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Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Rolex Two tone Oyster Semi Bubbleback Super patina Dial reference 6286
Rolex Two tone Oyster Semi Bubbleback Super patina Dial reference 6286

Rolex Two tone Oyster Semi Bubbleback Super patina Dial reference 6286

By Rolex

Located in MADRID, ES

This is a collector piece from the 1950s. A Rolex Oyster Semi Bubbleback Super patina Dial, case in

Category

1950s Swiss Contemporary Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Gold, Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer BubbleBack  14K Yellow Gold Dial Ref. #3131
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer BubbleBack  14K Yellow Gold Dial Ref. #3131

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer BubbleBack 14K Yellow Gold Dial Ref. #3131

By Rolex

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer BubbleBack 14K Yellow Gold Dial Ref. #3131 Description

Category

1940s Swiss Modern Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3372 Bubbleback Steel Rose Gold Wristwatch, Circa 1940
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3372 Bubbleback Steel Rose Gold Wristwatch, Circa 1940

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3372 Bubbleback Steel Rose Gold Wristwatch, Circa 1940

By Rolex

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Rare and gorgeous example of the Rolex Bubbleback Reference 3372 wristwatch in excellent condition

Category

1940s Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel, Rose Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Vintage Gents 18 Karat Gold Silver Dial 5048
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Vintage Gents 18 Karat Gold Silver Dial 5048

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Vintage Gents 18 Karat Gold Silver Dial 5048

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

An 18k Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Vintage Gents Wristwatch, original silver dial with

Category

20th Century Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 Mens 1950s 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 Mens 1950s 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 Mens 1950s 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

watch, bracelet in very good condition. A vintage classic, Rolex Oyster Precision 6084 bubbleback

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 Mens 1950s 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715B
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 Mens 1950s 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715B

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 Mens 1950s 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

true collectable classic, Rolex Oyster Precision 6084 bubbleback automatic, time tested luxury, ready

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6094 14k Solid Gold Mens 1950s Automatic RA657
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6094 14k Solid Gold Mens 1950s Automatic RA657

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6094 14k Solid Gold Mens 1950s Automatic RA657

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless treasure, solid 14k Gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6094 semi bubbleback automatic, c.1952, in

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Recent Sales

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback 3131
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback 3131

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback 3131

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A 14ct rose gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback by Rolex. Featuring a silver dial with applied arabic

Category

20th Century Swiss Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Chronometer California Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Chronometer California Dial

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Chronometer California Dial

By Rolex

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

ROLEX REF. 3458 BUBBLE BACK.STAINLESS STEEL BEAUTIFULL PATINA Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Chronometer

Category

1940s Swiss Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Automatic Wristwatch
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Automatic Wristwatch

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Automatic Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Automatic winding. 14k yellow gold case with smooth bezel (31mm diameter). Black luminous-style Roman Arabic dial. Strap band. Pre-owned with custom box; Vintage ca. 1940's.

Category

20th Century Swiss Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Automatic winding. Stainless steel case with yellow gold bezel (31mm diameter). Silvered dial with Arabic numerals and stick markers. Strap band with steel buckle. Pre-owned with cus...

Category

20th Century Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold

1954 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Classic Vintage Mens Automatic Watch with Bubbleback
1954 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Classic Vintage Mens Automatic Watch with Bubbleback

1954 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Classic Vintage Mens Automatic Watch with Bubbleback

By Rolex

Located in Suwanee, GA

. 1954 ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL Classic Vintage Mens Automatic Watch with Bubbleback, Ref. 6284 - Stainless

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Steel and Rose Gold Hooded Lugs 3065
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Steel and Rose Gold Hooded Lugs 3065

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Steel and Rose Gold Hooded Lugs 3065

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Stainless Steel & 18k Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Vintage Gents Wristwatch, off white

Category

20th Century Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch with Hooded Lugs
Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch with Hooded Lugs

Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch with Hooded Lugs

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Boasting the first automatic movement in a Rolex Oyster case, the bubbleback has always been a

Category

1940s Swiss Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Stainless Steel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Watch Ref. 2940
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Watch Ref. 2940

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Watch Ref. 2940

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

This 1940's Rolex Bubbleback reference 2940 represents one of the biggest jumps in the innovation

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Steel

Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Automatic Wristwatch
Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Automatic Wristwatch

Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Automatic Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Automatic winding. 14k yellow gold case with finely engine turned bezel (25mm diameter). Ivory colored dial with gold markers; subseconds at 6 o'clock position. Strap band. Pre-owne...

Category

20th Century Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 18k Solid Gold 34mm Automatic 1950s RA467B
Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 18k Solid Gold 34mm Automatic 1950s RA467B

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 18k Solid Gold 34mm Automatic 1950s RA467B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Luxurious classic, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6084 semi bubbleback automatic

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch circa 1940s
Rolex Yellow Gold Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch circa 1940s

Rolex Yellow Gold Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 14K Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch circa 1940s. 32mm diameter case with smooth bezel and

Category

1940s Swiss Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback ref#  3131 circa 1940's
Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback ref#  3131 circa 1940's

Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback ref# 3131 circa 1940's

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback ref# 3131 circa 1940's with 3 piece case, smooth

Category

1940s Swiss Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

14k Gold

Rolex 14K PG man's Oyster Perpetual bubbleback ref #3131 c.1940s
Rolex 14K PG man's Oyster Perpetual bubbleback ref #3131 c.1940s

Rolex 14K PG man's Oyster Perpetual bubbleback ref #3131 c.1940s

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 14K PG man's Oyster Perpetual bubbleback ref #3131 circa 1940's. 3 piece screw down 34mm

Category

1940s Swiss Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

18k Gold

People Also Browsed

Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066
Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066

Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066

By Rolex

Located in Stamford, CT

Mid-Century all original, 1951 Rolex stainless steel oyster date precision wristwatch. Red date wheel. Original ruby steel riveted oyster band. Unpolished, minor scratches to case an...

