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.
1981 Rolex Air King 5500 Silver Dial 34mm Watch Stainless #25018
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1981 Rolex Air King Model: 5500 Serial: 6559514 Stainless steel case - 34mm in diameter Silver dial with stick markers No Date Stainless steel oyster band - fits up to 7 3/4" br...
Stainless Steel
$2,553Sale Price|20% Off
Classic Rolex Datejust 6916 in Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Bloomington, MN
Classic Rolex Datejust 6916 in Stainless Steel This Rolex Datejust 6916 is crafted in stainless steel and features a clean silver-tone dial with baton hour markers, a date display, ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
2000 Rolex Submariner 40mm Oyster Perpetual Two Tone Blue Dial and Blue Bezel
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Year: 2000. Brand: Rolex. Gender: Men's. Dial Color: Blue. Type: Wristwatch. Case Size: 40mm. Bezel Color: Blue. Model: Submariner. Condition: Excellent. Band/Strap: Bracelet. Indice...
1946 Rolex Precision Vintage Mens Claw Lugs Square Dress Watch - 14K Gold & SS
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Antique Art Deco 1939 Rolex Ladies 18K Gold Diamond Manual Wind Watch 1.0CTW
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique 1939 Ladies Rolex Manual Wind Watch – 18K Solid Gold & Diamond Bracelet (1.0 CTW) Elegant and timeless, this exquisite early 20th-century ladies Rolex wristwatch dates to app...
18k Gold
1932 Rolex Compteur Very Rare Vintage Antique Mens Stopwatch, 49mm Nickel Chrome
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Other
Vintage 1982 Ladies Rolex 6917 with Diamond Bezel 18k Yellow Gold Complete
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Complete with original box and papers. Vintage 6917 18k 1982 ladies Datejust with a diamond bezel. Crafted out of 18k yellow gold paired with a champagne dial and the iconic Presiden...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Rare Rolex Cellini ref. 6623 in Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Amazing and fascinating Rolex Cellini Ref. 6623 Period : 1990s Serial n. S10**72 18KT Yellow gold 37 mm case (still with plastic on the back) Fantastic fascinating golden dial with a...
Yellow Gold
2000 Rolex Submariner Men's Watch 16610 Black Dial Bezel #24693
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2000 Rolex Submariner Watch Model: 16610 Serial: P702253 This classic Rolex Submariner men's watch is set in stainless steel. Black dial with luminescent markers. 40mm case size ...
Stainless Steel
2000 Rolex Ladies Two Tone Datejust 79163 Diamond Slate Dial #24682
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2000 Rolex Ladies Two Tone Datejust Model: 79163 Serial: K143131 This classic ladies Rolex watch is set in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold...
Stainless Steel
1981 Rolex Datejust 31 President 6827 18K Yellow Gold Watch White Roman #24681
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1981 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Datejust 31 Watch Model: 6827 Serial: 6703098 This elegant Rolex midsize watch is set in solid 18K gold. 31mm case w...
18k Gold
1960's Rolex Ladies Datejust 18K Pink Gold Watch 6517 Champagne Dial #24698
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1960's Rolex Ladies Datejust Watch Model: 6517 Serial: 1xxx13 ( numbers have been worn over time so full serial is not visible) This vintage Rolex ladies watch is set in 18K pink g...
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Zephyr Oyster Date 35mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Vintage Rolex Zephyr Oysterdate reference 5501 circa 1966 two tone. This watch is in very nice condition considering its age, the engine turned bezel is still crisp along with the cr...
2000 Rolex Submariner 16613 Two Tone Black Dial Men's Watch Box/Papers #24537
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2000 Rolex Submariner Men's Two Tone Watch Model: 16613 Serial: P469791 This classic men's Rolex submariner is set in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold. Stainless steel case wit...
Stainless Steel
1962 Rolex Explorer Ref. 5501 Vintage Mens Watch - Stainless Steel & 14K Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1962 ROLEX EXPLORER...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
1947 Rolex Precision Vintage Mens Claw Lugs Square Dress Watch, 14K Rose Gold SS
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Military WWI c1918 S/Silver Trench Rolex Officer's Watch w Hinged Stockwell Case
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
A rare and highly evocative First World War (WWI) period wristwatch by Rolex, housed in a 925 Sterling Silver Officer’s Case attributed to the renowned London case importer George ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Day Date 18238 Men's Watch #23710
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Presidential Day Date Watch Model: 18238 Serial: L327924 This elegant 18K yellow gold men's Rolex features day/date settings and quickset design. Champa...
