Rolex Pocket Watch. Antique Rolex Watch Co Railway Working Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Antique Rolex Pocket Watch. Rolex Watch Co Railway Please refer to pictures to see the movement
Stainless Steel
Rolex Pocket Watch 9165. Antique Rolex Precision 9165 Circa 1952
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Pocket Watch. Precision Ref: 9165 Circa 1952 Please refer to pictures to see the
Stainless Steel
Rolex Pocket Watch. Antique Rolex Precision Lever 7 World's Records
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Antique Rolex Pocket Watch. Precision Lever 7 World's Records Circa 1940s Ref 408 Please refer
Stainless Steel
1940's Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1940's ROLEX WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens Pocket Watch - Rare Outer Case Beautiful All
Other
Rolex. A Rare Yellow Gold Pendant Pocket Watch C1964
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Dress Watch With Original Presentation Box C1964. Dial: The
Rolex Rare Prince Yellow Gold Dress Pocket Watch 8753 C1920
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Prince. A very rare 38mm 18ct yellow gold dress pocket watch with a specially made chain by
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini White Gold Keyless Lever Dress Pocket Watch C1970
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Cellini. A White Gold Keyless Lever Dress Open Face Pocket Watch C1970 Dial: The cream
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Precision Ref. 3400 Openface, Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare collectors Watch. Original Condition. Watch needs an overhaul. Including certificate of
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Cellini Pocket Watch 18 Karat Yellow Gold, 1980s
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1980's Rolex Cellini Pocket Watch Ref. 3717 18k Yellow Gold with Original White Dial with Black
Rolex Stainless Steel Pocket Watch Ref 3002
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Stainless Steel Pocket Watch Ref 3002 - Manual winding. Stainless steel case with smooth
Rolex Stainless Steel Pocket Watch Ref 3002
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Stainless Steel Pocket Watch Ref 3002 - Manual winding. Stainless steel case with smooth
Rolex Cellini. A Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1970
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Cellini. An 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Dress Open Face Pocket Watch with Original Rolex
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini Rare Yellow Gold Pendant Pocket Watch C1965
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Geneve. This watch is an excellent example of a fine dress pocket watch produced in the swinging
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Rare Rose Gold Prince Imperial Open Face Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex rare 18k rose gold Prince Imperial open face pocket watch, circa. 1940s, manual-wind movement
Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Rare & Important Rolex Precision Keyless Lever Stainless Steel Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Precision. A Rare and Important Keyless Lever Stainless Steel Open Face Pocket Watch C1965
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini Pocket Watch 18 Karat Gold, 3727, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Cellini 18K Gold Pocket Watch Made in Switzerland Circa 1970's Fully hallmarked Pocket Watch
18k Gold
Rolex WW2 Military Pocket Watch, Rare Circa 1942, Superb Collectable
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and extremely rare pocket watch has a cal. 590 Rolex movement and case by Calcort. A
Rolex Prince Imperial 1645 Pocket Watch, Art Deco Style, Circa 1954
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very rare and attractive Rolex Prince Imperial pocket watch features a 9k yellow gold case of c
Rare Rolex Cellini Coral Coloured Dial Yellow Gold Dress Pocket Watch C1970
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Cellini. A Rare Coral Coloured Dial,18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Dress Open Face Pocket
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini 18karat White Gold and Diamond Open-Face Keyless Wind Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Cellini 18karat white gold and diamond open-face keyless wind pocket watch. Ref. 3790 Made in
Diamond, White Gold
Rolex Vintage 1966 White Gold Zephyr Silver Dial Disk Pendant Pocket Watch 3694
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k White Gold Vintage Disk Pendant Watch from 1966, zephyr silver dial, a fixed 18k white gold
White Gold
Rolex Ghisò Prince Imperial Rare Art Deco Pocket Watch ca.1930's/40's
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Manual winding. Steel and enamel case (37mm x 40mm). Silver dial with hour dial with black Arabic numerals above the subseconds dial. Pre-owned, vintage, ca. 1930's-40's. Retailed by...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Ring Watch Ref 8309
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Possibly the coolest vintage Rolex, this 1950s 18 karat rose gold ring watch is in all original
Rose Gold
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Twenty Dollar Coin Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Twenty Dollar Coin Watch - Manual winding. 18K Yellow gold coin case ( 34mm
Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini A Rare $20 Gold Coin Watch 1991
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rolex Cellini Rare Gold Twenty Dollar Coin Watch, C1991. Dial: The original champagne dial with
