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Vintage Rolex 1603

1964 Vintage Rolex Datejust 1603, Stainless Steel, Jubilee Bracelet
1964 Vintage Rolex Datejust 1603, Stainless Steel, Jubilee Bracelet

1964 Vintage Rolex Datejust 1603, Stainless Steel, Jubilee Bracelet

By Rolex

Located in Tucson, AZ

Vintage 1964 Rolex Datejust with Papers, Custom Jubilee Bracelet An iconic classic, this vintage Rolex Datejust from 1964 offers timeless style and collectibility. Featuring a silve...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 1603 Silver Sigma Dial Watch, 1970s
Rolex Datejust 1603 Silver Sigma Dial Watch, 1970s

Rolex Datejust 1603 Silver Sigma Dial Watch, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 1603 automatic with a clean silver sigma dial on a jubilee bracelet from the 70s.

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver

Vintage 1971 Rolex Datejust 1603 Stainless Steel Black Patina Dial Auto 36mm
Vintage 1971 Rolex Datejust 1603 Stainless Steel Black Patina Dial Auto 36mm

Vintage 1971 Rolex Datejust 1603 Stainless Steel Black Patina Dial Auto 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

This is a watch that perfectly captures the unpredictable nature of vintage collecting. An Honest Example Of A Rare Bird This stainless steel Datejust is in excellent vintage cond...

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster perpetual Datejust Ref 1603 Mens 1960s 36mm Vintage Automatic RA684
Rolex Oyster perpetual Datejust Ref 1603 Mens 1960s 36mm Vintage Automatic RA684

Rolex Oyster perpetual Datejust Ref 1603 Mens 1960s 36mm Vintage Automatic RA684

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Classic icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1603 automatic, c.1967, in excellent working condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 1603 'Ghost' Gray Dial 3.5m Serial 1979 Full Set
Rolex Datejust 1603 'Ghost' Gray Dial 3.5m Serial 1979 Full Set

Rolex Datejust 1603 'Ghost' Gray Dial 3.5m Serial 1979 Full Set

By Rolex

Located in SYDNEY, AU

Rolex Datejust 1603 “Ghost Dial” — 3.5M Serial, 1979 (Full Set) A perfect blend of subtle patina and vintage soul, this 1979 Rolex Datejust 1603 stands out with its mesmerizing matt...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

1974 Rolex Datejust 1603 Stainless Steel Silver Wide Boy Dial Automatic 36mm
1974 Rolex Datejust 1603 Stainless Steel Silver Wide Boy Dial Automatic 36mm

1974 Rolex Datejust 1603 Stainless Steel Silver Wide Boy Dial Automatic 36mm

Located in New York, NY

The Collector's Dial Variation For many, the appeal of vintage Rolex is in the details. The "Wide Boy" is a perfect example of a subtle factory change that creates a completely diff...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Recent Sales

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1603 Stainless Steel Watch, 1963
Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1603 Stainless Steel Watch, 1963

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1603 Stainless Steel Watch, 1963

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1963 Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 Stainless Steel watch with Genuine Rolex Replacement Blue Dial with Applied Steel Inverted Beveled Stick/Bar/Baton Markers with Original Rolex S...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1603 Stainless Steel Watch, 1970
Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1603 Stainless Steel Watch, 1970

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1603 Stainless Steel Watch, 1970

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1970 Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 Fluted Bezel Stainless Steel Watch with Original Wide Boy Silver Dial with Wide Stick/Bar/Baton Markers with Original Rolex Stainless Steel Jubi...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Datejust Automatic Men's Watch 1603
Vintage Rolex Datejust Automatic Men's Watch 1603

Vintage Rolex Datejust Automatic Men's Watch 1603

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Rolex Datejust Men's Steel Watch 1603 - Automatic winding. Stainless steel case with engine turned bezel (36mm diameter). Silver dial with stick hour markers. leather strap with tang...

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Datejust Automatic Men's Watch 1603
Vintage Rolex Datejust Automatic Men's Watch 1603

Vintage Rolex Datejust Automatic Men's Watch 1603

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Rolex Datejust Men's Steel Watch 1603 - Automatic winding. Stainless steel case with engine turned bezel (36mm diameter). Silver dial with stick hour markers. leather strap with tang...

