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.
Rolex Submariner Black Steel Oyster No Date Watch 14060
By Rolex
Located in Baltimore, MD
Rolex Submariner Black Steel Oyster No Date Watch 14060 Model: 14060 Serial: D438*** (2005) Case: 40mm steel Dial: Black Movement: Automatic Bracelet: Oyster, fits up to a 7 inch wri...
Steel
Rolex 16013 Datejust Stainless Steel and 14k 36mm 1979
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Rolex 16013 Datejust Stainless Steel and 14k 36mm 1979 For your consideration here is a freshly polished and ready to wear Rolex 14k and Stainless Steel Datejust 36mm circa 1979 . T...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 41 mm Datejust 126334 Wimbledon Stainless Steel Watch Jubilee Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex Datejust 41 wristwatch, Reference 126334, crafted in stainless steel and featuring the highly desirable slate “Wimbledon” dial with distinctive Roman numeral hour markers, Chro...
Gold, White Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master II Stainless Steel 'Coke' 40mm Watch Oyster Band
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex Model: Gmt Master II Reference Number: 16710 Gender: Mens Metal: Stainless Steel Dial: Black Bezel: Red & Black (coke) Band: Oyster Box: No box Circa 1991
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex circa 1980 Montre 36 mm Acier Or Oyster Perpetual Date Steel Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in PARIS, FR
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 36mm watch, circa 1980, in steel and yellow gold; automatic movement, gold dial with baton markers, smooth yellow gold bezel, yellow gold signed crown, an...
Gold, Steel
Art Deco 1930s Rolex Ladies 14K Gold Bracelet Watch, Manual Wind, 7.5 Inches, Pe
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
An elegant and distinctive Art Deco ladies' Rolex wristwatch dating to the 1930s, featuring a solid 14K gold case, beautifully designed geometric gold bracelet, and original Rolex-...
14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date President Men's Watch in 18 Karat Yellow
By Rolex
Located in ANTIBES, FR
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date reference [18238], known as the President, in 18 karat yellow gold with a champagne dial. The case is fitted with the signature fluted 18 karat yellow...
18k Gold
1939 Rolex Ladies 14K White Gold Diamond Art Deco Bracelet Watch, Original Box
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1939 Rolex Ladies 14K White Gold Diamond Art Deco Bracelet Watch Original Box An elegant antique Rolex ladies' wristwatch, circa 1939, featuring a petite r...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Rolex Lady-Datejust, 79174G, 2001
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Brand: Rolex Model: Lady-Datejust Reference number: 79174G Code: ROL/LDJ/796 Movement: Automatic Watchcase material: Steel Bracelet material: Steel Year: 2001 Scope of delivery: Wi...
1989 Rolex Ladies Watch 69173 Two Tone Silver Dial Jubilee Band #26297
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1989 Rolex Ladies Two Tone Watch Model: 69173 Serial: L753892 This classic two tone ladies Rolex watch is set in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold. Two tone jubilee band fits up...
Stainless Steel
Rolex x Loree Rodkin Custom Diamond-Set Watch, Stainless Steel, 1990
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
This authentic Rolex x Loree Rodkin custom watch is a rare jewellery-led timepiece combining classic Rolex watchmaking with Loree Rodkin’s distinctive gothic luxury aesthetic. Design...
White Diamond, Silver
Rolex vintage 14k white gold ladies wrist watch
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A small oval case in 14k white gold holds a champagne dial with slim baton markers and fine hands, and the bracelet is a finely woven, textured mesh that flexes like fabric around th...
Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Rolex Ladies 14K Gold Oval Watch 1.00 Carat Diamond Bracelet, Circa 1950
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Elegant vintage ladies' Rolex wristwatch featuring an oval-shaped 14K gold case, an original Rolex-signed Swiss 17-jewel manual-wind mechanical movement, and a beautifully crafted 1...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Rolex Datejust 41 mm 126334 Wimbledon UNWORN 2026 Slate Roman Oyster
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
New Rolex Datejust 41 mm 126334 Wimbledon UNWORN 2026 Slate Roman Oyster Complete All the bells and whistles included, all you see in the pictures, one like was removed at day of pu...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II Steel GMT 42mm 216570 Orange Hand Black Dial Automatic Watch
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
In excellent condition Rolex Explorer ll 42mm with extra links if needed. It's unpolished but in fantastic condition with no issues to note. It has 11 links which should fit a 7" wri...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini Men's Dress Watch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, 1970s, Original Box
By Rolex
Located in ANTIBES, FR
Rolex Cellini men's dress watch in 18 karat yellow gold from the 1970s, offered with its original Rolex box. The Cellini is the most elegant line of the house, conceived as a pure dr...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies Datejust 6917 Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial 18k Gold Bezel Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6917 Serial: 598**** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Custom Stainless Steel Jubilee Bracelet Bezel: 18k White ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback “Ovetto” Ref. 3372, 18K Rose Gold, Cal. 9¾, c.1945
By Rolex
Located in PARIS, FR
Rolex Oyster Perpetual “Ovetto” Bubbleback, reference 3372, circa 1945, crafted in 18K rose gold (750‰), measuring 32 mm. A particularly appealing example of the early Oyster Perpetual generation, distinguished by its characteristic domed caseback and unusual bezel with engraved hour markers. Silver dial with rose gold hands and hour markers, central seconds, screw-down caseback and signed Rolex screw-down crown. Rolex 9¾-ligne automatic movement, inspected in September 2026 by a specialist Rolex watchmaker in Paris, with excellent timegrapher results. The Bubbleback holds a special place in Rolex history. Its distinctive protruding caseback, which inspired the nickname “Ovetto” (“little egg”) among Italian collectors, was designed to accommodate the early Perpetual self-winding rotor mechanism within the Oyster case. These pioneering watches...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Gold Filled Ladies Art Deco Watch Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tortue Shaped / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940-50's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 25mm "Lug Tip ...
Gold-filled
Rolex Datejust 69178 18k YG Tiger Eye Index Dial Auto Women's Watch 26mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust 69178 Yellow Gold Tiger Eye Index Dial Automatic Women's Watch. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 6.25 inches. Original box and papers are not included.
Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies Datejust 69174 Mother Of Pearl MOP Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69174 Serial: E753*** Year: 1990 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel Dial: Cust...
Diamond, Pearl, Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex Diamond Watch. 14k WG Ladies Rolex Mechanical Windup Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
14k White Gold Rolex Diamond Accent Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1961 Rolex 17J Mechanical Movement Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case and Bracelet is...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine 18k Rolex 2601 Precision . 18k Gold Ladies Diamond Rolex Manual Watch
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1965 Full Diamond Bezel and Accent Panther Link Strap Ref. 2601 Rolex 1400 Movement Beautiful Watch. Ma...
18k Gold, White Gold
Genuine Rolex 6517 Oyster Perpetual Watch. Ladies ROLEX Automatic WG Bezel.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date SS and WG Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1967. 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6517. White Gold Fluted Bezel Underwent Full Serv...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex 6517 Oyster Perpetual Watch. Ladies ROLEX Automatic WG Bezel.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date SS and WG Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1967. 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6517. White Gold Fluted Bezel Beautiful Watch. 25...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel 1972 Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1972. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2611. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Excellent Con...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt Solid White Gold "President" with Rare "Bark" Finish circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Lady Datejust President / Reference 6527 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
White Gold
Rolex Datejust 116201 36mm Pink Roman Dial 18k Rose Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116201 Serial: Z677*** Year: 2007 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Rose Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Rose Gold Dial: Pi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 6917 18k YG Green Dial Auto Women's Watch 26mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust 6917 Yellow Gold Green Dial Automatic Women's Watch, 1983. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 6.25 inches. Includes original papers; box is not included.
Yellow Gold
Rolex 18K Gold Datejust President
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex 18kt Datejust President Model 6917 Fits Up to a 6.25 Inch Wrist 26mm Case 534.... Serial Number 1977 Watch Has Been Polished We Guarantee This to be Authentic Rolex We are Ha...
18k Gold
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies 18k Rolex 2189 Diamond Manual Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Diamond Rolex Watch. 18k White Gold Case and Stainless Steel Milanese Bracelet 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2189. Circa 1973 Blue Dial...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Women's Cellini Dress Watch w/ Original Band and Box 1601
By Rolex
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Movement #1601 Case #759.350 Serial #4329627 Year: 1976 18k Yellow Gold Rectangular Case 22 mm Wide (24 mm w/ Crown) 28 mm Long Thickness = 6 mm Gold Dial w/ Gold Tick Marks and Ha...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 2611 Mechanical Watch. SERVICED
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2611. Circa 1969 Just underwent Full Service. Ready to go. Beautiful Watch....
Stainless Steel
Rolex Two Tone Oyster Perpetual Ladies Watch circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6623 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Steel and 14Kt. Solid Yellow Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1969-70 DIM...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master II Coke 16710 40mm Red and Black Bezel Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16710 Serial: R71**** Year: 1988 Model: Rolex GMT Master II "Coke" Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Coke - Red & Black Dial:...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 1967 Vintage Oyster Riveted Watch Bracelet Stainless Buckle Clasp 19mm
By Rolex
Located in Dearborn, MI
Rolex 1967 Vintage Oyster Riveted Watch Bracelet Stainless Buckle Clasp 19mm Genuine Rolex Stainless Vintage 1967 Oyster Riveted Watch Bracelet with Buckle Clasp Not Stretched Ou...
