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 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 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
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 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
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 Perpet...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
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
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 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 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 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 16014 Silver Diamond Dial and Bezel Stainless Steel Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16014 Serial: 5881*** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel Dial: Custom Silv...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 36mm Iced Out Diamond Encrusted Watch Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1601 Serial: 257**** Year: 1970 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Custom Diamond Encrusted Stainless Steel Band: Custom Diamond Encrusted Bracelet Bezel...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16014 36mm Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16014 Serial: 847**** Year: 1984 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel Dial: Cust...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady Datejust 69190 Silver Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69190 Serial: R720*** Year: 1988 Model: Rolex Lady Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel Dial...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady Datejust 69173 Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69173 Serial: E98**** Year: 1987 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 18k Y...
Stainless Steel
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 Ladies Datejust 69173 26mm Silver Roman Diamond Dial 18k Yellow Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69173 Serial: 8435*** Year: 1984 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Go...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16014 36mm Black Diamond Dial 18k Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16014 Serial: 554**** Year: 1978 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 18k White Gold Fluted Dial: Cu...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
2024 Rolex Datejust 41 126334 Slate Wimbledon Dial 18K Gold Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126334 Year: 2024 Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K White Gold Dial: Slate Wimbledon Dial Crystal...
18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16018 36mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16018 Serial: L68**** Year: 1989 Model: Rolex Datejust Yellow Gold Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: Factory Rolex Leather Crocodile Band Bezel: 18k Yell...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day Date President 18038 36mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18038 Serial: 644**** Year: 1980 Model: Rolex Day Date President Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: Custom 18k Yellow Gold President Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 36mm Purple Aubergine Diamond Dial 18K White Gold Watch 126234
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in Oystersteel and white gold features an aubergine, diamond-set dial and a Jubilee bracelet. This dial features Roman VI and IX in 18 ct gold, set ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel, Steel, White Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 116238 36mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold Jubilee Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116238 Serial: M84**** Year: 2014 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Jubilee Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Fluted Dial: ...
Rolex Sea Dweller Deepsea 126660 Blue Dial James Cameron 44mm Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126660 Year: 2022 Model: Rolex Sea Dweller Deepsea (James Cameron) Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Ceramic Dial: D-Blue ...
Stainless Steel
Antique Rolex 9K Yellow Gold 15 Jewel Manual Wind Women’s Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This antique Rolex women’s watch features a 9K yellow gold case with a coordinating yellow gold link bracelet and a round champagne-tone dial. The dial is signed Rolex and is designe...
Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Rolex Day Date 118205 36mm Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial and Bezel 18k Rose Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 118205 Serial: Y21**** Year: 2002 Model: Rolex Day Date Case Material: 18k Rose Gold Band: 18k Rose Gold Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel Dial: Custom Tahi...
Diamond, Pearl
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116509 18k White Gold Black Racing Dial Box Booklet
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116509 Serial: Z047*** Year: 2006 - 2007 Model: Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Case Material: 18K White Gold Band: 18K White Gold Bezel: 18K White Gold Dial: ...