18k Gold
ROLEX CELLINI Vintage Ladies Ref. 6691 18K Gold & Factory Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
White Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date 2018
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
An iconic Rolex Submariner Date crafted in stainless steel, renowned for its robust performance and timeless design. Featuring the classic black dial and ceramic bezel, this highly s...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 40mm Black Dial 18k Gold Oyster Bracelet Watch 126508
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Black Dial Yellow Gold Mens Watch 126508. Chronometer automatic self-winding chronograph movement. Rhodium-plated, straight line lever escapement, monometall...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$15,788Sale Price|20% Off
1978 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with Original Ravagnani Warranty and Box
By Rolex
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Amazing and fascinating Rolex Gmt Master ref. 1675 Year 1958 Serial n. 587**40 Fantastic dial with cream index and charming blue and red well aged tonality Jubilee bracelet Case, dia...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies' 9 Karat Rose Gold Watch Bracelet, 1917
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A Rolex, early 20th century ladies', rose gold wristwatch, with a circular, white enamel dial, signed Rolex, with black Roman numerals, with the XII marked in red and gold minutes, w...
Rose Gold
Vintage 1986 Rolex Day-Date 18048 18K YG Anniversary Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Factory Statement In Gold And Diamonds The Day-Date reference 18048 sits at the more luxurious end of the model's spectrum. While the Day-Date has always been crafted from preciou...
18k Gold
Genuine Diamond Rolex Watch. Ladies 18k Rolex 2195 Manual Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Diamond And Sapphire Rolex Watch. 18k White Gold Case and Stainless Steel Milanese Bracelet 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2195. Circa 1972 Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
1999 26mm Rolex Presidential 18K Gold with Champagne Dial and Fluted Bezel.
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
SN# U80**** Year: 1999. Brand: Rolex. Crystal: Sapphire. Gender: Women's. Bezel: Fluted Bezel. Dial Color: Champagne. Case Dimensions: 26mm. Condition: Mint Condition. Metal Type: 1...
18k Gold
Vintage 1990 Rolex Day-Date 18238 18K Yellow Gold Blue Sunburst Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Apex Predator In A Different Shade The Day-Date is the undisputed top of the Rolex catalog. It has always been a symbol, offered exclusively in precious metals since its incepti...
Yellow Gold
1940's Rolex Ladies Vintage Cocktail Watch - Platinum & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Platinum
1950's Rolex Ladies Vintage Cocktail Watch - 18K White Gold & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1950's ROLEX Ladies Vintage...
White Gold
Rolex Lady Oyster Blue Dial 76030 Engine Bezel Blue Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual 26mm Blue Dial Automatic Fluted Finely engine-turned bezel Ref. 76030 Year 1999. K Serial. Details: Item Type: Ladies Watch Metal: Stainless Stee...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust Silver Textured Dial w/Jubilee Bracelet Ref. 1601
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 1601 Year: 1971 Serial number: 30xxxxx Reference: C0_ Case: 36mm diameter without crown; show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case b...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1005/3 Champagne Dial Mens Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1005/3 Mens Watch. 34mm stainless steel case. 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Champagne dial with luminous gold tone hands and Index hour marker. Aftermarket str...
1943 Rolex Very Rare Lund & Blockley Oyster Aqua Vintage Mens Midsize World War
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Stainless Steel
1960's Rolex Ladies Vintage Cocktail Watch - 18K White Gold & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1960's ROLEX Ladies Vintage...
White Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Charcoal Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960/70 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length "Lug Tip t...
Stainless Steel
Rare Vintage Rolex President Datejust 26 Champagne Stick Dial Gold Watch 69178
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Recently serviced. The movement is calibrated and keeps time well. No original box and papers. Comes with a gift box. General Information Brand: Rolex M...
Gold
Vintage Rolex Cellini 3804 32mm Champagne Dial Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 3804 Year: 1970's Model: Rolex Cellini Case Material: 14k Yellow Gold Clasp: Yellow Gold Plated Band: Black Leather Bezel: 14k Yellow Gold ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ladies Rolex 31mm Midsize DateJust Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Brand: Rolex. Dial: Diamond. Bezel: Diamond. Crystal: Sapphire. Condition: Good. Gender: Women's. Case Dimensions: 31mm. Reference Number: 6827. Dial Color: Mother of Peal. Bracelet ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel White Roman Dial 36mm 116234
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A steel 36mm Datejust by Rolex reference 116234, featuring a white Roman dial with date aperture at 3 o'clock. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, a white gold fluted bezel,...
