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Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 Stainless Steel Wristwatch c. 1950s
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 Stainless Steel Wristwatch c. 1950s

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 Stainless Steel Wristwatch c. 1950s

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Crafted in stainless steel, this vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 has a silver tone dial.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Ref 6084 Oyster Perpetual 1950s Mens 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715C
Rolex Ref 6084 Oyster Perpetual 1950s Mens 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715C

Rolex Ref 6084 Oyster Perpetual 1950s Mens 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715C

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 bubble back automatic watch, c.1952, in excellent working condition.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

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

Vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 bubble back automatic watch, c.1952, in excellent working condition.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 bubble back automatic watch, c.1952, all original, in excellent working condition.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Recent Sales

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 Men's Watch
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 Men's Watch

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 Men's Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 men's Watch. 36mm stainless steel case with smooth bezel.

Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 Stainless Steel Watch, 1952
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 Stainless Steel Watch, 1952

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 Stainless Steel Watch, 1952

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1952 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6084 Stainless Steel watch with Silver Dial with Applied Steel Arabic 3, 6, 9, and 12 Plus Elongated Arrow Markers. 34mm x 38mm lug to lug (1...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 18k Solid Gold 34mm Automatic 1950s Swiss RA467
Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 18k Solid Gold 34mm Automatic 1950s Swiss RA467

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 18k Solid Gold 34mm Automatic 1950s Swiss RA467

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Classic luxury, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6084 semi bubbleback automatic dress watch, c.1954, in excellent working condition.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 1952 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Ref. 6084
Vintage 1952 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Ref. 6084

Vintage 1952 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Ref. 6084

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

A highly collectible 1952 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Ref. 6084, featuring a 34mm 14K yellow gold case with a classic smooth bezel, embodying the refined design of early Rolex...

Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual with Factory Diamond Dial Wristwatch Ref 6084
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual with Factory Diamond Dial Wristwatch Ref 6084

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual with Factory Diamond Dial Wristwatch Ref 6084

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Automatic movement. 18k yellow gold case, 34mm diameter. This is a genuine Rolex factory diamond dial which is very rare for this time period. Original 18k yellow gold Rolex bracelet...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1960's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14k Yellow Gold 34mm Wrist Watch Ref 6084
Vintage 1960's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14k Yellow Gold 34mm Wrist Watch Ref 6084

Vintage 1960's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14k Yellow Gold 34mm Wrist Watch Ref 6084

By Rolex

Located in Montclair, NJ

Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case Material: 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 50.1 Grams Case Size (Diameter): 34mm (not including the crown) Height: 39mm...

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

ROLEX Yellow Gold Honeycomb Dial Ref 6084 with Original Bracelet
ROLEX Yellow Gold Honeycomb Dial Ref 6084 with Original Bracelet

ROLEX Yellow Gold Honeycomb Dial Ref 6084 with Original Bracelet

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Rare Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Ref. 6084, fitted with a gorgeous ivory-colored honeycomb dial and "Officially" printed in red.

Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 14 Karat Yellow Gold

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 14 Karat Yellow Gold

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 6084 Serial: 7490*** Model: Oyster Perpetual Case Material: 14K Yellow Gold Band: Leather Bezel: 14K Yellow Gold Dial: Ivory Face: Acrylic Case Size: 34mm ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

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 dress watch, c.1954, in excellent working condition.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

ROLEX Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 circa 1950s

ROLEX Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 circa 1950s

By Rolex

Located in Miami Beach, FL

This is a beautiful example of a Rolex oyster perpetual from the 1950s with a black original explorer style dial.

Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6084
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6084

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6084

By Rolex

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rolex Oyster Perpetual in 14 karat yellow gold, reference 6084.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Ref 6084, 14K gold case
Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Ref 6084, 14K gold case

Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Ref 6084, 14K gold case

By Rolex

Located in Sežana, SI

Check out this stunning Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Ref 6084 with a 14K gold case. 100% genuine and all original, fully inspected, serviced, and guaranteed.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Rolex Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6084
Rolex Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6084

Rolex Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6084

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18K Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch ref 6084 serial # 794,xxx circa 1952. 34mm diameter case with smooth bezel, acrylic crystal and large Super Oyster crown.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6084
Rolex Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6084

Rolex Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6084

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18K Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch ref 6084 circa 1956. 34mm diameter Oyster case with smooth bezel and acrylic crystal.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 Stainless Steel Watch, 1951
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 Stainless Steel Watch, 1951

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 Stainless Steel Watch, 1951

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1951 Vintage Rolex Early Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6084 Semi-Bubbleback Stainless Steel watch with Silver Dial with Applied Steel Beveled Triangle Markers. 34mm x 38mm lug to lug (1.34 i...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 Stainless Steel Watch, 1950
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 Stainless Steel Watch, 1950

