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Rolex Vintage 1955

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Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster, circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster, circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster, circa 1955

Unavailable

W 0.91 in L 1.23 in

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster, circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex Oyster reference# 6480, serial# 94,xxx circa 1955. Featuring a 34mm diameter case with

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Reference 6480 Stainless Steel Watch, 1955
Rolex Oyster Reference 6480 Stainless Steel Watch, 1955

Rolex Oyster Reference 6480 Stainless Steel Watch, 1955

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1955 Vintage Rolex Oyster Ref. 6480 Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with Applied

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Manual Wind Model, circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Manual Wind Model, circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Manual Wind Model, circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex Oyster reference# 6480, serial# 94,xxx circa 1955. Featuring a 34mm diameter case with smooth

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1955
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1955

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1955

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1955 Vintage Rolex Ouster Perpetual Ref. 6564 14k Yellow Gold with Original Silver Dial Turning

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Rolex Pendant Watch 18K Gold Diamonds Signed, 1955
Rolex Pendant Watch 18K Gold Diamonds Signed, 1955

Rolex Pendant Watch 18K Gold Diamonds Signed, 1955

By Rolex

Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv

Rolex Pendant watch 18K Gold and fine Diamonds. Extremely rare jewelry item, Rolex have only

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Ladies Watch 18 K Gold Diamonds Signed, 1955
Rolex Ladies Watch 18 K Gold Diamonds Signed, 1955

Rolex Ladies Watch 18 K Gold Diamonds Signed, 1955

By Rolex

Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv

Rolex Ladies Pendant watch 18K Gold and Fine Diamonds. Extremely rare jewelry item, Rolex has only

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Rolex Rose Gold Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 9162 circa 1955
Rolex Rose Gold Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 9162 circa 1955

Rolex Rose Gold Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 9162 circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in Firenze, IT

Rolex 18k rose gold chronograph wristwatch, Ref. 9162, Case No. 130792, circa 1955, 30 minute and

Category

1950s Swiss Modern Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

1955 Rolex Men's Watch 6586 Stainless Steel White Dial Gold Markers
1955 Rolex Men's Watch 6586 Stainless Steel White Dial Gold Markers

1955 Rolex Men's Watch 6586 Stainless Steel White Dial Gold Markers

Located in Washington Depot, CT

1955 Rolex Men's Watch Model: 6586 Serial: 97860 Automatic movement White Dial - gold markers

Category

20th Century Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Dial from, 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Dial from, 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Dial from, 1955

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6564 METAL

Category

1950s Swiss Modernist Rolex Vintage 1955

Rolex Oyster Speedking Manual Red Depth Honeycomb Dial 6420, 1955's
Rolex Oyster Speedking Manual Red Depth Honeycomb Dial 6420, 1955's

Rolex Oyster Speedking Manual Red Depth Honeycomb Dial 6420, 1955's

By Rolex

Located in Central & Western District, HK

Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 6420 Year: 1955 Serial number: 72xxx Reference: OT1868 Introducing a

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Steel

1955 Rolex Oyster Precision Stainless Steel 6424 Wristwatch
1955 Rolex Oyster Precision Stainless Steel 6424 Wristwatch

1955 Rolex Oyster Precision Stainless Steel 6424 Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

Vintage * *Complete with: Presentation Box dated 1955 *Case Size: 36mm *Strap: Stainless Steel

Category

1950s Unknown Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Stainless Steel

1955 Rolex Oysterdate Stainless Steel 6494 Wristwatch
1955 Rolex Oysterdate Stainless Steel 6494 Wristwatch

1955 Rolex Oysterdate Stainless Steel 6494 Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

Vintage * *Complete with: Box & Guarantee dated 18th July 1955 *Case Size: 34mm *Strap: Brown

Category

1950s Brazilian Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, Ref. 6564, serial number 82,XXX, circa 1955

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wristwatch Ref 6480 circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wristwatch Ref 6480 circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wristwatch Ref 6480 circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Oyster wristwatch, Ref# 6480, production serial # 96,XXX, circa 1955. 34mm

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Precision 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ref. 4477, circa 1955
Rolex Precision 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ref. 4477, circa 1955

Rolex Precision 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ref. 4477, circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex Precision 18K YG man’s manual wind dress model ref. 4477 circa 1955. A very attractive

