$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6564 All Original Mens 34mm Automatic 1950s RA794
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed black dial, applied baton and broadsword index hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second ha...
Stainless Steel
$9,360Sale Price|20% Off
Mens Rolex Ref 1503 Oyster Perpetual Date 18k Gold Automatic 1960s Rjc156r
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied gold indice hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display a...
Gold, 18k Gold
$5,272Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 Mens Vintage Automatic 1960s RA675B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied baton index hour markers, lumed silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date...
Stainless Steel
$5,032Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1960s Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, untouched Rolex signed dial, applied index hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display...
Stainless Steel
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 16014 Datejust 36mm All original 18k WG SS 1970s Mens Automatic RA613S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied baton index hour markers, lumed silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 14000 All Original Mens Air King 34m Automatic RA795
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied baton index hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, hands and ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 14000 All Original Mens Air King 34m Automatic RA795
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied baton index hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, hands and ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 36mm 18k SS 1980s Mens Automatic Vintage NA106B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Rolex signed gold linen dial, applied index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 p...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Vintage 1970s Automatic RA787
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display a...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Solid 18k Gold Ladies 1930s Manual Wind Cocktail Watch RA639
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed tropicalized champagne dial, Roman numeral and index hour markers, minute and hour hands, hands and dial in very good...
Gold, 18k Gold
$13,504Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 1803 Oyster Day Date 18k Gold Mens 1970s 36mm Diamond Automatic RA659B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, dazzling aftermarket diamond hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date displ...
Gold, 18k Gold
$9,520Sale Price|20% Off
Mens Rolex Ref 1503 Oyster Perpetual Date 18k Solid Gold Automatic 1960s RJC156
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied gold indice hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display a...
Gold, 18k Gold
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s 34mm Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, applied index hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 p...
Stainless Steel
$5,040Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s 34mm Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, untouched Rolex signed dial, applied index hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display...
Stainless Steel
$5,592Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 Mens Automatic 1960s All Original RA675
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied baton index hour markers, lumed silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6107 Mens 1950s 34mm All Original w Box Paper RA847
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, applied dagger and Arabic numeral 3, 6, 9 hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second h...
Stainless Steel
$4,784Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Mens Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA575
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied baton index hour markers, silver Rolex minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date...
Stainless Steel
$7,904Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 5015 Oyster Perpetual 14k SS Mens 1940s 32mm Bubble Back Automatic RA690B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed unrestored dial, applied Arabic numeral and dagger index hour markers, lumed minute and hour hands, sweeping central ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel
$4,464Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Mens Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA575B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied baton index hour markers, silver Rolex minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date...
Stainless Steel
$6,160Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 18k SS 36mm Mens 1960s Linen Dial Automatic RA767B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Iconic Rolex signed linen dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16014 18k White Gold SS 36mm Mens 1970s Vintage Automatic RA613B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied baton index hour markers, lumed silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed champagne dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date disp...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$5,368Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 35mm Mens Vintage Automatic 1970s RA604B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied baton index hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date displ...
Stainless Steel
$5,360Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 35mm Mens Vintage Automatic 1970s RA604
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied baton index hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date displ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed champagne dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date disp...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 35mm 14k SS 1960s Mens Diamond Automatic RA742
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed blue dial, dazzling aftermarket diamond hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, dat...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 Mens 1960s 35mm 14k SS Diamond Automatic RA742B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed midnight blue dial, dazzling aftermarket diamond hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1960s Automatic RA767
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Iconic Rolex signed linen dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$7,920Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5015 14k SS Mens 1940s 32mm Bubble Back Automatic RA690
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed unrestored dial, applied Arabic numeral and dagger index hour markers, lumed minute and hour hands, sweeping central ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel
$31,200Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex perpetual 4134 18k Rose Gold Rare Mens Jumbo 37mm Automatic 1940s RA691
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, applied Arabic numeral and index hour markers, unique hour hands, sweeping subdial second, hands and dial in ve...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$15,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Precision Ref 4431 18k Rose Gold Mens 1940s 33mm Manual Wind RA689
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed champagne dial, applied index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping subdial second, hands and dial in ex...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust Mens 1950s 36mm Roulette Wheel Automatic RA625C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed tropical dial, applied sword index hour markers, lumed gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date...