18k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Rolex Cellini Twenty Dollar Gold Coin Watch C1995
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare, Rolex Cellini Twenty Dollar 24ct & 18ct yellow gold coin watch, C1995. Dial: The original
18k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 6917 Datejust Two-Tone Champagne Dial Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex MPN: 6917 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless steel Case Diameter: 26mm Crystal
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini. A Rare Gold Twenty Dollar Coin Watch C1990
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare, Rolex Cellini Twenty Dollar 24ct & 18ct yellow gold coin watch, C1990. Dial: The original
Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Chronograph Monopusher Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Vannes, FR
Rolex Chronograph Mono-Pusher Watch Yellow Gold, 18 Carat Precise time Dial with telemetric scale
18k Gold
Rolex Metal Wall Clock circa 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Mid-century cool, the must-have accessory for the vintage Rolex enthusiast in your life. 10 inches
Rare Rolex 18K White Gold & Diamond "Prince" Pocketwatch
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
spectacular pocket watch both stunning and masculine, engraved "Dr. Oswaldo Icatena", circa 1940
Diamond, 18k Gold
1991 Rolex Day Date Platinum Blue Vignette Dial Ref. 18346
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
the yellow or white gold version. This stunning watch is in overall excellent condition with a
Platinum
Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Automatic Wristwatch, 1994
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: W3593 Model Number: 69173 Serial Number: S51**** Condition: 9 - Excellent condition Gender: Ladies Age: 21st April 1994 Case Diameter: 26 mm Case Size: 26mm Box & Papers: Bo...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini Pocket Watch Yellow Gold Bronze Dial 3718 Manual Wind Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k Yellow Gold Cellini Vintage Pendant Pocket Watch, bronze dial with applied index batons, an
18k Gold
Nickel Cased Rolex British Military Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This Rolex military pocket watch can be dated in the 1940s. It is Swiss made and in good working
1940's Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens 52mm Pocket Watch - Nick
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
other online sites. 1940's ROLEX WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens 52mm Pocket Watch - Nickel
Other
1940's Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens 50mm Pocket Watch Nickel
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1940's ROLEX WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens 50mm Pocket Watch - Nickel Please All-Original
Other
Rolex Yellow Gold Cellini Vintage Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex "Cellini" Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch Circa.1970's Movement: Rolex 19 Jewels
18k Gold
Rolex Cellini White Gold Vintage Mechanical Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Rolex Cellini collection Pocket Watch and chain, 39 M.M. 18K White Gold 2 piece case
18k Gold, Platinum
Rolex 1940s Bucherer Retailed Gold Filled Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex for Carl Bucherer of Switzerland Pocket Watch, 44 M.M. 3 piece Gold Filled Case
Gold-filled
Rolex Stainless Steel Manual Wind Pocket Watch, 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex Precision Reference 9165 Pocket Watch 45 MM Stainless Steel 3 Piece case. 17
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel High Grade Open Faced Manual Pocket Watch with Chain
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
rare and unusual men's pocket watch made by the premier house of Rolex. The watch keeps excellent time
ROLEX 100 Francs Concealed Gold Coin Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York City, NY
Rare and unusual 18K yellow gold pocket watch by Rolex. It's cleverly concealed within a 100 Francs
18k Gold
Rolex Cellini Watch in 20 Dollar Gold Piece
By Rolex
Located in Litchfield, CT
twenty dollar gold piece, opens to reveal an ultra-thin Rolex Cellini watch. Its elegant ivory face is
18k Gold
Rolex Cellini Rare Vintage Twenty Dollar Gold Coin Watch C1991
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Cellini A Rare Vintage Twenty Dollar Gold Coin Watch C1991. Dial: An original condition
Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
ROLEX Ref. 8784 Lantern Pendant Rolex Precision Made in the 1950
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
, the Rolex crown logo in place of 12. Gold feuille hands. 5''', rhodium-plated, rectangular with canted
Gold, 18k Gold
Rare Omega Pocket Money Clip Watch Manual Wind 1930s Vintage Collectable JM2
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Extremely rare Omega Pocket or Money Clip watch, manual wind, circa 1930s. A vintage collectable
Rolex Cellini Pocket Watch 3717 Unisex Yellow Gold Calibre 1600 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Xupes Reference: W008135 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Cellini Model Variant: Pocket Watch Model
Yellow Gold
Rolex Gold 14 Size Open Face Pocket Watch ref. 2441
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18K YG 14 size open face pocket watch ref 2441 circa 1940's. Original matte silver dial with
18k Gold
Rolex 18K Gold 14 size open face pocket watchcirca 1930's.
