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 Precision Ref 4431 18k Rose Gold Mens 1940s 33mm Manual Wind RA689
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, timeless treasure 18k solid rose gold Rolex Precision ref 4431 fancy lugs manual wind dress watch, c.1946, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchm...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 36 18038 18k Gold Automatic Champagne Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Old Money Energy In Watch Form This Rolex comes from a period when the Day Date was still treated as a daily watch, not a safe queen. Yellow gold case, fluted bezel, President brace...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ROLEX Ladies Datejust SS Steel & Diamond Watch - Original Papers & Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Steel
$6,080Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 14k Gold SS 34mm Mens 1960s Manual Wind RA745
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, 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. Go...
Stainless Steel, 14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette 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 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
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
$5,840Sale Price|20% Off
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 Oyster Perpetual 41mm Pistachio Dial Unworn 2025
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Oyster Perpetual REFERENCE: 124300 SIZE: 41mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Pistachio Green BAND: Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic Unworn Accommodated with an ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1991 Rolex Cellini 18K YG 4083 Manual Champagne 29 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant Departure The Cellini line has always been Rolex's canvas for pure design, a departure from the rugged utility of the Oyster case. Named for a master Florentine goldsmith...
18k Gold
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
Rolex Daytona Rose Gold Meteorite Dial Unworn 126515LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A luxurious Everose gold Cosmograph Daytona ref. 126515LN by Rolex, featuring a striking meteorite dial with applied luminous hour markers and contrasting black sub-dials. Powered b...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Rolex Datejust President 26mm 18K Gold Champagne Dial Fluted Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1996 Rolex OP Datejust Presidential reference 69178 automatic watch in solid 18K yellow gold, featuring a champagne dial with applied gold index hour markers, tritium-lume ha...
18k Gold
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
2025 Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” 126720VTNR Stainless Steel Jubilee BNP
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are present this 2025 Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” 126720VTNR in Stainless Steel. This highly desirable left-handed model features a 40mm Oystersteel case, Rolex’s black Maxi dial...
Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40 Reference# 126518ln, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the unworn Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126518LN-0008—an exceptional fusion of high-performance engineering and luxurious design. Crafted from solid 18k Yellow Gold, thi...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 16233 36mm Aqua Blue Dial 18k Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16233 Serial: W41**** Year: 1995 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Custom Black Leather Band with Custom Steel Buckle B...
Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Precision 12325 Gold Manual Wind Sub Dial On Leather Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Precision 12325 manual-wind watch in yellow gold featuring calibre 710 movement with off-white dial and subsidiary seconds. Black leather aftermarket strap, unsigned cr...
Gold
Rolex Cellini Blue Mirror Dial White Gold 22mm 4014
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage rectangular Rolex Cellini, reference 4014, featuring a striking blue mirror dial with frosted textured hands, protected by mineral glass. Powered by a manual movement cali...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Datejust 68273 Midsize 2-Tone Red Vignette Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Midsize 2-Tone Red Vignette Dial Watch 68273 - Automatic winding, 29 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold fluted be...
Rolex Oyester Perpetual Datejust 41mm steel with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Datejust 41, reference 126300, represents the modern evolution of the brand’s most versatile timepiece. Introduced to satisfy the demand for a larger, more contemporary pre...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Steel
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 Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra 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 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Antique c1915 Rolex W&D 9K 375 Rose Gold 28mm Hinged Round Case Ladies' Watch
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
TO U.S.A BUYERS: DON’T SWEAT ABOUT 15% TRUMP’S TARIFF - WE COVER IT BY GIVING YOU 15% DISCOUNT! This sophisticated ladies’ timepiece is an antique Rolex watch from circa 1915, y...
Rose Gold
Rolex Precision 14k Solid Gold Mens Manual Wind Dress Watch 1950s Vintage RA709
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage treasure, rare 14k solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision manual wind dress watch, c.1958, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
14k Gold
Vintage Rolex Ladies Datejust 6905 26mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6905 Serial: 359**** Year: 1974 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Flute...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 Mens 1950s 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 bubble back automatic watch, c.1952, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorg...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master 1675 'Pepsi'/Pan Am' Bezel, 40mm Case, Mark 11 Dial, Year 1973
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and attractive Rolex GMT Master reference 1675 features a 40mm stainless steel case with stainless steel bracelet and desirable Pepsi/ Pan Am blue/ red bezel. This exampl...
