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Rolex Day-Date 40 18k Rose Gold Gold Olive Green Dial Men Watch 228345RBR
Rolex Day-Date 40 18k Rose Gold Gold Olive Green Dial Men Watch 228345RBR

Rolex Day-Date 40 18k Rose Gold Gold Olive Green Dial Men Watch 228345RBR

$95,700

H 1.58 in W 0.48 in D 1.58 in Dm 1.58 in L 1.58 in

Rolex Day-Date 40 18k Rose Gold Gold Olive Green Dial Men Watch 228345RBR

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Unworn. Comes with original box and papers.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex Rare Day-Date Vintage Men's 18K Yellow Gold Omani Dial Bark Finish 1807
Rolex Rare Day-Date Vintage Men's 18K Yellow Gold Omani Dial Bark Finish 1807

Rolex Rare Day-Date Vintage Men's 18K Yellow Gold Omani Dial Bark Finish 1807

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A very rare 18k yellow gold Day-Date men's wristwatch by Rolex, produced for the Sultan of Oman

Category

20th Century Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex GMT-Master II Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men watch 16710 B/P
Rolex GMT-Master II Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men watch 16710 B/P

Rolex GMT-Master II Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men watch 16710 B/P

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

box and paper. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 16710 Country/Region

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Day-Date President 40 Platinum Ice-Blue Roman Dial Men Watch 228236
Rolex Day-Date President 40 Platinum Ice-Blue Roman Dial Men Watch 228236

Rolex Day-Date President 40 Platinum Ice-Blue Roman Dial Men Watch 228236

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with the original box and papers. 5-year warranty. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a ful...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Platinum

NEW Rolex Datejust 36 18k Rose Gold Steel Slate Wimbledon Dial Mens Watch 126231
NEW Rolex Datejust 36 18k Rose Gold Steel Slate Wimbledon Dial Mens Watch 126231

NEW Rolex Datejust 36 18k Rose Gold Steel Slate Wimbledon Dial Mens Watch 126231

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Rose Gold, Steel

Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea D-Blue James Cameron Blue Black Dial Mens Watch 126660
Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea D-Blue James Cameron Blue Black Dial Mens Watch 126660

Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea D-Blue James Cameron Blue Black Dial Mens Watch 126660

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Warranty. General Information Brand: Rolex Model Name: Sea-Dweller Model Number: 126660-0002 Type

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yacht-Master II Steel 18 Karat Rose Gold White Dial Men's Watch 116681WASO
Rolex Yacht-Master II Steel 18 Karat Rose Gold White Dial Men's Watch 116681WASO

Rolex Yacht-Master II Steel 18 Karat Rose Gold White Dial Men's Watch 116681WASO

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Free polishing upon request. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy.

Category

2010s Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Steel

NEW Rolex Datejust 41 Steel & 18K White Gold Black Index Dial Mens Watch 126334
NEW Rolex Datejust 41 Steel & 18K White Gold Black Index Dial Mens Watch 126334

NEW Rolex Datejust 41 Steel & 18K White Gold Black Index Dial Mens Watch 126334

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust 126334 Model Number: 126334 Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) Origin

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Royal ref 2280 Art-Deco c1936 S/Steel Manual 15 Jewels 30mm Mens' Watch
Rolex Royal ref 2280 Art-Deco c1936 S/Steel Manual 15 Jewels 30mm Mens' Watch

Rolex Royal ref 2280 Art-Deco c1936 S/Steel Manual 15 Jewels 30mm Mens' Watch

By Rolex

Located in MELBOURNE, AU

This fine & rare Art-Deco Rolex Royal reference 2280 S/Steel wristwatch, dating back to circa 1936

Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Used Rolex Men

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Rolex Day-Date President 228238 40MM 8K Gold Black Diagonal-Motif Men Watch B&P
Rolex Day-Date President 228238 40MM 8K Gold Black Diagonal-Motif Men Watch B&P

Rolex Day-Date President 228238 40MM 8K Gold Black Diagonal-Motif Men Watch B&P

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

: Rolex Model: Day-Date President Model Number: 228238 Year Manufactured: 2021 Country/Region of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Gold

Rolex President Day-Date Men's Watch 18238 Tiffany Dial
Rolex President Day-Date Men's Watch 18238 Tiffany Dial

Rolex President Day-Date Men's Watch 18238 Tiffany Dial

By Rolex for Tiffany & Co.