Category

1950s Swiss Retro Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Bombe Wristwatch Ref 6590 circa 1955
Rolex Yellow Gold Bombe Wristwatch Ref 6590 circa 1955

Rolex Yellow Gold Bombe Wristwatch Ref 6590 circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18k yellow gold Bombe wristwatch, Ref. 6590, serial number 120,XXX, circa 1955. Fabulous

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wriswatch Ref 6422 circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wriswatch Ref 6422 circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wriswatch Ref 6422 circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Great looking vintage Rolex stainless steel Oyster wristwatch, Ref. 6422, serial number 69,XXX

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Precision Wristwatch Ref 6282 circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Precision Wristwatch Ref 6282 circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Precision Wristwatch Ref 6282 circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Vintage Rolex Oyster Precision ref 6282 circa 1955 with beautiful condition original waffle dial

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Bulls Eye Wristwatch circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Bulls Eye Wristwatch circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Bulls Eye Wristwatch circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, Ref. 6532, serial number 120,XXX, circa 1955

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Pink Gold Datejust ref# 6305  circa 1955
Rolex Pink Gold Datejust ref# 6305  circa 1955

Rolex Pink Gold Datejust ref# 6305 circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18K PG Datejust ref #6305 serial# 36,xxx circa 1955. 36mm diameter fully size man's model

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual ref # 6584 serial c.1955
Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual ref # 6584 serial c.1955

Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual ref # 6584 serial c.1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual ref # 6584 serial # 41,XXX circa 1955. 34mm diameter Oyster case with

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

14k Gold

Rolex 18K Pink Gold Bombe serial # 57, xxx circa 1955.
Rolex 18K Pink Gold Bombe serial # 57, xxx circa 1955.

Rolex 18K Pink Gold Bombe serial # 57, xxx circa 1955.

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18K PG Bombe serial # 57,xxx circa 1955. Gorgeous and rare model in rose gold featuring

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

18k Gold

ROLEX Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6567 circa 1955
ROLEX Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6567 circa 1955

ROLEX Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6567 circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18k rose gold Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, Ref. 6567, serial 128XXX, circa 1955. 34mm

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1955
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1955

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, Ref. 6565, serial number 129,XXX, circa 1955

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Wristwatch, Ref 6564, Circa 1955
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Wristwatch, Ref 6564, Circa 1955

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Wristwatch, Ref 6564, Circa 1955

By Rolex

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rolex Oyster Perpetual stainless steel wristwatch, reference 6564. This Rolex watch features a rare

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Stainless Steel

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Patek Philippe Calatrava Gold Men's Watch - 3520
Patek Philippe Calatrava Gold Men's Watch - 3520

Patek Philippe Calatrava Gold Men's Watch - 3520

By Patek Philippe

Located in istanbul, TR

Brand : Patek Philippe Collection : Calatrava Model : Calatrava Clous De Paris Reference : Patek Philippe - 3520 Category : Wrist Watch Period : 1990's Movement : manuel wind Case ma...

Category

1990s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

18k Gold

Omega Yellow Gold Custom Colored Ice Blue Dial Wristwatch
Omega Yellow Gold Custom Colored Ice Blue Dial Wristwatch

Omega Yellow Gold Custom Colored Ice Blue Dial Wristwatch

By Omega

Located in Stamford, CT

Late 1950’s solid 18k yellow gold Omega manual wind. Florentine bezel. Omega dial refinished and custom colored in a bright ice blue. 18k yellow gold Length: 37.36mm Width: 34mm Ban...

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch
Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch

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...

Category

1970s French Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold and Enamel Pocket Watch
Patek Philippe Yellow Gold and Enamel Pocket Watch

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold and Enamel Pocket Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1913 Patek Philippe Pocket Watch for Retailer Spaulding and Company , 45 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 4 piece case including the Yellow Gold Cuvette (Dust Cover) Greek Key Pattern Blue...

Category

1910s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Omega Classic Vintage gold dial
Omega Classic Vintage gold dial

Omega Classic Vintage gold dial

By Omega

Located in MADRID, ES

Avery well preserved vintage piece, this Omega classic has a beutiful case and dial all in gold.

