Rolex Submariner Glossy Gilt Explorer Dial 5513 Steel Automatic Watch, 1964
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
and features the correct “Swiss T
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Glossy Gilt Explorer Dial 5513 Steel Automatic Watch, 1964
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
and features the correct “Swiss T
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Two-Tone Submariner Gold Dial with Sapphire & Diamond Indexes Ref. 16613
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Rolex Model: 16613 Year: 1996 Serial number: T2xxxxx Reference: OT2888 Case: Show sign of
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Small Crown Gilt Black Dial 6205 Steel Automatic Watch 1954
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 6205 Year: 1954 Serial number: 21xxx Reference: OT1504 Model 6204 as
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Submariner Single Red Matte Dial 1680 Steel Automatic Watch, 1970
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 1680 Year: 1970 Serial number: 29xxxxx Reference: C03865 Case: Show
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Tropical Brown Glossy Gilt Dial 5512 Steel Automatic Watch 1960
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
scratched which might have reflected on the dial Bracelet: Rolex 7206 Rivet Bracelet w/ 11 links; end links
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 18k Yellow Gold Blue Lapis Dial 16618 Automatic Watch, 1990
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 16618 Year: 1990 Serial number: E8xxxxx Reference: OT1673 Over its
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner 16613 REHAUT Two-Tone 18K Steel Date 40mm BLUE NO-HOLES Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex Submariner 16613 REHAUT Two-Tone 18K Steel Date 40mm Blue No-Holes Watch is a striking
Steel
Rolex Submariner Single Red MK II 1680 Tropical Brown Steel Automatic Watch 1969
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 1680 Year: 1969 Serial number: 21xxxxx Reference: C03413 Case: Show
Steel, Stainless Steel
1932 Rolex Compteur Very Rare Vintage Antique Mens Stopwatch, 49mm Nickel Chrome
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
wear. Dimensions: 49mm diameter Dial: White enamel, signed Rolex Compteur, black Arabic numerals
Other
$8,119
H 1.64 in W 1.34 in
1967 Tudor (Rolex) Prince Oysterdate Vintage Mens Ref. 7966 Watch -Solid 18Kgold
By Tudor
Located in Suwanee, GA
not actively promote solid-gold sports Oysters the way Rolex did with Day-Dates or gold Submariners
18k Gold
Rolex Men's Submariner Stainless Steel w/ Black Dial Oyster Perpetual
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
ROLEX MEN'S SUBMARINER SS W/ BLACK DIAL OYSTER PERPETUAL MOVEMENT ITEM DESCRIPTION: This is a
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 1680
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Submariner Mark I in stainless steel with black dial & bezel. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 40mm 5513
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Submariner 2 line matte dial with original lume creamy/vanilla patina in stainless steel on
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II 18k Yellow Gold, White Dial 116688
By Rolex
Located in Bradford, Ontario
Rolex watches with the Bluesey Submariner and the James Cameron Deep Sea, Sea Dweller being near the top
18k Gold
1984 Rolex Explorer II 16550 Black Dial Stainless Steel Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bradford, Ontario
Steel, Montres Rolex S.A., Geneva Switzerland Functions: Date Clasp Style: Fold Over Case to Case (mm
Steel, Stainless Steel
Breitling Gold Plated Stainless Steel Top Time Driver Chronograph Wristwatch
By Breitling
Located in New York, NY
the Rolex Submariner. The Top Time was also the model of choice for car racer Jim Clark, who during
Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Black Swiss Only Dial U9 Serial 1998
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Black Swiss Only Dial U9 Serial 1998 SKU 1908 Brand Rolex Model
Rolex 116610 Submariner Black Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex MPN: 116610 Model: Submariner Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 40mm
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Vintage Comex Submariner Matte Black Dial 5514
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An extremely rare stainless steel Comex Non-Date Submariner wristwatch by Rolex. Featuring an
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Red Submariner New Luminous Dial Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
replaced dials on their vintage pieces. Although the dial was replaced by Rolex as part of the service
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Steel 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 16803
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Department Men Style Diver, Dress/Formal, Luxury Model Rolex Submariner Band Color Multicolor Dial Color
Rolex Submariner Kermit Stainless Steel 16610LV
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: W5366 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Submariner Model Ref: 16610LV Age: 31st March 2008 Gender
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 126610LN Date Black Dial Ceramic Bezel Steel Oyster Watch
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
The Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date in Oystersteel with a Black Cerachrom bezel and a black dial
Steel
Rolex Stainless Stage Submariner Date Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Specifications Movement: Automatic Case: PVD Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 40mm Dial: Black
PVD-Coated, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 168000 "Triple Zero" Stainless Steel Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Submariner 168000 " Triple Zero " Stainless Steel Men's Watch - Automatic winding, 31 jewels
Steel
ROLEX 1970's 18K Yellow Gold Blue Submariner Ref. #1680
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
1970's 18K Yellow Gold Blue Submariner Ref. #1680 by Rolex: -Excellent Condition
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel "Y" Series Anniversary Submariner Wristwatch Ref 16610V
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
The absolute holy grail of this model in every regard, this Anniversary Submariner ref. #16610V is
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Presented to the 1964 America's Cup Winner
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rolex 1964 America's Cup Championship Commemoration Submariner Wristwatch, Presented by Rolex to
Stainless Steel
Rolex #5512 with Gilt Underline Dial & Pointy Crown Guards
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
“This is a very special watch”- Josh Bonifas… Gilt dial Submariners are leading the popularity
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Kermit Flat 4 Mkiii Stainless Steel Men's 16610lv
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
anniversary of the Rolex Submariner. The watch is a standard Rolex Submariner from the era, with maxi dial
Stainless Steel
1976 Rolex Cellini 18 Karat Gold Model 4016 Rare Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Material: 18K Yellow Gold, Original Rolex Burgundy Leather Strap Dial: Original Speckled Blue Movement
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Rolex Cellini 18K White Gold With Rare Blue Vignette Dial 1974
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex Cellini 18k White Gold Rare Blue Vignette Dial, Manual Wind, Made in Switzerland c
18k Gold, White Gold
1964 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Vintage Mens Watch with Rare Underline Dial 14K Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1964 ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL Vintage Mens Watch with Rare Underline Dial - 14K Gold Rare Underline Dial
14k Gold
1973 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1500 Vintage Mens Blue Dial Watch - SS
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
other online sites. 1973 ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL DATE Ref. 1500 Vintage Mens Blue Dial Watch
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960 Rolex Sport "Pepsi" GMT Master 1675
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
be evident considering the nicely aged original Rolex dial and 24 hour hand which would be correct
Stainless Steel
2002 Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel Model 16570
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel 40mm White Dial Polar Dial, Model 16570 c.2002 Throughout the
Stainless Steel, Steel
2008 Rolex Oyster Milgauss Stainless Steel Model 116400
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Milgauss, Stainless Steel 40mm, Model 116400 c.2008 The story of the Rolex Milgauss
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Submariner Red Mark IV Feet First Stainless Steel Gents 1680
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Movement Automatic Case Stainless Steel Dial Black Bracelet Stainless steel Strap Length Adjustable up
Stainless Steel
1969 Rolex OysterDate Stainless Steel Special UAE Military Model 6694
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex; durability and — as the dial itself even states — precision. And yet, despite its trademark
Stainless Steel
1960's Rolex Vintage Mens Ultra Thin Pre-Cellini Handwound Dress Watch
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
-tip Dial: Silver, signed Rolex and Swiss, gold applique baton indexes, some would say its finish is
14k Gold
Sold
H 1.5 in W 1.26 in
1961 ROLEX Vintage Mens Ultra Thin Pre-Cellini 18K Gold Dress Watch - Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
cases were made by contractors in 14K gold, this watch is a true all-Swiss made 18K Rolex creation. It
18k Gold
1976 Rolex 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cellini Model 4108
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Strap c.1976 Made in Switzerland To borrow a line from the 2010 David Fincher film The Social
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tudor Stainless Steel Submariner Ref 7928 circa 1963 in Exceptional Condition
By Tudor
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This is one of the best Tudor Submariners we have seen. With Tudor recently renewing its presence
Stainless Steel
TAG HEUER PROFESSIONAL 1000 Mens SS & 18K Gold Submariner Diver - Mint
By TAG Heuer
Located in Suwanee, GA
company was doing in the 1970s, and the design borrowed heavily from the Rolex Submariner (but Heuer used
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
1930's Movado Vintage Mens Stainless Steel Elapsed Time Pilots Watch
By Movado
Located in Suwanee, GA
these icons. Rather than being a dive watch like the iconic Rolex Submariner or Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
