Rolex Steel Thunderbird Datejust Self Winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2002 Rolex Datejust Thunderbird Wrist Watch, 36 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster Case with
Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches
Steel
Rolex Steel Thunderbird Datejust Self Winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2002 Rolex Datejust Thunderbird Wrist Watch, 36 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster Case with
Steel
Rolex 1957 Ref 1500 Yellow Gold Self Winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1957 Rolex "Date" model reference 1500 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 14k Yellow Gold 3 Piece Oyster
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tudor 25mm Princess OysterDate Self Winding Automatic with Jubilee Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
: Princess OyserDate - Movement: Self Winding - Original card, warranty papers, and box - Condition
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble Back Rare Roman Dial Perpetual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
self winding watch. They protected the word "perpetual" to distinguish their watch from other companies
1994 Rolex Daytona Patrizzi Ref. 16520
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
self winding Chronograph watch and at that time was not able to manufacture an in-house movement for it
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold and Steel Bubble Back with RareThunderbird Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
the first practical self winding watch. They protected the word "perpetual" to distinguish their watch
Unworn Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 Reference# 279173, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
crystal for enduring clarity. Powered by Rolex’s Perpetual self-winding mechanical movement, this watch
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Gilt Dial Self Winding Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Paris, FR
Fine stainless steel self winding wristwatch with gilt black dial
Stainless Steel
Unavailable
W 1.23 in
Rolex Stainless Steel Lady Rolex Datejust self winding Wristwatch 178240, c 2015
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
with new style wide luminous stick indexes. Powered by self winding movement with quick set date. With
Stainless Steel
Rolex yellow gold Oyster Perpetual “Underline” Dial self winding wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
winding chronometer rated 1570 movement with sweep seconds. With Rolex stamped crocodile strap and buckle
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies Stainless Steel Datejust Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 179160
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
winding movement with quick set date. With Rolex D link Jubilee bracelet with deployment clasp. This
Stainless Steel
Rolex White Gold Stainless Steel Datejust self winding wristwatch, c1963
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
almost pitch black in others. Powered by self winding caliber 1560 movement with sweep seconds and date
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 6564
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
indexes, tapered dauphine hands and warmly patina’d luminous dots. Powered by self winding calibre 1030
Stainless Steel
Rolex White Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 1601
By Rolex
Located in Westlake Village, CA
collection. Really nice watch! Case In stainless steel with white gold fluted bezel Movement Rolex
Stainless Steel, White Gold
Unavailable
W 1.34 in
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Peach Dial Self-Winding Wristwatch, c1973
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
turned a gorgeous and even peach tone. Powered by self winding calibre 1520 movement with sweep seconds
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 1500
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
indexes and tapered silver dauphine hands. Powered by calibre 1570 self winding movement with sweep
Stainless Steel
Rolex rose gold YachtMaster multicolor gem set bezel Self-Winding wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Brand: Rolex Reference: 11665 Caliber: 3135 Movement: Perpetual, Mechanical, Self-Winding Case Size
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
W 1.42 in
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Datejust self winding Wristwatch, c1963
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
powered by self winding chronometer rated caliber 1560 movement with sweep seconds and date. Of course
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Tropical Peach Dial Self-Winding Wristwatch 1601, c1962
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
dull, but has a rich tropical luster. Powered by self winding caliber 1560 movement with sweep seconds
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Self Winding Wristwatch ref 1601, circa 1963
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
glossy, not dull, but has a rich tropical luster. Powered by self winding caliber 1560 movement with
14k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Unavailable
W 1.42 in
Rolex white gold stainless steel Datejust self winding wristwatch Ref 1601 c1961
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
. With acrylic crystal without date magnifying “cyclops” for a clean look. Powered by a self winding
14k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Rose Gold Datejust Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 6917, circa 1987
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
hands. Powered by self winding caliber 1161 movement with sweep seconds and date. Offered on your choice
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex White Gold Diamond GMT Master II Self-winding Wristwatch Ref 116759-SANR
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
oyster flip lock. Movement: Self-winding automatic Oyster Perpetual movement. Hours, minutes, seconds
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust Steel Jubilee Watch 2 Carat Diamond Bezel / Scarlet Red Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust Steel Ladies Watch. Self-winding Rolex automatic movement. Stainless steel case 26mm
Rolex Datejust Steel Jubilee Watch 2 Carat Diamond Bezel / Pastel Purple Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust Steel Ladies Watch. Self-winding Rolex automatic movement. Stainless steel case 26mm
