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.
Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date President Model Number: 1803 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Date: 1964 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Aftermarket Champagne Diamond Metal Con...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1976 Rolex Cellini 4132-32 18K Yellow Gold Burlwood Dial Manual 29mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Art Of Rolex, Found In Wood The Cellini collection has always been Rolex’s platform for artistic expression, a space where the constraints of the Oyster case were set aside in f...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k white gold fluted bezel. Black d...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" 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 "Lug Tip to Lug T...
Stainless Steel
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
NEW Rolex Oyster Perpetual 126000 Steel Candy Pink Dial Automatic Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers.
Steel
$6,312Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Ref 6517 Lady Datejust 18k Gold 25mm 1950s Linen Dial Automatic RA703C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious elegance, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady Datejust automatic with linen dial, c.1958, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. ...
18k Gold
16233J Rolex Diamond Studded Watch
By Rolex
Located in kOWLOON, HK
1990’s Model Datejust 36 In Stainless Steel And 18ct Yellow Gold Factory Champagne Jubilee Big Stone Diamond Dial 16233 Model complete With The Original Rolex Box, Invoice And 12 M...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 14Kt Solid Rose Gold Rare Oyster Viceroy Art Deco Watch circa 1938
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Viceroy / Reference 3116 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1938 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm "Lug ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116519 18K White Gold Black Dial Box & Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This watch features an officially certified chronometer with a self-winding movement. It includes a rhodium-plated mechanism, 44 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a monom...
18k Gold
Rolex Ladies Datejust 69240 26mm Silver Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69240 Serial: 553*** Year: 1978 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: 26mm Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Custom Silver Diamond...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rare Vintage Rolex President Datejust 26 Champagne Stick Dial Gold Watch 69178
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Recently serviced. The movement is calibrated and keeps time well. No original box and papers. Comes with a gift box. General Information Brand: Rolex M...
Gold
Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer Steel & Rose Gold Unworn
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A GMT-Master II Root Beer 126711CHNR in Oystersteel and Rose Gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with the date and second time zone hand. The black and brown ceramic bi-directiona...
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Ladies Pearlmaster 69298 29mm Siberite Diamond Dial Bezel Band 18K Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69298 Serial: X463*** Year: 1991 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Pearlmaster Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold with Factory Diamonds ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1997 Rolex Submariner Date 16613 – Two-Tone Blue “Bluesy”
By Rolex
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
The 1997 Rolex Submariner 16613 in stainless steel and 18k yellow gold is one of the most iconic two-tone sports watches ever produced. Known affectionately by collectors as the “Blu...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16233 Blue Vignette Diamond Dial 18K Gold Steel Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16233 Serial: W929*** Year: 1997 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yell...
Stainless Steel
$7,920Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 14k Gold SS Mens 1970s Vintage Automatic RA731
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's 14k gold & stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1601 Datejust automatic, c.1973, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a ma...
Stainless Steel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Rose Gold Rolex Bubbleback Automatic Watch Ref 6011
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Classic vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback wrist watch crafted in 18k rose gold. This reference 6011 features the distinctive early automatic Rolex case with screw-down Oyster...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" 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 "Lug Tip to Lug T...
Stainless Steel
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
Datejust Rolex Blue Roman Jubilee 31mm Ladies Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand New Rolex Datejust 31mm Stainless Steel Ladies Watch, Box and papers included Applied polished Roman numeral hour markers. Model case Reference 278274 Diameter - 31 mm Materi...
18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. ROLEX Precision 2642 Mechanical Windup. Ladies Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Case Rolex Precision Ladies Watch with attached Milanese Bracelet (Stainless Steel). Rolex Windup 1400 Caliber Movement Ref. 2642 . Circa 1970 Case Is 18k White Gol...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
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
1975 Rolex Air-King 5500 Stainless Steel Cream Dial Automatic 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Purest Form Of Rolex The reference 5500 Air-King is a direct link to the foundational principles of Rolex. It carries the DNA of the original Oyster case and Perpetual movement ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$9,520Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 18k Solid Gold Ref 8940 Mens 1960s 36mm Manual Wind Dress Watch RA706
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic luxury, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex ref.8940 manual wind jumbo dress watch, c.1960s, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, Rolex...
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Mid Size Oysterdate with Original Bracelet Rare Charcoal Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6466 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Milgauss 1019 Steel White Dial 38 MM Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Rolex Milgauss 1019 is a vintage men's watch featuring a 38 mm stainless steel Oyster case equipped with a Faraday cage for magnetic protection. It has a white dial with black ac...
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm 126610LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn 41mm Submariner Date in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial, complemented by a black ceramic uni-directional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations coated in p...