18k Gold, White Gold
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
2007 Rolex Submariner Blue 16613 40mm 18k Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16613 Serial: Z608*** Year: 2007 Model: Rolex Submariner Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: Blue Dial: Blu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Panda 116500LN 40mm White Dial Ceramic Bezel Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116500LN Year: 2017 Model: Rolex Daytona Cosmograph (Panda Dial) Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Ceramic Dial: White '...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust 179160 Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 179160 Serial: Z94**** Year: 2007 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel Dial: Cu...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
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 Daytona Cosmograph Zenith 16523 Champagne Inverted 6 Dial 18k Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16523 Serial: X85**** Year: 1991 Model: Daytona Cosmograph Zenith Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18k Yell...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust 69174 26mm Silver Dial 18k White Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69174 Serial: R25**** Year: 1988 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 18k White Gold Fluted ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1987 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K Yellow Gold Purple Sunburst Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
An Uncommon Execution The purple dial removes this Day-Date from a purely formal context and gives it a more personal character. It delivers all the weight and recognition of Rolex'...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 16013 36mm Iced Out Diamond Case Bezel Band and Dial Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16013 Serial: 982**** Year: 1987 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Custom Diamond Encrusted Stainless Steel Band: Custom Diamond Encrusted Stainless Steel Bra...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
2026 Rolex Submariner Date 126610LN 41mm Black Ceramic Stainless Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126610LN Year: 2026 Model: Rolex Submariner Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Ceramic Dial: Black Crystal: Sapphir...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116523 40mm Black Dial 18k Yellow Gold Steel Box
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116523 Serial: 6025**** Year: 2010 - 2016 Model: Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18k...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16234 36mm White Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16234 Serial: X82**** Year: 1991 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel Dial: Cus...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
2006 Rolex Submariner 16618 40mm Blue Bezel Blue Dial 18k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16618 Serial: D036*** Year: 2006 Model: Rolex Submariner Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Blue Dial: Blue Crystal: Sapphire ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner Date Black 16613 40mm 18k Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16613 Serial: U439*** Year: 1998 Model: Rolex Submariner Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Dial: Bla...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Blue 16613 40mm 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel 2000
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16613 Serial: P947*** Year: 2000 Model: Rolex Submariner Two Tone Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: Blue D...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 126334 41mm Silver Dial 18k White Gold Steel Jubilee Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126334 Year: 2021 Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 18k White Gold Fluted Dial: Silver Dial ...
Stainless Steel
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 Date 1503 34mm Champagne Dial Yellow Gold Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1503 Serial: 328**** Year: 1973 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: 14k Yellow Gold Band: Custom 14k Yellow Gold Jubilee Bracelet Bezel: 14k Yellow Gold Flute...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Presidential 18K Gold Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage 18k yellow gold (stamped) Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date "President" Wristwatch. Rolex introduced the Day-Date in 1956, making history as the first wristwatch to display bot...
18k Gold
Rolex Yacht Master 68628 35mm White Dial 18k Yellow Gold Box Booklet
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 68628 Serial: 898**** Year: 1986 Model: Rolex Yacht Master 35 Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: White Dia...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day Date President 18138 Factory Diamond Dial Bezel & Lugs 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18138 Year: 1986 Model: Rolex Day Date President Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Factory Rolex Diamond Bezel & Factory Rolex...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Milgauss 116400GV Green Crystal Z-Blue Dial Steel Box Paper STICKERS
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116400GV Z-Blue Year: 2019 NOS Model: Rolex Milgauss Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Blue Crystal: Gr...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 Mens 1970s 34mm Vintage Automatic RA772C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1500 Date automatic, c.1978, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, unrestored Rolex s...
Stainless Steel
2025 Rolex Submariner Starbucks 126610LV 41mm Green Ceramic Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126610LV Year: 2025 Model: Rolex Submariner Starbucks Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Green Ceramic Dial: Black Crystal: ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116503 40mm Black Diamond Dial 18k Yellow Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116503 Year: 2019 Model: Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: F...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Brand New Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual 28 276200 PISTACHIO Dial Steel Full Set
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 276200 Year: 2026 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 28 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Pistachio Dial Cry...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Vintage Watch, 18ct Yellow Gold, Circa 1968
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Datejust 36, reference 1601, is a timeless vintage masterpiece, designed for those who appreciate classic heritage and the unmistakable warmth of solid gold. Crafted entire...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2025 Rolex GMT Master II Root Beer 126711CHNR 40mm Brown Black Bezel Steel Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126711CHNR Year: 2025 Model: Rolex GMT Master II 'Root Beer' Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Rose Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 'Root Beer' - Brown &...
Stainless Steel
2002 Rolex Datejust 16233 36mm Roman Ivory Pyramid Dial 18k Yellow Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16233 Serial: Y10**** Year: 2002 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Flu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust 69240 26mm Silver Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69240 Serial: 553*** Year: 1978 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: 26mm Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Custom Silver ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady Datejust 69173 Cream Jubilee Dial 18k Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69173 Serial: E904*** Year: 1990 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18k Yellow ...
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.
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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.