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.
$6,336Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Ref 1505 Oyster Date 14k Gold SS Mens 1970s 35mm Automatic w Paper RA737B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex ref 1505 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic with original tag and paper, c.1978, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,336Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Ref 6624 Oyster Date 18k Solid Gold Midsize 30mm 1960s Automatic RA456C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious elegance, 18k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6624 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1962, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Go...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,184Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 6827 Oyster Datejust 18k Solid Gold 30mm 1980s Midsize Automatic RA732B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, 18k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6827 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1981, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gor...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,240Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 6700 Lady Datejust 18k Solid Gold Diamond Dial 25mm 1960s Automatic RA688B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dazzling luxury, 18k solid gold Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual 6700 Datejust diamond dial automatic, c.1966, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. G...
Gold, 18k Gold
$7,280Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 3372 Chronometre Rose Gold SS Men 1940s 32mm Automatic Bubbleback RA750B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare and historic Rolex Perpetual Ref.3372 with solid rose gold bezel, c.1947, unrestored dial, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Ro...
Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,392Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref 16220 Mens 1980s 36mm Automatic RA761B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref.16220 automatic, c.1989, in excellent running condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed sil...
Stainless Steel
Vintage ROLEX Oyster Watch. Rolex ref 4365. 1940s Gold Capped Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Mens Watch Just underwent Full Service - Ready To Go Stainless Steel Case that is Gold Filled Capped ref.4365 Circa 1946 Condition: Windup Movement. Runs we...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 179158 18K Yellow Gold MOP Diamond Full-Set 2006
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex President Datejust Ladies Watch in Yellow Gold with Mother of Pearl Dial and Diamonds. Features an officially certified automatic self-winding movement, housed in an 18k yellow...
18k 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
$13,504Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 1803 Oyster Day Date 18k Gold Mens 1970s 36mm Diamond Automatic RA659B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic luxury, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Day-Date ref.1803 "The President" with diamond hour set, c.1973, in excellent working condition! Verified authentic by a master watchmaker....
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Rolex Cellini 4082 18K YG Champagne Dial Manual Wind 24 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Road Less Traveled The Cellini collection has always been Rolex’s platform for pure dress watch design, a departure from the robust tool watches that defined the brand. Named fo...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173 - Automatic winding. Datejust. Stainless steel case with Fluted bezel (26mm). Champagne diamond dial. Stainless steel and 18k yellow go...
Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 18k Gold SS Mens 36mm 1970s Vintage Automatic RA535C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster ref.1601 Datejust automatic for men featuring 18k solid gold bezel, c.1971, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Antique Art-Deco Rolex 26mmx38mm Tonneau Sub Seconds Arabic 9K Gold Manual Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Men's Metal Type: 9K Yellow Gold Length: 8.25 inches Diameter: 22.00 x 32.00 mm Weight: 27.74 grams Rolex gent's 9K yellow gold, ROLEX Swiss made wristwatc...
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 Watch Box, New Creme Empty Acs. Oyster L Perpetual Sky Dweller Brand New
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand New Authentic Rolex Watch Watch BOX Large Rolex was purchased from show room in Manhattan Watch was used for personal use and i am selling the box Please note that pillow i...
$4,480Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 6480 All Original Mens 34mm 1950s Manual Wind Vintage RA416S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Rolex ref.6480 Oyster manual hand-wind dress watch, c.1958, all original, unrefurbished, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchma...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Mini Datejust 69178 26mm Champagne Stick Dial 18k YG 8.1m Serial 1985
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2194 Brand Rolex Model Mini Datejust Reference 69178 Year 1995 Dial Champagne Stick Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Diameter 26mm Length 15.5cm Movement Automa...
Vintage 1990 Rolex Datejust 16234 Steel 18K WG Bezel Diamond Indices Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Cornerstone Reference With A Twist The Datejust is the watch that defined the modern Rolex catalog. For decades, it set the standard for a versatile, everyday luxury piece. This...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938 From a time before formal reference numbers and when a 26mm case was considered suitable for any wrist, this vintage Rolex fr...