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Datejust Steel Silver Linen Dial Automatic Mens Watch 1603
Vintage Rolex Datejust Steel Silver Linen Dial Automatic Mens Watch 1603

Vintage Rolex Datejust Steel Silver Linen Dial Automatic Mens Watch 1603

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

We do not defraud Customs. * Any warranties offered by us are done so strictly through us using our own authorized watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Mode...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Mens Rolex Ref 1603 Oyster Datejust Automatic 1970s Swiss Vintage Luxury RA226
Mens Rolex Ref 1603 Oyster Datejust Automatic 1970s Swiss Vintage Luxury RA226

Mens Rolex Ref 1603 Oyster Datejust Automatic 1970s Swiss Vintage Luxury RA226

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Iconic classic, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster Datejust ref.1603 automatic, c.1975, all original.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 1603 Silver Wideboy Dial Watch in Silver, 1970s
Rolex Datejust 1603 Silver Wideboy Dial Watch in Silver, 1970s

Rolex Datejust 1603 Silver Wideboy Dial Watch in Silver, 1970s

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Here’s a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 1603 automatic silver wideboy dial from the 1970s.

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver

Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Silver Dial Automatic Men Watch 1601
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Silver Dial Automatic Men Watch 1601

Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Silver Dial Automatic Men Watch 1601

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

It can be polished upon request. the polished watch is not returnable Covered by 2-year Chronostore warranty Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 1603 C...

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1603 Two-Tone Watch, 1967
Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1603 Two-Tone Watch, 1967

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1603 Two-Tone Watch, 1967

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1967 Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 Two Tone 14k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel watch with Black Dial with Applied Gold Color Beveled Stick/Bar/Baton Markers with Rolex Two Tone 1...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1603 Stainless Steel Watch, 1970
Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1603 Stainless Steel Watch, 1970

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1603 Stainless Steel Watch, 1970

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1970 Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 Fluted Bezel Stainless Steel Watch with Original Wide Boy Silver Dial with Wide Stick/Bar/Baton Markers with Original Rolex Stainless Steel Jubi...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1603 Stainless Steel Watch, 1968
Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1603 Stainless Steel Watch, 1968

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1603 Stainless Steel Watch, 1968

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1968 Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with Applied Steel Stick/Bar/Baton Markers with Black Inlay with Original Rolex Stainless Steel ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1603 1979
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1603 1979

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1603 1979

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Vintage Rolex Datejust ref 1603 case serial no. 5.3 million circa 1979.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1603 1972
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1603 1972

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1603 1972

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Vintage Rolex Datejust ref 1603 case serial #3.2 million circa 1972.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1603 1972
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1603 1972

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1603 1972

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Vintage Rolex Datejust ref 1603 case serial no. 3.4 million circa 1972.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Watch, 1967
Vintage Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Watch, 1967

Vintage Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Watch, 1967

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1967 Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 Stainless Steel watch with Stainless Steel Fluted Bezel with Original Silver Dial with Applied Steel Bar Markers with Original Rolex Stainless S...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1601 Linen Dial, 1972
Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1601 Linen Dial, 1972

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1601 Linen Dial, 1972

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1972 Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 Stainless Steel watch with Fluted Steel Bezel with Original Rare Linen Textured Silver Dial with Applied Steel Rounded Stick/Bar/Baton Markers w...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Grey Dial Wristwatch Ref 1603
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Grey Dial Wristwatch Ref 1603

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Grey Dial Wristwatch Ref 1603

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Vintage Datejust Model 1603 .Stainless steel case .Steel fluted bezel Original Gray dial .

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

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Rolex 1958 Lady-Datejust Watch 6517 - Yellow Gold 18k Automatic One Year
Rolex 1958 Lady-Datejust Watch 6517 - Yellow Gold 18k Automatic One Year

Rolex 1958 Lady-Datejust Watch 6517 - Yellow Gold 18k Automatic One Year

By Rolex

Located in Greensboro, NC

Brand: Rolex Model: Lady-Datejust Model Number: 6517 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Year: 1958 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Champagne Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Ma...

Category

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CHRISTIAN DIOR burgundy CROCODILE LADY DIOR MEDIUM Tote Bag

CHRISTIAN DIOR burgundy CROCODILE LADY DIOR MEDIUM Tote Bag

By Christian Dior

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Christian Dior Medium Lady Dior bag is crafted in glossy burgundy crocodile leather with a luxurious sheen. The structured silhouette is accented with two hard to...

