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.
2005/2006 Rolex Ladies Datejust 179173 Watch Jubilee Band Two Tone #24506
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2005/2006 Rolex Ladies Two-Tone Datejust Watch Model: 179173 Serial: D153165 This Ladies Rolex Datejust watch is set in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold Two tone jubilee band s...
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
1960's Rolex Ladies Dress Watch with Bracelet - 14K White Gold & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
White Gold
2000 Rolex Submariner 16613 Two Tone Black Dial Men's Watch Box/Papers #24537
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2000 Rolex Submariner Men's Two Tone Watch Model: 16613 Serial: P469791 This classic men's Rolex submariner is set in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold. Stainless steel case wit...
Stainless Steel
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
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
Two-Tone 36mm DateJust Rolex Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
This timepiece is in good pre owned condition. 16013 Two-Tone 36mm DateJust Rolex 18k/Stainless Steel Jubilee Band. Movement Automatic. Dial: Aftermarket Champagne Dial
Diamond
1960's Rolex Ladies Vintage Cocktail Watch - 18K White Gold & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
White Gold
ROLEX CELLINI Vintage Ladies Ref. 6691 18K Gold & Factory Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
White Gold
Rolex Lady Datejust 18K Yellow Gold President 69178 Champagne Dial Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
Rolex Lady Datejust 18K Yellow Gold President 69178 Champagne Dial R5544*** Description Authentic Rolex Lady-Datejust reference 69178 crafted entirely in solid 18-karat yellow gold ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Art Deco 1938 Rolex Prince 9K Solid Gold Watch Vintage
By Rolex
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Beautiful Art Deco period solid gold Rolex Prince watch from 1938. The Prince style watch is distinguished by the second dial which displays the seconds hand. This watch has a solid 9 carat gold case, which is stamped on the interior of the case. The band is 14K two-tone yellow and rose gold, the band is not stamped but has hallmarks that are photographed. The band has been acid tested for purity in three spots, and tests at 14K Gold. This watch is keeping accurate time, and has been stored in a dry safe. This is a classic style that will fit nicely into any collection! This is a stunning piece! Please ask all necessary questions prior to placing an order! Specs: 9K case 14K band Style #2736 (on back) Serial #47406 (on back) Rolex Ref 2735 Circa 1938 Rolex Vintage Rectangular solid gold case with solid wire gold fixed lugs. This watch is manual hand winding. Face is marked Rolex with blued steel hands. Interior movement is signed Rolex 15 Rubies...
Gold, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Ladies Vintage Wrist Watch 14K Yellow Gold Bracelet-1950s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Elegant vintage 1950s Rolex ladies wristwatch crafted in solid 14K yellow gold, featuring a refined dress watch design with textured gold link bracelet. The watch keeps time and pre...
14k Gold
Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel After Market Diamond Bezel & Aftermarket Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial. Jubilee Band
Diamond
Ladies Two Tone Rolex Datejust 26mm Jubilee Bracelet Wrist Watch Ref. 79173
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case, Bezel & Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel & 18k Gold Weight: 55.5 Grams Width: 26mm (not including th...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1988 Rolex DateJust Model 69173 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Stainless Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: DateJust 69173 Year: 1988 Material: 18k Yelow Gold and Stainless Steel Dial: Beige Tapestry Case Measurement: 26mm Movement: Automatic Movement Condition: Very Go...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1940s Bubbleback Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14k Gold 32mm Watch Ref. 3372
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case Material: Solid 14k Rosy Yellow Gold Weight: 48.1 Grams (case and strap) Case Size (Diameter): 32mm (not includ...
14k Gold
Rolex Datejust Roman Ivory Dial Two-Tone Automatic Men's Watch Ref 16233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 16233, crafted in timeless two-tone stainless steel and 18k yellow gold. This automatic men’s watch features a warm champagne dial acce...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Blue Roman Dial Smooth Bezel Steel Jubilee Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust 41 Smooth Bezel Steel Mens Watch 126300. Officially certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel oyster case 41.0 mm in diameter. Rolex logo ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Rose Gold Meteorite Dial Unworn 126515LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A luxurious Everose gold Cosmograph Daytona ref. 126515LN by Rolex, featuring a striking meteorite dial with applied luminous hour markers and contrasting black sub-dials. Powered b...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1940's Rolex Ladies Vintage Cocktail Watch - Platinum & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Platinum
Rolex Platinum Cosmograph Daytona Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New Orleans, LA
Model: Cosmograph Daytona Movement: Self-Winding Caliber 4130 Circa: 2010s Case: 40mm Case Material: Platinum Dial Color: Ice Blue Complications: Chronograph, Tachymeter Scale Delive...