Located in Dallas, TX

Rolex President Day-Date Men's Watch 18238 - Automatic winding,31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire

Category

20th Century Swiss Used Rolex Men

Vintage ROLEX Watch. 9k YG Rolex 2356 Tank Manual Wristwatch.
Vintage ROLEX Watch. 9k YG Rolex 2356 Tank Manual Wristwatch.

Vintage ROLEX Watch. 9k YG Rolex 2356 Tank Manual Wristwatch.

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Vintage Rolex Tank Mens Watch 9k Yellow Gold Ref. 2356 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1930s

Category

1930s Modern Used Rolex Men

Materials

9k Gold

Vintage ROLEX Watch. 9k YG Rolex 4533 Square Tank Manual Wristwatch.
Vintage ROLEX Watch. 9k YG Rolex 4533 Square Tank Manual Wristwatch.

Vintage ROLEX Watch. 9k YG Rolex 4533 Square Tank Manual Wristwatch.

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Vintage Rolex Square Mens Watch 9k Yellow Gold Ref 4533 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1940s

Category

1940s Modern Used Rolex Men

Materials

9k Gold

Rolex Datejust 41mm 126333
Rolex Datejust 41mm 126333

Rolex Datejust 41mm 126333

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A steel and gold 41mm mens Datejust by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied hour markers and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Milgauss 116400V Full-Set
Rolex Milgauss 116400V Full-Set

Rolex Milgauss 116400V Full-Set

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

The Rolex Milgauss 116400V Men's Watch is a striking timepiece that combines elegance with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Rolex Men

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Links 16MM Rose Gold
Rolex Links 16MM Rose Gold

Rolex Links 16MM Rose Gold

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Men's Original Rolex Links Condition New 18K Rose Gold Dimension 16mm

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Rolex Men

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex Datejust Diamond Dial 116234
Rolex Datejust Diamond Dial 116234

Rolex Datejust Diamond Dial 116234

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A mens Datejust by Rolex in stainless steel. Features a black dial with diamond hour markers and a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116505 18K Rose Gold
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116505 18K Rose Gold

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116505 18K Rose Gold

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Rolex Daytona 116505 Mens Watch. 40mm 18K rose gold case with 18K rose gold bezel. Chocolate dial

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Rolex Men

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 126303 Black Dial W/Card
Rolex Datejust 126303 Black Dial W/Card

Rolex Datejust 126303 Black Dial W/Card

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Rolex Datejust 126303 Men's Watch. It features a 41mm stainless steel case and an 18K yellow gold

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Rolex Men

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116505 18K Rose Gold
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116505 18K Rose Gold

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116505 18K Rose Gold

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Rolex Daytona 116505 Men's Watch. This watch features a 40mm case and bezel made of 18K rose gold

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Rolex Men

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Vintage Oyster Precision Herringbone Quadrant Dial 6422
Rolex Vintage Oyster Precision Herringbone Quadrant Dial 6422

Rolex Vintage Oyster Precision Herringbone Quadrant Dial 6422

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A vintage Rolex Oyster Precision Men’s Wristwatch reference 6422, which dates circa 1944, featuring

Category

1940s Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Vintage Precision  Tear Drop Lugs 4560
Rolex Vintage Precision  Tear Drop Lugs 4560

Rolex Vintage Precision Tear Drop Lugs 4560

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A mens vintage Rolex Precision wristwatch in stainless steel. Featuring a silver dial with applied

Category

20th Century Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Day-Date President 118238 Champagne Dial Watch
Rolex Day-Date President 118238 Champagne Dial Watch

Rolex Day-Date President 118238 Champagne Dial Watch

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Rolex Day-Date President 118238 Mens Watch. 36mm 18K yellow gold case with 18K yellow gold fluted

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Rolex Men

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Daytona 116520 Black 'APH' Dial Watch Box & Papers
Rolex Daytona 116520 Black 'APH' Dial Watch Box & Papers

