Skip to main content

Rolex Watches 1973

1973 ROLEX PRECISION Vintage Mens Stainless Steel & Diamond Watch - Mint
1973 ROLEX PRECISION Vintage Mens Stainless Steel & Diamond Watch - Mint

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...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1973 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Stainless Steel Automatic Men's Watch 1601
1973 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Stainless Steel Automatic Men's Watch 1601

1973 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Stainless Steel Automatic Men's Watch 1601

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

This 1973 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1601 is a highly collectible example of one of the most iconic models in Rolex history, combining timeless design with the enduring app...

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Gold Sigma Dial, 1973, Men's Wristwatch
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Gold Sigma Dial, 1973, Men's Wristwatch

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Gold Sigma Dial, 1973, Men's Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in bronshoj, DK

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Gold Sigma Dial. 1973. Men's wristwatch, original steel bracelet, plexiglass.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Vintage 1973 Rolex Datejust 1601 Two-Tone Champagne Dial Auto 36mm
Vintage 1973 Rolex Datejust 1601 Two-Tone Champagne Dial Auto 36mm

Vintage 1973 Rolex Datejust 1601 Two-Tone Champagne Dial Auto 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

The Foundational Rolex The Datejust is the watch that defined the modern Rolex catalog.

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 1601 Silver Piepan Dial 18k WG Fluted Bezel 1973
Rolex Datejust 1601 Silver Piepan Dial 18k WG Fluted Bezel 1973

Rolex Datejust 1601 Silver Piepan Dial 18k WG Fluted Bezel 1973

By Rolex

Located in SYDNEY, AU

Rolex Datejust 1601 Silver Piepan Dial 18k WG Fluted Bezel 1973 SKU 1906 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 1601 Year 1973 Dial Silver Piepan Dial Case Steel and 18k White Gold ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Vintage 1973 Rolex Asymmetric 4017 18K YG Manual Orange Foil 28
Vintage 1973 Rolex Asymmetric 4017 18K YG Manual Orange Foil 28

Vintage 1973 Rolex Asymmetric 4017 18K YG Manual Orange Foil 28

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

A Statement Of 70s Confidence The Rolex Asymmetric is a branch of the King Midas family tree, a series of watches that represented a bold, artistic departure from the brand's tool w...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1973 Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 Manual Silver Sunburst Dial 34mm
Vintage 1973 Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 Manual Silver Sunburst Dial 34mm

Vintage 1973 Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 Manual Silver Sunburst Dial 34mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

A Pure Manual Expression The 6426 represents the most stripped-back version of the Rolex Oyster. By removing the date window and the automatic winding rotor, Rolex achieved a thinne...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1973 Rolex Cellini 4012 18K Yellow Gold Blue Foil Dial Manual 26mm
Vintage 1973 Rolex Cellini 4012 18K Yellow Gold Blue Foil Dial Manual 26mm

Vintage 1973 Rolex Cellini 4012 18K Yellow Gold Blue Foil Dial Manual 26mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

For The Confident Collector This is a watch for someone who appreciates the less-traveled roads of the Rolex back catalog.

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

1973 Vintage Gent's Rolex Date Just 1601 Gray Silver Dial All Factory Original
1973 Vintage Gent's Rolex Date Just 1601 Gray Silver Dial All Factory Original

1973 Vintage Gent's Rolex Date Just 1601 Gray Silver Dial All Factory Original

By Rolex

Located in Santa Monica, CA

1973 Vintage Gent's Rolex Date Just Original factory bracelet tightened at %90 Model 1601 Bracelet 7.5 inch including the case, two tone, gold and steel marked 6252H14, tightened to...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Factory Original Mosaic Dial circa 1973 / 74
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Factory Original Mosaic Dial circa 1973 / 74

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Factory Original Mosaic Dial circa 1973 / 74

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1973 / 74 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X D...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Factory Original Mosaic Dial circa 1973 / 74
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Factory Original Mosaic Dial circa 1973 / 74

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Factory Original Mosaic Dial circa 1973 / 74

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1973 / 74 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X D...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT Master 1675 'Pepsi'/Pan Am' Bezel, 40mm Case, Mark 11 Dial, Year 1973
Rolex GMT Master 1675 'Pepsi'/Pan Am' Bezel, 40mm Case, Mark 11 Dial, Year 1973

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...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Recent Sales

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1601 Watch, 1973
Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1601 Watch, 1973

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1601 Watch, 1973

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1973 Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1601. 14K White Gold & Stainless Steel case. Silver dial with applied, baton markers. OT Swiss TO dial. Powered by a 26-jewel, automatic caliber...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Ladies Square-Shaped 18 Karat White Gold Watch, 1973
Vintage Rolex Ladies Square-Shaped 18 Karat White Gold Watch, 1973