Platinum
Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Rolex Wrist Watch, 31 M.M x 4.5 M.M thick 2 piece 14k Yellow Gold case, 17 jewel, caliber 1600 mechanical, manual wind nickle lever movement. Silver Satin sunburst dial w...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Queens, NY
Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Watch, featuring champagne dial with baton indexes and 18K Rolex Crown logo at 12 0'clock, powered by 19 jewel mechanical wind-up movement, worn on wris...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Rolex Precision unusual Gold Shell and Steel back Manual wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex Precision Wrist Watch, 35 M.M. 2 piece Gold Shell case with Water Resistant Stainless Back and Scalloped Lugs. 17 jewel Caliber 1210 Mechanical, manual wind nickle ...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Watch Mother of Pearl Dial 116528
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Watch Mother of Pearl Dial 116528- Automatic winding, chronograph, 44 jewels, sapphire crystal. Daytona. 18k yellow gold case (40 mm ). Genuine Rolex M...
Vintage 1988 Rolex DayDate Model 18078 18 Karat Yellow Gold Black Stick Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: DayDate 18078 Year: 1988 Material: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Black and Gold Stick Case Measurement: 36mm Movement: Automatic Condition: Very Good Weight: 78 Grams Si...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day Date President Diamond Watch 18239 Double Quickset 18K White Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18239 Serial: N345*** Year: 1991 Model: Rolex Day Date President Case Material: 18K White Gold with Custom Diamond Lugs Band: 18K White Gold Be...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 1987 Rolex Datejust Lady 69173 Two ToneAutomatic Champagne Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This Is The Classic Ladies Datejust Look This Ref. 69173 is the configuration most people picture when they think of a vintage Lady-Datejust. Champagne dial, diamond hour markers, f...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16233 Black Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Datejust 16233 Mens Watch. 36mm stainless steel case. 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Black dial with gold hands and index hour markers. Date display at the 3 o'clock position. S...
Rolex President Day-Date Men's 18k Gold Watch 18038
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex President Day-Date Men's 18k Gold Watch 18038 - Automatic winding; quick-set; sapphire crystal. President - Day-Date. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel ( 36 mm). Champagne...
Vintage 1988 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 67193 Two-Tone Automatic Champagne Dial 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Oyster Perpetual Before It Got Loud This Lady Datejust is a clean example of how Rolex approached smaller Oyster Perpetuals in the late 1980s. Two tone case, fluted gold bezel, ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Very Rare Vintage Milgauss Stainless Steel 1019
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Very Rare Vintage Milgauss reference 1019 Wristwatch by Rolex, available now from Watch Centre London. Featuring a silver dial with applied hour markers, a fixed smooth bezel, a b...
Stainless Steel
2025 Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” 126720VTNR Stainless Steel Jubilee BNP
By Rolex
Located in Tustin, CA
We are present this 2025 Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” 126720VTNR in Stainless Steel. This highly desirable left-handed model features a 40mm Oystersteel case, Rolex’s black Maxi dial...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 Steel Mint Green Dial Diamond Unisex Watch 126284RBR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers.