Stainless Steel
Sold
W 0.71 in D 0.44 in Dm 1.15 in
Hamilton Watch 1960s 14 Karat Gold Filled Self Winding Swiss Leather Band
By Hamilton
Located in San Diego, CA
watch addict watch nerd timepiece vintage rolex watch lover watch geek wrist watch swiss made vintage
14k Gold
Omega Stainless Steel Seamaster Automatic, circa 1979
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
Blue Dial. c.1979 The Seamaster is famous for two things: overtaking the Rolex Submariner to become
Stainless Steel, Steel
ROLEX Stainless Steel Submariner James Bond Wristwatch Ref 6536 circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a great example of a Rolex Submariner James Bond wristwatch, Ref. 6536. The case is
Rolex Stainless Steel Red Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680 circa 1969
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a very rare variant of the stainless steel Rolex red Submariner wristwatch, Ref. 1680. It
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner "Small Crown James Bond" Wristwatch Ref 6536
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This week we were lucky enough to find the elusive Rolex Submariner reference 6536, an extremely
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Blue Dial Stainless Steel and Gold
By Rolex
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pre-owned Gents Rolex Submariner Blue Dial Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold, certified chronometer
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 16610 Submariner Black Dial K Series Automatic Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Company-Rolex Model-Rolex 16610 Submariner Case Metal-Stainless Steel Case Measurement-40mm
Stainless Steel
Rolex 16613 Two-Tone Submariner Blue Dial Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Company-Rolex Model-16613 Two Tone Submariner Blue Dial Men's Watch Case Metal-Two Tone Case
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner 1680 Men's Stainless Steel Mark 1 Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
Xupes Reference: COM002595 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Submariner Model Variant: 0 Model Number
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Stainless Steel and Gold Submariner with Blue Bezel and Dial
By Rolex
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Rolex submariner date in yellow gold and stainles steel with, blue dial and blue bezel insert
Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
Rolex Submariner 16803
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Submariner in 18k & stainless steel with black dial & bezel. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 16803
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Submariner in 18k & stainless steel with black dial & bezel. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 116613
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Submariner in 18k & stainless steel with black ceramic bezel & black dial. Auto w/ subseconds
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 116613
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Submariner in 18k and stainless steel with blue dial and blue ceramic bezel. Auto w/ sweep
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 16613
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Submariner in 18k & stainless steel with original silver serti diamond/sapphire dial. Auto w
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 16613 Automatic Watch Stainless Steel Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Submariner in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel with blue dial. Auto w/ sweep seconds and
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 116610 Automatic Watch Stainless Steel Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Submariner in stainless steel with black ceramic bezel & dial. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 116610 Automatic Watch Stainless Steel Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Submariner in stainless steel with black ceramic bezel & dial. Auto w/ sweep seconds and
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 14060M
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Submariner in stainless steel. Auto w/ sweep seconds. 40 mm case size. **Bank wire only at
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 16610T
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Submariner in stainless steel. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. 40 mm case size. Circa 2002
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 16610T
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Submariner in stainless steel. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. 40 mm case size. Circa 2002
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 116619
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Submariner "Smurf" in 18k white gold. Auto w/ sweep seconds. 40 mm case size. With box and
White Gold
Rolex Daytona Black/Red Arabic Racing Dial Black PVD/DLC Coated Watch 116523
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Daytona Black/Red Arabic Racing Dial Black PVD/DLC Coated Watch 116523
Stainless Steel
Versace Silk Cut out Back Dress
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful pink silk dress from Versace. It is is a simple sleeveless sheath from the front. The back is exposed from the shoulders to low back with the exception of draping framin...