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18K gold 14 size open face pocket watch circa 1940's. Original matte silver dial with Roman
18k Gold
Rolex 6917 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies President Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Company - Rolex Model - 6917 Ladies President Case Metal - 18k Yellow Gold Case Measurement - 26mm
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Daytona 16528, White Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Daytona Reference #: 16528. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Yellow Gold White 40 MM. Verified
Rolex Daytona 16528, White Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Daytona Reference #: 16528. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Yellow Gold White 40 MM. Verified
Rolex Date 1503, Gold Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Date Reference #: 1503. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Yellow Gold Gold 34 MM. Verified and
Rolex Sea-Dweller Transitional Matte Dial circa 1984
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Seadwller transitional model ref 16660 with sapphire crystal and matte black dial with
Stainless Steel
Rolex Gold Day-Date ref. 6611 circa 1959
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS/18K YG Datejust ref # 16013 with original champagne dial signed by retailer Tiffany & Co
18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date 18238, Gold Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Day-Date Reference #: 18238. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Yellow Gold Gold 36 MM. Verified
Rolex King Midas 9630, Gold Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex King Midas Reference #: 9630. Mens Mechanical Hand Wind Watch Yellow Gold Gold 26 MM
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6590, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference #: 6590. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Yellow Gold Silver 33 MM
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3131, Beige Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference #: 3131. Mens Mechanical Hand Wind Watch Yellow Gold Beige 30 MM
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1005, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference #: 1005. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Yellow Gold Silver 34 MM
Rolex Day-Date 18038, White Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Day-Date Reference #: 18038. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Yellow Gold White 36 MM. Verified
Rolex Daytona 16528, Mother of Pearl Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Daytona Reference #: 16528. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl 40 MM
Rolex Datejust 16018, Mother of Pearl Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust Reference #: 16018. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl 36 MM
Rolex Pink Gold Bubbleback ref. 3131 circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K pink gold bubbleback ref 3131 circa 1940's with orginal patina'd silver satin dial with
18k Gold
$3,985
H 2 in W 1.03 in D 0.44 in Dm 1.03 in L 2 in
Waltham 1886 Riverside Size 0s Hunting Pocket Watch In 18Kt Gold With Diamond
By American Waltham Watch Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Pocket watch designed by Waltham. Beautiful hunting pocket watch, created in Massachusetts United States by the A.W Waltham Watch Company, circa 1886-1887. This piece is one of the ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Illinois Gold-Filled Pocket Watch
By Illinois Watch Company
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Illinois gold-filled pocket watch. Open face, Size 12, Model 117 jewel double roller mechanism, 3/4 plate. Crown time set. Serial number 4067885, made in 1923. Fancy Octagon case and...
Gold-filled
Hamilton Brass Pocket Watch with Display Back
By Hamilton
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Enjoy seeing the craftsmanship in this Hamilton 917 Brass Pocket Watch, expertly restored with a unique display back allowing the intricate parts of this timepiece to be viewed. Meas...
Brass
Omega Steel Open Faced Enamel Dial Pocket Watch from 1920's
By Omega
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Nickel Silver CIRCA / YEAR: 1928 / 29 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 49mm MOVEMENT / C...
Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Vintage Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch, 45 M.M. X 9 M.M. thick 18K Yellow Gold 3 piece hinged case with Gold inside Dust cover. 18 Jewel mechanical, Manual wind nickle lever movemen...
