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Rolex Prince 1930

Rolex Prince 1490 9k Yellow and White Gold
Rolex Prince 1490 9k Yellow and White Gold

Rolex Prince 1490 9k Yellow and White Gold

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A vintage 9k yellow and white gold Rolex Prince ref: 1490, another fine example of a rare Rolex creation. Featuring it's original silver dial with gilt borders, applied gilt baton h...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel

Rare Rolex Prince Jump Hour Doctor's Watch Steel 1491
Rare Rolex Prince Jump Hour Doctor's Watch Steel 1491

Rare Rolex Prince Jump Hour Doctor's Watch Steel 1491

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A rare vintage Rolex Prince reference 149, produced circa 1939, known as “Doctor’s Watch” from the late Art Deco period, characterised by its elongated dual-register dial layout. Th...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 9Kt Solid Gold Two Tone Prince with Kiln Fired Enamel Printing 1938
Rolex 9Kt Solid Gold Two Tone Prince with Kiln Fired Enamel Printing 1938

Rolex 9Kt Solid Gold Two Tone Prince with Kiln Fired Enamel Printing 1938

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince / Reference 971 METAL / MATERIAL: 9Kt Two Tone Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1938 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Width 26m...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

Rolex 9Ct. Prince in Nearly New Condition Silver Enamel Dial from 1935 or 36
Rolex 9Ct. Prince in Nearly New Condition Silver Enamel Dial from 1935 or 36

Rolex 9Ct. Prince in Nearly New Condition Silver Enamel Dial from 1935 or 36

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince Model METAL / MATERIAL: 9KT Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1935 / 36 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Width 20mm MOVEMENT: ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Recent Sales

Vintage Rolex Prince Observatory Doctor's Stainless Steel Watch, 1930s
Vintage Rolex Prince Observatory Doctor's Stainless Steel Watch, 1930s

Vintage Rolex Prince Observatory Doctor's Stainless Steel Watch, 1930s

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1930's Vintage Rolex Prince Observatory Steel Doctor's watch with Two Tone Silver and Gray Dial with Black Arabic Painted Numbers. 19mm x 44mm lug to lug (0.75 in. x 1.73 in.) - Powe...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

ROLEX REF. 3361, PRINCE AERODYNAMIC, Art Deco REF. 3361, 18K PINK GOLD
ROLEX REF. 3361, PRINCE AERODYNAMIC, Art Deco REF. 3361, 18K PINK GOLD

ROLEX REF. 3361, PRINCE AERODYNAMIC, Art Deco REF. 3361, 18K PINK GOLD

By Rolex

Located in Santa Monica, CA

ROLEX REF. 3361, PRINCE AERODYNAMIC, 18K PINK GOLD A fine, rare and elegant manual-winding, 18K pink gold chronometer wristwatch with pink dial and center seconds Specifications: Mod...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

ROLEX 1930's Prince sold by Bucherer w/ Rare Black Dial

ROLEX 1930's Prince sold by Bucherer w/ Rare Black Dial

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

A very rare stainless steel Prince from 1930, originally sold by Bucherer. The dial on this wristwatch is extremely rare, mostly because it is a black dial Prince in addition to the ...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1930's 18K Rose Gold & Stainless Steel Prince by Rolex
1930's 18K Rose Gold & Stainless Steel Prince by Rolex

1930's 18K Rose Gold & Stainless Steel Prince by Rolex

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

18K Roese Gold & Stainless Steel Prince by Rolex - Excellent condition, Rare Model Rolex, Desirable Rose Gold & Steel combination case, circa 1939, Case measures 36mm tall by 23mm wide

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, 18k Gold

Rolex Prince Imperial Observatory Quality Bi-Colour Gold Dress Pocket Watch 1930
Rolex Prince Imperial Observatory Quality Bi-Colour Gold Dress Pocket Watch 1930

Rolex Prince Imperial Observatory Quality Bi-Colour Gold Dress Pocket Watch 1930

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Rolex Prince Imperial 9ct Bi-Colour Gold Keyless Lever Dress Pocket Watch with Glasgow import hallmarks for 1931. Dial: The satin silver dial with two tone effect signed Rolex Princ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Prince "Railway" Chronometer Watch 9K Yellow Gold
Rolex Prince "Railway" Chronometer Watch 9K Yellow Gold

Rolex Prince "Railway" Chronometer Watch 9K Yellow Gold

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

This is a rare Rolex Prince "Railway" watch. This model was given this name due to the fact that these cases resembled early railroad cars.