Category

Mid-20th Century Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Yacht-Master White Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch
Rolex Yacht-Master White Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch

Rolex Yacht-Master White Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Pre Owned Vintage Rolex Model Yacht-Master 169628 Serial/Year Pre-Owned Case Diameter 40 mm Dial White Automatic 2235 movement, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, waterproof, screw...

Category

1990s Swiss Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex 69178 Ladies President Datejust Diamond String Dial 18K Yellow Gold
Rolex 69178 Ladies President Datejust Diamond String Dial 18K Yellow Gold

Rolex 69178 Ladies President Datejust Diamond String Dial 18K Yellow Gold

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 69178 Serial: E312*** Year: 1990 Model: Ladies President Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: F...

Category

1990s Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17
Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17

Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17

By Cartier

Located in Jersey City, NJ

Sold out worldwide with a waitlist extending over a year, this petite timepiece is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Skilfully created in the house's Swiss atelier, it boasts 18-karat ...

Category

2010s Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Watch with Original Dial Early 40's
Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Watch with Original Dial Early 40's

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Watch with Original Dial Early 40's

By Hamilton

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm x Wid...

Category

1940s American Art Deco Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Ultra-Thin Classic Gold Audemars-Piguet Mens Watch with Brown Crocodile Strap
Ultra-Thin Classic Gold Audemars-Piguet Mens Watch with Brown Crocodile Strap

Ultra-Thin Classic Gold Audemars-Piguet Mens Watch with Brown Crocodile Strap

By Audemars Piguet

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This handsome, vintage 18K yellow gold Audemars-Piguet wristwatch is positively elegant. Crafted during the mid-20th Century, this iteration is among the very thinnest produced durin...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Santos 18k Yellow Gold And Stainless "Spider" Burgundy Dial Ref 0902
Cartier Santos 18k Yellow Gold And Stainless "Spider" Burgundy Dial Ref 0902

Cartier Santos 18k Yellow Gold And Stainless "Spider" Burgundy Dial Ref 0902

By Cartier

Located in Houston, TX

A rare and unique find, this Cartier Santos features the eye-catching "spider" burgundy dial paired with a matching burgundy cabochon crown. A true statement piece, this watch combin...

Category

1990s Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Early Speedking with Original Dial from 1941 or 1942
Rolex Steel Early Speedking with Original Dial from 1941 or 1942

Rolex Steel Early Speedking with Original Dial from 1941 or 1942

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 3373 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 36mm X Diameter 30mm CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 / 1942...

Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Dial and Bezel circa, 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Dial and Bezel circa, 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Dial and Bezel circa, 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Tortue Watch with Diamonds
Cartier Tortue Watch with Diamonds

Cartier Tortue Watch with Diamonds

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 18k white gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds and a navy blue leather alligator strap. Signed by Cartier 28mm face Model #2644

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex 9Ct. Prince in Nearly New Condition Silver Enamel Dial from 1935 or 36
Rolex 9Ct. Prince in Nearly New Condition Silver Enamel Dial from 1935 or 36

Rolex 9Ct. Prince in Nearly New Condition Silver Enamel Dial from 1935 or 36

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince Model METAL / MATERIAL: 9KT Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1935 / 36 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Width 20mm MOVEMENT: ...

Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Rolex 14Kt Prince with rare Black Dial Hand Made Case and Movement circa 1940's
Rolex 14Kt Prince with rare Black Dial Hand Made Case and Movement circa 1940's

Rolex 14Kt Prince with rare Black Dial Hand Made Case and Movement circa 1940's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince Drs. Watch / Reference 1490 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X ...

Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

14k Gold

Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty
Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty

Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty

By Rolex

Located in Greensboro, NC

Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date President Model Number: 1803 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Date: 1964 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Aftermarket Champagne Diamond Metal Con...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier 18Kt. Tank European Watch & Clock Co. w/ Engine Turned Dial 1920 / 30's
Cartier 18Kt. Tank European Watch & Clock Co. w/ Engine Turned Dial 1920 / 30's

Cartier 18Kt. Tank European Watch & Clock Co. w/ Engine Turned Dial 1920 / 30's

By Cartier

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Cartier Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tank Style / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 18 Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920 / 30's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X 23mm W...

Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Must de Cartier Tank Gold Dial Watch. Vermeil ARGENT Small Tank
Vintage Must de Cartier Tank Gold Dial Watch. Vermeil ARGENT Small Tank

Vintage Must de Cartier Tank Gold Dial Watch. Vermeil ARGENT Small Tank

By Cartier

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Iconic Tank Argent. Sterling Silver and 18k Gold plated (Vermeil). Ref 366001 RARE Gold Roman Dial New Gucci Leather Band. Condition: New Battery i...

Category

1990s Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, Sterling Silver

Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Custom Diamond Red Dial Watch 16013
Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Custom Diamond Red Dial Watch 16013

Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Custom Diamond Red Dial Watch 16013

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned good condition. Custom red dial and bezel. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. Comes without a box and pap...

Category

1980s Swiss Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

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Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate rolex oyster bubbleback vintage for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 14k Gold and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. Making the right choice when shopping for a rolex oyster bubbleback vintage may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 20th Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. If you’re browsing our inventory for a rolex oyster bubbleback vintage, you’ll find that many are available today for men, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and women.

How Much is a Rolex Oyster Bubbleback Vintage?

The price for a rolex oyster bubbleback vintage starts at $2,600 and tops out at $10,000 with these watches, on average, selling for $6,900.

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.