Vintage Rolex Explorer 1016 36mm Black Patina Dial Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1016 Serial: 105**** Year: 1964 Model: Rolex Explorer Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Black Rubber Strap Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Original Black Dial w...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex GMT Master Pepsi 16750 40mm Matte Black Patina Dial Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16750 - Transitional model Serial: 600**** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex GMT Master Case Material: Stainless Steel - We did not have this piece polished.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Submariner Date 1680 40mm Box Papers NICE PATINA Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1680 Serial: 566**** Year: 1978 Model: Vintage Rolex Submariner Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Dial: Black ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1973 Rolex Datejust 1601 Stainless Steel Blue Patina Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The tritium lume plots have degraded over time, creating a unique "exploded" patina across the surface that adds texture and visual depth.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Red Submariner 1680 MK2 Meters First Pumpkin Patina Dial Steel Box
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1680 Serial: 242**** Year: 1970 Model: Vintage Rolex Red Submariner Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Dial: VERY RARE...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Submariner No Date 5513 GILT GLOSS DIAL Patina Stainless Steel Box
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 5513 Serial: 107**** Year: 1964 Model: Vintage Rolex Submariner No Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Dial: Origina...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master Pepsi 16750 40mm PATINA MATTE Dial Red Blue Bezel Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16750 Serial: 627**** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex GMT-Master 'Pepsi' Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Pepsi - Blue & Red ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1005 18K YG Champagne Patina Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Rolex In Solid Gold The reference 1005 represents the Rolex formula at its most direct.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960 Rolex Royal Precision 6426 Two-Tone Champagne Patina Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
An Alternative To The Common Steel Sports Watch Where a Submariner or Explorer delivered pure utility, this Royal Precision provides a more classic, elegant presence. The gold shell...
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
1961 Rolex Oyster Royal 6427 Stainless Steel Patina White Dial Manual 34 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Mid-Century Oyster Foundation The reference 6427 represents a pure, unadorned expression of mid-century design language, originating from an era when utilitarian durability and ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Precision 50s Ref 6424 Black Patina Dial Manual Wind 36mm.
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The dial developed an even patina color and slight discoloring throughout as seen in the photos.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Double Red Sea Dweller 1665 RARE MK 3 Dial with PATINA 40mm Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1665 Serial: 354**** Year: 1974 Model: Vintage Rolex Double Red Sea Dweller Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Dial: Rare...
Stainless Steel
1964 Vintage Rolex Datejust 1603, Stainless Steel, Jubilee Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
The robust stainless steel case showcases clean lines and enduring construction, underscoring the Datejust’s reputation for both luxury and reliability. Authentic 1964 Rolex Datejus...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Precision 5059 Men's Vintage Two-Tone Watch with Patina Dial
By Rolex
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Model: Oyster Precision Model #5059 Serial #6392XX Movement #710-10.5 Manufacture Year: 1949 or 1950 Stainless Steel Case w/ Gold Engine-Turned Bezel 33 mm in Diameter (36 mm w/ Crow...
Rolex Submariner, 5513, Circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Rolex Submariner (5513) with nice patina from 1978.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Automatic Wristwatch Ref 5513
By Rolex
Located in Bologna, IT
Steel Case Black Matt Dial with Patina Original Rolex Bracelet Ref. 93150 and Leather Strap Automatic Winding Diameter: 40mm Year: About 1978
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6536/1
By Rolex
Located in Bologna, IT
Rolex Rolex Submariner Meters First Ref. 6536/1 Serial Number: 399XXX Steel Case Black Tritium Dial with Patina Original Rolex Bracelet Ref. 7206 Automatic Movement Diameter:...
Vintage Rolex Datejust Serpico Y Latino Patina Dial 6605
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning vintage Rolex Datejust in yellow gold with a unique Patina dial signed by Serpico y Laino at 12 o'clock.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Rose Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Tropical Patina Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A truly vintage looking vintage time piece with a distinctive tropical patina enhanced by original stylized hands. Rose gold and stainless steel models from this era are exceedingly ...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 16800 Men's Automatic Watch Stainless Patina Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Submariner 16800 Men's Automatic Watch Stainless Patina Black Dial 40MM
Rolex Submariner 5513 Vintage Matte Patina Dial 1983 Stainless Men's
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Submariner 5513 Vintage Matte Patina Dial 1983 Stainless Mens 40mm
Rolex Submariner 16800 Automatic Men's Watch Stainless Patina Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Submariner 16800 Automatic Men's Watch Stainless Patina Black Dial 40mm
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680 with Incredible Patina
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
The best patina ever on an original Rolex "Red" Submariner.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 16800 Spider Patina Dial 1987 Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2163 Brand Rolex Model Submariner Reference 16800 Year 1987 Dial Spider Patina Dial Case Steel Bracelet Steel Diameter 40mm Length 18.8cm Movement Automatic Weight N/A Lug Widt...