Category

2010s French Tote Bags

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Coral Red Dial 124300
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Coral Red Dial 124300

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Coral Red Dial 124300

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Coral Red Dial 124300 2021 is in overall excellent pre-owned condition. Comes with new card. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 reference 124300 with “Cora...

Category

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Materials

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1550 34mm Champagne Dial 14k Gold Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1550 34mm Champagne Dial 14k Gold Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1550 34mm Champagne Dial 14k Gold Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 1550 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Case Material: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Steel Band: Custom Leather Strap Bezel: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Ste...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust 18k Gold 36mm Mens 1960s Date Automatic RA701
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust 18k Gold 36mm Mens 1960s Date Automatic RA701

Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust 18k Gold 36mm Mens 1960s Date Automatic RA701

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless treasure, rare 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref.6605 Datejust automatic, c.1960, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 16013 36mm MOP Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Steel
Rolex Datejust 16013 36mm MOP Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Steel

Rolex Datejust 16013 36mm MOP Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Steel

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 16013 Serial: 590**** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamo...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Francaise Mid Size Unisex Steel Quartz Wrist Watch
Cartier Tank Francaise Mid Size Unisex Steel Quartz Wrist Watch

Cartier Tank Francaise Mid Size Unisex Steel Quartz Wrist Watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 2015 Cartier Tank Francaise, Reference 2465 Mid Size Wrist Watch, 25 x 20 M.M. Stainless Steel Water Resistant Case. Quartz Movement, Silvered White Dial with Black Roman Numer...

Category

2010s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial
Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial

Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1966 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500. 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1520 Automatic, Self winding movement, excellent Mint condition Silver Satin "Sunburst"...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Museum Tom Ford for Gucci Runway F/W 1999 2 in 1 Fur Coat Jacket
Museum Tom Ford for Gucci Runway F/W 1999 2 in 1 Fur Coat Jacket

Museum Tom Ford for Gucci Runway F/W 1999 2 in 1 Fur Coat Jacket

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in Montgomery, TX

Museum Tom Ford for Gucci 2 in 1 Fur Coat Jacket F/W 1999 Runway Collection Coat can be converted to jacket in few seconds because of snap buttons along the waist - Brilliant Tom For...

Category

1990s Italian Coats

OMEGA Automatic Watch. Omega Constellation Chronometer Mens Watch.
OMEGA Automatic Watch. Omega Constellation Chronometer Mens Watch.

OMEGA Automatic Watch. Omega Constellation Chronometer Mens Watch.

By Omega

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Vintage Omega Constellation Automatic Watch 1001 Omega Movement ref 168.047 Condition: Works and keeps time. Works like it should. Winds up while wearing it. Details: 34.5mm Ca...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Diamond Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Diamond Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Diamond Dial circa 1970's

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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Diamete...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Blue Dial, 1970s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Blue Dial, 1970s

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...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA549B
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA549B

Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA549B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Dazzling iconic classic, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust diamond dial automatic, c.1986, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic b...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage Must de Cartier 590005 Tank Watch. 925 Vermeil ARGENT Quartz Tank.
Vintage Must de Cartier 590005 Tank Watch. 925 Vermeil ARGENT Quartz Tank.

Vintage Must de Cartier 590005 Tank Watch. 925 Vermeil ARGENT Quartz Tank.

By Cartier

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Iconic Tank Argent. Sterling Silver and Gold plated (Vermeil). ref.590005 Comes with a new GUCCI leather band Rare Gray and White Dial with Quartz m...

Category

1990s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

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Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Mid 1960's
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Mid 1960's

Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Mid 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 7008 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SI...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Steel

Rolex Steel Perpetual Datejust with Original Outstanding Silver Dial 1960's
Rolex Steel Perpetual Datejust with Original Outstanding Silver Dial 1960's

Rolex Steel Perpetual Datejust with Original Outstanding Silver Dial 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Factory House STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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Vintage Rolex 1603 For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact vintage rolex 1603 you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Stainless Steel, this item was constructed with great care. Finding a vintage rolex 1603 for sale for men should be easy, but there are 6 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as women, too.

How Much is a Vintage Rolex 1603?

On average, a vintage rolex 1603 at 1stDibs sells for $3,994, while they’re typically $3,361 on the low end and $7,900 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.