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Vintage Rolex Dials

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Vintage Rolex Precision 22m 18K Gold Champagne Dial Manual Wind Watch
Vintage Rolex Precision 22m 18K Gold Champagne Dial Manual Wind Watch

Vintage Rolex Precision 22m 18K Gold Champagne Dial Manual Wind Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

with a champagne sunray dial, applied gold baton indices, and Rolex crown logo, with an integral fine

Category

1970s Contemporary Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Navy Blue Dial 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Navy Blue Dial 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Navy Blue Dial 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

custom finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Purple Dial, 1970's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Purple Dial, 1970's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Purple Dial, 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

package. The custom purple dial on this Rolex stands out in a crowd and the watch is always reliable when

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

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

Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Steel

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

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

By Rolex

Located in Suwanee, GA

intact. Its Rolex dial has been meticulously restored - the printing could pass as Rolex factory done to

Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Date Gilt Dial w/ Leather Strap Ref. 6694
Rolex Steel Oyster Date Gilt Dial w/ Leather Strap Ref. 6694

Rolex Steel Oyster Date Gilt Dial w/ Leather Strap Ref. 6694

By Rolex

Located in Central & Western District, HK

Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 6694 Year: 1965 Serial number: 12XXXXX Reference: C0_ Case: 34mm

Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Rolex Ladies 26MM Tuxedo Dial Date Wrist Watch in Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies 26MM Tuxedo Dial Date Wrist Watch in Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies 26MM Tuxedo Dial Date Wrist Watch in Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in Boston, MA

This Rolex Lady Date wristwatch is crafted in stainless steel. The watch features a gray pinstripe

Category

1990s Contemporary Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Dark Blue Dial from 1972
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Dark Blue Dial from 1972

Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Dark Blue Dial from 1972

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex Datejust has a custom made dark blue dial, made to

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Vintage Rolex Dials

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Blue Dial 1970s
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Blue Dial 1970s

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Blue Dial 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

blue dial, made to Rolex of Switzerland rigorous specifications. All the other mechanical parts on this

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1990 Rolex Submariner 16613 Two-Tone Blue Dial Automatic 40mm
Vintage 1990 Rolex Submariner 16613 Two-Tone Blue Dial Automatic 40mm

Vintage 1990 Rolex Submariner 16613 Two-Tone Blue Dial Automatic 40mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

The Submariner With Added Flare The Rolex Submariner 16613 is a reference that perfectly

Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Sage Green Dial 1960s
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Sage Green Dial 1960s

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Sage Green Dial 1960s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

a custom finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, circa 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, circa 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

a custom finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, circa 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, circa 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Royal with Custom Made Navy Blue Diamond Dial
Rolex Steel Oyster Royal with Custom Made Navy Blue Diamond Dial

Rolex Steel Oyster Royal with Custom Made Navy Blue Diamond Dial

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Royal / Reference 6426 METAL

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies Datejust 69240 26mm Silver Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee
Rolex Ladies Datejust 69240 26mm Silver Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee

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

Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual With Original Patinated Dial 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual With Original Patinated Dial 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual With Original Patinated Dial 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

dial. This classic vintage Rolex has a custom finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Celebration" Dial circa 1960's
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Celebration" Dial circa 1960's

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Celebration" Dial circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Cellini 5112 18K Yellow Gold White Anniversary Dial Manual 32mm
Rolex Cellini 5112 18K Yellow Gold White Anniversary Dial Manual 32mm

Rolex Cellini 5112 18K Yellow Gold White Anniversary Dial Manual 32mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

The Other Side Of The Crown The Cellini line has always been Rolex’s answer to the pure dress

Category

1990s Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Custom Orange Dial, 1970's
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Custom Orange Dial, 1970's

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Custom Orange Dial, 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

classic vintage Rolex has a custom finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

White Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Cellini 18K White Gold With Rare Blue Vignette Dial 1974
Rolex Cellini 18K White Gold With Rare Blue Vignette Dial 1974

Rolex Cellini 18K White Gold With Rare Blue Vignette Dial 1974

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Rolex Cellini 18k White Gold Rare Blue Vignette Dial, Manual Wind, Made in Switzerland c

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Datejust 68274 Women's Vintage Two Tone Champagne Stick Dial
Rolex Datejust 68274 Women's Vintage Two Tone Champagne Stick Dial

Rolex Datejust 68274 Women's Vintage Two Tone Champagne Stick Dial

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Women's Vintage Rolex 31mm Datejust Two Tone Champagne Stick Dial 68274

Category

1990s Swiss Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Women's Vintage Two Tone Black Color Dial 68273
Rolex Datejust Women's Vintage Two Tone Black Color Dial 68273

Rolex Datejust Women's Vintage Two Tone Black Color Dial 68273

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Women's Vintage Rolex 31mm Datejust Two Tone Black Color Dial 68273

