Vintage 1979 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 14K YG Purple Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Key Specifications Reference: 1503 Model: Oyster Perpetual Date Year: 1979 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 34mm Bezel: 14K Yellow Gold Fluted Bracelet: Brown Leather Strap Dial: Blue...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,900Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Datejust Custom Blue Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel Two Tone
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Datejust REFRENCE: 16233 SIZE: 36mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIAL: Custom Blue with Diamonds BEZEL: Custom Yellow Gold with Diamonds BAND: Jubile...
Diamond, White Diamond, Mixed Metal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainl...
Vintage 1978 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 14K YG Champagne Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Key Specifications Reference: 1503 Model: Oyster Perpetual Date Year: 1978 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 34mm Bezel: Fluted Strap: Brown Leather Bracelet Length: Fits 6.5-7.75in Di...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1986 Rolex Lady Datejust 69178 18K YG Birch Wood Dial Auto 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Key Specs Reference: 69178 Model: Lady Datejust President Year: 1986 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 26mm Bezel: Fluted Bracelet: President Bracelet Length: 6.25in Dial: Birch Wood M...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Daytona 116523 40mm Men's Watch, Cream Dial, Gold & Steel, 2002
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Daytona in Oystersteel and yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a distinctive cream dial with an engraved tachymetric scale, three chronograph counters and pushers; the Daytona was desi...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
Vintage 1995 Rolex Cellini 5112 18k YG White Roman Anniversary Dial Manual 32mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Key Specs Reference: 5112 Model: Cellini Year: 1995 Movement: Manual Wind Case Size: 32mm Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet: Leather Dial: White Anniversary Roman Metal: 18k Yellow Go...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1981 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15037 14K YG Champagne Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Key Specs Reference: 15037 Model: Oyster Perpetual Date Year: 1981 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 34mm Bezel: 14K Yellow Gold Fluted Bracelet: Leather Strap Dial: Champagne Sunburst...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Zenith Movement Daytona Rare Champagne Mark I Floating Dial 16523
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Zenith Movement Cosmograph Daytona Men's Wristwatch, rare Mark I floating champagne dial with applied hour markers, 30-min...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Sky-Dweller 336933 42mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. It comes with an original box and paper. 5-year Rolex warranty.
Steel
Vintage 1987 Rolex Lady Datejust 69173 Two-Tone Silver Sunburst Dial Auto 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The 26mm case is perfectly balanced by the signature 18k yellow gold fluted bezel, an element originally designed for function that became a hallmark of Rolex design.
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex President Quartz Day-Date Factory Diamond Dial 18k Gold
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Day Date Original Diamond Dial 18k Solid Gold Mint Condition 1982 with box and papers. This Rolex watch is a true collectible to a Rolex lover. In mint condition with o...
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K YG Champagne Tapestry Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Paired with the solid 18k yellow gold case, the dial's texture adds a layer of visual depth that elevates the watch beyond a simple gold standard.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1974 Rolex Cellini 4122 18K YG White Roman Dial Manual 23 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Key Specs Reference: 4122 Model: Cellini Year: 1974 Movement: Manual Case Size: 23x28mm Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Integrated Bracelet: Original Leather and Buckle Dial: White Roman Met...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1978 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 14K YG Champagne Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Classic In Solid Gold The reference 1501 is a pure expression of the classic Rolex design language. This example elevates the form by rendering the entire case and bezel in solid ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date Full of Diamonds Arabic Script Dial Presidential YG Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Day-Date Full of Diamonds Arabic Script Dial Presidential Yellow Gold Watch 18238
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1976 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 14K YG Champagne Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Key Specs Reference: 1503 Model: Oyster Perpetual Date Year: 1976 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 34mm Bezel: 14K Yellow Gold Strap: Leather Dial: Champagne Stick Metal: 14K Yellow G...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1988 Rolex Datejust 36 16013 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Diamond Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
In the world of vintage Rolex, the diamond dial adds a layer of depth and light-play that standard stick markers simply cannot match.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1990 Rolex Lady Datejust President 69158 18K YG Black Diamond Dial 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Key Specifications Reference: 69158 Model: Lady Datejust President Year: 1990 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 26mm Bezel: Factory Brilliant Cut Diamond Set Bracelet: 18K Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex President Datejust 69178 Ladies 26mm Ruby Diamond Dial 18K Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex President Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69178 factory ruby and diamond dial in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K YG Champagne Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This 1984 example, rendered entirely in 18k yellow gold with a factory diamond dial, is the quintessential execution of Rolex's flagship watch.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 36mm Grey Dial Gold Steel Jubilee Bracelet Men's Watch 16233
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel with a gray Roman numeral dial on a jubilee band. 36 mm case size Ref 16233.
Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Wimbledon Dial Fluted Bezel Gold Steel Oyster Watch 126333
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 in Oystersteel and yellow gold features a slate dial and an Oyster bracelet.
Steel, Stainless Steel, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Custom Diamond Day-Date with Blue Pearl Diamond Roman Dial 18038
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Custom Diamond Day-Date 36mm with Blue Pearl Diamond Roman Dial 18038
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Rolex Cellini 4082 18K YG Champagne Dial Manual Wind 24 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Key Specifications Reference: 4082 Model: Cellini Movement: Manual Case Size: 24.5x23mm Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Champagne Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Includes: Original Buckle SKU: 885
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 36 Two Tone Champagne Dial Jubilee Band 16233 Circa 1993
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Silver-tone stainless steel case with a two-tone (silver-tone and gold-tone) yellow gold/stainless steel jubilee bracelet. Fixed fluted yellow gold 18kt yellow gold bezel.
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1979 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 14K YG Grey Texture Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Classic Rolex In Precious Metal The reference 1503 takes the foundational design of the Oyster Perpetual Date and renders it in solid 14K yellow gold.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1988 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K YG Champagne Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Key Specifications Reference: 18038 Model: Day-Date Year: 1988 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 36mm Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Bracelet: 18K Yellow Gold President, 21 Links Bracel...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990 Rolex Lady Datejust 69173 Two-Tone Champagne Diamond Dial Auto 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Key Specs Reference: 69173 Model: Lady Datejust Year: 1990 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 26mm Bezel: Fluted Bracelet: Jubilee Bracelet Length: Fits 6-6.75in Dial: Champagne Diamond...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1968 Rolex Day-Date 1807 18K YG Champagne Spanish Day Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
An Honest And Well-Kept Example The watch is in very good condition. The 18K yellow gold case remains strong, and the champagne dial is clean.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1979 Rolex Day-Date 18078 18K YG Bark Finish Silver Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Key Specifications Reference: 18078 Model: Day-Date Year: 1979 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 36mm Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold, Engine-Turned Bark Finish Bracelet: 18K Yellow Gold Presid...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1979 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K YG Red Oxblood Stella Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Statement In Red Lacquer The Day-Date is the foundation of Rolex prestige, but the Stella dial transforms it entirely.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Two Tone Dark Grey Color Dial with Diamond Accent+ Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Men's Rolex 36mm Datejust 16013 Two Tone Dark Grey Color Dial with Diamond Accent+ Bezel
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1969 Rolex Lady Datejust 6521 18K YG Walnut Burl Wood Dial Auto 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
It combines a rare Walnut Burl wood dial with an 18K yellow gold bark bezel and a "brick finish" bracelet.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 36 Two Tone Champagne Dial Jubilee Band 16233 Circa 1995
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Model features quick-set movement...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1982 Rolex Lady Datejust 6917 18K YG Coral Khanjar Stamp Dial Auto 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
On the dial, the Rolex crown and signature show some minor degradation, while the Khanjar stamp remains sharp and clear.