Rose Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18k Yellow Gold Unisex Vintage Watch 6567
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18k Yellow Gold Unisex Vintage Watch 6567 - Automatic winding with butterfly rotor. Oyster Perpetual. 18k yellow gold cas...
Rolex GMT - Master II 126710 BLNR Stainless Steel Men's Watch "Batman"
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT - Master II 126710 BLNR Stainless Steel Men's Watch "Batman" - Automatic winding; 31 Jewels. GMT-Master II. Stainless steel case with 24-Hour Rotatable, Black and Blue Cera...
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 an...
Stainless Steel
1979 Rolex Submariner Date 1680 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of The Matte Dial Subs The Reference 1680 is a foundational watch, marking the first time Rolex added a date complication to its legendary Submariner line. This 1979 exampl...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1971 Rolex Datejust 1601 Two-Tone Champagne Stick Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Rolex The Datejust is the watch that defined the modern era for Rolex. First released in 1945, it established the template for a robust, everyday dress watch that t...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,160Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 18k SS 36mm Mens 1960s Linen Dial Automatic RA767B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless icon, Men's 18k and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 Linen Dial Datejust automatic, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watch...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi 16750, Stainless Steel, 1982, Swiss Made
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
This rare Rolex GMT features its original iconic red and blue “Pepsi” bezel insert with a beautiful patina. Throughout the watch you will see a consistent patina with all original pa...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini 4082 Cushion Engine Turned Bezel Ladies Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Cellini Ref. 4082 lady’s wristwatch from 1980, featuring a cushion-shaped 18k yellow gold case with a polished and brushed finish, a graduated bezel, and an integrated textured...
18k Gold
Rolex Ladies Extremely Rare Gold Tiger Eye Dial Bark President Watch 6927
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Extremely Rare Gold Tiger Eye Dial Bark President Watch 6927 - Automatic winding, 29 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Ladies President. 18k yellow gold with bark beze...
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 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Stainless Steel with Custom Made T...... Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6426 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35mm ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 Serpico y Laino Dial Circa 1962
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional vintage circa 1962 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 is a highly collectible example distinguished by its rare double-signed Serpico y Laino dial. Originally retailed by the ...
Stainless Steel
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 encapsulates the shift from pure tool watch to a versatile luxury item. While maintaining th...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date 2018
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
An iconic Rolex Submariner Date crafted in stainless steel, renowned for its robust performance and timeless design. Featuring the classic black dial and ceramic bezel, this highly s...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Extremely Rare Ladies Yellow Gold Cocktail Watch Ref 4492
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Vintage Extremely Rare Ladies Yellow Gold Cocktail Watch Ref 4492 - Manual. 18K Yellow Gold ( 21 mm). Tonneau shaped refurbished champagne dial with gold hour markers. 18K yell...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm 124300 Coral Red Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Ref 124300 Oystersteel with the highly sought-after coral red dial, automatic Calibre 3230 movement, smooth fixed bezel, scratch-resistant sapphire crys...
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Cellini 3804 32mm Champagne Dial Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 3804 Year: 1970's Model: Rolex Cellini Case Material: 14k Yellow Gold Clasp: Yellow Gold Plated Band: Black Leather Bezel: 14k Yellow Gold ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1991 Rolex Datejust 16220 Steel Silver Linen Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Piece Of Corporate History The steel Datejust is a foundational watch, but this example carries a specific provenance that sets it apart. It was originally presented as a corporat...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust Diamond Champagne Dial Steel & Yellow Gold 26mm 179173
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A timeless 26mm steel and gold Lady-Datejust wristwatch reference 179173, by Rolex. Featuring a champagne dial with diamond hour markers, a date aperture and the iconic fluted bezel,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made Navy Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173G Champagne Big Diamond Dial SS/YG 1999
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2112 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 69173G Year 1999 Dial Champagne Big Diamond Dial Case Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Diameter 26mm Length ...