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Yellow and White Gold Prince Doctor's Wristwatch
Rolex Yellow and White Gold Prince Doctor's Wristwatch

Rolex Yellow and White Gold Prince Doctor's Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

An excellent example of the historic 1930s Prince "Doctor's Watch", the first rectangular timepiece equipped with sub-second hand which came in handy for taking pulses and other medi...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex Nickel Sporting Prince Chronometer Travel Clock
Rolex Nickel Sporting Prince Chronometer Travel Clock

Rolex Nickel Sporting Prince Chronometer Travel Clock

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Nickel Sporting Prince Chronometer Travel Clock 1561, silvered dial with index batons and arabic numbers at 3, 6, 9 and 12 0'clock, blue steel hands, small seconds sub dial, a brus...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Other

Rolex Gold Jump Hour Railway Prince Wristwatch
Rolex Gold Jump Hour Railway Prince Wristwatch

Rolex Gold Jump Hour Railway Prince Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

An 18k Yellow Gold and White Gold Very Rare "Jump Hour" Railway Prince Wristwatch 1571, silvered dial with arabic numbers and minute railtrack, red jump-hour aperture at 12...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Prince Railway Manual Wristwatch Ref L 862
Rolex Yellow Gold Prince Railway Manual Wristwatch Ref L 862

Rolex Yellow Gold Prince Railway Manual Wristwatch Ref L 862

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Rolex Prince Railway Ref L 862 Men's Watch - Manual winding. Gold case ( 20 mm x 37 m ). White dial with Arabic numerals. Black lizard strap. Pre-owned with custom box .

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

ROLEX Yellow Gold Prince Doctor's Watch circa 1930s
ROLEX Yellow Gold Prince Doctor's Watch circa 1930s

ROLEX Yellow Gold Prince Doctor's Watch circa 1930s

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Rolex Prince chronometer, Ref. 1490, doctor's wristwatch, 18k yellow gold flared case, 18-jewel manual-wind Ultra Prima movement. Original dial. All properly signed and numbered.

Category

Vintage 1930s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Ghisò Prince Imperial Rare Art Deco Pocket Watch ca.1930's/40's
Rolex Ghisò Prince Imperial Rare Art Deco Pocket Watch ca.1930's/40's

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...

Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Nickel Sporting Prince Chronometer Vintage Travel Clock 1561
Rolex Nickel Sporting Prince Chronometer Vintage Travel Clock 1561

Rolex Nickel Sporting Prince Chronometer Vintage Travel Clock 1561

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Nickel Sporting Prince Chronometer Travel Clock 1561, silvered dial with index batons and arabic numbers at 3, 6, 9 and 12 0'clock, blue steel hands, small seconds sub dial, a brus...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Other

1930 Gruen Vintage Techni - Quadron (Rolex Prince) Watch, 14K Gold-Filled
1930 Gruen Vintage Techni - Quadron (Rolex Prince) Watch, 14K Gold-Filled

1930 Gruen Vintage Techni - Quadron (Rolex Prince) Watch, 14K Gold-Filled

By Gruen

Located in Suwanee, GA

We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating on...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Rare Art Deco 1938 Rolex Prince 9K Solid Gold Watch Vintage
Rare Art Deco 1938 Rolex Prince 9K Solid Gold Watch Vintage

Rare Art Deco 1938 Rolex Prince 9K Solid Gold Watch Vintage

By Rolex

Located in Scotts Valley, CA

Details: Beautiful Art Deco period solid gold Rolex Prince watch from 1938. The Prince style watch is distinguished by the second dial which displays the seconds hand. This watch has...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Prince Drs. Duo Dial 1930s Wristwatch Gold Filled and Steel Case
Rolex Prince Drs. Duo Dial 1930s Wristwatch Gold Filled and Steel Case

Rolex Prince Drs. Duo Dial 1930s Wristwatch Gold Filled and Steel Case

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1930s Rolex prince Drs. Duo Dial Wrist Watch, 47 X 20 M.M. Signed Rolex Gold Filled curved and stepped case with Stainless Steel Back. Rolex 17 Jewel Prince, Extra Prima Moveme...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, Steel

Rolex 18K. Two-Tone Striped Prince with Original Kiln Fired Print Dial from 1935
Rolex 18K. Two-Tone Striped Prince with Original Kiln Fired Print Dial from 1935

Rolex 18K. Two-Tone Striped Prince with Original Kiln Fired Print Dial from 1935

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince / Flared Lug METAL / MATERIAL: 18k. Yellow and White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1935 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 22mm x Width 40m...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

ROLEX Sterling Silver Prince Brancard Wristwatch
ROLEX Sterling Silver Prince Brancard Wristwatch

ROLEX Sterling Silver Prince Brancard Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Verona, IT

Rectangular sterling silver Rolex Prince Brancard, Ref.971U, produced in the 1930's.