Rolex Daytona 116520 Black 'APH' Dial Watch Box & Papers

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Daytona 116520 Mens Watch. 40mm stainless steel case with stainless steel

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Rolex Men

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114300 Red Grape Dial W/ Box & Papers
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114300 Red Grape Dial W/ Box & Papers

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114300 Red Grape Dial W/ Box & Papers

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114300 Mens Watch. 39mm stainless steel case. Stainless steel smoothed bezel

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Rolex Men

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 116000 Red-Grape Dial Steel Box Papers
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 116000 Red-Grape Dial Steel Box Papers

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 116000 Red-Grape Dial Steel Box Papers

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 116000 Mens Watch. 36mm stainless steel case with smooth bezel. Grape dial

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Rolex Men

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer Steel 39mm Black Dial Automatic Automatic Watch 214270
Rolex Explorer Steel 39mm Black Dial Automatic Automatic Watch 214270

Rolex Explorer Steel 39mm Black Dial Automatic Automatic Watch 214270

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Name: Explorer Model Number: 214270 Year

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Steel

Rolex Daytona big red black dial white registers ref 6263
Rolex Daytona big red black dial white registers ref 6263

Rolex Daytona big red black dial white registers ref 6263

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Rolex Daytona 6263 Mens Watch. 37mm stainless steel case. Black acrylic bezel with tachymetric

Category

1970s Used Rolex Men

Materials

Stainless Steel

1999 Rolex 34mm Oyster Perpetual Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel
1999 Rolex 34mm Oyster Perpetual Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel

1999 Rolex 34mm Oyster Perpetual Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Year: 1999. Brand: Rolex. Indices: Arabic. Gender: Men's. Type: Wristwatch. Dial Color: Silver

Category

1990s Used Rolex Men

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex 6827 Oyster Datejust 18k Solid Gold 30mm 1980s Midsize Automatic RA732B
Rolex 6827 Oyster Datejust 18k Solid Gold 30mm 1980s Midsize Automatic RA732B

Rolex 6827 Oyster Datejust 18k Solid Gold 30mm 1980s Midsize Automatic RA732B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Luxurious classic, 18k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6827 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c

Category

1980s Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust White MOP Dial Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs + Sapphire
Rolex Datejust White MOP Dial Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs + Sapphire

Rolex Datejust White MOP Dial Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs + Sapphire

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Men's Rolex 36mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee White MOP Dial Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs + Sapphire

Category

1990s Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Watch
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Watch

Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Men's Rolex 36mm Datejust Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Silver Stick Dial with Diamond Bezel Two

Category

1990s Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Daytona ZENITH 16520 Patrizzi Black Dial Mens Watch Box & Papers
Daytona ZENITH 16520 Patrizzi Black Dial Mens Watch Box & Papers

Daytona ZENITH 16520 Patrizzi Black Dial Mens Watch Box & Papers

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Daytona 16520 Men's Watch. This watch features a 40mm stainless steel case

Category

1990s Used Rolex Men

Materials

Stainless Steel

18 Kt Collectors Rolex President Wood Dial, Ref 18038 from 1978
18 Kt Collectors Rolex President Wood Dial, Ref 18038 from 1978

18 Kt Collectors Rolex President Wood Dial, Ref 18038 from 1978

By Rolex

Located in Antwerp, BE

18 Kt Collectors Rolex President Wood Dial, Ref 18038 Gender: Mens Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatches

Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Used Rolex Men

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Oyster 6827 Datejust 18k Solid Gold 1980s Midsize 30mm Automatic RA732
Rolex Oyster 6827 Datejust 18k Solid Gold 1980s Midsize 30mm Automatic RA732

Rolex Oyster 6827 Datejust 18k Solid Gold 1980s Midsize 30mm Automatic RA732

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage luxury, 18k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6827 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1981

Category

1980s Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Celebration Dial Automatic Watch 124300SSO
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Celebration Dial Automatic Watch 124300SSO

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Celebration Dial Automatic Watch 124300SSO

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. Brand: Rolex Type

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch 124300
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch 124300