Category

1960s Swiss Contemporary Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Longines Yellow Gold Wristwatch, Circa 1980s
Longines Yellow Gold Wristwatch, Circa 1980s

Longines Yellow Gold Wristwatch, Circa 1980s

By Longines

Located in Palm Desert, CA

This classic gentlemen’s Longines wristwatch from the 1980s features a 14-karat yellow gold case paired with a matching mesh-style bracelet, secured by a fold-over clasp. The elegant...

Category

1970s Swiss Contemporary Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Must de Cartier Tank Black Dial Watch Vermeil ARGENT Small Manual Tank
Vintage Must de Cartier Tank Black Dial Watch Vermeil ARGENT Small Manual Tank

Vintage Must de Cartier Tank Black Dial Watch Vermeil ARGENT Small Manual Tank

By Cartier

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Iconic Tank Argent. Sterling Silver and 18k Gold plated (Vermeil). Ref 3055582 RARE Black Roman Dial. New Gucci Leather Band. Manual Windup Movemen...

Category

1980s Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, Sterling Silver

Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Rolex President Wristwatch
Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Rolex President Wristwatch

Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Rolex President Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This exquisite ladies' 18K yellow gold Rolex President wristwatch combines timeless elegance with exceptional craftsmanship. Featuring a factory diamond-set dial and a fluted bezel, ...

Category

1990s Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Watch
Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Watch

Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Watch

$6,400

W 1.38 in L 1.23 in

Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Watch

By Rolex

Located in Queens, NY

Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Watch, featuring champagne dial with baton indexes and 18K Rolex Crown logo at 12 0'clock, powered by 19 jewel mechanical wind-up movement, worn on wris...

Category

20th Century Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Explorer Date 5701
Rolex Explorer Date 5701

Rolex Explorer Date 5701

$16,366

W 1.38 in

Rolex Explorer Date 5701

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A vintage stainless steel and yellow gold Rolex Explorer Date ref. 5701 automatic movement wristwatch. Featuring well aged champagne dial with applied dagger-style hour markers. Com...

Category

1950s Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Watch 126508
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Watch 126508

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Watch 126508

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned in excellent condition. It comes with an original box and papers.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Cellini Series Ladies Watch in Original Condition 1980's
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Cellini Series Ladies Watch in Original Condition 1980's

Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Cellini Series Ladies Watch in Original Condition 1980's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cellini / Reference 4081 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 29mm X Diamet...

Category

1980s Swiss Modernist Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Pasha Automatic in Yellow Gold with Diamonds
Cartier Pasha Automatic in Yellow Gold with Diamonds

Cartier Pasha Automatic in Yellow Gold with Diamonds

By Cartier

Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse

18kt yellow gold case with a brown leather strap. Fixed 18kt yellow gold bezel. Arabic numerals mark the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock positions. Automatic movement and water resistant. 8 s...

Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Genuine 18k Rolex Precision Watch. 18k YG Ladies 9127 Dainty 1940s Ladies Rolex
Genuine 18k Rolex Precision Watch. 18k YG Ladies 9127 Dainty 1940s Ladies Rolex

Genuine 18k Rolex Precision Watch. 18k YG Ladies 9127 Dainty 1940s Ladies Rolex

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

18k Yellow Gold Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1941 Dainty 16mm Case. Rolex Movement Ref. 9127. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism.  Case is 1...

Category

1940s Modern Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Rare King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch C1937
Cartier Rare King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch C1937

Cartier Rare King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch C1937

By Cartier

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Cartier. A Rare and Highly Important King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch, C1937. Dial: The plain silver dial signed Cartier with black Roman numerals and outer minute track wi...

Category

20th Century French Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Watch for Albonico Biella Milan
Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Watch for Albonico Biella Milan

Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Watch for Albonico Biella Milan

By Patek Philippe

Located in New York, NY

This is a Patek Philippe 18K gold cocktail watch exclusively sold By Albonico Biella through an exclusive relationship with Patek Philippe. This watch has a two body construction wit...

Category

1950s Swiss Retro Rolex Vintage 1955

Materials

Yellow Gold

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Rolex Vintage 1955 For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact rolex vintage 1955 you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of stainless steel, steel and gold, this item was constructed with great care. You’re likely to find the perfect rolex vintage 1955 among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Most of our rolex vintage 1955 for sale are for men, but there are 6 pieces available to browse for women.

How Much is a Rolex Vintage 1955?

On average, a rolex vintage 1955 at 1stDibs sells for $7,798, while they’re typically $4,500 on the low end and $228,000 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.