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Vintage Rolex Orchid

Vintage Rolex Orchid Diamonds Halo Set 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Classic Watch
Vintage Rolex Orchid Diamonds Halo Set 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Classic Watch

Vintage Rolex Orchid Diamonds Halo Set 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Classic Watch

By Rolex

Located in Tysons, VA

Rolex Orchid Diamonds - 6.1 inches length - 18K Yellow Gold - 53.8 Grams Circa 1975 Rolex Orchid, part of Rolex’s series of cocktail watches. u. Case Width: 25mm v. Crystal: Sapphire...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon Ladies Watch 8788
Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon Ladies Watch 8788

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon Ladies Watch 8788

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon Ladies Watch 8788 - Manual winding. 18k yellow gold case with slot through which bands can be interchanged (16mm diameter).

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14K White Gold Ladies
Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14K White Gold Ladies

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14K White Gold Ladies

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14K White Gold Ladies - Manual winding. 14K White gold case with slot through which bands can be interchanged (16 mm).

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14k White Gold Ladies
Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14k White Gold Ladies

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14k White Gold Ladies

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14K White Gold Ladies - Manual winding. 14K white gold case with slot through which bands can be interchanged (16 mm).

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon Ladies Watch 2000 J
Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon Ladies Watch 2000 J

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon Ladies Watch 2000 J

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon Ladies Watch 2000 J - Manual winding.

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies
Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 18K Yellow Gold Ladies - Manual winding. 14K Yellow gold case with slot through which bands can be interchanged (16 mm).

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies
Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14K Yellow Gold Ladies - Manual winding. 14K Yellow gold case with slot through which bands can be interchanged (16 mm).

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Orchid 18K White Gold Handwind Cocktail Watch
Vintage Rolex Orchid 18K White Gold Handwind Cocktail Watch

Vintage Rolex Orchid 18K White Gold Handwind Cocktail Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

A charming example of Rolex’s mid-century ladies’ watchmaking, this vintage Orchid cocktail watch pairs refined elegance with the exceptional craftsmanship for which Rolex is renowned.

Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Ladies Vintage Rolex Orchid Cocktail 15MM Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Manual Watch
Ladies Vintage Rolex Orchid Cocktail 15MM Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Manual Watch

Ladies Vintage Rolex Orchid Cocktail 15MM Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Manual Watch

By Rolex

Located in Houston, TX

Brand: Rolex Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold Diameter: 15.00 mm Weight: 21.14 grams ROLEX Ladies 14K yellow gold, diamond ROLEX Swiss made wristwatch with original bo...

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Rolex Orchid Diamonds Halo Set 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Classic Watch
Vintage Rolex Orchid Diamonds Halo Set 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Classic Watch

Vintage Rolex Orchid Diamonds Halo Set 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Classic Watch

By Rolex

Located in Tysons, VA

Rolex Orchid Diamonds - 6.1 inches length - 18K Yellow Gold - 53.8 Grams Circa 1975 Rolex Orchid, part of Rolex’s series of cocktail watches. u. Case Width: 25mm v. Crystal: Sapphire...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Vintage Rolex Orchid 18k Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Manual Wind Ladies Watch 327
Vintage Rolex Orchid 18k Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Manual Wind Ladies Watch 327

Vintage Rolex Orchid 18k Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Manual Wind Ladies Watch 327

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Women Model Number: 32...

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Vintage Orchid Chameleon Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage Orchid Chameleon Yellow Gold

Rolex Vintage Orchid Chameleon Yellow Gold

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A vintage ladies Orchid Chameleon wristwatch in yellow gold by Rolex.

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Rolex 14k Yellow Gold Orchid Women's Watch
Vintage Rolex 14k Yellow Gold Orchid Women's Watch

Vintage Rolex 14k Yellow Gold Orchid Women's Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Elegant Mid 20th Century Rolex 14k Gold Ladies Watch. This exquisite timepiece is crafted in 14k gold. The round watch face features a gold dial, complemented by a solid case back. T...

Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage and Rare, Ladies Rolex Orchid Ref 2251, Box and Papers
Vintage and Rare, Ladies Rolex Orchid Ref 2251, Box and Papers

Vintage and Rare, Ladies Rolex Orchid Ref 2251, Box and Papers

By Rolex

Located in Canterbury, England

Our rare and attractive, manually wound vintage ladies Rolex Orchid reference 2251 is presented in outstanding condition, belying its age, and features an 18k yellow gold case and lo...

Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Orchid Blue Dial 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ladies Watch Face
Rolex Orchid Blue Dial 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ladies Watch Face

Rolex Orchid Blue Dial 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ladies Watch Face

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Orchid Blue Dial 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ladies Watch Face. 18K gold case and gold plated buckle.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Yellow Gold

1971 Rolex ORCHID Pre-Cellini Vintage Ladies Watch, Ref. 2148 - 18K White Gold
1971 Rolex ORCHID Pre-Cellini Vintage Ladies Watch, Ref. 2148 - 18K White Gold

1971 Rolex ORCHID Pre-Cellini Vintage Ladies Watch, Ref. 2148 - 18K White Gold

By Rolex

Located in Suwanee, GA

We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14K White Gold Ladies
Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14K White Gold Ladies

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14K White Gold Ladies

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14K White Gold Ladies - Manual winding. 14K White gold case with slot through which bands can be interchanged (16 mm).

