Rolex 18kt. Rose Gold Art Deco Ladies Watch with Original Dial and Hardware 1940
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 33mm X Width 16mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER...
Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Oysterdate with Original Dial, circa 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 42mm x Diameter ...
Rolex 14Kt Solid White Gold Modernist Style Ladies Watch circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 9060 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm "Lug Tip...
14k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Factory Original Charcoal Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Classic Steel Datejust with Original Dial and Machined Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diamet...
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Modernist Watch circa 1948 with High Grade Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Moderist / Reference 8143 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold & Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm "Lug ...
Gold, Platinum
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Machined Bezel, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 34 mm M...
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Diamond Bezel Original Dial and Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1969 / 70 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm x Diameter ...
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...
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Black Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Factory Original Silvered Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1003 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Dia...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1501 All Original circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Extravagant Watch Box
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Extravagant Watch Box Period: Late 20th century Material: Ornate fabric and leatherette exterior, velvet and satin interior Purpose: Created for housing and presenting a luxur...
Leather, Fabric
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Black Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Watch, circa 1956
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6305/1 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel w/ Rose Gold Bezel DIMENSIONS: Length 42mm X Diameter 34mm CIRC...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Factory Silver Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: late 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt. Gold President with Custom Blue Diamond Marker Dial, 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: President / Reference 18000 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt.
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Stainless Steel with Original Silvered Brushed Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
We seldom see this unique dial on this model. Our Finest Rolex Trained Master Watchmaker has recently given this watch a complete service and it still has a factory rating on it as w...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Stainless Steel with Original Silvered Brushed Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
We seldom see this unique dial on this model. Our Finest Rolex Trained Master Watchmaker has recently given this watch a complete service and it still has a factory rating on it as w...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Stainless Steel with Original Silvered Brushed Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
We seldom see this unique dial on this model. Our Finest Rolex Trained Master Watchmaker has recently given this watch a complete service and it still has a factory rating on it as w...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Original Black Dial, circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 3...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Rolex Oyster Perpetual AirKing Stainless Mens Watch Ref. 6480
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Its 34mm case and manual-wind movement reflect the proportions and mechanical charm that define many of the most desirable Rolex watches from the 1950s. Fitted on a leather strap and...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date from Early 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 15000 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date With Rare Engine Turned Bezel and Black Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm Length X 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster with Rare Black Dial And Original Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6429 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 41mm Length X 35mm Diameter MOVEME...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Original Riveted Bracelet Machined Bezel 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm Length X 34mm...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1978 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual from 1957 with Original Patinated Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamet...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Bronze Dial circa, 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: 1978 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Light Champagne Dial, 1960s
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 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Factory Original Champagne Dial circa 1984
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 16000 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1984 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lug...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual With Factory Original Silver Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm Length X...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual With Factory Original Dial from 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diam...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oysterdate with Rare Super Oyster Crown, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Super Oysterdate / Reference 6094 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 33mm CIRCA: 1951 MOVEM...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Charcoal Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
We seldom see this model with a dial in such fine condition. Our Finest Rolex Trained Master Watchmaker his recently finished a Factory Quality Service on this fine watch.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Ref 1002, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970'S DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diam...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950 with Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold / Set with Vintage Rose Cut Stones .75Cts.
18k Gold
Rolex Steel O.P Date with Factory Original Rare Charcoal Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Oyster Perpetual Date Model Ref. 1501 circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date/ Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Pink Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous specifications. However, it did not originally come on this watch.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Exceptional Charcoal Dial circa 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
It dates to the late 1950's and looks to have been seldom used. Our Finest Rolex Trained Master Watchmaker has recently finished a complete service on this fine watch and it keeps de...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer With Box and Papers, circa 1999
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Explorer / Reference 14270 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1999 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter 35mm...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is done to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous specifications. However, it did not originally come this color on this watch.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel and White Gold Datejust with Unusual Black Dial Rose Batons, Early 1
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / 14Kt.
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Yellow Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous specifications. However, it did not originally come on this watch.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Original Dial and Diamond Bezel from the Mid 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Mid-70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 3...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous specifications. However, it did not originally come on this watch.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Silvered Dial and Gilt Markers
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 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Made Purple Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous specifications. However, it did not originally come on this watch.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Factory Original Silvered Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug Tip ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Factory Original Silvered Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1003 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Dia...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made Rolex Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous specifications. However, it did not originally come on this watch.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel with Original Rare Charcoal Dial, circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36m...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Ref 1603 with Original Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is classic iconic model from the legendary house of Rolex. This watch is entirely original and in fact it still has a factory rating on.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1978 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Original White Roman Numeral Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970'S DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diam...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Yellow Diamond Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous specifications. However, it did not originally come on this watch.
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Silvered Dial from 1960
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diameter 34mm ...
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
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.