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Rolex Oysterdate Precision 1969

Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Sand Dial Steel
Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Sand Dial Steel

Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Sand Dial Steel

By Rolex

Located in SYDNEY, AU

SKU 2318 Brand Rolex Model Oysterdate Precision Reference 6694 Dial Sand Dial Case Steel Bracelet Steel Diameter 36mm Movement Automatic Serviced Yes Box No Papers No

Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Rolex 6694 Oysterdate Precision Blue Sunburst Dial 34mm Watch
Rolex 6694 Oysterdate Precision Blue Sunburst Dial 34mm Watch

Rolex 6694 Oysterdate Precision Blue Sunburst Dial 34mm Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage 1964 Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6694 manual-wind stainless steel watch featuring a stunning sunburst blue dial with applied silver baton hour markers, date window a...

Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 W Rolex Rivet Oyster Elastic Bracelet ( 6635)
Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 W Rolex Rivet Oyster Elastic Bracelet ( 6635)

Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 W Rolex Rivet Oyster Elastic Bracelet ( 6635)

By Rolex

Located in Toronto, CA

Brand: Rolex Model: Oysterdate Precision Reference Number: 6694 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Manual winding Case Material: Stainless steel Measurements : Case ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Champagne Brown Dial 34mm Watch
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Champagne Brown Dial 34mm Watch

Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Champagne Brown Dial 34mm Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6694 in stainless steel featuring champagne-brown sunburst dial with applied silver baton indices, date window at 3 o'clock, smooth polis...

Category

Vintage 1960s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver

Vintage 1960s Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Steel Silver Dial Manual 34mm
Vintage 1960s Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Steel Silver Dial Manual 34mm

Vintage 1960s Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Steel Silver Dial Manual 34mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

The Foundational Manual-Wind Oyster The Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 holds a unique place in the brand's history as one of the last manually wound Oyster models. While the self-w...

Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Steel Silver Dial Manual Wind Mens Watch 6694
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Steel Silver Dial Manual Wind Mens Watch 6694

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Steel Silver Dial Manual Wind Mens Watch 6694

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned fair condition. No original box and papers. 1 year seller warranty. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 6694 Country/Region of Manufacture: Swi...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6406 Steel Cream Dial 1960s 24mm Ladies Watch
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6406 Steel Cream Dial 1960s 24mm Ladies Watch

Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6406 Steel Cream Dial 1960s 24mm Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

This vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6406 features a cream-tone dial with gold-tone baton indices, dauphine hands, and a date aperture at 3 o'clock, housed in a stainles...

Category

Vintage 1960s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1960s Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA774
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1960s Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA774

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1960s Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA774

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 manual wind, c.1969, all original, in excellent working condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1960s Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA774B
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1960s Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA774B

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1960s Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA774B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage classic, Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 manual wind, c.1969, in excellent working condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1960s Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670C
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1960s Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670C

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1960s Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670C

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Classic icon, Rolex ref.6694 Mens Oysterdate Precision manual wind, c.1967, unrestored, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, untouched...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Mens Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA575B
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Mens Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA575B

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Mens Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA575B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless classic, Rolex Men's Oysterdate Precision 6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1962, in excellent working condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s 34mm Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s 34mm Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s 34mm Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Classic icon, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 manual wind, c.1967, unrestored, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gor...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s 34mm Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670B
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s 34mm Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670B

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s 34mm Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Iconic classic, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 manual wind, c.1967, unrestored, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, untou...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Mens Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA575
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Mens Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA575

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Mens Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA575

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Iconic classic, Rolex all-stainless steel Men's Oysterdate Precision 6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1962, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Recent Sales

Rolex OysterDate Precision 6694 Vintage Men's Watch
Rolex OysterDate Precision 6694 Vintage Men's Watch

Rolex OysterDate Precision 6694 Vintage Men's Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Vintage Men's Watch. 34 mm stainless steel case with a smooth bezel.

Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Rolex Precision OysterDate Red Dial 34MM Watch Face
Rolex Precision OysterDate Red Dial 34MM Watch Face

Rolex Precision OysterDate Red Dial 34MM Watch Face

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Stainless Steel 34MM Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Automatic- Red Dial (Vintage 1969).