Vintage 1998 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15200 Steel Salmon Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Distinctive Dial From The Neo-Vintage Era The Reference 15200 is a perfect expression of the classic, time-only Rolex. It combines the rugged Oyster case and Perpetual movement in...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master Bruce Wayne Oyster Unworn 2026 126710GRNR
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Unworn 2026 GMT-Master II "Bruce Wayne" by Rolex, available now at Watch Centre, London. Crafted from Rolex's signature Oystersteel, this watch features a black dial with a date ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Cushion: A Golden Era of Horological Innovation
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rolex Oyster Cushion: A Golden Era of Horological Innovation and "Extra Prima" Heritage This remarkable timepiece represents the dawn of a new era—the birth of the truly waterproof ...
9k Gold
Vintage 1970 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1007 Stainless Steel Silver Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Root Of The Rolex Tree The Oyster Perpetual holds a unique place in the Rolex lineup, serving as the foundational model from which all other references evolved. It combined the ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual 18K Yellow Gold 34mm 6564 Circa 1956
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6564, an exceptional yellow gold timepiece featuring a rare hobnail-patterned dial with applied gold faceted baton indices and a raise...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 Mens 1970s 36mm 18k SS Vintage Automatic RA558C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Versatile luxury, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16013 automatic, c.1979, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watch...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Bubbleback 1949 Steel and Gold Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1949 Rolex Bubbleback Referance 5015, 32 M.M Stainless Steel 3 Piece case with Yellow Gold Engine turned Bezel and Gold Rolex Crown, Caliber 630 automatic, self winding movemen...
Gold, Steel
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.1974 Model: Cellini Year: c. 1974 Material: 18K White Gold Dial: Rare Blue Vignette ...
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1974 Rolex Cellini 4122 18K YG White Roman Dial Manual 23 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex's Commitment To Pure Dress Watch Craft The Cellini line was Rolex's deliberate venture into the world of elegant dress watches, setting it apart from its famed utilitarian too...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision 34mm Manual Wind Steel Oyster Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6694 manual-wind watch in a 34mm stainless steel case featuring a silver-tone dial with applied baton hour markers, date window at 3 o'cl...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Steel Yellow Gold Steel Wimbledon Dial Mens Watch 126333
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual in Oystersteel and yellow gold features a slate dial and a Jubilee Bracelet. The Rolex fluted bezel is a mark of distinction. Originally, the fluting of the Oys...
Yellow Gold, Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Charcoal Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960/70 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length "Lug Tip t...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Champagne Big Diamond Dial SS/YG 2000 Box and Pap
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2115 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 69173G Year 2000 Dial Champagne Big Diamond Dial Case Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Diameter 26mm Length ...
Vintage Rolex Datejust President 26mm 18K Gold Champagne Dial Fluted Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1996 Rolex OP Datejust Presidential reference 69178 automatic watch in solid 18K yellow gold, featuring a champagne dial with applied gold index hour markers, tritium-lume ha...
18k Gold
Vintage 1986 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15037 14K YG Auto Champagne 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Different Shade Of Gold The reference 15037 is a bridge between the vintage and modern eras of the Oyster Date. In the mid-1980s, Rolex still utilized 14K yellow gold specifically...
Gold
Rolex Watch Box, New Creme Empty Acs. Oyster L Perpetual Sky Dweller Brand New
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand New Authentic Rolex Watch Watch BOX Large Rolex was purchased from show room in Manhattan Watch was used for personal use and i am selling the box Large Brand New Rolex Bo...
Rolex GMT-Master II 2-Tone Men's Watch 116713 with Green GMT hand
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT-Master II 2-Tone Men's Watch 116713 with Green GMT hand - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold bezel (40mm di...
Ladies Rolex 26mm Presidential 18K Yellow Gold Watch with White Dial and Diamond
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Brand: Rolex. Bezel: Diamond. Model: DateJust. Series: President. Crystal: Sapphire. Numeral: Roman. Dial Color: White. Gender: Women's. Dial: Diamond Dial. Condition: Very Good. Mod...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz 19018 36mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 19018 Serial: 579**** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex Oysterquartz Day Date Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, new and classic vintage watches on 1stDibs.
While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind.
Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. 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.
Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic 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 watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory.
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.
When shopping for a watch, 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 exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.
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.