Vintage 1981 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15037 14K YG Champagne Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Purity In Fourteen Karat Gold The Oyster Perpetual Date is a foundational Rolex, representing the purest expression of the brand’s core technologies.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Black Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Stainless Steel
$5,760Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15000 34mm 1980s Mens Automatic All Original RA771
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15000 all-stainless steel automatic, c.1981, all original, in excellent working condition.
Stainless Steel
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 15000 34mm 1980s Mens Vintage Automatic RA771B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref 15000 automatic, c.1981, in excellent working condition.
Stainless Steel
$4,712Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Ref 6917 Lady Oyster Date 18k Gold SS Automatic 1980s Swiss Luxury RA735B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Rolex 18k gold and stainless steel Lady Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1981, in excellent aesthetic and working condition.
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$4,720Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Lady Oyster Date Ref 6917 18k Gold SS Automatic 1980s Swiss Luxury RA735
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Rolex 18k gold and stainless steel Lady Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1981, in excellent aesthetic and working condition.
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$7,184Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 6827 Oyster Datejust 18k Solid Gold 30mm 1980s Midsize Automatic RA732B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, 18k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6827 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1981, in excellent working condition.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,192Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 6827 Datejust 18k Solid Gold 1980s Midsize 30mm Automatic RA732
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage luxury, 18k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6827 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1981, in excellent working condition.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex 6917 Datejust Presidential 26mm Brown Diamond Dial Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Automatic, 26mm, circa 1981, 9.5/10 condition. Product Specifications: Item Type: Vintage Ladies Luxury Automatic Watch Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Datejust Reference: 691...
Brown Diamond, Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date Oyster Perpetual self-winding Wristwatch, circa 1981
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Oyster Perpetual "Day-Date," Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, case No. 6582183, Ref. 18038. Made circa 1981. Fine, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, 18K ye...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual No-Date Stainless Steel Watch 6718
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual No-Date Stainless Steel Watch 6718 - Automatic winding. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (26 mm ). Black dial with stick markers. Stainless steel ...
Certified Rolex Date 15010 with Band and White Dial
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Date Reference #:15010. Rolex Oyster Perpetual DateJust watch. 34mm stainless steel case with a SS Jubilee bracelet.
Rolex Ref. 6917, Lady's Datejust Gold and Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, DateJust, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, case No. 6357030, Ref. 6917.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Mens Rolex Datejust 16014 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Automatic 1980s Vintage RA491
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's 18k white gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16014 automatic, c.1981, in excellent working condition.
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Datejust Ref 16014 36mm 18k Gold SS Linen Dial Automatic 1980s RA491B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k white gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16014 automatic, c.1981, in excellent working condition.
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 15000 Automatic 1980s with Paper RA247BRN
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.15000 automatic, c.1981, with original Rolex paper.
Rolex Gold-Filled Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch Model 1550
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex stainless steel and gold-filled Oyster Perpetual Date wristwatch, Ref.15505, circa 1981.
Gilt Metal, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Date Ref. 1500 Original Black Dial from 1981
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Ref. 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1981 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm x 34mm MOVEMENT / C...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Men's Stainless Steel Model 15010 Oyster Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Popular Men's Rolex Wrist Watch Model 15010 with 33mm Steel Case and Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet. This chronometer is a perpetual date only watch and has a factory new 15010 Role...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Gold Shell Original Blue Dial Automatic Wristwatch, circa 1980
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date model is fitted with a rare original blue dial.
ROLEX Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 15037 circa 1980s
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rolex Date, Ref. 15037, with silvered dial, fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet, and comes complete with box, papers, and hang tag.
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch circa 1981
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14k yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Date wristwatch, Ref. 15037, serial number 6.7 million, circa 1981. 34mm case with fluted bezel, acrylic crystal and beautiful original dial wi...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Gold Tiffany & Co. Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch circa 1981
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K Yellow Gold Tiffany & Co Oyster Perpetual Date ref 15037 serial #6.7 million circa 1981.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch with Custom Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Date wristwatch, Ref. 15000, serial number 7.0 million, circa 1981. 34mm case with smooth bezel, acrylic crystal, and beautiful custom-colored ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Date Automatic Reference 15000 Watch, 1981
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1981 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic Ref. 15000 Two Tone 14k Yellow Gold Quick Set Date and Stainless Steel watch with Original Black Dial with Rare Unique Applied Gold...
