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Rolex 16014 Datejust 36mm 18k White Gold SS Mens 1970s Vintage Automatic RA770
Rolex 16014 Datejust 36mm 18k White Gold SS Mens 1970s Vintage Automatic RA770

Rolex 16014 Datejust 36mm 18k White Gold SS Mens 1970s Vintage Automatic RA770

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless classic, Men's 18k white gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738B
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738B

Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

aftermarket buckle. Timeless classic, Men's Rolex 1601 Datejust automatic with 18k gold bezel, a priceless

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 116264
Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 116264

Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 116264

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Turn-O-Graph Model Number: 116264 Country/Region of Manufacture

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Oyster Datejust 16014 36mm 18k White Gold SS Mens 1970s Automatic RA770B
Rolex Oyster Datejust 16014 36mm 18k White Gold SS Mens 1970s Automatic RA770B

Rolex Oyster Datejust 16014 36mm 18k White Gold SS Mens 1970s Automatic RA770B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Iconic classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16014 Datejust automatic with 18k white gold bezel, c

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 Mens 1960s 35mm 14k SS Diamond Automatic RA742B
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 Mens 1960s 35mm 14k SS Diamond Automatic RA742B

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

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 36mm 18K Gold Steel Champagne Diamond Dial Men Watch 126233
Rolex Datejust 36mm 18K Gold Steel Champagne Diamond Dial Men Watch 126233

Rolex Datejust 36mm 18K Gold Steel Champagne Diamond Dial Men Watch 126233

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand Information: Brand: Rolex

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Submariner 40 mm Blue Dial Two Tone Diamond Men's Watch 116613LB
Rolex Submariner 40 mm Blue Dial Two Tone Diamond Men's Watch 116613LB

Rolex Submariner 40 mm Blue Dial Two Tone Diamond Men's Watch 116613LB

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Brand: Rolex Series: Submariner Model: 116613 Case Diameter: 40 mm Bracelet: Oyster band; 18k

Category

2010s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738

Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

. A true world icon, Men's Rolex 1601 Datejust 18k gold bezel, a priceless addition to any collection

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Datejust 16013 36mm 18k SS 1980s Linen Dial Mens Automatic RA395C
Rolex Oyster Datejust 16013 36mm 18k SS 1980s Linen Dial Mens Automatic RA395C

Rolex Oyster Datejust 16013 36mm 18k SS 1980s Linen Dial Mens Automatic RA395C

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16013

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 41mm Mens Diamond Watch with Custom Arabic Script Pave Dial
Rolex Datejust 41mm Mens Diamond Watch with Custom Arabic Script Pave Dial

Rolex Datejust 41mm Mens Diamond Watch with Custom Arabic Script Pave Dial

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Datejust 41mm Mens Diamond Watch with Custom Arabic Script Pave Dial 116300 This watch comes

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Rose Gold Sundust Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116505
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Rose Gold Sundust Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116505

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Rose Gold Sundust Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116505

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Daytona Model Number: 116505 Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Style

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex 1803 Oyster Day Date 18k Gold Mens 1970s 36mm Diamond Automatic RA659B
Rolex 1803 Oyster Day Date 18k Gold Mens 1970s 36mm Diamond Automatic RA659B

Rolex 1803 Oyster Day Date 18k Gold Mens 1970s 36mm Diamond Automatic RA659B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Iconic luxury, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Day-Date ref.1803 "The President" with diamond hour set

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Ref 5030 Datejust 18k Gold Mens 1940s 36mm Rare Vintage Automatic RA700B
Rolex Ref 5030 Datejust 18k Gold Mens 1940s 36mm Rare Vintage Automatic RA700B

Rolex Ref 5030 Datejust 18k Gold Mens 1940s 36mm Rare Vintage Automatic RA700B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, applied dagger index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Daytona 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 116523
Rolex Daytona 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 116523

Rolex Daytona 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 116523

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Chronostore Authenticity Card. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex Department Men

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA393C
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA393C

Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA393C

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16013

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 14k Gold SS 34mm Mens 1960s Manual Wind RA745
Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 14k Gold SS 34mm Mens 1960s Manual Wind RA745

Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 14k Gold SS 34mm Mens 1960s Manual Wind RA745

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

the modern era, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision hand-wind with 14k solid gold bezel, time tested and

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, 14k Gold

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm 18K Gold Stick White Dial Men Watch 116508
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm 18K Gold Stick White Dial Men Watch 116508

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm 18K Gold Stick White Dial Men Watch 116508

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

: Rolex Model: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116508 Model Number: 116508 Type and Style: Type: Wristwatch

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm Steel Platinum Grey Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16622
Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm Steel Platinum Grey Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16622

Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm Steel Platinum Grey Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16622

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Information: For: Men Handedness: Left Wrist Fit: 7 inches Movement Caliber: Rolex Calibre 3135 Year

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum, Steel

Rolex Daytona 18K White Gold Black Diamond Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116509
Rolex Daytona 18K White Gold Black Diamond Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116509

Rolex Daytona 18K White Gold Black Diamond Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116509

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Unworn. 2022 card. Original box and papers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Rolex GMT-Master II Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16710
Rolex GMT-Master II Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16710

Rolex GMT-Master II Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16710

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned. Minor nicks and scratches on the bezel insert. Recently serviced. Brand: Rolex Type

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner Date 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 126613LN
Rolex Submariner Date 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 126613LN

Rolex Submariner Date 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 126613LN

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Submariner 126613LN Model Number: 126613LN Type and Style: Type

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Rolex Sky Dweller 18k Everose Gold Dark Rhodium Dial Men Watch 326235
Rolex Sky Dweller 18k Everose Gold Dark Rhodium Dial Men Watch 326235

Rolex Sky Dweller 18k Everose Gold Dark Rhodium Dial Men Watch 326235

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Unworn with 2022 Card. Brand: Rolex Department: Men Model Number: 326235 Country/Region of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex GMT-Master II 40mm Batgirl Black Blue Bezel Steel Men's Watch 126710BLNR
Rolex GMT-Master II 40mm Batgirl Black Blue Bezel Steel Men's Watch 126710BLNR

Rolex GMT-Master II 40mm Batgirl Black Blue Bezel Steel Men's Watch 126710BLNR

By Rolex

Located in Aventura, FL

Rolex GMT Master II Steel Batgirl Bezel Mens Watch 126710. Certified chronometer, automatic self

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 41 Fluted Bezel Steel White Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126334
Rolex Datejust 41 Fluted Bezel Steel White Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126334

Rolex Datejust 41 Fluted Bezel Steel White Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126334

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Model Number: 126334BKSO Type and Style: Department: Men Style: Luxury Display

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Explorer II Black Dial 42mm 216570 Stainless Steel Mens Watch Complete
Rolex Explorer II Black Dial 42mm 216570 Stainless Steel Mens Watch Complete

Rolex Explorer II Black Dial 42mm 216570 Stainless Steel Mens Watch Complete

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has been inspected to verify authenticity. Sale comes with a Rolex

Category

2010s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust II Oyster Stainless Steel Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116300
Rolex Datejust II Oyster Stainless Steel Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116300

Rolex Datejust II Oyster Stainless Steel Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116300

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust 116300 Model Number: 116300-0005 Type and Style: Type: Wristwatch

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Day Date 36mm President 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Mens Watch 118238
Rolex Day Date 36mm President 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Mens Watch 118238

Rolex Day Date 36mm President 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Mens Watch 118238

By Rolex

Located in Aventura, FL

Rolex Day Date President Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Mens Watch 118238. Chronometer automatic self

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex perpetual 3372 Rose Gold SS Men Rare 1940s 32mm Bubbleback Automatic RA750
Rolex perpetual 3372 Rose Gold SS Men Rare 1940s 32mm Bubbleback Automatic RA750

