Rolex Two Tone Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Dress Watch, circa 1930's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / Reference 3893 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone 14Kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm "Lu...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Chromium Marconi Hermetic Manual Wind Watch, circa 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex / Marconi STYLE / REFERENCE: Hermetic METAL / MATERIAL: Chromium CIRCA: 1930's DIMENSIONS: Length 35mm X Diameter 29mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 ...
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 2280 SS 30mm 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Royal 2280 Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1939 Beautiful Watch. Generic Stainless Steel Bracelet (not original Rolex). 30mm round c...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 1930s Reference 3858 Steel 2 Register Chronograph Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa late 1930s Rolex Chronograph Wrist Watch, 32 M.M Stainless Steel 3 piece case, 17 Jewel Mechanical, manual wind movement, 2 register chronograph timing functions, center second...
Steel
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Solid 18k Gold Ladies 1930s Manual Wind Cocktail Watch RA639
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex 1930s Ladies Rose Gold and Steel Oyster Case Manual Wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1930s Rolex Oyster Wrist Watch, 24 M.M. Rose Gold top with Steel back oyster Case and curved down Lugs. mechanical, manual wind movement, original screw down Oyster logo Crown,...
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Raleigh with Original Patinated Dial 1930's Oyster
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Tudor STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Raleigh / Reference 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diameter 29mm M...
$4,480Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 14k Solid Rose Gold Pendant Ref 3959 1930s Rare Vintage Luxury RA651
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex ...
Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
1937 Rolex Ref 3647 Very Rare Antique Manual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Extremely Rare 1930s Rolex Precision Model 3647 Manual Wind Square Watch This late 1930s Rolex manual wind square watch is a remarkable and rare find, showcasing the timeless crafts...
Stainless Steel
Art-Deco 1930's Rolex ref 47085 14K Rose Gold 32mm Cushion Case Mens' Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This elegant Art-Deco gents’ Rolex ref 47085 is from 1930’s, yet it’s in a beautiful original condition & in excellent working order Featuring a rarely seen intricate feature - a ...
Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Rolex Watch Presentation Box, Circa 1930s to 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Rolex watch presentation box dating circa 1930s to 1950s.
Other
Vintage Rolex Prince Observatory Doctor's Stainless Steel Watch, 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1930's Vintage Rolex Prince Observatory Steel Doctor's watch with Two Tone Silver and Gray Dial with Black Arabic Painted Numbers. 19mm x 44mm lug to lug (0.75 in. x 1.73 in.) - Powe...
Vintage Rolex Ladies 9 Karat Rose Gold Watch, 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1930's Vintage Rolex Ladies 9K Rose Gold watch with Gold Dial with Black Arabic 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 Numbers with 9K Rose Gold Stretchy Bracelet. 13mm x 27mm lug to lug (0.51 in. x...
Vintage 1930's Manual Rolex Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
This is an 18ct yellow Rolex Officially Certified Chronometer from the 1930's.
Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ghisò Prince Imperial Rare Art Deco Pocket Watch ca.1930's/40's
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Manual winding. Steel and enamel case (37mm x 40mm). Silver dial with hour dial with black Arabic numerals above the subseconds dial. Pre-owned, vintage, ca. 1930's-40's. Retailed by...
Stainless Steel
1930's Porcelain Dial Rolex Oyster
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Porcelain Dial & Yellow Gold Rolex Oyster - caseback stamped for 9 carat gold, circa 1930
9k Gold
ROLEX Yellow Gold Prince Doctor's Watch circa 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Rolex Prince chronometer, Ref. 1490, doctor's wristwatch, 18k yellow gold flared case, 18-jewel manual-wind Ultra Prima movement. Original dial. All properly signed and numbered.
18k Gold
ROLEX 1930's Rose Gold & Steel Rectangular Case Timepiece
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Lovely 1930s stainless steel and rose gold rectangular watch with hooded lugs and a sub-seconds dial. This would have originally been a gentleman's watch, however, it is probably mor...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Sterling Silver Manual wind Purse Watch, Circa 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
English hallmarks. Circa 1930's.
Rolex Yellow Gold Pocket Watch with Black Dial Ref 3071 circa 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rolex pocket watches are quite scarce to begin with and this is an example that offers a rare combination of details. Made in 9k yellow gold and fitted with a desirable original blac...
Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Rolex Oyster, Vintage Manual Winding Wristwatch, 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Oyster, Vintage manual winding wristwatch. 1930's Case : Stainless Steel Original Rolex Gender: Men's Case size (including crown): 35 x 33 mm Movement: Swiss Manual wind ...
