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 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Two-Tone Steel & Gold Jubilee Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date men's and unisex watch in two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold, featuring a restored silver dial with Roman numeral indices, gold dauphine han...
Gold
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Set Automatic 1980s RA548
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust automatic, c.1986, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 35mm Mens Vintage Automatic 1970s RA602
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1970, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applie...
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...
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial 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
Rolex Lady Datejust 79174, 26mm Case, White Gold Fluted Bezel, Yr 2001
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our neo-vintage, 25 years old ladies Rolex Lady Datejust reference 79174 is the classic combination of 26mm stainless steel case with white gold fluted bezel, silver baton dial and s...
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Submariner Date 16610
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner Date REFERENCE: 16610 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oyster Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic WRIST SIZE: 8.25 Good...
Stainless Steel
$57,800Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Daytona Blue Dial White Gold Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Can be accommodated with an appraisal upon request, after return period. Marks through out the bracelet, no deep scratches BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Daytona REFERENCE: 116509 SIZE: 40mm ...
White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 18k SS Datejust 36mm Mens 1950s Automatic RA760
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare timeless classic, 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex ref.6605 Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic, c.1957, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchma...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$10,700Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Submariner (No Date) Certified 14060M
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner No Date REFRENCE: 14060M SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oyster Steel WRIST SIZE: 8 MOVEMENT: Automatic Has been re-po...
Stainless Steel
$9,700Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Submariner (No Date) 1989 Service Card from 2010
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner REFRENCE: 14060 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oyster Steel WRIST SIZE: 8 MOVEMENT: Automatic Good condition, re-poli...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Date 69190 26mm Blue Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69190 Serial: W73**** Year: 1995 Model: Rolex Ladies Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Stainless Steel ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
NEW Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Steel Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126000 B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. The Original box and papers are included. A classic that shines in every moment. Rolex OP 36 with blue dial. The perfect gift this season. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Reference...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Stainless Steel with Custom White Dial circa 1960'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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "...
Stainless Steel
Rolex DateJust 26mm Two-Tone Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Rolex DateJust timepiece, reference 69173, represents a harmonious blend of classic horological craftsmanship and contemporary custom flair. Featuring a compact 26mm s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold, Steel
$10,900Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Sea-Dweller Mint Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Sea-Dweller REFRENCE: 16600 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black Ceramic BAND: Oyster Steel LINKS: 12 MOVEMENT: Automatic Mint condition, re...
Stainless Steel
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
$18,100Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex GMT-Master II Two Tone Yellow Gold Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: GMT Master II REFERENCE: 116713 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: 18k Yellow Gold BAND: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel ...
Mixed Metal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$9,700Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Submariner (No Date) 14060
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner REFERENCE: 14060 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oystersteel MOVEMENT: Automatic Very Good condition No box or papers ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1986 Rolex Day-Date 18108 18K YG Blue Dial Diamond Bezel Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Pinnacle Of Textured Gold The Day-Date reference 18108 represents a very specific and confident chapter in Rolex history. It combines the classic 36mm President with a factory "ba...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made M.O.P Pink Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel
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 40mm "Lug Tip ...
Stainless Steel
$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
Rare timeless luxury, 14k solid rose gold Rolex necklace pendant, c.1938, in excellent aesthetic and working condition. Verified authentic by a mas...
Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
$10,500Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Submariner Date
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner Date REFERENCE: 16610 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oystersteel MOVEMENT: Automatic WRIST SIZE: 8.25 Good condition,...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173 Ivory Dial
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173 - Automatic winding, 29 jewels, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with fluted bezel (26mm). Ivory dial py...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 76080 24mm Blue Dial Diamond Bezel Steel Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 76080 Serial: Y39**** Year: 2002 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel ...
Diamond, 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 41mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century all original, 1951 Rolex stainless steel oyster date precision wristwatch. Red date wheel. Original ruby steel riveted oyster band. Unpolished, ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$13,900Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Explorer II MINT White Dial Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Explorer II REFERENCE: 216570 SIZE: 42mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: White BAND: Oyster Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic Mint condition, looks unworn Box & Ca...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Precision 2-Tone Manual Wind Flex Stretch Bracelet Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Precision ladies manual wind watch in two-tone yellow gold and stainless steel, featuring a 22mm round case with fluted gold bezel, silver dial with applied baton indic...
18k Gold
Rolex Chameleon Precision 8789 Pyramid Hobnail 18k Yellow Gold 1970s
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Chameleon Precision 8789 Pyramid Hobnail 18k Yellow Gold 1970s SKU: 1776 A masterclass in vintage elegance, the Rolex Chameleon Precision Ref. 8789 from the 1970s showcases t...
Rolex Lady Datejust 26MM Steel Blue Concentric Dial Ladies Watch 179174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with original box and papers. 1 year chronostore warranty.
Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Unique Red 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 40mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Day-Date 36 18K Yellow Gold Green Hombre Diamond Dial Watch 128238
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Box and papers. Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date 36 Model Number: 128238 Department: Unisex Adult Style: Luxury Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzer...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Platinum DateJust Presidential 15 Carat Diamond 26mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1988 Rolex Datejust Presidential in platinum featuring 15 carats of natural diamonds. Pave diamond dial and pink ruby hour markers. Emerald...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 2653 Vintage Genuine Manual Windup Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1973. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2653. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is Stain...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Pumpkin Orange Dial circa
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 60's / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diamete...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Navy Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm "Lug Tip to L...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Day-Date 40 18k Rose Gold Gold Olive Green Dial Men Watch 228345RBR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers.
Rose Gold
$6,304Sale Price|20% Off
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 36mm 18k Gold SS 1970s Automatic Vintage RA535
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k yellow gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster ref.1601 Datejust automatic, c.1971, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Day-Date President 40 18K Yellow Gold Green Lacquer Dial Men Watch 228238
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with Box and papers. 🕰️ Product Overview Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date 40 Model Number: 228238 Type: Wristwatch Style: Luxury Department: Men Country/Region of Manufa...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Dial and Diamond Markers 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 Explorer II 1655 'Albino Freccione' Vintage Steel Mens Watch W/Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Explorer II 1655 'Albino Freccione' Vintage Steel Mens Watch. Officially certified chronometer self-winding movement. Straight-line lever ...
Stainless Steel
$32,600Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Submariner Date Violet/Tropical Dial Service Papers
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner Date REFRENCE: 16618 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold DIAL: Blue BEZEL: Blue BAND: Oyster 18k Yellow Gold MOVEMENT: Automatic Highly desirable violet/...
Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Oyster Perpetual REFRENCE: 15200 SIZE: 34mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Grey BAND: Jubilee Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic WRTIST SIZE: Apx. 7.75 Very Good c...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 31 178341 18K Rose Gold Steel Diamond Chocolate Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent conditon. Box and papers. It shows light signs of wear. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. Ro...
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust 16013 Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Westport, CT
An original Rolex Datejust reference 16013 two tone stainless steel and 18K yellow gold men’s wristwatch. Featuring a Buckley white dial with 18K yellow gold hands and Roman numeral ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Pink Dial with Diamond Markers 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 36...
Rolex Datejust II Wimbledon Dial 116333 41mm 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116333 Year: 2009-2016 Model: Rolex Datejust II Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold ...
Rolex Rare Day-Date Platinum Diamond Set 18046
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Day-Date in platinum by Rolex with a single-quick movement. Only a few of these were in production before the introduction of the 18346. Featuring a silver dial set with 2 ba...
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel 18k Yellow Gold Green Diamond VI IX Dial Watch 126233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Box and papers included. 🕰 Rolex Datejust 126233 Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 126233 Model Number: 126233 Department: Men Style: Dress/Formal Cou...
Steel
Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual Date Yellow Gold 34mm 1500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date reference 1500, a classic yellow gold timepiece featuring a silver dial with applied gold baton indices and a date aperture at 3 o'clock, all pr...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18ct Everose gold with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126515LN is a 40mm watch made of 18 ct Everose gold. It features a bright black and Sundust dial with diamond-set hour markers and hands. The watch also ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Day Date President 18138 Factory Diamond Dial Bezel & Lugs 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18138 Year: 1986 Model: Rolex Day Date President Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Factory Rolex Diamond Bezel & Fac...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Diamond White Gold 18K Wristwatch 1950S
By Rolex
Located in Geneva, CH
Rolex Diamond round and baguette cut on white gold 18K wristwatch. Circa 1950. Rolex. Numbered. Rolex Precisions. Total gross weight: 22.12 grams. We do not guarantee the functi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Datejust 36mm steel with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Datejust 36, reference 126200, is the definitive archetype of the classic watch. Crafted from high-performance Oystersteel, this model features a refined 36mm case that bal...
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel
Rolex 16233 Datejust Two Tone Blue Dial Jubilee Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 16233 Datejust Two Tone Blue Dial Jubilee Watch This Stunning Rolex Datejust 16233 Blue Watch is in excellent condition and is ready to ship! Brand...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 Mosaic Blue JDM 5.1m Serial 1977 Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601, Mosaic Blue Dial, Steel & 18k White Gold, Full Set, 1977 (5.1M Serial, JDM) Among vintage Datejusts, few dials capture collectors’ imaginations like the Mo...
Rolex Ladies President 179138 White Diamond Dial Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 179138 Serial: K556*** Year: 2005 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust President Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Original...
Rolex Ladies Gold Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 179173
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex Ladies Gold Steel Datejust Wristwatch ref 179173 with solid links and hidden fold over clasp in 18k yellow gold and steel. Model 179173. 18k yellow gold and steel Length:...
18k Gold, Steel, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Cellini Manual Gold Frosted Integral Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1970 Rolex Cellini manual-wind dress watch in an 18K yellow gold cushion-shaped case with a silver-tone textured dial, gold baton indices, Rolex crown logo, and "Cellini" scr...
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.
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