$877Sale Price|35% Off
Size: 7.5
Gucci Suede Black and Gold Ad Runway Platform Heel, Fall Winter 2007 Sz 7.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Platform Heels Rare Fall Winter 2007 Worn One Time Minor Wear to Sole Only * Stunning Suede Platforms * Black Suede * Gold Wire Threading * Size: 7.5 * Knot Detail at Toe * Le...
$8,883
Size: IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10
Alexander McQueen burgundy cashmere embellished 'Joan' skirt, fw 1998
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
▪ Alexander McQueen burgundy cashmere wool skirt ▪ Beaded with flowers of blood-red bugle beads ▪ Triangular panels to the waist ▪ Concealed zipper at center-back ▪ Monogrammed lini...
Historical Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Big Red 6263 steel 1979
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
First launched in 1963 and created specifically for the world of automotive racing, the Rolex Daytona collection is arguably one of the most popular and universally respected lines o...
Steel
F/W 1999 Atelier Versace Coral Beaded Sheer Corset Two-Piece Pants Set Donatella
By Donatella Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning Atelier Versace corset-boned top bodice and matching pant set designed by Jørgen Simonsen under the creative direction of Donatella Versace. This gorgeous set f...
S/S 2004 Ralph Lauren Runway Hot Pink Silk Satin Backless Slip Gown
By Ralph Lauren
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Ralph Lauren gown from the Spring/Summer 2004 collection is crafted in hot pink silk satin with a bias-cut, floor-length silhouette. The front opens with a square neckline and t...
$3,912Sale Price|20% Off
CHRISTIAN DIOR Saddle Limited Edition black colourful ethnic beads shoulder bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN DIOR Saddle Limited Edition black colourful ethnic beads shoulder bag Reference: AAWC/A00945 Brand: Dior Model: Saddle Collection: Limited Edition Material: Leather, Metal ...
GIA Certified 3.66 Carats Oval Cut Fancy Light Pink Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful engagement ring, showcasing a vibrant 3.66 carats oval cut pink diamond certified by GIA as Fancy Light Pink color and Internally Flawless clarity, bezel-set in 18K rose ...
Diamond, Pink Diamond, Rose Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
$5,739
Size: FR 38 - IT 42 - UK 10 - US 6
Dolce & Gabbana black silk spandex and leather lace up dress, ss 2003
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana; black silk spandex figure hugging evening dress. - Lambskin leather grommet trim - Open on both sides with lace up fastenings - Invisible side zip closure ...
Dolce & Gabbana black silk corset with crystal straps, fw 2004
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
▪ Dolce & Gabbana evening corset top ▪ Black silk ▪ Crystal mesh shoulder straps ▪ Built-in bra with lace trim and adjustable shoulder straps ▪ Corset bones throughout ▪ Zipper a...
$23,400Sale Price|25% Off
JOHN GALLIANO 1995 Vintage grey houndstooth padded hip jacket skirt Madonna IT40
By John Galliano
Located in Hong Kong, NT
JOHN GALLIANO 1995 Vintage grey houndstooth padded hip jacket skirt Madonna IT40 Reference: CRTI/A00599 Brand: John Galliano Designer: John Galliano Collection: Spring Summer 1995 - ...
Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 10.00 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Studs
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, Featuring a gorgeous pair of vs1-vs2clarity Asscher cut diamonds. Pleas...
Diamond
Roberto Cavalli blue and purple acid wash silk open back maxi dress, ss 1999
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
▪ Roberto Cavalli blue and purple silk maxi dress ▪ Acid wash print with gold glitter ▪ Open back with drape ▪ V neck ▪ Long ties with crystal charms criss-cross at back ▪ Asymme...
Rolex Daytona Black Dial 116500LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stainless steel 116500LN Daytona from Rolex with a black dial. Complementing the black dial is a black ceramic bezel with a tachymetric scale, three counters, and pushers. The Oys...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Hulk Ceramic Steel Green Dial Watch 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. No original box and papers.
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.