1930's 18K Rose Gold & Stainless Steel Prince by Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
18K Roese Gold & Stainless Steel Prince by Rolex - Excellent condition, Rare Model Rolex, Desirable Rose Gold & Steel combination case, circa 1939, Case measures 36mm tall by 23mm wide
Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
Rolex 14Kt. Solid White Gold Art Deco Tank Style with Original Dial from 1930's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 33mm X Width 16mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels / Caliber Gruen DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with...
ROLEX 1930's Prince sold by Bucherer w/ Rare Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A very rare stainless steel Prince from 1930, originally sold by Bucherer. The dial on this wristwatch is extremely rare, mostly because it is a black dial Prince in addition to the ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 1930s Rose Gold Bubble Back Exceptional Condition
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa mid 1930s Rolex Reference 3009 Flat Bubbleback "Bubbleback" Wrist Watch, 31 M.M. 14k Rose Gold 2 Piece Case having the earlier Flat Oyster back, original Rose Oyster Crown, 1...
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex 1930s Eaton Quarter Century Club Gold Cased Dr's Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1930s Rolex ( Prince ) Ref 971 Eaton Quarter Century Club Dr's Wrist Watch, Presented for 25 Years of service with Eaton Department stores in Canada. 43 X 24 MM Two Tone 14K...
14k Gold
Art Deco Platinum Ladies Rolex Wristwatch, Set with Diamonds, Made in 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Art Deco platinum ladies Rolex wristwatch, set with diamonds, made in 1930's.
Diamond, Platinum
ROLEX 1930s Rare Art Deco Octagonal Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
14 karat yellow gold vintage Rolex wristwatch with an unusual octagonal case and rare luminous dial. This watch is oversized for the period, measuring 24 x 31mm, not including the lu...
14k Gold
Rolex Precision Ladies Vintage Wristwatch 9k Gold Mechanical 2Yr Wty 1930s-1940s
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
This is an authentic Rolex wristwatch. The watch has been professionally serviced and comes with a two-year warranty along with a generic black presentation box.
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Watch Circa 1930s
By Rolex
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
A vintage 1930s Rolex Extra Prima wrist watch crafted in 9k rose gold with a modern black leather band.
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex- Rolco 9ct Dress Watch circa 1930's with Original Bamboo Ladder Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Width 23mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Silvered Dial with Arabic Numeral Markers / ...
Rolex Windsor Stainless Steel Art Deco Watch with Original Dial and Hands 1930's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Windsor by Rolex STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 2344 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X Diameter 26mm...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Bubble Back Watch with Factory Original Patinated Dial 1930's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 4857 / Thunderbird Bezel MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual (Automatic) Winding / 17 Jewels CIRCA: 1930'S DIAL / HANDS: Original Patinated...
Rolex 1930s Rose Gold Ref 3121 Mid Size Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1930s Rolex Reference 3121 Wrist Watch, 29 M.M. 14K Rose Gold 3 piece Oyster case, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind movement.
Rose Gold
Rolex Nickel Prince Drs. Watch 1930s with Silver Dial by Stern Freres
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince / Drs.
Rolex 1930s Extra Athlete Model Steel Cased Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa late 1930s Rolex Extra, also known as the Athlete model Wrist Watch, 32 M.M.
Steel
Rose Gold Rolex Wristwatch, circa 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
We are not affiliated with any of the fine manufacturers who’s watches we sell except Suchy Watches. We are not affiliated with Rolex Watch Company Ltd., Rolex Watch USA Inc. or any...
Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Prince Drs. Duo Dial 1930s Wristwatch Gold Filled and Steel Case
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1930s Rolex prince Drs. Duo Dial Wrist Watch, 47 X 20 M.M.
Gold-filled, Steel
Rare Omega Pocket Money Clip Watch Manual Wind 1930s Vintage Collectable JM2
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Extremely rare Omega Pocket or Money Clip watch, manual wind, circa 1930s. A vintage collectable classic. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Omega signed silver dial...
ROLEX --- Vintage 1930's White Gold Diamond Watch Ref. # 8336
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
BRAND NAME: Rolex STYLE NUMBER: 8336 SERIES: Vintage Ladies CASE MATERIAL: 14K White Gold DIAL COLOR: Silver Satin MOVEMENT: Manual Wind FUNCTIONS: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Dress Watch circa 1930s.
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel dress model circa 1950s. 33 x 39mm snap back case circa 1950's with pronounced curved lugs and 2 tone silver satin dial with mirror pink Roman rose figures. 17 ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Rectangular-Shaped Sterling Silver Watch, 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1930's Vintage Rolex Rectangle Sterling Silver Case watch with Two Tone Silver and Gray Dial with Black Exploded Breguet Arabic Numbers. 25mm x 38mm lug to lug (0.98 in. x 1.5 in.) -...
Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold 2467 1930's Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
PLEASE CONTACT US SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. ** SERVICE HISTORY * This watch has received a Rolex accredited service in line with our exacting standards. ** PROVENANCE * ...
Yellow Gold
Rolex 18K Gold 14 size open face pocket watchcirca 1930's.
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18K gold 14 size open face pocket watch circa 1940's. Original matte silver dial with Roman figures and blued steel spade hands. 17 jewel manual wind movement with subsidiary s...
18k Gold
Rolex Prince Doctor's Model ref# 971 c. 1930s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Sterling silver flared case duo dial doctor's model Prince ref # 971 circa 1930's. Original 2 tone silver dial signed "Chester" and Rolex Prince Swiss Made. Rolex Observatory q...
Rolex SS Prince Brancard Flared Case Model ref# 1490 c.1930's
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Prince Brancard flared case model ref 1490 circa 1930's with beautiful original 2 tone silver satin dial with black figures and blued steel spade hands. Rolex calibre 300 17...
Stainless Steel
Early 1930s Rolex Bubble Back Stainless Steel with Sweep Seconds Watch
By Rolex
Located in Carlisle, GB
This early and rare Pre-own Manual winding Rolex Watch is working and it is running well. The dial shows signs of used and ageing as shown. The black strap is worn as shown. Please ...
Stainless Steel
Sold
W 1.11 in Dm 1.11 in L 1.11 in
Rare 1930s Rolex Oyster Officers 18 KT Yellow Gold Cushion Shaped Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New york, NY
The present watch is a very rare 18kt yellow gold Rolex Oyster Cushion Shaped Officers wristwatch with Sub Second dial located at the 6, circa 1930s The Case dimensions are as follo...
18k Gold
$38,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex x Loree Rodkin Watch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date crafted in 18k yellow gold, customised by jewellery designer Loree Rodkin. The watch features a champagne dial with baton hour markers, day aperture...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Silvered Dial and Gilt Markers
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 X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Automatic Coral dial Ladies Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1978 Rolex Reference 6719 Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 M.M. 14k Yellow Gold 3 piece Oyster case with Fluted bezel, Oyster Perpetual Automatic, self winding movement, Custom finished ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Louis Cartier Classic Tank, Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Cartier, Louis Cartier, Classic Tank Wrist Watch, 24 X 18 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, quartz movement, white dial with Black Roman numerals, Sapphire crown. 1/2 in...
18k Gold
Tiffany & Company White Gold and Princess cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2010 Tiffany & Co. 18k White Gold Eternity Band Ring, 3 M.M wide and set with Princess cut Diamonds totaling 1.89 Carats and are VS in Clarity and G in Color. Finger size 6. Co...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Mens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1972 36 mm Preowned Reference: 1600 18kt yellow and stainless steel
Yellow Gold, 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
Piaget Vintage Yellow Gold Diamond and Lapis stone dial Ladies Wrist Watch
By Piaget
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Piaget Ladies Wrist Watch, 27 x 24 M.M 2 piece 18k Oval case, White Gold Bezel set with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds totaling 1.10 Carats. Caliber 9P series 17 jewel mech...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Rolex Wrist Watch, 31 M.M x 4.5 M.M thick 2 piece 14k Yellow Gold case, 17 jewel, caliber 1600 mechanical, manual wind nickle lever movement. Silver Satin sunburst dial w...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Date Steel 1501 Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1973 Rolex Date Wrist watch, 35 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster case. Caliber 1570, 26 jewel Automatic, self winding movement. Custom Turquoise Blue Dial with Raised White...
Steel
LeCoultre 14Kt. and Enamel Inlay Art Deco Wristwatch circa 1930's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: LeCoultre Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm x Width 2...
Rolex 9ct. Solid Gold Art Deco Ladies Wristwatch ca 1920's, with Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Baguette Style METAL / MATERIAL: 9ct. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm x Width 11mm M...
Patek Philippe Calatrava Vintage Ref 2545 Yellow Gold Mechanical Wristwatch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 2545, 32 M.M. 18K yellow Gold 2 piece case with Water Proof Back, 18 Jewel, Caliber 12-400 Mechanical, Manual wind nickle Lever moveme...
18k Gold
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 and Gold Crown. Caliber 1030, Automatic, self...
Gold, 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 41mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Piaget Ladies Yellow Gold and Diamond Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Piaget
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Piaget Ladies Wrist Watch, 27 X 24 M.M. 2 Piece 18k Yellow Gold Oval case, Piaget Factory White Gold Diamond set Bezel totaling 1.20 Carats. Caliber 9P 17 Jewel, mechanic...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.
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.