Rolex Datejust Steel Jubilee Watch 2 Carat Diamond Bezel / Royal MOP Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust Steel Ladies Watch. Self-winding Rolex automatic movement. Stainless steel case 26mm
Rolex Datejust Steel Jubilee Watch 2 Carat Diamond Bezel / Royal Green Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust Steel Ladies Watch. Self-winding Rolex automatic movement. Stainless steel case 26mm
Rolex Datejust Steel Jubilee Watch 2 Carat Diamond Bezel / Dark Purple Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust Steel Ladies Watch. Self-winding Rolex automatic movement. Stainless steel case 26mm
Rolex Datejust Steel Watch 2 Carat Diamond Bezel /Rhodium Grey Baguette Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust Steel Ladies Watch. Self-winding Rolex automatic movement. Stainless steel case 26mm
Rolex Datejust Steel Jubilee Watch 2 Carat Diamond Bezel / Orange Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust Steel Ladies Watch. Self-winding Rolex automatic movement. Stainless steel case 26mm
Rolex Datejust Steel Jubilee Watch 2 Carat Diamond Bezel / Vibrant Pink Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust Steel Ladies Watch. Self-winding Rolex automatic movement. Stainless steel case 26mm
Steel
Rolex Datejust Steel Jubilee Watch 2 Carat Diamond Bezel / Rhodium Grey Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust Steel Ladies Watch. Self-winding Rolex automatic movement. Stainless steel case 26mm
Rolex Datejust Steel Jubilee Watch 2 Carat Diamond Bezel / Royal Green MOP Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust Steel Ladies Watch. Self-winding Rolex automatic movement. Stainless steel case 26mm
Unavailable
W 1.34 in Dm 1.34 in
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual self winding wristwatch Ref 6564, circa 1960
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
. Powered by self winding calibre 1035 movement with sweep seconds. Case back personalized with date of 1960
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Date 1970s Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1978 Rolex Date model Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless Steel Oyster case with Smooth
Steel
Rolex Ref 1002 1950s Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1957 Rolex Reference 1002 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster case. Caliber
Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Zephyr Self Winding Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Zepher, 6582 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Self
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 1950s Vintage Ref 1002 Steel Self winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1958 Rolex Reference 1002 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster Case. Caliber
Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Yachtmaster self-winding Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Greenwich, CT
yachting competition. This timepiece is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a self-winding movement
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Yachtmaster II self-winding Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Greenwich, CT
the yachting competition. This timepiece features a self-winding movement with indications for the
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 1940s Steel Case Automatic Self Winding Scarce Dial Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Bezel and screw down Crown. Caliber 1500 17 Jewel mechanical, self winding movement. Original Near mint
Steel
Rolex yellow gold stainless steel Submariner self-winding Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Greenwich, CT
One of the most iconic watches, the Rolex Submariner crafted in stainless steel and yellow gold
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Presidential Day-Date self-winding Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Greenwich, CT
self-winding movement with single quickset Day-Date, with Champagne dial diamond markers and gold hands
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual self-winding Wristwatch Ref 176200
By Rolex
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rolex Oyster Perpetual crafted in stainless steel, featuring a black dial with pink markers; self
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Datejust self-winding Wristwatch Ref 6917
By Rolex
Located in Greenwich, CT
The Rolex Datejust is one of the most recognizable watches. This timepiece features a self-winding
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold President self-winding Wristwatch Ref 69178
By Rolex
Located in Greenwich, CT
in 18k yellow gold. This timepiece features a self-winding movement with indications for the Hours
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Rose Gold Daytona Cosmograph Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 116505
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A must have sporty Rolex Daytona rose gold cosmograph, this watch exudes good taste. This
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Ladies Stainless Steel Date Oyster Perpetual Self-Winding Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel lady's wristwatch with a stainless steel bracelet
Stainless Steel
ROLEX 18K Gold Self-Winding Wristwatch With Sweep Centre Seconds
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
A 18Kt Gold Automatic Swepp Seconds Wristwatch, Rolex Oyster Perpetual, REF. 6085. Made on 1951
18k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Date automatic self winding Water Proof Oyster Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1997 Rolex reference 15238 18K Yellow Gold Date Wrist Watch, 34 MM Water Proof Oyster Case
18k Gold
Rolex Ladies Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Self-Winding Wristwatch Ref 67180
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Oyster Perpetual Ref. 67230. Made in 1997. Fine, tonneau-shaped, center seconds, self-winding
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel James Bond Submariner Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 6536/1
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Rare and Collectible Stainless Steel " James Bond " Submariner Ref. 6536 / 1 - Self-winding
Stainless Steel
Rolex White Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Turn-O-graph Self-Winding Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
