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.
Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 18K YG 18238 Auto Champagne Diamond 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Old money energy in watch form This 1984 Day-Date comes from a time when these were purchased for daily wear, not tucked away. Solid 18k yellow gold case, fluted bezel, President br...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rare Rolex Day-Date Oyster Quartz Pyramid Egyptian 19028 Original Land Dweller
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
This rare and stunning timepiece has only been seen physically by a seldom few, this luxurious Rolex Egyptian Oyster Quartz Day-Date wristwatch comes as a complete collectors set wit...
18k Gold
Vintage 1969 Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 Steel Silver Dial Manual Wind 34 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundation Of Everything The Rolex Oyster is the watch that built the brand. Its foundational patent, the waterproof Oyster case, transformed the wristwatch from a fragile acces...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Aubergine Roman VI IX Diamond Dial Bezel Watch 126284RBR
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in Oystersteel and white gold features an aubergine, diamond-set dial and an Oyster bracelet. This dial features Roman VI and IX in 18 ct gold, set ...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1510 35mm Mens 1980s Automatic All Original RA753
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic luxury, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 15010 Date automatic, c.1983, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmak...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch, Champagne Dial, Swiss Made
By Rolex
Located in Queens, NY
Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Watch, featuring champagne dial with baton indexes and 18K Rolex Crown logo at 12 0'clock, powered by 19 jewel mechanical wind-up movement, worn on wris...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 31mm Datejust Watch
By Rolex
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Pre-Owned Rolex 31mm Datejust Automatic Watch Crafted in Stainless Steel with Polished Bezel, Acrylic Crystal, White Roman Dial, and Oyster Bracelet. Model ...
Stainless Steel
$6,312Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster perpetual Datejust Ref 1603 Mens 1960s 36mm Vintage Automatic RA684
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1603 automatic, c.1967, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silv...
Stainless Steel
$6,080Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 35mm 14k SS Mens 1970s Automatic RA624
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's 14k and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1974, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous ...
Stainless Steel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1550 34mm Champagne Dial 14k Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1550 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Case Material: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Steel Band: Custom Leather Strap Bezel: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Ste...
14k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Celebration" Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
$6,720Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 6901 18k Solid Gold Lady Datejust 26mm Automatic 1970s RA630
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious elegance, a rare luxurious classic from Rolex, 18k solid gold Lady Datejust automatic with diamond set bezel, c.1978, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex 18Kt Gold Ladies Modernist Style for Serpico & Laino Diamond Bezel 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 106 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold / Factory Diamond Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Dia...
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made Rolex Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm White Gold with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Datejust 36, reference 126234, is a masterpiece of balance, combining the utility of stainless steel with the prestige of 18 ct white gold. This configuration, known as Whi...
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel, White Gold
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950 with Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold / Set with Vintage Rose Cut Stones .75Cts. CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZ...
18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date 40 Yellow Gold Silver Roman Dial 228238
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Day-Date 40 wristwatch in 18k yellow gold, by Rolex. Featuring a distinctive silver dial with Roman applied numerals. Complementing the dial is a fixed fluted bezel crafted i...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2000 Rolex Sea Dweller 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of The Classic Sea-Dwellers The reference 16600 is widely regarded as the final evolution of the classic, pre-ceramic Sea Dweller. It represents the perfect bridge between ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Signa Charcoal Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug T...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Date 15003 34mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15003 Serial: R76**** Year: 1988 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Ch...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 mm 1501 Silver Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in istanbul, TR
Classic but at the same time suitable for any occasion, the Rolex Oyster Date ref. 1501 can be worn on a daily basis and despite being a vintage watch, it has an elegant and modern l...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Date 69240 26mm Black Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69240 Serial: T66**** Year: 1996 Model: Rolex Ladies Date Case Material: 26mm Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel Dia...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1946 Rolex Reference 3130 "Bubbleback" 31 M.M Stainless Steel 2 piece Oyster case, caliber 630, 17 jewel Automatic Self winding movement, Quality Redone as original Black dial ...
Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Yellow Gold Sunburst Blue Tritium Dial Men's Watch 16618
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Submariner Yellow Gold Blue Dial Mens Watch 16618. automatic self-winding movement. 18k yellow gold oyster case 40.0 mm in diameter. Pointed crown guards. Rolex logo on the cro...
Yellow Gold
$6,064Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Ref 6426 Oyster Precision 14k Gold SS 34mm Mens 1960s Manual Wind RA745B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Rolex Oyster Precision Ref.6426 14k Gold and stainless steel manual hand-wind, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. ...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1981 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K YG Champagne Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Single Quick Cornerstone The reference 18038 is a cornerstone of the Day-Date collection, representing the perfect blend of vintage aesthetics and modern convenience. Introduced...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ladies Rolex President 18k Gold Diamond Watch 69138
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Ladies Rolex President 18k Gold Diamond Watch 69138 - Automatic winding, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. President. 18k yellow gold case and factory diamond bezel (26mm diameter). V...
Rolex Steel Oyster with Custom Made Blue Dial and Diamond Baguette Markers
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6426 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...
Stainless Steel
$7,920Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5015 14k SS Mens 1940s 32mm Bubble Back Automatic RA690
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, timeless classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref 5015 Bubble Back Automatic with 14k solid gold bezel, c.1940s, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed unrestored dial, applied Arabic numeral and dagger index hour markers, lumed minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, hands and dial in excellent, vintage condition, natural patinas due to age on hands and dial give its unique vintage look. Acrylic crystal. 14k solid gold Rolex engine turned bezel...