Rolex Cellini Classic 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch 5115
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cellini Classic 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch 5115 - Manual winding. Classic. 18k yellow gold case; unpolished, original finish (32 mm). Jubilee dial with Roman numerals. Brown R...
Vintage 1996 Rolex Lady Datejust 69178 18K YG Cachalong Stone Diamond Dial 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rarity Of A Cachalong Dial Within the established framework of the Lady Datejust, Rolex occasionally produced executions that elevated the reference into the realm of gemology. ...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1967 Vintage Rolex Day Date President 1803 18k Yellow Gold Custom Bark Finish
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1803 Serial: 155**** Year: 1967 Model: Rolex Day-Date President Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: Custom 18k Yellow Gold Bark Finish Bezel: 18k Yellow Go...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 116598SACO Daytona LEOPARD All Factory Diamond & Sapphire 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116598 / 116598SACO Serial: D806*** Year: 2005 Model: Rolex Daytona LEOPARD Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold (with Factory Diamond Accents) Band: Factory Leopard ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2004 Rolex Datejust 16200 36mm Silver Roman Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16200 Serial: F81**** Year: 2004 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Silver...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16233 36mm Factory Black Dial 18k Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16233 Serial: S421*** Year: 1993 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold D...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. ROLEX Precision 2613 TV Diamond Windup. Ladies Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Case Rolex Precision Ladies Watch with attached Milanese Bracelet (10k Gold). Rolex Windup 1400 Caliber Movement Ref. 2613 TV Screen. Circa 1969 Case Is 18k White G...
Gold, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Precision Cocktail Watch, Rare 9ct Yellow Gold Cushion Case, Yr c1950 box
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our lovely vintage mid century Rolex Precision cocktail watch from the UK / Commonwealth features a 9ct yellow gold cushion shaped case and 9ct yellow gold rope style bracelet, with ...
Rolex Daytona 126500LN SS Black Stick Dial Auto Men's Watch 40mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Daytona 126500LN Stainless Steel Black Stick Dial Automatic Men's Watch, 2024. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7 inches. Includes original box and papers.
Stainless Steel
Rolex 14Kt Solid White Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid White Gold / 5 Point Genuine Diamonds Grade V S 1 CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE...
White Gold
Rolex Datejust 179138 18k YG Champagne Index Dial Auto Women's Watch 26mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust 179138 Yellow Gold Champagne Index Dial Automatic Women's Watch. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 6.5 inches. Original box and papers are not included.
Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner 16610 Stainless Steel Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Submariner 16610 Stainless Steel Men's Watch - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Submariner. Stainless steel case; rotating bezel with black insert. Bla...
Rolex Daytona Zenith 16523 18k YG Black Dial Auto Men's Watch 40mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Daytona Zenith 16523 18K Yellow Gold Two Tone Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch, circa 1997. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7 inches. Original box and papers are not inclu...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 1603 36mm Light Blue Diamond Dial Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1603 Serial: 821*** Year: 1962 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Custom Li...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 24 67180 Black Arabic Dial Steel Automatic Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 24 67180 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Women's Watch 24mm, circa 1995. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 6.5 inches. Original box and papers are not ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 116234 36mm Mother Of Pearl MOP Diamond Dial 18K White Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116234 Serial: G477*** Year: 2010 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Custom Stainless Steel Jubilee Bracelet Bezel: 18K White Gold ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Date 15053 34mm Champagne Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 18k Yellow Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15053 Serial: R98**** Year: 1988 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Custom Diamond...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust 6917 Bark Finish MOP Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 18K Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6917 Serial: 523**** Year: 1978 Model: Rolex Lady Datejust President Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold President Bark Finish Bezel: Custom...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2024 Rolex Daytona 126503 Black Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126503 Serial: 711L0*** Year: 2024 Model: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow G...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust President 6917 Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6917 Year: 1979 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust President Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold President Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Dial...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi 126710BLRO 40mm Red Blue Bezel Steel Jubilee Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126710BLRO Year: 2020 Model: Rolex GMT Master II 'Pepsi' Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Pepsi - Blue & Red Ceramic. beze...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 126333 41mm Silver Dial 18K Yellow Gold Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126333 Serial: L5Q03*** Year: 2020 Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1603 36mm Pink Diamond Dial 18k White Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1603 Serial: 332**** Year: 1973 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Custom Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 18k White Gold Fluted Bezel...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 126334 Slate Wimbledon Dial 18K White Gold Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126334 Serial: 1408H*** Year: 2019 Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K White Gold Fluted Dial: Slate Wimbl...
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.
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