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Ref. 6694 Oysterdate Precision Stainless Steel
Rolex Ref. 6694 Oysterdate Precision Stainless Steel

Rolex Ref. 6694 Oysterdate Precision Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in Firenze, IT

BERNARDO ANTICHITÀ PONTE VECCHIO FLORENCE Rolex, Oysterdate, Precision, case No. 5647106, Ref. 6694. Made in 1960 circa. Fine, water-resistant, center seconds, stainless steel wris...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Manual winding Watch
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Manual winding Watch

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Manual winding Watch

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Stainless Steel Watch - Manual winding. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (30mm diameter). Silvered dial with stick markers. Stainless steel Oyster b...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Vintage "Mickey Mouse" Oysterdate Precision Steel 6694
Rolex Vintage "Mickey Mouse" Oysterdate Precision Steel 6694

Rolex Vintage "Mickey Mouse" Oysterdate Precision Steel 6694

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A vintage oysterdate precision wristwatch by Rolex. Crafted from stainless steel, this timepiece features a green dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture and an image depicti...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex 1960s Oysterdate Precision 6694 Steel Wrist Watch
Rolex 1960s Oysterdate Precision 6694 Steel Wrist Watch

Rolex 1960s Oysterdate Precision 6694 Steel Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1966 Rolex Oysterdate Precision Reference 6694 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster Case, 17 Jewel Caliber 1225 Manual wind movement, Original Black dial with r...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Wristwatch Ref 6466
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Wristwatch Ref 6466

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Wristwatch Ref 6466

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Automatic movement with date, acrylic crystal. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel, 30mm diameter. Silvered dial with baton markers. Stainless steel Oyster bracelet. Circa 1960s, ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1966 Rolex Oysterdate Precision Watch 6466 30mm Stainless #24507
1966 Rolex Oysterdate Precision Watch 6466 30mm Stainless #24507

1966 Rolex Oysterdate Precision Watch 6466 30mm Stainless #24507

By Rolex

Located in Washington Depot, CT

1966 Rolex Oysterdate Precision Watch Model: 6466 Serial: 1501972 This vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision watch is set in stainless steel Stainless steel band has very little stre...

Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oysterdate Precision 1964 Riveted Bracelet NOS Mint Unworn
Rolex Oysterdate Precision 1964 Riveted Bracelet NOS Mint Unworn

Rolex Oysterdate Precision 1964 Riveted Bracelet NOS Mint Unworn

By Rolex

Located in Dearborn, MI

Rolex Oysterdate Precision 1964 Riveted Bracelet NOS Mint Unworn Genuine Oysterdate Precision Rolex Wrist Watch Rolex Precision 6694 Serial Number 1028567 Stainless Steel Rivet...

Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Black Dial Manual Wristwatch
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Black Dial Manual Wristwatch

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Black Dial Manual Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / 6694Wristwatch METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: 39mm X 34mm CIRCA: 1964/65 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Ma...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Midsize Rolex OysterDate Precision 6466 30mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA417
Midsize Rolex OysterDate Precision 6466 30mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA417

Midsize Rolex OysterDate Precision 6466 30mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA417

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage classic, Midsize Rolex ref.6466 Oysterdate Precision manual wind dress watch, c.1962, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Midsize Rolex OysterDate Precision 6466 30mm 1960s Manual Wind Swiss RA417B
Midsize Rolex OysterDate Precision 6466 30mm 1960s Manual Wind Swiss RA417B

Midsize Rolex OysterDate Precision 6466 30mm 1960s Manual Wind Swiss RA417B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Charming classic, Midsize Rolex ref.6466 Oysterdate Precision manual wind dress watch, c.1962, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rol...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Midsize Rolex OysterDate Precision 6466 30mm Manual Wind 1960s Swiss RA417B
Midsize Rolex OysterDate Precision 6466 30mm Manual Wind 1960s Swiss RA417B

Midsize Rolex OysterDate Precision 6466 30mm Manual Wind 1960s Swiss RA417B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Charming classic, Midsize Rolex ref.6466 Oysterdate Precision manual wind dress watch, c.1962, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rol...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Swiss RA450B
Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Swiss RA450B

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Swiss RA450B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Classic icon, Men's Rolex ref.6694 Oysterdate Precision, hand-wind dress watch, c.1964, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex sign...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Swiss RA447
Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Swiss RA447