Strong Patina Rolex Submariner 1680 with Box & Papers Circa 1979
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Distinctive from its counterparts due to the striking patina, this ref. #1680 Submariner will be a unique addition to your watch wardrobe. Offered in lovely original condition and in...
Stainless Steel
Pre-Owned Mint Rolex Explorer II Ref. #1655 with Patina
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This watch is noted for its exceptional “pumpkin” colored patina, mint overall condition and unpolished case. It is an example that would suit the preference of the discerning collec...
Steel
Rolex Submariner 16800 Men's Automatic Watch Patina Black Dial with Paper
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Submariner 16800 Men's Automatic Watch Patina Black Dial 40MM with Paper
1990 Rolex Submariner Men's Watch 14060 Black Dial Bezel 40mm Patina
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Rolex's Men's Submariner Watch Model: 14060 Serial: E715498 This classic Rolex submariner with a black dial and black bezel is from 1990 Automatic movement Stainless steel oyster...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Lady President Wristwatch with Original Patina circa 1990s
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This watch offers the most popular combination of the favored 31mm case size, in 18k yellow gold and with a monochromatic dial. The patina that has developed from lack of wear is str...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Sea-Dweller Vintage 16660 Triple Six Patina Dial Automatic Watch, 1976
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Sea-Dweller Vintage 16660 Triple Six Patina Dial Automatic Watch 40mm 1976
Rolex Explorer II 16550 Vintage Men's Automatic Watch White Dial Patina Index
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Explorer II 16550 Vintage Mens Automatic Watch White Dial Patina Index 40m
Sold
H 0.5 in W 0.79 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Submariner Black Matte Patina Dial Steel Automatic Men’s 1983 Watch 16800
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Rolex Submariner 16800 is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by an automatic movement which is cased in a stainless steel case.
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Wristwatch with Orange Patina Dial Ref 1680 circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rolex stainless steel Submariner wristwatch with orange patina dial, Ref. 1680, circa 1970s.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date, Ref 1680, 40mm Case, Dial & Hands Coeval Patina, 1977/78
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Presented in excellent condition for its age and as a sports Rolex from the 1970s, the dial and hands have coeval patina and we consider original along with the bezel insert.
Rolex Submariner 16800 4-Liner Date Black Dial Patina Steel Automatic Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Rolex Submariner 16800 is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by an automatic movement which is cased in a stainless steel case. It has a round shape face, dat...
1987 Tiffany & Co. Rolex Explorer Patina Watch 16570
By Rolex for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
Brand: Rolex Model Name: Rolex Explorer II 40 Black Dial Automatic Steel Mens Watch 16570 Model Number: 16570 Gender: Mens Movement: Officially certified chronometer self-winding mov...
Stainless Steel
Tudor Rolex Big Crown Submariner
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Tudor Rolex Big Crown Submariner -Patina on Dial and Hands -8mm watch crown -Ref.7924 -Very rare dial, hands & bezel!
Stainless Steel
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, .Ref. #3458.
Stainless Steel
Rolex OysterDate Men's Vintage Stainless Steel Watch 6694
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Silver/white dial with stick markers and nice, vintage, patina. Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet. Pre-owned with custom box.
Stainless Steel
"James Bond" Stainless Steel 1950's Submariner Ref. 5508
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stainless Steel 1950's "James Bond" Submariner Ref. 5508 by Rolex - Beautiful Patina, Mint condition case!, an overall great example of the "James Bond" Submariner, circa 1958
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 5513 Patina Dial Watch, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a Rolex Submariner reference 5513 automatic with a matte black no date dial and tritium hour markers from the 1970s.
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Beautifully Patina Dial 1959
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Factory House STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1959 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 34m...
Vintage Rolex Sea Dweller 1665 Stainless Steel Creamy Patina, 1981
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1665 Serial: 6752*** Year: 1981 Model: Sea Dweller Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Black Face: Acrylic Case ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Sea Dweller 1665 Stainless Steel Creamy Patina, 1981
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1665 Serial: 6752*** Year: 1981 Model: Sea Dweller Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Black ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Silvered Patina Dial From 1962
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: 1962 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X D...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Precision Super Balance Wristwatch Ref 3667
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
The finest example of early Rolex dress watch we have seen in years. 18k pink gold 34.8 grams Length: 383.5mm Width: 34mm Band width at case: 20mm Case thickness: 7.85mm Ban...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
1948 Rolex 14k Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Mid Size Wrist Watch 5015
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Original Rolex case and movement. Minor scratching from normal daily wear w/ original finish and patina intact.