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 Stainless Steel Watch, 1950

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1950 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6084 Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with Applied Steel Arabic 3, 6, and 9 with Elongated Beveled Arrow Markers. 34mm x 38mm ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 in 18 Karat Rose Gold, 1950
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 in 18 Karat Rose Gold, 1950

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 in 18 Karat Rose Gold, 1950

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1950 Vintage Rolex Extremely Rare Early Oyster Perpetual 'Super Oyster' Ref. 6084 18k Rose Gold watch with Original Silver Dial with Applied Rose Gold Arrow Markers with Newer Rolex ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1951
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1951

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1951

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1951 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Big Semi Bubbleback Ref. 6084 14k Yellow Gold watch with Original Silver Dial with Recessed Gold Color Arabic 3, 6, 9, and 12 with Elongated Bevel...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6084
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6084

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6084

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, ref 6084, serial# 913,xxx circa 1953. 34mm diameter case with dome bezel and acrylic crystal.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1953
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1953

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1953

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, Ref. 6084, circa 1953. 34mm diameter case with smooth bezel, acrylic crystal and original patinaed dial with applied indexes and da...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1952
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1952

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1952

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, Ref. 6084, serial number 736,XXX, circa 1952. 34mm case with smooth bezel and acrylic crystal.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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By Rolex

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

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Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Rolex x Loree Rodkin Watch
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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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1550 34mm Champagne Dial 14k Gold Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1550 34mm Champagne Dial 14k Gold Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1550 34mm Champagne Dial 14k Gold Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 1550 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Case Material: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Steel Band: Custom Leather Strap Bezel: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Ste...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Oyster Octagonal 1920's Extra Prima 1096 Case RARE
Vintage Rolex Oyster Octagonal 1920's Extra Prima 1096 Case RARE

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...

Category

Vintage 1920s Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Large 18K Gold Quartz 25mm Watch
Cartier Tank Large 18K Gold Quartz 25mm Watch

Cartier Tank Large 18K Gold Quartz 25mm Watch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

The Cartier Tank, 25mm crafted in 18K yellow gold unisex watch. Roman numerals, original lizard skin strap. Complete with original Cartier Box. No papers, buckle not Cartier or 18k g...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust 18k Gold 36mm Mens 1960s Date Automatic RA701
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust 18k Gold 36mm Mens 1960s Date Automatic RA701

Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust 18k Gold 36mm Mens 1960s Date Automatic RA701

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless treasure, rare 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref.6605 Datejust automatic, c.1960, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial
Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial

Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1966 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500. 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1520 Automatic, Self winding movement, excellent Mint condition Silver Satin "Sunburst"...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Must de Cartier 590005 Tank Watch. Cartier Pillar Dial ARGENT Tank.
Vintage Must de Cartier 590005 Tank Watch. Cartier Pillar Dial ARGENT Tank.

Vintage Must de Cartier 590005 Tank Watch. Cartier Pillar Dial ARGENT Tank.

By Cartier

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Iconic Tank Argent. Sterling Silver and Gold plated (Vermeil). ref.590005 Rare Pillar Dial. Comes with a new leather band Quartz Movement New batt...

Category

1990s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Mid 1960's
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Mid 1960's

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...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Steel

Rolex Rare Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual from 1952 Oversized Bubble Back Movement
Rolex Rare Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual from 1952 Oversized Bubble Back Movement

Rolex Rare Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual from 1952 Oversized Bubble Back Movement

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Rare Super Oyster Model with Original Dial from the Mid 1950's
Rolex Steel Rare Super Oyster Model with Original Dial from the Mid 1950's

Rolex Steel Rare Super Oyster Model with Original Dial from the Mid 1950's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Reference 6202 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 34mm MOV...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch
Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch

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...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Tank Américaine Automatic 18 Karat Gold Ref. 1725
Cartier Tank Américaine Automatic 18 Karat Gold Ref. 1725

Cartier Tank Américaine Automatic 18 Karat Gold Ref. 1725

By Cartier

Located in Berlin, DE

Cartier Tank Américaine Automatic 18 Karat Gold Ref. 1725 Including certificate of authenticity. The glass would need to be replaced. We can offer you this service upon request.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 3121 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 3121 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm

Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 3121 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Rolex Oyster Royal 3121 9k Yellow Gold Bezel and Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1943 Beautiful Watch. New Genuine Leather band. 29mm round case ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Very Rare Deepsea From 1954 / 55 Original Dial
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Very Rare Deepsea From 1954 / 55 Original Dial

Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Very Rare Deepsea From 1954 / 55 Original Dial

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6332 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 / 55 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diamet...

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Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

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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.