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rolex Prince Yellow and White gold striped Branchard Wristwatch ref 1490
Rolex Prince Yellow and White gold striped Branchard Wristwatch ref 1490

Rolex Prince Yellow and White gold striped Branchard Wristwatch ref 1490

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex Prince 9K Yellow and White Gold Striped Branchard ref 1490 circa 1930s. 23 X 44mm case, rare and beautiful condition example with original striped case design. With 2 tone rais...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex SS Prince Brancard Flared Case Model ref# 1490 c.1930's
Rolex SS Prince Brancard Flared Case Model ref# 1490 c.1930's

Rolex SS Prince Brancard Flared Case Model ref# 1490 c.1930's

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex SS Prince Brancard flared case model ref 1490 circa 1930's with beautiful original 2 tone silver satin dial with black figures and blued steel spade hands.

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Prince Brancard, Art Deco, Silver, 1930
Rolex Prince Brancard, Art Deco, Silver, 1930

Rolex Prince Brancard, Art Deco, Silver, 1930

Sold

W 0.99 in D 0.32 in L 1.7 in

Rolex Prince Brancard, Art Deco, Silver, 1930

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

A very rare, fine and well-preserved Art Deco vintage wristwatch in silver by Rolex made in 1930. “The Rolex Prince - the watch for men of distinction” If there was ever an access...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver

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Cartier 18Kt. Yellow Gold Art Deco Styled Watch with Original Buckle from 1930's
Cartier 18Kt. Yellow Gold Art Deco Styled Watch with Original Buckle from 1930's

Cartier 18Kt. Yellow Gold Art Deco Styled Watch with Original Buckle from 1930's

By Cartier

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Cartier Paris STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Square METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm X Width 20mm MOVEMENT / ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank 1710 Américaine Diamond Bezel Quartz 18K Gold Watch
Cartier Tank 1710 Américaine Diamond Bezel Quartz 18K Gold Watch

Cartier Tank 1710 Américaine Diamond Bezel Quartz 18K Gold Watch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Cartier Tank Américaine watch with diamond bezel and bracelet in 18K yellow gold, featuring a rectangular 19 x 34.5mm case and quartz movement. Designed with timeless Roman numerals ...

Category

1990s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Tiffany & Company 1920s Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch
Tiffany & Company 1920s Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch

Tiffany & Company 1920s Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1920s Tiffany & Company retailed Platinum and Diamond Ladies Wrist Watch, 18 x 18 M.M. Cushion shape case with Hand Engraving work and single cut Diamonds set into the beze...

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Edwardian Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Hermes LG Vintage Brown Croc Doctor Bag
Hermes LG Vintage Brown Croc Doctor Bag

Hermes LG Vintage Brown Croc Doctor Bag

$24,999

H 11.5 in W 6 in L 11.5 in

Hermes LG Vintage Brown Croc Doctor Bag

By Hermès

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Hermes rare and collectible large doctor’s bag in brown shiny croc, lined in brown leather and caramel velvet, gold tone hardware. Dates back to the 50s , pre date stamp. Handle drop...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Briefcases and Attachés

Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Tiffany Limited Ediiton Yellow Gold Watch 5150J
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Tiffany Limited Ediiton Yellow Gold Watch 5150J

Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Tiffany Limited Ediiton Yellow Gold Watch 5150J

By Patek Philippe

Located in Aventura, FL

Patek Philippe introduced the reference 5150 or “T150” in 2001 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the relationship between Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. This model was offered ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hermes Birkin 50 Limited Edition Endless Road Bleu De Prusse Palladium Hardware
Hermes Birkin 50 Limited Edition Endless Road Bleu De Prusse Palladium Hardware

Hermes Birkin 50 Limited Edition Endless Road Bleu De Prusse Palladium Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Aventura, FL

The Hermès Blue de Prusse Limited Edition Endless Road Birkin 50 Haute à Courroies is a remarkable fusion of artistry and craftsmanship. This exclusive piece from the 2019 Collection...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Shoulder Bags