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 mm 1501 Silver Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in istanbul, TR
Classic but at the same time suitable for any occasion, the Rolex Oyster Date ref. 1501 can be worn on a daily basis and despite being a vintage watch, it has an elegant and modern l...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Yellow Gold Sunburst Blue Tritium Dial Men's Watch 16618
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Submariner Yellow Gold Blue Dial Mens Watch 16618. automatic self-winding movement. 18k yellow gold oyster case 40.0 mm in diameter. Pointed crown guards. Rolex logo on the cro...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1987 Mens Watch - Yellow Gold 14k Automatic 15037
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Date Model Number: 15037 Specific Year: 1987 Movement: Automatic Warranty: 1 year Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Champagne Metal Content: 14k...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini 3833 Manual Wind 14k Yellow Gold Watch 31mm
By Rolex
Located in Tustin, CA
We are pleased to present this Rolex Cellini 3833 in solid 14k yellow gold. Measuring approximately 31mm in diameter, this refined dress watch embodies the understated elegance that ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner 14060M No Date Engraved Rehaut Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner 14060M Mens Watch. 40mm stainless steel case with unidirectional stainless steel bezel with black bezel insert. Black Dial with luminous Mercedes ha...
$48,000
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 Submariner Date 116613LB Blue Dial Mens Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Submariner 116613LB Mens Watch. 40mm stainless steel case with unidirectional 18k yellow gold bezel with knurled corners for enhanced grip. Blue bezel insert. Engraved 60 minut...
$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, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Roulette Date (Two Colour Date Display)
By Rolex
Located in istanbul, TR
Condition Good Seller Notes “for vintage condition excellent” Bezel Color Silver Movement Mechanical (Manual) Closure Fliplock Clasp Number of Jewels 17 Jewels Dial Pattern Sunburst...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 69173 Diamond Champagne Dial Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Champagne dial with gold hands and factory diamond hour markers. Minute markers on the out...
1980 Rolex Oyster Date 34mm 14k Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
1980 Rolex Oyster Date 34mm 14k Yellow Gold Wristwatch. This Rolex Oyster Date 34mm 14k Yellow Gold Wristwatch was made in 1980. It's in exceptiona...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Explorer II 16570 White Dial Engraved Mens Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Explorer II 16570 Mens Watch. 40mm stainless steel case with stainless steel 24 Hour time display bezel. White dial with black luminous steel hands and index hour markers. Minu...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond and Emerald Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
1943 Rolex Very Rare Lund & Blockley Oyster Aqua Vintage Mens Midsize World War
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Exceptional Charcoal Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug T...
Stainless Steel
Art-Deco 1927 Rolex ref 3619 9K Rose Gold 26mm Octagon Hinged Case Ladies' Watch
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
NOTE TO US CUSTOMERS: WE OFFER 15% DISCOUNT ON ALL ITEMS (TO COVER FOR THE TARIFFS) This sophisticated ladies’ timepiece is a Rolex ref 3619 from Art-Deco late c1920’s period, cl...
Rose Gold
1950's Rolex Ladies Vintage Cocktail Watch - 18K White Gold & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1950's ROLEX Ladies Vintage...
White Gold
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
Rolex Air King Stainless Steel Wristwatch Circa 1993
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Rolex Air King Stainless Steel Wristwatch Circa 1993. The Rolex Air King Stainless Steel Wristwatch is from 1993. The band is an oyster band and the blue dial has markers and 3/6/9...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Midsize Automatic Men's Watch 6466
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A classic vintage Rolex Oyster Date Precision reference 6466, showcasing the brand’s understated elegance and everyday versatility. This midsize model features a clean silver dial wi...
Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 3408 Mechanical Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1965. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 3408. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is Stain...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Rose Gold Bright Black Dial 2025 Unworn 126505
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Cosmograph Daytona in rose gold from Rolex, featuring a bright black and sundust dial with chronograph counters. With an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and push...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2015, Lady's DateJust Rolex Watch #179173
By Rolex
Located in Troy, MI
Estate Rolex lady's Datejust style# 179173 in stainless steel & 18 karat yellow gold with champagne dial, diamond markers, fluted bezel & Jubilee bracelet. Excellent condition. All ...
Diamond
1990 Rolex Day-Date President 18248 18K Yellow Gold Watch 36mm Box #23235
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1990 Rolex Day-Date President Watch Model: 18248 Serial: E840743 This classic Rolex Day-Date President watch is set in solid 18K yellow gold. 36mm case Champagne Dial with Day Date indicators and diamond markers Gold bark finish center band - fits up to 8" bracelet size - no additional links available - very slight stretch to band / very good condition Authentic Rolex bezel...
18k Gold
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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