advertisement for these watches in the United States. This watch is illustrated in Rolex, Collecting
18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date Oyster Perpetual self-winding Wristwatch, circa 1981
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
. 18038. Made circa 1981. Fine, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, 18K yellow gold wristwatch
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tudor by Rolex Stainless Steel Heritage Black Bay Self Winding Wristwatch
By Tudor
Located in Dallas, TX
Tudor by Rolex Heritage Black Bay Men's Stainless Steel Watch 79220N - Self winding. Stainless
Rolex Submariner Two-Tone Automatic Watch 16613
By Rolex
Located in Southampton, PA
Look again. The Rolex Submariner Self-Winding Watch 16613 displays not just a standard blue dial
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Two-Tone Bluesy Automatic Watch 16613
By Rolex
Located in Southampton, PA
Look again. The Rolex Submariner Self-Winding Automatic Watch 16613 displays not just a standard
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16200 Men's Stainless Steel Mother of Pearl Diamond Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Watch Rolex Datejust (16200) self-winding automatic watch, features a 36mm stainless steel case
Diamond, Pearl, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex vintage steel self winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1959 Rolex Reference 1002 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case with screw
Steel
Rolex 1946 Steel Bubbleback Self Winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1946 Rolex Reference 2940 Bubbleback model Wrist Watch, 39 M.M. ( lug end to end ) X 32 M.M
Steel
Rolex Steel Self Winding Vintage Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
turned Bezel. Caliber 1560 Automatic, self winding movement. Newly Restored California Dial of White and
Stainless Steel
Rolex 1940's Vintage Ref 6552 Steel Self winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1945 Rolex Reference 6552 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster Case. Caliber
Steel
Rolex 1951 Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch with Cali Bubbleback Style Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
1040 Automatic, self winding Nickle Lever movement, Rolex Logo Crown. New Custom Vintage Style
Steel
Rolex yellow Gold Reference 1005 Self Winding Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Automatic, self winding movement. Silvered dial with Raised Gold markers and a sweep seconds hand. A
14k Gold
Omega 14K Gold Tank Watch Manual Wind
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
Discover the elegance of the OMEGA Vintage 1960's 14KT Gold 27mm x 27mm Square Case Watch. With its Florentine slant sides and a beige dial adorned with full gold stick markers, this...
14k Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Blue "Vignette" Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
CARTIER Estate Stainless Steel Tank Française Watch
By Cartier
Located in Narberth, PA
This sleek and stylish estate watch is a signed Cartier timepiece! The Swiss made watch, which is a Tank Française, has a stainless steel design with a square-shaped face and gate-li...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Unavailable|$3,250
W 0.95 in
Rolex Ladies Ss Datejust Malachite Diamond Dial Smooth Bezel Jubilee Band Watch
By Rolex
Located in San Pedro , CA
Brand : Rolex Model : Datejust (Non-Quickset Model) Gender : Ladies Metals : Stainless Steel Case Size : 24 mm Dial : Custom Malachite Diamond Dial (This dial is not original Rolex ...
Diamond, Malachite, Stainless Steel
Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Paris Centure Collection Wrist Watch, 18k Yellow Gold 27 X 27 M.M. 2 Piece stepped case. 17 jewel mechanical, manual wind movement. White Dial with Black Roman nu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dial with Gold Baton Markers 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Breitling A32390 Avenger II GMT Blue Dial Stainless Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: A32390 Year: 2017 Model: Avenger II GMT Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Blue Face: Sapphire Crystal Ca...
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
$26,500
H 1.42 in W 1.23 in
Vintage Patek Philippe Grand Ellipse 18K Gold Quartz 31mm Unisex 1980 Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Miami, FL
Authentic Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Grand Ellipse 3838 Unisex 18K Yellow Gold Watch. Vintage, circa 1980. Featuring a 31mm dial with a smooth gold bezel, cream-white ivory enamel dial...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies SS Datejust Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Oyster Band Watch
By Rolex
Located in San Pedro , CA
Brand : Rolex Model : Datejust (Non-Quickset Model) Gender : Ladies Metals : Stainless Steel Case Size : 24 mm Dial : Custom Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial (This dial is not original R...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
43.15 Grams Wide Cuban Chain Link Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
An 8 inch hollow wide Cuban bracelet made of 14K yellow gold, 43.15 grams. Comes with a lobster clasp. Available in a matching necklace. Please contact us for more information.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Oyster Bracelet & Rare Black Dial, 1979
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 1200 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1979 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with A Custom Finished Mint Green Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1500's METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Di...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies TT Oyster Perpetual MOP Diamond Dial Fluted Bezel Jubilee Watch
By Rolex
Located in San Pedro , CA
Brand : Rolex Model : Oyster Perpetual Gender : Ladies Metals : 14K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel Case Size : 24 mm Dial : Custom Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial (This dial is not orig...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
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 Datejust Steel Custom Diamond Pink MOP Dial Ladies Automatic Watch 69174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Custom Diamond Bezel and Pink Mother of Pearl dial.
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.
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.