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies
Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Vintage Rolex Orchid Chameleon 14K Yellow Gold Ladies - Manual winding. 14K Yellow gold case with slot through which bands can be interchanged (16 mm).

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Rare Vintage Rolex Orchid Manual Watch
Rare Vintage Rolex Orchid Manual Watch

Rare Vintage Rolex Orchid Manual Watch

By Rolex

Located in Coral Gables, FL

Rare Rolex Orchid Manual Watch Crafted in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. Reference 2655 Featuring 18 Jewels Circa 1950s. Short Mesh Bracelet Length at 5.5 Inches with 2 Closure Options. Inclu...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Vintage Orchid White Gold with Diamond Bezel on Bracelet
Rolex Vintage Orchid White Gold with Diamond Bezel on Bracelet

Rolex Vintage Orchid White Gold with Diamond Bezel on Bracelet

By Rolex

Located in Berlin, BE

Hallmarked with the coveted '750' stamp, every detail of this watch speaks to its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. A true vintage treasure, this Rolex Orchid was manufactured ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage Rolex 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Orchid Ladies Watch
Vintage Rolex 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Orchid Ladies Watch

Vintage Rolex 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Orchid Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

This timepiece remains in good condition with minimal signs of wear, a true testament to Rolex's enduring craftsmanship. Brand: Rolex Model: Orchid Reference Number: 2676 Caliber:...

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Vintage Orchid Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch
Rolex Vintage Orchid Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch

Rolex Vintage Orchid Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1960 Rolex Orchid Ladies Wrist Watch, 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece textured case measuring 12 m.m. in Diameter and 8 M.M. thick. 17 Jewel Mechanical, manual wind movement, Gold dia...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage 1950s Rolex Lady Orchid 3523 Dress 14K YG White Dial Manual 15mm
Vintage 1950s Rolex Lady Orchid 3523 Dress 14K YG White Dial Manual 15mm

Vintage 1950s Rolex Lady Orchid 3523 Dress 14K YG White Dial Manual 15mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

A Jewel Box On The Wrist The Rolex Orchid line represents a time when the brand focused on creating elegant, jewelry-first timepieces for women.

Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Orchid Vintage Wristwatch
Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Orchid Vintage Wristwatch

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Orchid Vintage Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Boston, MA

Beacon Hill Jewelers Presents: A vintage ladies Rolex Orchid model wrist watch in 18 karat yellow gold.

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

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Diamond and Platinum Brooch by Cartier, Circa 1900
Diamond and Platinum Brooch by Cartier, Circa 1900

Diamond and Platinum Brooch by Cartier, Circa 1900

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

A diamond and platinum brooch by Cartier, circa 1900. This elegant brooch by Cartier dates from the turn of the last century and is in beautiful condition for its age. The brooch t...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Chanel Brown Alligator Octagon Cross Body Flap Bag with Gold Hardware, 1989.
Chanel Brown Alligator Octagon Cross Body Flap Bag with Gold Hardware, 1989.

Chanel Brown Alligator Octagon Cross Body Flap Bag with Gold Hardware, 1989.

By Chanel

Located in Banner Elk, NC

Chanel Brown Alligator Octagon Cross Body Flap Bag with Gold Hardware, 1989. Exceptional and rare, this highly sought after piece of Chanel history was produced between 1989 - 1990 b...

Category

1980s Italian Shoulder Bags

HERMÉS KELLY 20cm  bordeaux Calfskin Leather, gold hardware, small shoulder bag
HERMÉS KELLY 20cm  bordeaux Calfskin Leather, gold hardware, small shoulder bag

HERMÉS KELLY 20cm bordeaux Calfskin Leather, gold hardware, small shoulder bag

By Hermès, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Located in Stuttgart, DE

About Very beautiful Mini Hermès Sellier shoulder bag, bordeaux , Box calf, M in circle - 1983 Features: - Inside Pocket 1 - Size " Width 7,9 inches x H 5,7 inches x 3.7 inches - Si...

Category

1990s French Shoulder Bags

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold 18K Wristwatch 1960S
Patek Philippe Yellow Gold 18K Wristwatch 1960S

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold 18K Wristwatch 1960S

By Patek Philippe

Located in Geneva, CH

Patek Philippe Wristwatch ref. 3503/5 in 18K Gold. CIRCA: 1967 CASE NUMBER: 2650836 MOVEMENT NUMBER: 1137844 REF.: 3503 CASE MATERIAL: 18K yellow gold CASE DIMENSIONS: 30.9 mm wide ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Tortue Watch with Diamonds
Cartier Tortue Watch with Diamonds

Cartier Tortue Watch with Diamonds

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 18k white gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds and a navy blue leather alligator strap. Signed by Cartier 28mm face Model #2644

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Chopard 3 Carat 18k Yellow Gold Watch
Chopard 3 Carat 18k Yellow Gold Watch

Chopard 3 Carat 18k Yellow Gold Watch

$31,200Sale Price|20% Off

Chopard 3 Carat 18k Yellow Gold Watch

By Chopard

Located in Chicago, IL

This stunning Chopard timepiece features natural diamonds totaling approximately 3.02 carats. With a case diameter of 19mm (excluding the crown) and a band width of 14mm, this watch ...

