Rolex Submariner 38
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21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches
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Vintage 1960s British Wrist Watches
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Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
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Finding the Right wrist-watches for You
Antique, new and vintage 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, new and vintage wristwatches on 1stDibs.
- Are Rolex Submariners rare?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not Rolex Submariners are rare depends on the model number. Some are easier to find than others due to increased production. Examples of rare models include the ref. 5517, the honeycomb dial ref. 6204 and the ref. 6538. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of Rolex Submariner watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The dial on a Rolex Submariner tracks the time. A diving bezel that surrounds it allows the wearer to measure decompression stops while scuba diving. Its presence and high level of water resistance are what makes the timepiece a diver's watch. Shop a variety of Rolex Submariner watches on 1stDibs.
- What size is a Rolex Submariner?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Rolex Submariner watch measures 40.0 mm across the diameter of the case. It features a 13.0 mm thickness, giving it a sleek feel. Shop a collection of vetted authentic Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, sadly Rolex discontinued its Submariner Hulk watch in 2020. It was replaced by a new model of the Submariner, which is nicknamed ‘Starbucks’. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Rolex watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Polish the brushed metal areas of the Rolex Submariner bracelet with a texture cleaning pad, moved in a brushing motion with the grain of the metal. Polish the non-brushed areas with a metal polishing cloth infused with polishing cream. Browse 1stDibs to find a range of authentic Rolex watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Rolex once made a Rolex Red Submariner, unfortunately that model is no longer made so no, they do not currently make a red Submariner. This rose-hued watch was produced roughly between 1969 to 1973, although there is some disagreement on when production began and ended. Find vintage and contemporary Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To tell if a Rolex Submariner has no date, study its dial. The date window should appear at the 3 o'clock position. Watches that do not have the window do not have a date. Shop a wide range of Rolex Submariner watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The blue Rolex Submariner watch is called the Rolex Bluesy. This nickname refers to any Submariner watch produced by the Swiss luxury watchmaker that features a blue two-tone dial. You can shop a variety of Rolex Submariner watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The new Submariner Rolex with a Black Bezel is worth around $8,100 with some of the more expensive new Submariners in yellow gold costing around $36,950.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Rolex Submariner bears an 18k stamp and the number “750,” which means that 75 percent of the watch is made out of pure gold model. The most luxurious of all timepieces, the Rolex Submariner has been continuously manufactured since 1951. Find vintage Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, not all Rolex Submariners have the date function. Rolex has released two versions of the Submariner, the “Date” and the “No Date” versions. The reasons for choosing either one are varied and a matter of personal preference for the wearer. Find vintage and contemporary Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021There is around 18-carat gold in a gold Rolex Submariner. The Submariner was first launched in 1953. The model comes in Oyster steel, white & yellow gold, & two-tone with the date or no date. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and antique gold Rolex Submariners.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Because the Swiss luxury watchmaker does not disclose exact production numbers, no one knows for sure how many Rolex Submariner 50th Anniversary watches were made. However, many experts believe that the company's artisans produced fewer than 10 of the timepieces. Find a wide variety of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
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