14k Gold
Retro Vintage Rolex Precision 17j Wind Up Watch w/ Unique 18K Gold Bracelet 3294
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Bracelet shows lovely patina. All original, excellent and ready to wear condition!
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
D 0.4 in Dm 1.38 in
Solid 14 Karat Gold Omega Watch Automatic Engraved New York Fire Dept Vintage
By Omega
Located in San Diego, CA
Offering many designs such as hand engraved, filigree, vintage, contemporary, one-of-a-kind, bezel, pave, three-stone, halo and men’s. vintage watch rolex watch watches vintage w...
14k Gold
Sold
W 0.71 in D 0.44 in Dm 1.15 in
Hamilton Watch 1960s 14 Karat Gold Filled Self Winding Swiss Leather Band
By Hamilton
Located in San Diego, CA
Offering many designs such as hand engraved, filigree, vintage, contemporary, one-of-a-kind, bezel, pave, three-stone, halo and men’s. vintage watch rolex watch watches vintage wat...
14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Patina’d Dial Automatic Wristwatch Ref 16000 1978
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Datejust stainless steel scarce ref 16000 with richly patina’d original dial case serial #5.5 million circa 1978.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Men's Dress Model circa 1960
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Oyster Perpetual ref # 6564 serial# 288,xxx circa 1957. 34mm diameter case with smooth bezel, screw down period crown, and magnificent black original waffle dial in mint cin...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel GMT-Master Wristwatch ref 1675
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Exceptionally lovely example with all the desirable features of a collectible vintage sport Rolex. Featuring a beautifully patina’d original red and blue pepsi bezel, beautiful origi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Water Resistant Speed King Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Milano, IT
A beautiful 18 KT yellow gold tonneau shape Rolex with special "patina" dial with applied buttons indexes and yellow gold hands.
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Precision Wristwatch Ref 6282 circa 1955
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Featuring applied gold Rolex logo crown, applied ROLEX. Warmly patina’d textured waffle dial with raised gold triangular indexes, patina’d luminous dots and matching tapered dauphine...
Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold
$12,020
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust II Oyster Stainless Steel Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned excellent condition. No original box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify t...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 79173 Blue Dial Jubilee Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Datejust 79173 is an elegant ladies' watch featuring a 26mm stainless steel case with an 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Its blue dial boasts gold hands, index hour markers, and ...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Blue Roman Numeral Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / Solid White Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DI...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage 5512 Gilt Underline Dial Pointed Crown Guard Submariner Full Set
By Rolex
Located in Boston, MA
A vintage Rolex Submariner, model 5512, with rare Underline gilt dial and pointed crown guard case. The round case measures 40mm in width, featuring the original black dial with gil...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm 126610LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 41mm Submariner Date in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial, complemented by a black ceramic unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations coated in platinum. ...
Stainless Steel
$12,200
W 1.58 in L 1.58 in
1996 Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Stainless Steel Tritium Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Definitive Modern Diver Silhouette The reference 16610 is the bridge between the vintage tool watch era and modern luxury Rolex. Produced for over twenty years, it represents th...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$8,500
W 0.44 in D 1.42 in Dm 1.42 in L 1.42 in
Rolex Explorer 36mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 14270
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre Owned.Comes with Chronostore Presentation Box and Chronostore Authenticity Card. Covered by 1-year Chronostore Warranty.
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1991 Rolex GMT Master II 16710 Stainless Steel Black Dial Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of The Aluminum Bezels The reference 16710 is a cornerstone of modern Rolex collecting. Produced for nearly two decades, it represents the final evolution of the classic GM...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Blue Dial, 1970s
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 36...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 16610
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's 40mm Submariner Date in Oyster steel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a black 60-minute graduation bezel insert. Fitted with a scrat...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Transitional GMT-Master Pepsi 16750
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Stainless Steel Transitional GMT-Master Vintage Men's Wristwatch, black dial with applied hour markers, date at 3 0'clock, a stainless steel bi-directional rotating bezel with a bl...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Exceptional Custom Blue Dial, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master II White Gold Black Dial Pepsi Bezel Mens Watch 116719BLRO
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex GMT Master II White Gold Pepsi Bezel Mens Watch 116719. This timepiece is powered by the self-winding 3285 calibers with a 70-hour power reserve, Chronometer with an 18K white ...
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi 16750, Stainless Steel, 1982, Swiss Made
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
This rare Rolex GMT features its original iconic red and blue “Pepsi” bezel insert with a beautiful patina. Throughout the watch you will see a consistent patina with all original pa...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Glossy Gilt Explorer Dial 5513 Steel Automatic Watch, 1964
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 5513 Year: 1964 Serial number: 11xxxxx Reference: C03610 Many have seen Rolex signature design the 3,6,9 known to be the explorer dial as it is frequentl...
Steel, Stainless Steel
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.