Vintage Rolex Date Automatic Reference 15000 Stainless Steel Watch, 1981
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1981 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic Ref. 15000 Quick Set Date Stainless Steel watch with Original Black Dial with Unique Applied Steel Bar/Baton Markers with White Sid...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch Ref 15000
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch ref 15000 serial# 7.0 million circa 1981/82. 34mm diameter Oyster case with smooth bezel and acrylic crystal.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Stone Dial Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Rare Factory Lapis Lazuli Stone Dial with is Pristine and Mint 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel 36mm in size Sapphire Crys...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Rolex 6719 Ladies Oyster Perpetual 18 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Middletown, DE
You are viewing a beautiful Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual Model 6719 watch set in the most desirable 18k yellow gold and stainless steel configuration.
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 6719 Ladies Oyster Perpetual 18 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Middletown, DE
You are viewing a beautiful Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual Model 6719 watch set in the most desirable 18k yellow gold and stainless steel configuration.
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Diamond Perpetual Datejust Automatic Wristwatch Ref 16018
By Rolex
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A terrific looking 35mm unisex pre-owned 18kt yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Rolex ref 16018. With date, white mother-of-pearl dial and round brilliant diamond dial markers. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1971 Rolex Datejust 1601 Two-Tone Champagne Linen Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Rolex The reference 1601 is the quintessential vintage Datejust. Produced from the late 1950s through the late 1970s, it defined the modern dress watch with a combi...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Dial circa Late 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Oyster Perpetual Date Model Ref. 1501 circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date/ Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Steel Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet and Rare Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1969 / 70 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 mm 1501 Silver Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in istanbul, TR
Classic but at the same time suitable for any occasion, the Rolex Oyster Date ref. 1501 can be worn on a daily basis and despite being a vintage watch, it has an elegant and modern l...
Stainless Steel
$6,800
H 1.34 in W 1.34 in Dm 1.34 in
Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Watch With Original Shantung Dial 1971
By Rolex
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A men's vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual stainless watch Ref # 1002, with a service box. This Rolex with a production year of 1971 based on serial # (2688482) features a 34mm stainless...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Factory Original Dial, circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Gold Sigma Dial, 1973, Men's Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in bronshoj, DK
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Gold Sigma Dial. 1973. Men's wristwatch, original steel bracelet, plexiglass. Automatic. Watch case diameter: 34 mm. Bracelet lenght: 17 cm. In excellent cond...
Vintage Rolex Day Date Ref 18038 80s Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold 36mm Case.
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Day Date reference 18038 automatic (single quick) with a champagne sunburst dial in 18K yellow gold from the 1980s. Measurements include a 36mm case, 20mm lug ...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual With Factory Original Dial from 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diam...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Factory Original Charcoal Dial 1970
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Vintage Rolex OP Date 34mm 14k Gold Champagne Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1986 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date in 14K yellow gold featuring 34mm case with a champagne dial, fluted bezel, and Jubilee bracelet. Reference 1503 with automatic movement, rec...
Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Original Charcoal Dial, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diame...
Vintage 1987 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone Champagne Linen Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Two-Tone Rolex The Datejust is the reference that defined the modern wristwatch. For decades, the two-tone 16013 was the benchmark for a watch that could move betwe...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Factory Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X...
Stainless Steel
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
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel 26mm Just Date Women's Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date display watch is a classic example of Rolex's timeless elegance and durability. With it's versatile satin 26mm stainless steel case, this water resis...
Stainless Steel, Steel
$38,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, 18k Gold, Custom Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date crafted in 18k yellow gold, customised by jewellery designer Loree Rodkin. The watch features a champagne dial with baton hour markers, day aperture...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
1962 Rolex Explorer Ref. 5501 Vintage Mens Watch - Stainless Steel & 14K Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
14k Gold, 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
$17,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.18 in W 1.22 in Dm 9 in L 9 in
CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An automatique Ceinture large wrist-watch designed by Cartier. This is the rare large model of the Ceinture automatique wristwatch, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of C...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Sage Green Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual with Rare Original Black Dial from 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 34...
Rolex Steel Early Oyster with Original Super Oyster Crown circa 1952-53
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6084 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1952-53 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Di...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Modernist Watch circa 1948 with High Grade Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Moderist / Reference 8143 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold & Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm "Lug ...
Gold, Platinum
1964 Vintage Rolex Datejust 1603, Stainless Steel, Jubilee Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
Vintage 1964 Rolex Datejust with Papers, Custom Jubilee Bracelet An iconic classic, this vintage Rolex Datejust from 1964 offers timeless style and collectibility. Featuring a silve...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
Unisex Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Oyster Black Dial 15210 Circa 1999
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unisex Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Oyster Black Dial 15210 Circa 1999 This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are abs...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Rare Tiffany Stamp Black Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Stainless Steel with Custom Made T...... Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6426 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35mm ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Jager-Le-Coultre 18k Yellow Gold Mens Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre men’s watch is a refined and highly collectible example of classic Swiss watchmaking, combining the prestige of one of the most respected manufactures i...
18k Gold, Yellow 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.