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 Datejust 41mm Wimbledon Jubilee 2025 Unworn with box and warranty NEW
By Rolex
Located in Capri, IT
Rolex Datejust 41mm Wimbledon Jubilee 2025 Unworn with box and warranty NEW grey dial stainless steel bracelet round case date window fluted bezel automatic movement roman numeral m...
2002 Rolex Ladies DateJust Two Tone Blue Diamond Dial Watch 79173 #23237
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2002 Rolex Ladies Datejust Watch Model: 79173 Serial: Y611504 This classic Rolex ladies watch is set in stainless steel with 18K gold bezel and gold accents on oyster band 26mm ca...
Stainless Steel
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...
Rolex Day‑Date 18078 “Bark” President – Factory Champagne Diamond Dial, 18K
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
Offered here is by our assessment an all‑original Rolex Day‑Date reference 18078 in 18K yellow gold, featuring the distinctive factory “bark” finish bezel and President bracelet and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 41mm Sundust Dial Two-Tone Everose Gold Fluted Bezel Watch 126331
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 in Oystersteel and Everose gold features a Sundust dial and an Oyster bracelet. The Rolex fluted bezel is a mark of distinction. Originally, the flu...
Steel, Stainless Steel, Rose Gold
Rolex President Day-Date Men's Watch 18238
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex President Day-Date Men's Watch 18238 - Automatic winding,31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. President Day-Date. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel. Rare factory Red Vig...
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Factory Original Charcoal Dial circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 34...
Stainless Steel
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
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26mm Diamond Bezel 18K Two Tone Gold Jubilee Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Women's Wristwatch 18K Rolex Lady-Datejust 26mm Ref. 67193 two-tone stainless steel and 18k yellow gold vintage 1988 watch featuring a jubilee bracelet and ~1.00 carat custom d...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1932 Rolex "Viceroy" 2081 18K Yellow Gold Silver Dial Manual 29 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
An Artifact From The Oyster's Origin This reference 2081 is a piece of foundational Rolex history from 1932. In the earliest days of the waterproof case, Hans Wilsdorf used the "Oys...
18k Gold, 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
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
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
Vintage Rolex Date 14k Yellow Gold Men’s Watch Ref. 15007 Chevy Case Back
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A timeless classic from Rolex, this Oyster Perpetual Date reference 15007 is crafted in solid 14k yellow gold and embodies the brand’s understated elegance and everyday wearability. ...
14k Gold
Genuine Rolex Diamond Watch. 14k YG Ladies Rolex 3271 Mechanical Windup Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
14k Yellow Gold Rolex Diamond Accent Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970s. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 3271. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case an...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Lady Datejust President 18K Yellow Gold Automatic Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
A highly desirable Rolex Lady Datejust crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold, accompanied by its original Rolex papers—an increasingly rare and valuable feature sought after by colle...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex GMT Master 1675 'Pepsi'/Pan Am' Bezel, 40mm Case, Mark 11 Dial, Year 1973
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and attractive Rolex GMT Master reference 1675 features a 40mm stainless steel case with stainless steel bracelet and desirable Pepsi/ Pan Am blue/ red bezel. This exampl...
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
2026 Rolex Submariner 126610LV “Starbucks” Green Bezel Unworn Full Set 41mm
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this 2026 Rolex Submariner reference 126610LV, widely known among collectors as the “Starbucks,” distinguished by its vibrant green Cerachrom bezel and clas...
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
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 Day Date 36mm 18238 Champagne Stick Dial 18k YG W3 Serial 1995
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2211 Brand Rolex Model Day Date Reference 18238 Year 1995 Dial Champagne Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Diameter 36mm Length 18cm Movement Automatic Weight 1...
Vintage Rolex Cellini 3807 Champagne Dial 18K Gold Manual Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Cellini manual-wind dress watch in 18K yellow gold featuring a tonneau-shaped case with a champagne dial, applied gold indices, Cellini script signature, and an integra...
18k Gold
Rolex Yacht-Master 169622 Platinum Bezel 29mm Ladies Watch 2005 Full Set
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this elegant and highly sought-after Rolex Yacht-Master 169622 Ladies Watch featuring a 29mm stainless steel case, lustrous platinum dial, and matching plat...
Platinum, Stainless Steel
Rolex Mini Datejust 69178 26mm Champagne Stick Dial 18k YG 8.1m Serial 1985
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2194 Brand Rolex Model Mini Datejust Reference 69178 Year 1995 Dial Champagne Stick Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Diameter 26mm Length 15.5cm Movement Automa...
Rolex President 20 Carat Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Introducing the iconic Rolex Day-Date 41mm, featuring a stunning aftermarket diamond upgrade that delivers exceptional wrist presence and luxury styling. is presented in excellent ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 6694 Oysterdate Precision Blue Sunburst Dial 34mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1964 Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6694 manual-wind stainless steel watch featuring a stunning sunburst blue dial with applied silver baton hour markers, date window a...