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 36 18038 18k Gold Automatic Champagne Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Yellow gold case, fluted bezel, President bracelet, and a dial with cute day and date wheel patina.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Rolex Datejust 36 18k Gold Green Floral Dial Steel Unisex Watch 116233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 116233 Style: Luxury Department: Unisex Adult Vintage: No Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Customized: ...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Vintage Rolex Day Date 36MM 18038 Walnut Birch Wood Dial Bark 18K Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Men Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Diameter: 36.00 mm Weight: 123.56 grams ROLEX Gent's 18K yellow gold, ROLEX Swiss-made wristwatch.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1985 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15038 18K YG Blue Dial 34 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
An Uncommon Mid-Sized Flagship The reference 15038 represents a highly specific niche within the catalog, delivering the full precious metal construction typically reserved for the ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1965 Rolex Lady Datejust 6517 18K YG Brown Havana Buckley Dial Auto 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Why This Watch Matters What distinguishes this 1965 Lady-Datejust is not its size or age, but its configuration. The integrated 18K yellow gold bracelet is paired with a golden brow...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,520Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA768
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An iconic classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 Linen Dial Datejust automatic with18k gold bezel, c.1973, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchma...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone Champagne Roman Dial Jubilee 16233 Circa 1991
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Authenticity guaranteed! The sale...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1970s Linen Dial Automatic RA768C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless icon, Rolex 1601 Oyster Datejust Linen dial automatic, c.1973, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Iconic Rolex linen dial, applied ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 2tone 116233 Diamond Bezel Black Sunburst Dial Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Authenticity guaranteed! Diamond ...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26mm 179173 Two Tone Ladies Watch Rare Myriad Pearl Dial Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The silver case is complemented by a yellow gold fluted bezel and features Roman numerals on the rare mother of pearl dial.
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA768B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An icon, Rolex 1601 Oyster Datejust automatic Linen dial, c.1973, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Iconic Rolex linen dial, applied baton in...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1985 Rolex Day-Date 18078 18K YG Bark Blue Vignette Diamond Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Presidential Standard With A Rare Dial The Day-Date has been Rolex’s flagship model since its introduction, offered exclusively in precious metals and worn by a global roster of...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 41mm Gold/Steel White MOP Diamond Dial Fluted Bezel Watch 126333
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Details: Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 41 Model number: 126333 material: Steel/Yellow Gold Year of production: 2021 Condition: New (Stickers) Scope of delivery: Original Box, Origina...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1988 Rolex Cellini 5042 18K YG Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Manual 32mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The intricate mother-of-pearl dial is clean, and the 18K yellow gold beaded bracelet is structurally sound.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1987 Rolex Day Date 18038 18K YG Onyx Pyramid Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
It is a watch that commands attention not just for what it is, but for the near impossibility of its dial. Key Specs Reference: 18038 Model: Day-Date Year: 1987 Movement: Automatic...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex President Day-Date II 41mm Fluted Bezel 18K Gold Black Dial Watch 218238
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Details: Brand: Rolex Collection: Day-Date Model: Day-Date II Reference number: 218238 Movement: Automatic Case material: Yellow gold Bracelet material: Yellow gold Year of productio...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Sky-Dweller 18k Gold Oyster Flex Champagne Index Dial Mens Watch 326238
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
General Information: Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Model: Rolex Sky-Dweller Model Number: 326238 Department: Men Style: Luxury Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Vintage: No ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA551B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust diamond dial automatic, c.1987, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA551
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust diamond dial automatic, c.1987, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond MOP Dial Automatic 1980s RA552B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A dazzling iconic classic, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust diamond set mother of pearl dial automatic, c.1986, in excellent working condition...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond MOP Dial Automatic 1980s RA552
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dazzling classic, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust diamond set mother of pearl dial automatic, c.1986, in excellent working condition. Verifie...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 31mm 68273 Champagne Houndstooth Diamond Dial Two Tone Watch 1993
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Authenticity guaranteed! The watc...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Holes 18 Karat Holes Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 16613
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Rolex Submariner 40mm Holes 18K Yellow Gold Steel Automatic Watch 16613.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone Silver lndex Dial Jubilee 16013 Circa 1987 Complete
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Model features quick-set movement...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone Champagne Dial Jubilee Band 16013 Circa 1979 B/P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Fixed fluted gold-tone 18kt yellow gold bezel. Champagne dial with gold-tone hands and index hour markers.
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.
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry 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.