Vintage Tissot Navigator World Time Automatic Wrist Watch
Vintage Tissot Navigator World Time Automatic Wrist Watch

Vintage Tissot Navigator World Time Automatic Wrist Watch

By Tissot

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa mid 1950s Tissot Navigator, World Time Wrist Watch, 36 M.M. 3 piece case with Gold Filled top and Water Resistant Stainless Steel back. Caliber 28.5N-21 Automatic, Self Winding...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Basculante Ref 2390 Mécanique 'Manual' Rectangle Watch, Full Set
Cartier Tank Basculante Ref 2390 Mécanique 'Manual' Rectangle Watch, Full Set

Cartier Tank Basculante Ref 2390 Mécanique 'Manual' Rectangle Watch, Full Set

By Cartier

Located in MELBOURNE, AU

Inspired by the Renault FT-17 tanks, Cartier Tank Wristwatches are iconic & instantly recognizable timepieces. This particular example is a sophisticated Cartier Tank Basculante refe...

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold
CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold

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...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Platinum Audemars Piguet Haute Joaillerie Diamond Tennis Bracelet Watch
Vintage Platinum Audemars Piguet Haute Joaillerie Diamond Tennis Bracelet Watch

Vintage Platinum Audemars Piguet Haute Joaillerie Diamond Tennis Bracelet Watch

By Audemars Piguet

Located in Antwerp, BE

StunningHigh Yewellery Platinum Tennis bracelet / watch Audemars Piguet. Calibre: 2426 Diamonds: The bracelet has together 16,2 carat diamonds. D color Internally Flawless Materi...

Category

20th Century Artisan Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Patek Philippe 5970R Grand Complications Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Watch
Patek Philippe 5970R Grand Complications Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Watch

Patek Philippe 5970R Grand Complications Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in New York, NY

The Patek Philippe Reference 5970R showcases a 40mm rose gold case and a white dial set with rose gold baton markers and hours, minutes hand. This is a grand complications model fea...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Colisee Yellow Gold and Diamond Ladies Wrist watch
Cartier Colisee Yellow Gold and Diamond Ladies Wrist watch

Cartier Colisee Yellow Gold and Diamond Ladies Wrist watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 2000 Cartier Colisee collection Wrist Watch, 24 M.M 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, 3 row Diamond Pave Bezel and Diamond set Crown totaling approximately 2 Carats. Quartz movemen...

Category

Early 2000s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Cartier Tank Solo Mid Size Stainless Steel Ref 3170 Quartz Watch
Cartier Tank Solo Mid Size Stainless Steel Ref 3170 Quartz Watch

Cartier Tank Solo Mid Size Stainless Steel Ref 3170 Quartz Watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 2020 Cartier Tank Solo Reference 3170, Wrist Watch, 30 x 24 M.M. 2 piece Stainless Steel water resistant case, Sapphire set crown, Quartz movement, Silver Satin dial with Black...

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

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Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Basculante XL 26mm 2522
Cartier Tank Basculante XL 26mm 2522

Cartier Tank Basculante XL 26mm 2522

$10,358

H 1.58 in W 1.03 in

Cartier Tank Basculante XL 26mm 2522

By Cartier

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A 26mm XL Tank Basculante in stainless steel by Cartier. Featuring a silver dial with Roman numerals, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, and a secret Cartier signature at VII. The watch...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Must De LM Vermeil Lemon Dial 1980s
Cartier Tank Must De LM Vermeil Lemon Dial 1980s

Cartier Tank Must De LM Vermeil Lemon Dial 1980s

By Cartier

Located in SYDNEY, AU

Cartier Tank Must De LM Vermeil Lemon Dial 1980s SKU 1398 This Cartier Tank Must De LM from the 1980s presents a rare and striking lemon yellow dial, a colour that beautifully comp...

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Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe 3322 Ladies Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch
Patek Philippe 3322 Ladies Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch

Patek Philippe 3322 Ladies Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1970s Patek Philippe Reference 3322 Wrist Watch. 16 x 20 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case with hand Texturing, 20 Jewel Mechanical, manual wind Nickle lever movement, Patek Ph...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Rolex Prince 1930 For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact rolex prince 1930 you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Stainless Steel. Most of our rolex prince 1930 for sale are for men, but there are 12 pieces available to browse for women.

How Much is a Rolex Prince 1930?

On average, a rolex prince 1930 at 1stDibs sells for $8,140, while they’re typically $3,150 on the low end and $44,593 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.