Vintage 1995 Rolex Cellini 5112 18k Yellow Gold White Roman Dial Manual 32mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex, Unbound By The Oyster Case The Cellini line has always been Rolex's canvas for pure dress watch design, a space free from the functional constraints of their professional mod...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 31 President 18K Rose Gold Pink Diamond Dial Watch 278275
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Partially stickers on the watch. Comes with original box and papers 2025 card. 🟡 Basic Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 31 Reference Number: 278275 Department: W...
Rose Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Oyster Bracelet & Rare Black Dial, 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 41mm X Diameter 3...
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 Steel Air King with Black Finish and Custom Made Dial circa 1960'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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diam...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Watch
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
Two-Tone 36mm DateJust Rolex Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
This timepiece is in good pre owned condition. 16013 Two-Tone 36mm DateJust Rolex 18k/Stainless Steel Jubilee Band. Movement Automatic. Dial: Aftermarket Champagne Dial
Diamond
Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel After Market Diamond Bezel & Aftermarket Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial. Jubilee Band
Diamond
Rolex 126300 Datejust 41mm Wimbledon on Jubilee Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 126300 Datejust 41mm Wimbledon on Jubilee Bracelet Watch Brand: Rolex MPN: 126300 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 41mm Crystal: Scratch resistant sapphire Bezel: Stainless Steel Smooth Bezel Dial: Grey Slate Wimbledon Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet Size: will fit up to a 8" wrist Clasp: Fold over clasp Serial: Scramble Serial Movement: Automatic Additional Details: This Item comes with white handtag and Card dated Dec 9 2023 SKU: A30320825 The Rolex 126300 Datejust 41 “Wimbledon...
Stainless 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
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
Rolex Oyester Perpetual Datejust 41mm steel and rose gold with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Datejust 41, reference 126331, is one of the most striking and luxurious expressions of the Datejust collection. This model features Everose Rolesor, Rolex's signature marr...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Steel, Rose Gold
Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 Stainless Steel Watch Brand: Rolex MPN: 116680 Model: Yacht-Master II Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 44mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Oyester Perpetual Datejust 31mm steel and rose gold chocolate and diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Datejust 31, reference 278271, is a sophisticated expression of elegance, designed for those who appreciate a classic aesthetic in a more delicate, mid-size silhouette. Cra...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, 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
Vintage 1993 Rolex Datejust Two-Tone 16233 Auto Champagne Roman Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
It's Instantly Recognizable For A Reason This is what comes to mind when I think Datejust. Champagne Roman dial, fluted yellow gold bezel, and a Jubilee bracelet. It is the classic ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Royal with Custom Made Navy Blue Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Royal / Reference 6426 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length "Lug Tip to Lug...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Watch Dial Oyster Perpetual Date Just 13/179178-12
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex Watch Dial Oyster Perpetual Date Just 13/179178-12. With white batons. Additional Information: Serial Number: 13/179178-12 Excellent Conditi...
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 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 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 Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Yellow Dial 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
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 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 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 Date 15238 34mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Box Paper 2002
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15238 Serial: P28**** Year: 2002 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Fluted ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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 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 President 18078 Spanish Day-Date Yellow Gold Bark Finish Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This Rolex President Spanish Day-Date in Yellow Gold with Bark Finish for men is in mint condition with a subtle patina. It features a certified chronometer self-winding movement. Th...
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
Vintage Rolex Cellini 6621 18K Yellow Gold White Dial Quartz Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Cellini 6621 quartz watch in 18K yellow gold featuring 26mm case with white dial and integrated brick-link bracelet. Bracelet measures 13mm wide, 7 inches length, made ...
18k Gold
Unworn Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40 Reference# 126509, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126509-0003 is a masterpiece born from the spirit of high-performance motor racing, uniting technical excellence with unmistakable luxury. Crafted e...
White Gold
Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, new and classic vintage watches on 1stDibs.
While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind.
Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.
Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
When shopping for a watch, it’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.
Find exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.
A fresh palette of dial colors and technological advances have elevated this classic watch model.
The watch has transformed several times over, but it’s still undeniably a classic.
This is perhaps the least subtle version of the Submariner.
If you think this looks like the Rolex Kermit, you're correct.
This model was designed for lefties.
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.
As the cache goes on display at London’s Design Museum, we speak to its enigmatic owner about some of his rarest acquisitions.