Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 2280 SS 30mm 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Royal 2280 Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1939 Beautiful Watch. Generic Stainless Steel Bracelet (not original Rolex). 30mm round c...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" 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 "Lug Tip to Lug T...
Stainless Steel
1997 Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The No Cyclops Professional Standard The reference 16600 Sea-Dweller is widely considered the most balanced professional diver Rolex ever produced. While the Submariner is the more ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$10,300
W 1.34 in L 1.34 in
Vintage 1978 Rolex Date 1503 14K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Automatic 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Datejust you may not have heard of before The reference 1503 occupies a unique space in the Rolex archive that many collectors overlook. While the 18K gold Day-Date and Datejus...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage Steel and Gold Ref 6582 Zephyre Bezel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Oyster perpetual Reference 6582 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 piece stainless steel Oyster case with Yellow Gold Zephyre Bezel and Gold Crown. Caliber 1030, Automatic, self...
Gold, Steel
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6085 1950s Automatic Stainless Steel Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Stainless Steel Case ref.6085 Automatic Movement. Runs well. Circa 1952 Leather Band. Beautiful Watch. 34mm round Case Condition: Excellent condition fo...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Blue Dial, 1970s
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 43mm X Diameter 35...
Stainless Steel
$16,900
H 1.42 in W 1.42 in D 0.48 in Dm 1.42 in L 1.42 in
Rolex Datejust 36mm 126234 Steel Green Palm Motif Dial Oyster Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New Old stock, 2022 card. Box and paper.
Steel
$59,999
H 1.23 in W 1.23 in D 0.42 in Dm 1.23 in L 1.23 in
Rolex Datejust 31 President 18K Rose Gold Pink Diamond Dial Watch 278275
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Partially stickers on the watch. Comes with original box and papers 2025 card. 🟡 Basic Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 31 Reference Number: 278275 Department: W...
Rose Gold
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster SPEEDKING 4302 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster SpeedKing 4302 9k Yellow Gold Bezel and Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1946 Beautiful Watch. New Genuine Leather band. 29mm round c...
9k Gold, Stainless Steel
$23,999
H 1.66 in W 1.66 in D 0.56 in Dm 1.66 in L 1.66 in
Rolex Sky-Dweller 42mm 326933 18K Yellow Gold Steel Champagne Dial Oyster Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with original box and papers. 🟡 Basic Information Brand: Rolex Model: Sky-Dweller Reference Number: 326933 Department: Men Style: Luxury Ye...
Steel
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6426 Rare Subseconds Dial 1960s Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Stainless Steel Case ref.6426 / 6427 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1960 New Leather Band. Beautiful Watch. 34 mm round Case
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini 694 18K White Gold Mechanical Onyx Dial Diamond Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Rolex Cellini 694, crafted in 18k white gold, is a stunning timepiece that exudes elegance and sophistication. Featuring a striking black onyx dial, this watch measures 24mm by 2...
18k Gold
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6294 Rare Black Honeycomb Dial 1950s Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Stainless Steel Case ref.6294 Rare Black Honeycomb Dial. Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1953 New Leather Band. Beautiful Watch. 34 mm round Case
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
Rolex Vintage Datejust Turn-O-Graph Thunderbird 36mm 1625
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Turn-O-Graph wristwatch in stainless steel and yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a champagne dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture and a yellow gold bi-directional ro...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Non-Date Vintage Stainless Steel Matte Black Dial 5513
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Submariner Non-Date Vintage Men's Wristwatch, matte black dial with hour markers, a stainless steel bi-directional rotating bezel with a black beze...
Stainless Steel
1993 Rolex Datejust 36 16233 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Diamond Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Two Tone Standard With A Diamond Edge The reference 16233 is the definitive expression of the two-tone Datejust. While the champagne dial is a traditional choice, the factory-se...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
1988 Rolex Datejust 36 16013 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Diamond Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
An essential Golden Era Datejust This is a classic Datejust with all of the hallmarks of when someone thinks of Datejust, and it just so happens to be in immaculate condition. Produ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 18k Rose Gold Rolex Bubbleback Automatic Watch Ref 6011
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Classic vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback wrist watch crafted in 18k rose gold. This reference 6011 features the distinctive early automatic Rolex case with screw-down Oyster...
18k Gold
2000 Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Steel Auto Black Dial 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Final Peak Of The Classic Submariner The reference 16610 represents the final evolution of the traditional Submariner case before the shift toward the bulkier Super Case designs...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Champagne Brown Dial 34mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6694 in stainless steel featuring champagne-brown sunburst dial with applied silver baton indices, date window at 3 o'clock, smooth polis...
Silver
1996 Rolex GMT-Master 16700 Steel Auto Black Bezel 40mm T-Serial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Final Evolution Of The Original GMT The reference 16700 marks the end of an era as the final iteration of the original GMT-Master line. Produced alongside the GMT-Master II, the...
Steel, Stainless Steel
2025 Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” 126720VTNR Stainless Steel Jubilee BNP
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, 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 Lady Datejust Stainless Steel Ladies Watch 179174
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Lady Datejust Stainless Steel Ladies Watch 179174 - Automatic winding; 31 jewel; sapphire crystal. Lady Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k white gold fluted bezel (26mm di...
Rolex Vintage Datejust Steel & 14k Rose Gold Grey Slate Dial 1601
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Datejust reference 1601 in stainless steel and 14k rose gold. Featuring a superb grey slate dial with a date display and a 14k rose gold fixed fluted bezel. Fitted ...