18k Gold
Patek Philippe Yellow Gold and Enamel Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1913 Patek Philippe Pocket Watch for Retailer Spaulding and Company , 45 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 4 piece case including the Yellow Gold Cuvette (Dust Cover) Greek Key Pattern Blue...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Tiffany & Co Art Deco Sterling Silver Oval Pocket Watch by Longines
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boston, MA
An art deco Tiffany & Co. pocket watch crafted in sterling silver. The oval watch features a silver dial with bold Arabic numerals and the Tiffany & Co. signature, emphasizing its S...
Sterling Silver
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies ROLEX 2649 Precision Cocktail Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970s. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2649. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Leather Band...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
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...
Gold, Steel
Hamilton Railroad Grade U.S. Ordinance Pocket Watch w Original Packaging
By Hamilton
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
With original issued packaging and in operating condition, this interesting timepiece dates back circa 1960 Vietnam era. Issued by U.S. Army Ordinance Department 6645-679-821, this s...
Steel
Tiffany & Company Patek Philippe Antique Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920 Patek Philippe for Tiffany & company Pocket watch, 45 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 4 piece case including Gold inside Dust Cover. 20 Jewel, mechanical, manual wind nickle leve...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vacheron & Constantin Grottendieck Bruxelles 18 Karat Gold Pocket Watch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Berlin, DE
Vacheron & Constantin Grottendieck Bruxelles 18 Karat Gold Pocket Watch Movement can be wound and works. Dial with hairline crack. Including certificate of authenticity.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier EWC Gold and Enamel 1920s Pocket Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Cartier pocket Watch, 46 MM Diameter and 4.5 MM thick 18K Yellow Gold 2 piece case. Blue and White Guilloche Enamel. Mechanical, Manual wind EWC, European Watch & Clock M...
18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18Kt. Art Deco Ultra Thin Pocket Watch, circa 1930's
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Van Cleef & Arpels STYLE / REFERENCE: 1/2 Hunter Pocket Watch / Ultra Thin METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 54mm...
Vacheron Constantin Hunter Case Pocket Watch 1 Botton Chronograph 18kt Pink Gold
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Antwerp, BE
Extremely Rare & Collectors Vacheron Constantin Hunter Case Pocket Watch Chronograph 18 kt. Pink Gold Functions : One Button Chronograph Movement : Mechanical MAnual Winding Chrono...
Gold, 18k Gold
$14,981Sale Price|25% Off
H 0.44 in W 1.11 in Dm 1.11 in
Rolex Vintage 28mm 18k Yellow-Rose Gold Diamonds w Oyster Perpetual Band 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Vintage 28mm 18k Yellow-Rose Gold and Diamonds on the Numbers with an Oyster Band Creator: Rolex 2416631 , 6627 Design: Oyster Perpetual Case Material: 18kYellow-Rose Gold S...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 18k 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.
Can you pull off a vintage pocket watch? Of course you can. With a suit and a waistcoat, a pocket watch can be a refreshing alternative to a wristwatch.
The earliest pocket watches were luxury items, and, owing to cost, they weren’t commonplace until the 19th century. Artfully crafted pocket watches were a symbol of wealth, and manufacturers such as Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe became known for theirs. (Today, they’re among the most sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.)
At the onset, pocket watches resembled small round table clocks, and pulling your small round table clock — perhaps of the silver variety — out of your breast pocket in front of someone else demonstrated unequivocally that you cared about punctuality. For collectors, pocket watches are big, and that means a larger canvas provided for functions without crowding the dial. For example, the Marius Lecoultre pocket watch — made circa 1890 — does everything but uncork your wine.
In the late 1800s, the open-face pocket watch became a staple on the American railroad. It was a requirement for railway workers to wear a pocket watch, as the timepieces were responsible for keeping conductors on schedule. This was a boon to the watchmaking industry, with companies like Hamilton, the Elgin National Watch Company and the Waltham Watch Company producing high-grade and workingman’s watches.
By the 1930s, wristwatches comprised the bulk of watch manufacturing in America, superseding the pocket watch. Suddenly, if you wanted to know the time, you merely glanced at your wrist. But given their vintage charm and our general appetite for good design, pocket watches are a piece of statement-making jewelry and today can prove complementary to your formal attire in a manner that is stylish and unconventional.
Let time take its course — browse a vast selection of antique and vintage pocket watches available on 1stDibs designed by legendary brands such as IWC, Cartier and more.
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.
These companies have stood the test of time, making exceptional pieces for generations.