Stainless Steel, White Gold, Steel
1973 ROLEX PRECISION Vintage Mens Stainless Steel & Diamond Watch - Mint
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 2-Tone Steel & Gold Men's Watch 16613
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Submariner 2-Tone Steel & Gold Men's Watch 16613 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, pressure proof to 1,000 feet. Submariner. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold bezel blue ...
Lady Rolex Datejust Ref 69173 Champagne Dial- Rolex Service Card
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned 1994 Rolex Datejust Ref. 69173 is a timeless example of Rolex’s iconic elegance and enduring design. The watch features a 26MM stainless steel case complemented by an ...
Stainless Steel
$38,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex x Loree Rodkin Watch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date crafted in 18k yellow gold, customised by jewellery designer Loree Rodkin. The watch features a champagne dial with baton hour markers, day aperture...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex GMT Master II 40mm Batgirl Black Blue Bezel Steel Jubilee Watch 126710BLNR
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II in Oystersteel with a black dial and a jubilee bracelet. This model features a black dial and a two-colour Cerachrom bezel insert in blue and black...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Stainless Steel with Custom Made T...... Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6426 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35mm ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 Mens 34mm 1960s Vintage Automatic RA766B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1961, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, unrestored Rolex signed ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz reference 17014, 36mm White Gold Bezel, Year 1999
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our rare and very desirable Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz reference 17014, is one of the last manufactured and retailed before the Oysterquartz was discontinued. This example is comfor...
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm 126508 Yellow Gold Paul Newman Dial Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned excellent condition. Comes with original box and papers.
Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Precision 22m 18K Gold Champagne Dial Manual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Precision ladies manual-wind watch in 18K yellow gold featuring a cushion-shaped case with a champagne sunray dial, applied gold baton indices, and Rolex crown logo, wi...
18k Gold
1940's Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Other
$14,981Sale Price|25% Off
Rolex Vintage 28mm 18k Yellow-Rose Gold Diamonds w Oyster Perpetual Band 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Vintage 28mm 18k Yellow-Rose Gold and Diamonds on the Numbers with an Oyster Band Creator: Rolex 2416631 , 6627 Design: Oyster Perpetual Case Material: 18kYellow-Rose Gold S...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex GMT Master II 40mm Black Blue Batman Bezel Steel Mens Watch 126710BLNR
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
The Oyster Perpetual GTM-Master II in Oystersteel With a Black Dial and an Oyster Bracelet. This model features a black dial and a two-colour Cerachrom bezel insert in blue and black...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady Date, ref 6917, 26mm Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel, c1975
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Rolex lady Date, reference 6917, features a 26mm stainless steel case with yellow gold fluted bezel and stainless steel riveted bracelet. It may of course be paired to a ...
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 14Kt Solid Rose Gold Rare Oyster Viceroy Art Deco Watch circa 1938
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Viceroy / Reference 3116 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1938 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm "Lug ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex GMT-Master Transitional Pepsi Jubilee Bracelet 16750
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rolex Transitional GMT-Master Pepsi reference 16750, featuring a bi-directional rotating bezel with a vibrant red and blue "Pepsi" insert, complemented by a black dial with applied...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King Stainless Steel Wristwatch Circa 1993
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Rolex Air King Stainless Steel Wristwatch Circa 1993. The Rolex Air King Stainless Steel Wristwatch is from 1993. The band is an oyster band and the blue dial has markers and 3/6/9...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 18k Gold SS Mens 36mm 1970s Vintage Automatic RA736B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic in rare wine red burgundy dial, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1601 Datejust automatic 18k gold & stainless steel, c.1970, in excellent working condition. Verified authen...
White Gold, 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 Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970'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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm "Lug Ti...
Stainless Steel
Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, new and classic vintage watches on 1stDibs.
While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind.
Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. 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.
Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic 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 watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory.
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.
When shopping for a watch, 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 exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.
The watch has transformed several times over, but it’s still undeniably a classic.
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The black-and-white Rolex Daytona is arguably the most famous panda-style watch.
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.