Rose Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel, 14k Gold
Rolex Sea-Dweller Mark I Great White Dial 1665
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens vintage Sea-Dweller in stainless steel by Rolex. Featuring a unique mark I matte black dial with a great white dial feature. Complimenting the dial is a bi-directional rotatin...
Stainless Steel
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k YG Rolex CELLINI 4109 Round Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k Yellow Gold Rolex Cellini Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1976 Rolex 1601 Movement Ref. 4109 Round Cellini Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is 18k ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 69173 Steel Yellow Gold White Roman Dial Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Datejust Steel and Yellow Gold Ladies Watch 69173 features a white Roman dial. It is an officially certified chronometer with an automatic self-winding movement. The oyster cas...
Steel
Unworn Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31 Reference# 277200, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31 Ref. 277200-0012 is a refined expression of timeless elegance, masterful engineering, and modern sophistication. Presented in unworn condition, this 31m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Mid Size Oysterdate with Original Bracelet Rare Charcoal Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6466 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Yacht-Master 2-Tone Watch 69623 Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Yacht-Master 2-Tone Watch 69623 Silver Dial - Automatic winding; sapphire crystal. Yacht-Master. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold bezel ( 29 mm). Silver dial. S...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114200, Olive Green, Discontinued, 34mm Case, Yr2015.
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our rare and discontinued Rolex Oyster Perpetual, reference 114200, features the desirable "Olive Green" dial. Our example is presented in outstanding condition with only very light ...
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...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
1985 Rolex Day-Date 36 18K YG 18038 Auto Black Diamond Dial 36mm 127g
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Higher Tier Of The Single Quickset President The 18038 represents a major technical leap for the Day-Date, introducing the sapphire crystal and the caliber 3055 movement which all...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer 2940, aka "bubbleback / ovetto. c 1949
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very attractive vintage Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer, reference 2940, aka "bubbleback / ovetto" features a 32mm x 39mm stainless steel case with silver baton dial and sword...
Vintage 1982 Rolex Datejust 31MM 18KT Yellow Gold Ref. 6827
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A refined vintage example from the early 1980s, this 1982 Rolex Datejust Ref. 6827 features a 31mm case crafted in solid 18KT yellow gold. The clean white dial is detailed with black...
18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15053, 34mm stainless steel, champagne dial, c 1989
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our lovely and unusual Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, reference 15053 features a 34mm stainless steel and 18k yellow gold case with champagne dial and Oyster bracelet in stainless stee...
$25,500
H 16.15 in W 4.73 in D 16.15 in Dm 16.15 in L 16.15 in
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 DateJust Jubilee Black Dial Two-Tone Rose Gold Diamond Hour Markers
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust wristwatch with smooth bezel and two-tone oyster band/dial. This Rolex's significance lies in the dial. A smooth Everrose gold bezel sets the stage for a subtle, yet g...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Vintage Rolex Cellini Ref 4233 2000s Manual Wind Black Arabic Numeral Dial 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a Rolex Cellini reference 4233 in 18k white gold two tone (rose gold bezel) manual wind with a black dial and applied Arabic numerals from the early 2000s. Comes with a copy o...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Made Blue 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: 40mm x 34mm MOVEME...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust 2-Tone Diamond Watch 179313 Gold Champagne Mother of Pearl
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Datejust 2-Tone Diamond Watch 179313 Gold Champagne Mother of Pearl Dial - Automatic winding, Quickset, 31 jewels, sapphire crystal. Lady Datejust. Stainless steel case ...
Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual 2-Tone Watch 67193
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual 2-Tone Watch 67193 - Automatic winding, 29 jewels, no-date, sapphire crystal. Lady Oyster Perpetual (no-date). Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" 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 "Lug Tip to Lug T...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 116243
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 116243 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with factory Rolex 52 diamond bez...
1999 Rolex Lady-Datejust 79173 Two-Tone Auto MOP Diamond Dial 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Golden Spectrum Mother Of Pearl This Lady Datejust features a factory Mother of Pearl dial with a naturally yellow hue, which is a significant departure from the more common ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.42 in
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Set Automatic 1980s RA548
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust automatic, c.1986, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
NOS Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116523 Two-Tone Watch Box Booklets
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Daytona Steel and Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Men's Watch (Model 116523). This watch features an officially certified chronometer with an automatic self-winding movement. It has...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1988 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Sage Green Dial with Matching Green Strap 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" 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 "Lug Tip to Lug T...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Navy Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
1989 Rolex Daytona Zenith 16523 Two-Tone Automatic White Dial 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Dawn Of The Zenith Era The reference 16523 represents the hinge point where the Daytona transitioned from a niche manual-wind tool into the modern icon it is today. This era is ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Grape 116000 FIN DES TEMPS Engraved Stainless Steel 36mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116000 Serial: D07E3*** Year: 2005 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual - FIN DES TEMPS CUSTOMIZED Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel with...
Rolex Ladies Pearlmaster 69298 29mm Siberite Diamond Dial Bezel Band 18K Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69298 Serial: X463*** Year: 1991 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Pearlmaster Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold with Factory Diamonds ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1990 Rolex Lady-Datejust 69173 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Dial 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Well Preserved Icon With Original Papers The Lady Datejust 69173 is the definitive version of the most successful luxury watch ever made. By 1990, this reference had reached a poi...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
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.
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.
A fresh palette of dial colors and technological advances have elevated this classic watch model.
The watch has transformed several times over, but it’s still undeniably a classic.
This is perhaps the least subtle version of the Submariner.
If you think this looks like the Rolex Kermit, you're correct.
This model was designed for lefties.
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.
As the cache goes on display at London’s Design Museum, we speak to its enigmatic owner about some of his rarest acquisitions.