Turquoise, Diamond and Amethyst
By Bulgari
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A pair of 18k gold earrings with cabochon-cut turquoise stones on the ear, attached to a horizontal round circle with calibre-cut pavé set green tourmaline, below is a round turquois...
Amethyst, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Small Vintage Women's Watch Signed Kody
Located in Vannes, FR
This vintage ladies' watch in 18-carat yellow gold by Kody is a true collector's item dating back to the 1960s. Equipped with a Swiss movement, it combines precision and timeless ele...
18k Gold
While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.
Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.
But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.
But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.
Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.
The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.
Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.
Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.
Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.
Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.
Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.
A fresh palette of dial colors and technological advances have elevated this classic watch model.
The watch has transformed several times over, but it’s still undeniably a classic.
This is perhaps the least subtle version of the Submariner.
If you think this looks like the Rolex Kermit, you're correct.
This model was designed for lefties.
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.
As the cache goes on display at London’s Design Museum, we speak to its enigmatic owner about some of his rarest acquisitions.