Vintage Rolex Ladies Square-Shaped 18 Karat White Gold Watch, 1973

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1973 Vintage Rolex Ladies Ref. 2602 2 18k White Gold watch with Original Silver Dial with Applied Steel Stick/Bar/Baton Markers with Rolex Steel Buckle.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

1973 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1500 Vintage Mens Blue Dial Watch - SS
1973 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1500 Vintage Mens Blue Dial Watch - SS

1973 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1500 Vintage Mens Blue Dial Watch - 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 1st...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

C/1973 Rolex "Rootbeer" GMT 18k Yellow Gold
C/1973 Rolex "Rootbeer" GMT 18k Yellow Gold

C/1973 Rolex "Rootbeer" GMT 18k Yellow Gold

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

This is a vintage GMT ref. #1675 that has been restored to nearly new condition. Previously serviced at Rolex, the watch was fitted with a new dial, hands and bezel insert. Note the ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Date Ref. 1501 Original Dial from 1973
Rolex Stainless Steel Date Ref. 1501 Original Dial from 1973

Rolex Stainless Steel Date Ref. 1501 Original Dial from 1973

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date Wristwatch Ref 1803 circa 1973
Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date Wristwatch Ref 1803 circa 1973

Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date Wristwatch Ref 1803 circa 1973

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

This watch is impossible to find in such nice condition and is the most classic version of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date wristwatch. This has a difficult-to-find original early...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Ref 5500 Custom Green Dial from 1973-1974
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Ref 5500 Custom Green Dial from 1973-1974

Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Ref 5500 Custom Green Dial from 1973-1974

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Ref 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1973/1974 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm x 34mm MOVEMENT ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

C/1973 Rolex MK IV Seadweller ref. #1665 with Chocolate Bezel Insert
C/1973 Rolex MK IV Seadweller ref. #1665 with Chocolate Bezel Insert

C/1973 Rolex MK IV Seadweller ref. #1665 with Chocolate Bezel Insert

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

A handsome vintage example with an immediately recognizable chocolate brown bezel insert. Look closer and notice the superior case condition; it's mint! There is a bit of aging aroun...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Date Model Ref. 1501 Dated 1972-1973
Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Date Model Ref. 1501 Dated 1972-1973

Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Date Model Ref. 1501 Dated 1972-1973

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date/ Ref. 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972-73 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm x 34mm MOVEMENT /...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Two-Tone Datejust with Rare Smooth Bezel and Linen Dial from 1972 or 1973
Rolex Two-Tone Datejust with Rare Smooth Bezel and Linen Dial from 1972 or 1973

Rolex Two-Tone Datejust with Rare Smooth Bezel and Linen Dial from 1972 or 1973

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Ref. 1600 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 - 73 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm X...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex, “Oyster Perpetual, Air-King, Precision, made 1973
Rolex, “Oyster Perpetual, Air-King, Precision, made 1973

Rolex, “Oyster Perpetual, Air-King, Precision, made 1973

Located in Firenze, IT

Ref. 5500, Air-King Rolex, “Oyster Perpetual, Air-King, Precision”, case No. 3346621, Ref. 5500. Made in 1973. Fine, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel wr...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 18Kt Ladies White Gold Dress Watch Factory Diamond Bezel circa 1973
Rolex 18Kt Ladies White Gold Dress Watch Factory Diamond Bezel circa 1973

Rolex 18Kt Ladies White Gold Dress Watch Factory Diamond Bezel circa 1973

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch / Reference 2629 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Carbonized Perpetual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1973
Rolex Stainless Steel Carbonized Perpetual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1973

Rolex Stainless Steel Carbonized Perpetual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1973

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / Carbonized DIMENSIONS: 43mm X 36mm CIRCA: 1972 / 1973 MOVEMENT / CALIBER...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Precision Stainless Steel Manual Winding Ref 6426 from 1973 or 1974
Rolex Precision Stainless Steel Manual Winding Ref 6426 from 1973 or 1974

Rolex Precision Stainless Steel Manual Winding Ref 6426 from 1973 or 1974

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Ref 6426 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1973 / 74 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm x 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Man...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King Ref. 5500 Original Dial from 1973-74
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King Ref. 5500 Original Dial from 1973-74

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King Ref. 5500 Original Dial from 1973-74

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1973-74 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm x 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Wind...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Charcoal Linen Dial, circa 1972 or 1973
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Charcoal Linen Dial, circa 1972 or 1973

Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Charcoal Linen Dial, circa 1972 or 1973

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Ref. 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 / 73 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 43mm X 36mm MOVEMENT / CA...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Wristwatch Circa 1973
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Wristwatch Circa 1973

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Wristwatch Circa 1973

By Rolex

Located in Miami Beach, FL

This is a beautiful example of a 1973 Rolex Manual Wind Oysterdate wristwatch. The condition is excellent.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Wristwatch circa 1973
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Wristwatch circa 1973

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Wristwatch circa 1973

By Rolex

Located in Miami Beach, FL

This is a beautiful example of a 1973 Rolex Oysterdate wristwatch with manual-wind movement.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch Ref 1501 circa 1973
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch Ref 1501 circa 1973

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch Ref 1501 circa 1973

By Rolex

Located in Miami Beach, FL

This 18kt Yellow Gold Automatic Rolex OP Date is in mint condition. The engine turned bezel is flawless and the 18kt YG Rivet Oyster Bracelet is pristine. This is an excellent exampl...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Cosmograph Daytona Wristwatch Ref 6265 circa 1973
Rolex Stainless Steel Cosmograph Daytona Wristwatch Ref 6265 circa 1973

Rolex Stainless Steel Cosmograph Daytona Wristwatch Ref 6265 circa 1973

By Rolex

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Rolex stainless steel Cosmograph Daytona Wristwatch, Ref 6265, with a stainless steel bezel, silver and black dial, screw down pushers, caliber 727 manual-wind movement, Oyster brace...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold "25 Years Service Coca-Cola" Wristwatch Ref 1003 circa 1973
Rolex Yellow Gold "25 Years Service Coca-Cola" Wristwatch Ref 1003 circa 1973

Rolex Yellow Gold "25 Years Service Coca-Cola" Wristwatch Ref 1003 circa 1973

By Rolex

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Rolex 18k yellow gold Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, Ref. 1003, silvered dial, "25 Years Service Coca Cola". Comes with original papers dated 1973.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust Reference 1601 14 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Watch, 1973
Rolex Datejust Reference 1601 14 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Watch, 1973

Rolex Datejust Reference 1601 14 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Watch, 1973

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1973 Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 Two Tone 14k Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel and Stainless Steel watch with Original Rolex Two Tone 14k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Jubilee Bracele...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Rolex RED Submariner ref 1680 1973
Rolex RED Submariner ref 1680 1973

Rolex RED Submariner ref 1680 1973

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex SS Submariner w/ date ref # 1680 40mm diameter case serial # 3.0 million circa 1973. Original matte black dial with lightly patina'd luminous indexes and matching hands. Subm...

Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

1973 Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel 1601 Wristwatch
1973 Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel 1601 Wristwatch

1973 Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel 1601 Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

PLEASE CONTACT US SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. ** SERVICE HISTORY * This watch has received a Rolex accredited service in line with our exacting standards. ** PROVENANCE * ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 18K YG Submariner ref #1680 circa 1973
Rolex 18K YG Submariner ref #1680 circa 1973

Rolex 18K YG Submariner ref #1680 circa 1973

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18K YG Submariner ref #1680 40mm diameter case Very popular acrylic crystal model #3.5 million production circa 1973. Magnificent orginal brilliant glossy blue dial. 18K YG ela...

Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

1973 Rolex Submariner Single Red Stainless Steel 1680 Wristwatch
1973 Rolex Submariner Single Red Stainless Steel 1680 Wristwatch

1973 Rolex Submariner Single Red Stainless Steel 1680 Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

PLEASE CONTACT US SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. ** SERVICE HISTORY * This watch has received a Rolex accredited service in line with our exacting standards. ** PROVENANCE * ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Date Stainless Steel Wristwatch, Ref 1501, Circa 1973
Rolex Date Stainless Steel Wristwatch, Ref 1501, Circa 1973

Rolex Date Stainless Steel Wristwatch, Ref 1501, Circa 1973

By Rolex

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Circa 1973. This watch includes a one year warranty from the time of purchase for accurate timekeeping.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Rolex Watches 1973", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Rolex Watches 1973 For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact rolex watches 1973 you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from stainless steel, gold and yellow gold — can elevate any look. Finding the perfect rolex watches 1973 may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 20th Century. When shopping for a rolex watches 1973, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or women today than there are for men.

How Much is a Rolex Watches 1973?

The price for a rolex watches 1973 starts at $4,524 and tops out at $69,000 with these watches, on average, selling for $7,600.

Rolex for sale on 1stDibs

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.

Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You

Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.

Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.

Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.

In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.

Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.