Stainless Steel
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 Lady Datejust 26mm 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Pave Dial President Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1988 Rolex Lady Datejust 26mm in solid 18K yellow gold featuring a fully diamond and ruby paved dial with round brilliant diamond bezel totaling approximately 3.00 carats, ru...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36mm Mens Watch Ref 1601
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage men’s watch is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, 36mm, reference 1601, crafted in stainless steel. Featuring the classic Datejust design, it has a reliable automatic mo...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1969 Rolex Oyster Precision Ref. 6426
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This classic vintage 1969 Rolex Oyster Precision Ref. 6426 is a timeless example of Rolex’s understated elegance and precision-focused design. The watch features a 34MM stainless ste...
Stainless Steel
Rolex President Day-Date 18k Yellow Gold Bark Finish Men's Watch 18078
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex President Day-Date 18k Yellow Gold Bark Finish Men's Watch 18078 - Automatic winding with day and date. President Day-Date. 18k yellow gold case with bark finished bezel (36mm ...
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
Genuine Rolex 6618 Watch. Ladies ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1963 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6618. Beautiful Watch. Case is Stainless Steel. Original Rolex SS Bracel...
Stainless Steel
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. ROLEX Precision 2628 Mechanical Windup. Ladies Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Case Rolex Precision Ladies Watch with attached Milanese Bracelet (Stainless Steel). Rolex Windup 1400 Caliber Movement Ref. 2628 . Circa 1971 Case Is 18k White Gol...
Gold, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Genuine Rolex 6517 Oyster Perpetual Watch. Ladies ROLEX Automatic WG Bezel.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1960s. 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6517. White Gold Fluted Bezel Beautiful Watch. 25mm case Condition: ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
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
Vintage 1985 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15038 18K YG Blue Dial 34 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
An Uncommon Mid-Sized Flagship The reference 15038 represents a highly specific niche within the catalog, delivering the full precious metal construction typically reserved for the ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner 18k Gold Men's Watch 16618
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Submariner 18k Gold Men's Watch 16618 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Submariner. 18k yellow gold case with rotating bezel with blue insert (40mm di...
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
Vintage 1986 Rolex Date Two Tone Automatic Men's Watch Ref 15053
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 1986 Rolex Date ref. 15053 showcases the timeless sophistication and precision craftsmanship that define the Rolex name. Crafted in stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex 69173 Oyster Perpetual DateJust Watch. Ladies ROLEX Multitone
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Yellow gold and Stainless Steel Multi tone Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1990 26mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 69173. Just went through a complete overhaul. F...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
$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
$5,520Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref 1002 All Original Mens 34mm 1960s Automatic RA716S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 automatic, c.1965, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, unrestored Rolex si...
Stainless Steel
Vintage ROLEX Oyster Watch. Rolex ref 4365. 1940s Gold Capped Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Mens Watch Just underwent Full Service - Ready To Go Stainless Steel Case that is Gold Filled Capped ref.4365 Circa 1946 Condition: Windup Movement. Runs we...
Stainless Steel
$10,560Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Ref 6098 Oyster Precision Mens 36mm 1950s Automatic Bubble Back RA712B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Historical classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Precision Ref 6098 big bubble back automatic, c.1953, unrestored, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watc...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust Two Tone Men's Watch 16013
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 16013 is one of the most recognizable and enduring two-tone luxury watches ever made, combining the prestige of Rolex with the timeless appeal of sta...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s Rolex Cellini 4082 18K YG Champagne Dial Manual Wind 24 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Road Less Traveled The Cellini collection has always been Rolex’s platform for pure dress watch design, a departure from the robust tool watches that defined the brand. Named fo...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 2653 Vintage Genuine Manual Windup Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1973. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2653. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is Stain...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938 From a time before formal reference numbers and when a 26mm case was considered suitable for any wrist, this vintage Rolex fr...
Rose Gold
2005 Rolex Submariner 16610LV Stainless Steel Green Bezel Black Dial Auto 40 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Anniversary Submariner Released in 2003 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the world's most recognizable dive watch, the reference 16610LV was a genuinely unexpected move from...
Stainless 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
Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1971. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2611. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case and Brac...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1976 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 Blue Sunburst Dial 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Special Dial On A Classic Frame The reference 1002 is the purest distillation of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. It strips away the date complication and the fluted bezel, leaving onl...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer 40mm 224270 Unisex Watch in Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Explorer 40mm 224270 Unisex Watch in Stainless Steel SKU: Z155169 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Rolex Model: Explorer Country of Origin: Switzerland Movement Type: Mechanical: Autom...
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 Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173 - Automatic winding. Datejust. Stainless steel case with Fluted bezel (26mm). Champagne diamond dial. Stainless steel and 18k yellow go...
Rolex Oyster Royal Vintage Rose Gold and Steel Manual Wind Mid Size Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940 Rolex Reference 4302 Oyster Royal Wrist Watch, 29 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless steel case with Oyster Water Resistant back and a Rose Gold bezel, 17 jewel mechanical, manual win...
Rose Gold, Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 34mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1979 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date reference 1501 automatic watch in stainless steel featuring a silver-tone dial with applied gold-tone baton hour markers, engine-turned bezel...
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.
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.