Rolex perpetual 3372 Rose Gold SS Men Rare 1940s 32mm Bubbleback Automatic RA750

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Rare and historic Rolex Perpetual Ref.3372 with solid rose gold bezel, c.1947, unrestored dial, in

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Steel White Gold Bezel Black Diamond Dial Mens Watch 126334
Rolex Datejust Steel White Gold Bezel Black Diamond Dial Mens Watch 126334

Rolex Datejust Steel White Gold Bezel Black Diamond Dial Mens Watch 126334

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned. Original box and papers are included. Brand Information: Brand: Rolex Country/Region

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 41 Jubilee Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126300
Rolex Datejust 41 Jubilee Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126300

Rolex Datejust 41 Jubilee Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126300

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Unworn. Original box and papers. 5-year Rolex warranty. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Milgauss 40mm 116400 Steel White Dial Automatic Men Watch Box Papers
Rolex Milgauss 40mm 116400 Steel White Dial Automatic Men Watch Box Papers

Rolex Milgauss 40mm 116400 Steel White Dial Automatic Men Watch Box Papers

$14,300

H 1.58 in W 0.48 in D 1.58 in Dm 0.4 in L 1.58 in

Rolex Milgauss 40mm 116400 Steel White Dial Automatic Men Watch Box Papers

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with original box and paper.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Oyster Band Rhodium Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126300
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Oyster Band Rhodium Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126300

Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Oyster Band Rhodium Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126300

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Model

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Submariner No Date Steel Ceramic Bezel Black Dial Mens Watch 114060
Rolex Submariner No Date Steel Ceramic Bezel Black Dial Mens Watch 114060

Rolex Submariner No Date Steel Ceramic Bezel Black Dial Mens Watch 114060

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

authenticity card. Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 114060 Country/Region of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Datejust 41 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Mens Watch 126333
Rolex Datejust 41 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Mens Watch 126333

Rolex Datejust 41 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Mens Watch 126333

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. Brand: Rolex

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

NEW Rolex Yacht-Master Steel Platinum Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126622
NEW Rolex Yacht-Master Steel Platinum Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126622

NEW Rolex Yacht-Master Steel Platinum Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126622

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Department: Men Model Number: 126622 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Model: Rolex Yacht-Master

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Oyster Band White Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126300
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Oyster Band White Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126300

Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Oyster Band White Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126300

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Department: Men Style: Classic, Dress/Formal, Luxury Model Information: Model Number: 126300 Model: Rolex

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Datejust 16233 Champagne 18K Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Men's Watch
Rolex Datejust 16233 Champagne 18K Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Men's Watch

Rolex Datejust 16233 Champagne 18K Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Men's Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

A classic Rolex Datejust (16233), featuring a self-winding automatic watch with a 36 mm stainless

Category

1990s Unknown Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1960s Automatic RA767
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1960s Automatic RA767

Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1960s Automatic RA767

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 Datejust automatic with 18k gold bezel, c

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

New Rolex Yacht-Maste Steel Platinum Rhodium Dial Automatic Men Watch 126622
New Rolex Yacht-Maste Steel Platinum Rhodium Dial Automatic Men Watch 126622

New Rolex Yacht-Maste Steel Platinum Rhodium Dial Automatic Men Watch 126622

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

strictly through us using our own authorized watchmakers. Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum, Steel

Rolex Sky-Dweller 42mm 336934 Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch Box Papers
Rolex Sky-Dweller 42mm 336934 Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch Box Papers

Rolex Sky-Dweller 42mm 336934 Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch Box Papers

$28,600

H 1.66 in W 0.48 in D 1.66 in Dm 1.66 in L 1.66 in

Rolex Sky-Dweller 42mm 336934 Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch Box Papers

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Brand new. Comes with original box and papers. 🕰️ General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Sky

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

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ROLEX (SWITZERLAND)

Ask anyone, anywhere, to name a luxury watch brand, and the answer will probably be “Rolex.” This 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 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 and contemporary Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.

Rolex for sale on 1stDibs

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Wrist Watches for You

Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.

Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.

Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.

In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.

Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.