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch 124300

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Type

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Steel

Rolex Day Date 18238 18K Yellow Gold Aventurine "pinball" Dial Watch
Rolex Day Date 18238 18K Yellow Gold Aventurine "pinball" Dial Watch

Rolex Day Date 18238 18K Yellow Gold Aventurine "pinball" Dial Watch

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

The Rolex Day-Date 18238 Men's Watch is a luxurious timepiece that combines elegance and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Rolex Men

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Ref 6624 Oyster Date 18k Solid Gold Midsize 30mm 1960s Automatic RA456C
Rolex Ref 6624 Oyster Date 18k Solid Gold Midsize 30mm 1960s Automatic RA456C

Rolex Ref 6624 Oyster Date 18k Solid Gold Midsize 30mm 1960s Automatic RA456C

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Luxurious elegance, 18k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6624 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c

Category

1960s Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Ceramic Bezel Crocodile Strap Rose Gold Watch 116515LN
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Ceramic Bezel Crocodile Strap Rose Gold Watch 116515LN

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Ceramic Bezel Crocodile Strap Rose Gold Watch 116515LN

By Rolex

Located in Aventura, FL

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Rose Gold Mens Watch 116515. Officially certified chronometer automatic

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Used Rolex Men

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Datejust Two Tone Black Color Dial with Diamond Accent+Lugs
Rolex Datejust Two Tone Black Color Dial with Diamond Accent+Lugs

Rolex Datejust Two Tone Black Color Dial with Diamond Accent+Lugs

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Men's Rolex 36mm Datejust 16013 Two Tone Black Color Dial with Diamond Accent+Lugs

Category

1990s Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Champagne Color String Diamond Accent Dial
Rolex Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Champagne Color String Diamond Accent Dial

Rolex Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Champagne Color String Diamond Accent Dial

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Men's Rolex 36mm Datejust 16013 Two Tone Jubilee Champagne Color String Diamond Accent Dial Bezel

Category

1990s Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel

New Rolex Submariner Starbucks Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Watch 126610LV
New Rolex Submariner Starbucks Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Watch 126610LV

New Rolex Submariner Starbucks Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Watch 126610LV

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Brand new. Comes with the original box and papers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Steel

Rolex Oyster 6551 14k Solid Gold 1960s Midsize 31mm Automatic All Original Ra756
Rolex Oyster 6551 14k Solid Gold 1960s Midsize 31mm Automatic All Original Ra756

Rolex Oyster 6551 14k Solid Gold 1960s Midsize 31mm Automatic All Original Ra756

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless luxury, 14k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6551 Oyster Perpetual automatic, c.1962

Category

1960s Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

New Rolex Daytona 126518LN 18K Yellow Gold Paul Newman Dial Watch Box Papers
New Rolex Daytona 126518LN 18K Yellow Gold Paul Newman Dial Watch Box Papers

New Rolex Daytona 126518LN 18K Yellow Gold Paul Newman Dial Watch Box Papers

$64,900

H 15.75 in W 4.73 in D 15.75 in Dm 15.75 in L 15.75 in

New Rolex Daytona 126518LN 18K Yellow Gold Paul Newman Dial Watch Box Papers

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

New. Comes with original box and papers. Rolex Daytona — Model 126518LN (2024) Men’s Luxury

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Steel Black Concentric Dial Automatic Watch 116000
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Steel Black Concentric Dial Automatic Watch 116000

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Steel Black Concentric Dial Automatic Watch 116000

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Name: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 116000 Model Number: 116000 Country/Region of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Used Rolex Men

Materials

Steel

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Used Rolex Men For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of used rolex men for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Steel and Stainless Steel. Find a collection of 2561 vintage versions or 2189 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 19th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Pieces in our collection of used rolex men made by Contemporary jewelers — as well as those associated with Modern — are very popular. Any of these pieces can lend versatility to your look, but Diamond versions, from our inventory of 70, are particularly popular. Today, if you’re looking for round cut used rolex men and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and baguette cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for women in our collection of used rolex men, as most of the options available are for men.

How Much are Used Rolex Men?

On average, used rolex men at 1stDibs sell for $10,847, while they’re typically $950 on the low end and $363,395 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.