Category

1990s Swiss Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Chocolate Diamond Dial & Diamond Bezel Watch
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Chocolate Diamond Dial & Diamond Bezel Watch

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Chocolate Diamond Dial & Diamond Bezel Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Datejust Chocolate Diamond Dial & Diamond Bezel 16013

Category

1990s Swiss Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex DayDate Blue Vignette Roman Diamond Dial Custom Watch 18038
Rolex DayDate Blue Vignette Roman Diamond Dial Custom Watch 18038

Rolex DayDate Blue Vignette Roman Diamond Dial Custom Watch 18038

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 36mm DayDate Blue Vignette Roman Diamond Dial Custom Watch 18038

Category

1990s Swiss Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1960s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1960s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1960s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

a custom finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Finished Green Dial, 1960s
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Finished Green Dial, 1960s

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Finished Green Dial, 1960s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

Rolex has a custom finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Champagne Roman Dial Two Tone Watch
Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Champagne Roman Dial Two Tone Watch

Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Champagne Roman Dial Two Tone Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 36mm Datejust Diamond Bezel Champagne Roman Dial Two Tone Watch 16013

Category

1990s Swiss Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial with Roman Numerals
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial with Roman Numerals

Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial with Roman Numerals

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 36mm Datejust 16030 Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial with Roman Numerals

Category

1990s Swiss Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Original Black Dial, circa 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Original Black Dial, circa 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Original Black Dial, circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 1500

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Salmon Roman Dial with Diamonds & Sapphires Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Salmon Roman Dial with Diamonds & Sapphires Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Salmon Roman Dial with Diamonds & Sapphires Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex 31mm Datejust Salmon Roman Dial with Diamonds & Sapphires Stainless Steel Ladies Watch 68274

Category

1990s European Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Green Vignette Dial Diamond Bezel + Lugs + Emerald 69173
Rolex Datejust Green Vignette Dial Diamond Bezel + Lugs + Emerald 69173

Rolex Datejust Green Vignette Dial Diamond Bezel + Lugs + Emerald 69173

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Green Vignette Dial Diamond Bezel + Lugs + Emerald Two Tone Watch 69173

Category

1990s Swiss Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Purple Dial, 1960s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Purple Dial, 1960s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Purple Dial, 1960s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

a custom finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

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 Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, Circa 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, Circa 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Finished Dial, Circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

vintage Rolex has a custom finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Celebration" Dial circa 1960's
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Celebration" Dial circa 1960's

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Celebration" Dial circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Celebration" Dial circa 1960's
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Celebration" Dial circa 1960's

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Celebration" Dial circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex has a custom finished dial made by our specialty

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex has a custom finished dial made by our specialty

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Yellow Dial 1970s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Yellow Dial 1970s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Yellow Dial 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

classic vintage Rolex has a custom finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner Non-Date Mark III Maxi Dial Lollipop 5513
Rolex Submariner Non-Date Mark III Maxi Dial Lollipop 5513

Rolex Submariner Non-Date Mark III Maxi Dial Lollipop 5513

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A 40mm stainless steel Submariner Non-Date by Rolex. Featuring a distinctive black Mark III maxi

Category

20th Century Swiss Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex has a custom finished dial made by our specialty

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 69173 Steel Yellow Gold White Roman Dial Ladies Watch
Rolex Datejust 69173 Steel Yellow Gold White Roman Dial Ladies Watch

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

Category

1990s Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Steel

Rolex President Day-Date Diamond String & Log Dial Bezel Watch18388
Rolex President Day-Date Diamond String & Log Dial Bezel Watch18388

Rolex President Day-Date Diamond String & Log Dial Bezel Watch18388

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

ROLEX President Day-Date Diamond String Diamond Log Dial Bezel Watch reference 18388 This Watch

Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

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

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

custom made bright yellow dial, made to Rolex of Switzerland specifications. All the other mechanical

Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial, 1960s
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial, 1960s

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial, 1960s

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

custom made bright yellow dial, made to Rolex of Switzerland specifications. All the other mechanical

Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner Non-Date Vintage Stainless Steel Matte Black Dial 5513
Rolex Submariner Non-Date Vintage Stainless Steel Matte Black Dial 5513

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

Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Rolex Dials

Materials

Stainless Steel

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Vintage Rolex Dials For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of vintage rolex dials. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Stainless Steel and Steel. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 20th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 20th Century. The designs in our inventory of vintage rolex dials bearing Modern or Contemporary hallmarks are very popular. While most can agree that any pick from our collection easily elevates most outfits, but the choice of Diamond versions from the 5 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for round cut vintage rolex dials and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes baguette cut and uncut alternatives. There aren’t many items for women in our collection of vintage rolex dials, as most of the options available are for men.

How Much are Vintage Rolex Dials?

Prices for vintage rolex dials can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $995 and can go as high as $109,024, while vintage rolex dials, on average, fetch $5,680.

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.