Category

2010s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

MUGLER Crystal Teardrop Corset Top Rhinestone Corsage
MUGLER Crystal Teardrop Corset Top Rhinestone Corsage

MUGLER Crystal Teardrop Corset Top Rhinestone Corsage

By Mugler

Located in Berlin, BE

Spectacular Mugler Teardrop Corset Top. The beautiful piece showcases Thierry Mugler's signature blend of bold structure and feminine elegance. Crafted in a delicate powder blue, the...

Category

1990s Italian Corsages

Cartier Baignoire Certified Mint Complete Set With Original Receipt White Gold
Cartier Baignoire Certified Mint Complete Set With Original Receipt White Gold

Cartier Baignoire Certified Mint Complete Set With Original Receipt White Gold

By Cartier

Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA

BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Baignoire REFRENCE: WB520009 CASE: 18k White Gold DIAL: Silver BAND: 18k White Gold MOVEMENT: Manual Mint condition, with receipt Accommodated with an up to d...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold

Rolex Ladies Datejust Vintage Diamond Bezel Two Tone White MOP Watch
Rolex Ladies Datejust Vintage Diamond Bezel Two Tone White MOP Watch

Rolex Ladies Datejust Vintage Diamond Bezel Two Tone White MOP Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Datejust 26mm Custom White MOP Diamond Dial 8+2, Diamond/Emerald Bezel. Two Tone Watch with Jubilee Band 69173. This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serv...

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel

Alexander McQueen Gown The Cosmic Rain Dress  Embroidery Corset
Alexander McQueen Gown The Cosmic Rain Dress  Embroidery Corset

Alexander McQueen Gown The Cosmic Rain Dress Embroidery Corset

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Berlin, BE

Breathtaking Alexander Mcqueen Corset Gown. Cosmic rain, comet and astral crystal embroideries are hand-sewn to this stunnig evening gown. Powder blue Paris net bustier dress featuri...

Category

2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Necklace and Earring Set
Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Necklace and Earring Set

Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Necklace and Earring Set

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

An immaculate diamond and yellow gold necklace and earring set by Van Cleef & Arpels. This beautiful set by Van Cleef & Arpels consists of three intricate and matching motifs encrust...

Category

20th Century Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Chanel Matte Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag
Chanel Matte Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag

Chanel Matte Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

Rare Item - Chanel Matte Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag Matte green iconic handbag crafted in Alligator skin and champagne gold hardware. Double front flap and signature 'CC' turn...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Tiffany & Co. 14.24 Carat Demantoid Garnet Watch Necklace
Tiffany & Co. 14.24 Carat Demantoid Garnet Watch Necklace

Tiffany & Co. 14.24 Carat Demantoid Garnet Watch Necklace

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New Orleans, LA

This exquisite Tiffany & Co. watch pendant epitomizes the luxury of turn-of-the-century jewelry from this renowned maker. The distinctive bow design, crafted circa 1890, and the ...

Category

Antique 19th Century American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Tiffany & Co. 10.25 Carat Kashmir Sapphire Necklace
Tiffany & Co. 10.25 Carat Kashmir Sapphire Necklace

Tiffany & Co. 10.25 Carat Kashmir Sapphire Necklace

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New Orleans, LA

Crafted by the legendary Tiffany & Co., this enchanting necklace is a rare and unique masterpiece of early 20th-century American jewelry design. Delicately handcrafted, the one-o...

Category

Antique 19th Century American Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Métiers d'Art 'Paris-London' Lesage Tweed Coat, PF 2008
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Métiers d'Art 'Paris-London' Lesage Tweed Coat, PF 2008

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Métiers d'Art 'Paris-London' Lesage Tweed Coat, PF 2008

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Located in London, GB

▪ Brand: Chanel ▪ Creative Director: Karl Lagerfeld ▪ Collection: Métiers d'Art, 'Paris-London', Pre-Fall 2008 ▪ Fabric 1: Tweed, 52% Wool, 45% Silk, 2% Viscose, 1% Polyester ▪ Fabri...

Category

Early 2000s French Coats and Outerwear

Rolex Ladies President Date Just Turntable Dial Diamond Dial Gold Wristwatch
Rolex Ladies President Date Just Turntable Dial Diamond Dial Gold Wristwatch

Rolex Ladies President Date Just Turntable Dial Diamond Dial Gold Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Stamford, CT

Lady's Rolex President Date Just turntable wristwatch model 179138. Factory Turntable dial with a diamond bezel in 18k yellow gold. 6.5 inches. The band oyster band has no visible st...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Vintage Rolex Orchid For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact vintage rolex orchid you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care.

How Much is a Vintage Rolex Orchid?

On average, a vintage rolex orchid at 1stDibs sells for $3,570, while they’re typically $1,495 on the low end and $5,990 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.