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Swiss RA447

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Iconic vintage classic, all-stainless steel Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref.6694, hand-wind dress watch, c.1967, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master w...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA450
Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA450

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA450

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Iconic classic, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref.6694, hand-wind dress watch, c.1964, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex si...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA450S
Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA450S

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA450S

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage classic, Men's iconic Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref.6694, hand-wind dress watch, c.1964, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 6466 Oysterdate Vintage Plated Shell Precision Watch
Rolex 6466 Oysterdate Vintage Plated Shell Precision Watch

Rolex 6466 Oysterdate Vintage Plated Shell Precision Watch

By Rolex

Located in Boca Raton, FL

The Rolex 6466 Oysterdate Vintage Plated Shell Precision Watch is a vintage masterpiece that stands as a testament to the enduring excellence of Rolex craftsmanship. This timepiece, ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

1960s Rolex Oysterdate Precision Automatic Men's Watch
1960s Rolex Oysterdate Precision Automatic Men's Watch

1960s Rolex Oysterdate Precision Automatic Men's Watch

By Rolex

Located in Poitiers, FR

Bracelet watch in stainless steel signed Rolex Oysterdate Precision. Date at 3 o'clock. Glass with cycloloupe. Automatic mechanical movement. Original bracelet with double folding cl...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

1960s Rolex OysterDate Precision Pink Stainless Steel Watch
1960s Rolex OysterDate Precision Pink Stainless Steel Watch

1960s Rolex OysterDate Precision Pink Stainless Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

1960s Rolex Oysterdate Precision Pink Stainless Steel Watch, Manual Wind, Fold-Over Push-Button Deployant, 12-Hour Dial, rare Arabic signature at the back Dial Size: 34mm Conditio...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swazi Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s Manual Wind Vintage RJC195G
Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s Manual Wind Vintage RJC195G

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s Manual Wind Vintage RJC195G

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref.6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1968. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied indice h...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 Manual Wind 1960s Swiss RJC197B
Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 Manual Wind 1960s Swiss RJC197B

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 Manual Wind 1960s Swiss RJC197B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Iconic classic, Men's Rolex ref.6694 Oysterdate Precision hand-wind dress watch, c.1964. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed, original, unrefurbished dia...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 Hand-Wind 1960s Vintage RA157BRN
Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 Hand-Wind 1960s Vintage RA157BRN

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 Hand-Wind 1960s Vintage RA157BRN

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Iconic classic, Men's Rolex ref.6694 Oysterdate Precision hand-wind dress watch, c.1962. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed cream dial, applied indice h...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex 6466 Oysterdate Precision 30mm 1960s Midsize Vintage Manual Wind RA782B
Rolex 6466 Oysterdate Precision 30mm 1960s Midsize Vintage Manual Wind RA782B

Rolex 6466 Oysterdate Precision 30mm 1960s Midsize Vintage Manual Wind RA782B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless classic, Midsize Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6466 manual wind, c.1961, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 Manual wind 1960s Vintage RA288B
Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 Manual wind 1960s Vintage RA288B

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 Manual wind 1960s Vintage RA288B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Iconic classic, Men's Rolex ref.6694 Oysterdate Precision manual wind dress watch, c.1967, in like new condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed cla...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex 6694 Oysterdate Precision Manual Wind 1960s Vintage Classic RJC198T
Mens Rolex 6694 Oysterdate Precision Manual Wind 1960s Vintage Classic RJC198T

Mens Rolex 6694 Oysterdate Precision Manual Wind 1960s Vintage Classic RJC198T

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref.6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1967. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied indice h...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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Rolex Oysterdate Precision 1969 For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate rolex oysterdate precision 1969 for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of stainless steel and steel, this item was constructed with great care. Finding the perfect rolex oysterdate precision 1969 may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 20th Century. There aren’t many items for women if you’re seeking a rolex oysterdate precision 1969, as most of the options available are for men and unisex.

How Much is a Rolex Oysterdate Precision 1969?

Prices for a rolex oysterdate precision 1969 can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $3,890 and can go as high as $15,480, while this accessory, on average, fetches $5,795.

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.