Stainless Steel
$11,920Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 6551 14k Solid Gold 1960s Midsize 31mm Automatic All Original Ra756
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, 14k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6551 Oyster Perpetual automatic, c.1962, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmak...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6444 Rare Black Dial 1950s Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Stainless Steel Case ref.6444 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1958 New Leather Band. Beautiful Watch. 31 mm round Case
Stainless Steel
Rolex Day Date President 18038 36mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18038 Serial: 644**** Year: 1980 Model: Rolex Day Date President Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: Custom 18k Yellow Gold President Bezel: 18k...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dark 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 Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Made Blue 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: 40mm x 34mm MOVEME...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Sage Green Dial with Matching Green Strap 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 Steel & White Gold Silver Dial Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This vintage men's Rolex Datejust 1601 features a stainless steel Oyster case with a 36.0 mm diameter, complemented by an 18k white gold fluted bezel. The watch is equipped with an a...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" 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 "Lug Tip to Lug T...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1988 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 35mm 14k Solid Gold Mens 1970s Automatic RA741
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 14k solid gold automatic, c.1978, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker....
Gold, 14k 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
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6085 1950s Automatic Stainless Steel Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Stainless Steel Case ref.6085 Automatic Movement. Runs well. Circa 1952 Leather Band. Beautiful Watch. 34mm round Case Condition: Excellent condition fo...
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 Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Navy Blue 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 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Men's Watch 116185
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Mens Watch 116185. Certified chronometer self-winding movement. 18k rose gold oyster case 36.0 mm in diameter. Rolex logo on the...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made "Mickey" Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
1996 Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Stainless Steel Tritium Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Definitive Modern Diver Silhouette The reference 16610 is the bridge between the vintage tool watch era and modern luxury Rolex. Produced for over twenty years, it represents th...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Two Tone Datejust with Exceptional Factory Original Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Solid Gold & Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster 6827 Datejust 18k Solid Gold 1980s Midsize 30mm Automatic RA732
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage luxury, 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. Gorgeo...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date UAE Champagne Dial 19018
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Oysterquartz Day-Date 36mm 19018, by Rolex. As well as applied hour markers and the iconic weekday and date apertures, the champagne dial features an image of the former nati...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,920Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex perpetual 3372 Rose Gold SS Men Rare 1940s 32mm Bubbleback Automatic RA750
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
1990 Rolex Lady-Datejust 69173 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Dial 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Well Preserved Icon With Original Papers The Lady Datejust 69173 is the definitive version of the most successful luxury watch ever made. By 1990, this reference had reached a poi...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6426 Rare Subseconds Dial 1960s Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Stainless Steel Case ref.6426 / 6427 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1960 New Leather Band. Beautiful Watch. 34 mm round Case
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Men's Stainless Steel Hulk Green Dial Watch 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Submariner Men's Stainless Steel Hulk Green Dial Watch 116610LV - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, pressure proof to 1,000 feet. Submariner. Stainless steel case with green time-l...
1993 Rolex Datejust 36 16233 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Diamond Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Two Tone Standard With A Diamond Edge The reference 16233 is the definitive expression of the two-tone Datejust. While the champagne dial is a traditional choice, the factory-se...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
$11,760Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust 18k Gold 36mm Mens 1960s Date Automatic RA701
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare timeless treasure, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref.6605 Datejust automatic, c.1960, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 o'clock position, hands and dial in excellent, vintage condition, very minor show of age on hands and dial. Acrylic crystal. 18k solid gold fluted bezel on 18k solid gold case measuring 36mm, case in immaculate vintage condition. Original Rolex crown. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1066 COSC automatic movement, with butterfly rotor, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is all original. Fitted on new aftermarket genuine alligator strap and buckle. Luxurious classic, Rolex 6605...
18k Gold
Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz 19018 36mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 19018 Serial: 630**** Year: 1979 Model: Vintage Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Bezel: 18k Yel...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day Date 18038 36mm Factory Diamond Dial and Leather Strap 18k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18038 Serial: 962**** Year: 1987 Model: Rolex Day Date Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: Factory Rolex Leather Strap & Clasp Bezel: 18k Ye...
Genuine Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch. Ladies ROLEX 6623 Automatic Wristwatch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1969. 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6623. Beautiful Watch. 25mm case New Leather Black Band. Condition: ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
2000 Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Steel Auto Black Dial 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Final Peak Of The Classic Submariner The reference 16610 represents the final evolution of the traditional Submariner case before the shift toward the bulkier Super Case designs...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Men's Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Rootbeer Watch 126711CHN
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT-Master II Men's Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Rootbeer Watch 126711CHNR - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. GMT-Master II. Stainless steel case case...
Rolex Date Two Tone Watch with Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Pre-owned 34mm Rolex Date automatic watch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and steel with aftermarket white diamond dial and Oyster bracelet. Model 1500 circa 1970. Polished and servi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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.