$7,360Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Precision 14k Solid Gold Mens Manual Wind Dress Watch 1950s Vintage RA709
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed two tone dial, applied dagger index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, hands and...
14k Gold
$13,520Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex President Day Date 1803 18k Solid Gold 1970s Mens Diamond Automatic RA659
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, dazzling aftermarket diamond hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date displ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex 16014 Datejust 36mm 18k White Gold SS Mens Automatic 1970s Vintage RA613
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied baton index hour markers, lumed silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust Mens 1970s 36mm 18k SS Vintage Automatic RA790B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Stunning Rolex signed black dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,712Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA551B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, applied aftermarket diamond hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date displa...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,336Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Ref 1601 Oyster Datejust 18k W Gold SS 1960s Mens 36mm Automatic RA621C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, applied baton index hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at t...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,720Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA551
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, applied aftermarket diamond hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date displa...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,640Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1970s Vintage Automatic RA790
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed black dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display ...
Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
$7,112Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA549B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Stunning Rolex signed black dial, applied aftermarket diamond hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$7,184Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS 1970s Mens Vintage Automatic RA787B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display a...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA549
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Stunning Rolex signed black dial, applied aftermarket diamond hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Set Automatic 1980s RA548
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, applied aftermarket diamond hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date displa...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Set Automatic 1980s RA548B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, applied aftermarket diamond hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date displa...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,368Sale Price|20% Off
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 36mm 18k SS Automatic 1980s Vintage NA106G
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Iconic Rolex signed gold linen dial, applied indice hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 36mm 18k SS Automatic 1980s Swiss NA106
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Iconic Rolex signed gold linen dial, applied indice hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 Mens 1970s 36mm 18k SS Vintage Automatic RA558C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display a...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
ORIGINAL ROLEX AUTHORISED DEALERS ADVERTISING SHOP SiGN PART OF A WHOLE SHOP SET
By Rolex
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly collectable, original Authorized Dealer’s Rolex shop advertising sign which is par...
Brass
$6,816Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 Mens 36mm 18k SS 1970s Vintage Automatic RA615
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display a...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 Mens 36mm 18k SS 1970s Vintage Automatic RA615
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display a...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$7,112Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust Mens 1950s 36mm Automatic w Roulette Wheel RA625
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed tropical dial, applied sword index hour markers, lumed gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date...
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust Mens 1950s 36mm Automatic w Roulette Wheel RA625
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed tropical dial, applied sword index hour markers, lumed gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date...
$6,240Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1601 36mm 18k SS Mens 1970s Vintage Automatic RA591B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed champagne dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date disp...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,160Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1601 36mm 18k SS Mens 1970s Automatic Vintage RA591
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed champagne dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date disp...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 Mens 36mm 18k SS 1970s Automatic Swiss RA558B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display a...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 Mens 36mm 18k SS 1970s Automatic Swiss RA558
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display a...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,312Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1601 36mm 18k W Gold SS 1960s Mens Automatic RA621B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, applied baton index hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at t...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
1951 Rolex Precision 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Bracelet Watch Original Rolex Box
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
The watch is powered by a signed Rolex Precision 17-jewel manual-wind mechanical movement and is currently in working condition.
Yellow Gold
Men's Rolex Submariner Stainless Watch Black Spider Dial
By Rolex
Located in Bradenton, FL
Watch features a classic Submariner configuration with a 40mm stainless steel case, oyster-style, 7 inch (177.8mm) bracelet, rotating black bezel, and luminous hour markers. The dial...
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.