Gold, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,792Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 36mm 18k W Gold SS 1970s Mens Vintage Automatic RA620
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless classic, Men's 18k white gold & stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1601 automatic, c.1973, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authent...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
$13,520Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex President Day Date 1803 18k Solid Gold 1970s Mens Diamond Automatic RA659
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxury icon, Rolex 18k solid gold Day-Date ref.1803 "The President" with diamond hour set, c.1973, in excellent working condition! Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi 1675 40mm Red Blue Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1675 Serial: 316**** Year: 1973 Model: Rolex GMT-Master Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Pepsi - Blue and Red ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Men's Stainless Steel Watch 114060LN
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Submariner Men's Stainless Steel Watch 114060LN - Automatic winding, 31 jewels. Submariner. Stainless steel case with black ceramic bezel insert (40mm diameter). Black dial wit...
Rolex Vintage Steel and Gold Ref 6582 Zephyre Bezel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Oyster perpetual Reference 6582 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 piece stainless steel Oyster case with Yellow Gold Zephyre Bezel an...
Gold, Steel
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster SPEEDKING 4302 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster SpeedKing 4302 9k Yellow Gold Bezel and Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1946 Beautiful Watch. New Genuine Leather band. 29mm round c...
9k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Roulette Date (Two Colour Date Display)
By Rolex
Located in istanbul, TR
Condition Good Seller Notes “for vintage condition excellent” Bezel Color Silver Movement Mechanical (Manual) Closure Fliplock Clasp Number of Jewels 17 Jewels Dial Pattern Sunburst...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16000 36mm Blue Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16000 Serial: R50**** Year: 1988 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Custom B...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 5500 / 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Dia...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Yacht-Master 2-Tone Watch 69623 Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Yacht-Master 2-Tone Watch 69623 Silver Dial - Automatic winding; sapphire crystal. Yacht-Master. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold bezel ( 29 mm). Silver dial. S...
Vintage 1970 Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 Stainless Steel Silver Dial Manual 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Pure Expression Of Rolex The Rolex Oyster Precision is one of the most direct expressions of the brand's original vision. The reference 6426, produced for several decades, represe...
Stainless Steel
Rolex President Day-Date 18078 36mm Bark Finish Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18078 Serial: 615**** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex President Day-Date Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116523 40mm Black Dial 18k Yellow Gold Steel Box
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116523 Serial: 6025**** Year: 2010 - 2016 Model: Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel ...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Milgauss 40mm Black Dial Green Crystal Stainless Steel Mens Watch 116400GV
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Milgauss Green Crystal 116400GV has Silver-tone stainless steel case with a silver-tone stainless steel Rolex oyster bracelet. Fixed domed silver-tone stainless steel bezel. Bl...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Lavender Dial Circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X...
Stainless Steel
$5,592Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 Mens Automatic 1960s All Original RA675
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.1501 Men's automatic, c.1963, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
Stainless Steel
1985 Rolex Lady-Datejust Wristwatch in 18k Yellow Gold Ref: 69068
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This 1985 Rolex Datejust is a luxurious ladies’ timepiece crafted from 18k yellow gold with a 26mm case, a classic champagne dial, and a President bracelet. Adorned with factory-set ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Steel & Gold Watch 116523
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Steel & Gold Watch 116523 - Automatic winding, chronograph, 44 jewels, sapphire crystal. Daytona. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold beel (4...
Rolex Datejust 16233 Champagne Dial Fluted Bezel On Jubilee Watch Full Set
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust 16233 automatic watch in 18K yellow gold and stainless steel featuring 36mm case with champagne dial, fluted bezel, and jubilee bracelet. Serial K, year 2000, comes wi...
18k Gold
2007 Rolex Cellini Cellissima 24MM 6693 18K White Gold Pave Diamond Quartz Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K White Gold Diameter: 24.00 mm Weight: 81.81 grams ROLEX Ladies 18K white gold diamond ROLEX Swiss made wristwatch with original box...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s Rolex Cellini 4320 18K Yellow Gold Manual Silver Dial 30mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Study In Form And Texture The Cellini line has always been Rolex’s platform for pure design, a space where the constraints of the Oyster case were set aside in favor of artistic e...
Rolex Datejust 16233 36mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16233 Serial: L88**** Year: 1989 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 18...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust 1601 14K Yellow Gold Pie Pan Dial Jubilee Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A 1969 vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 1601 in 14K yellow gold pre-quickset desirable pie-pan champagne dial with gold baton hour marke...
Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel O.P Date with Rare Vignette Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1969 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Platinum President Day-Date Men's Watch Mother of Pearl Oxford Diamond Dia
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Platinum President Day-Date Men's Watch Mother of Pearl Oxford Diamond Dial 118206 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. President. Platinum case with smo...
Rolex Explorer II Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16570
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Explorer II Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16570 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal, dual time. Explorer II. Stainless steel case (40mm diameter). White di...
Rolex Daytona Rose Gold Bright Black Dial 2025 Unworn 126505
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Cosmograph Daytona in rose gold from Rolex, featuring a bright black and sundust dial with chronograph counters. With an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and push...
Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Rolex Mini Chameleon Precision 8789 18k YG Florentine Engraving Manual Winding 1
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 1964 Brand Rolex Model Mini Chameleon Precision Reference 8789 Year 1979 Dial Florentine Engraving Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Rolex Chameleon Leather Strap Diameter 17mm Leng...
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Dial and Diamond Bezel circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Champagne Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
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.