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 Oyster Perpetual 31mm Midsize Steel Pink Dial Ladies Watch 177200
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31 Midsize Steel Pink Dial Ladies' Watch 177200. Chronometer automatic self-winding movement with quickset date function. Stainless steel Oyster case, 31.0 mm ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
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 Mini Datejust 79174 26mm Silver Diamond Dial 18k WG Fluted Bezel Steel 200
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2128 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 79174 Year 2005 Dial Silver Diamond Dial Case Steel and 18k White Gold Fluted Bezel Bracelet Steel Diameter 26mm Length 16cm Movement ...
Rolex President Day-Date Men's 18k Gold Watch 18038
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex President Day-Date Men's 18k Gold Watch 18038 - Automatic winding; quick-set; sapphire crystal. President - Day-Date. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel ( 36 mm) Miller Hig...
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Aubergine Roman VI IX Diamond Dial Bezel Watch 126284RBR
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in Oystersteel and white gold features an aubergine, diamond-set dial and an Oyster bracelet. This dial features Roman VI and IX in 18 ct gold, set ...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
$10,900Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Datejust Custom Blue Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel Two Tone
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Datejust REFRENCE: 16233 SIZE: 36mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIAL: Custom Blue with Diamonds BEZEL: Custom Yellow Gold with Diamonds BAND: Jubile...
Diamond, White Diamond, Mixed Metal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainl...
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom M.O.P Pink Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Day Date Ref 18038 80s Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold 36mm Case.
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Day Date reference 18038 automatic (single quick) with a champagne sunburst dial in 18K yellow gold from the 1980s. Measurements include a 36mm case, 20mm lug ...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116519LN Ceramic White Gold Steel Dial Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in great condition. Comes with original box and papers.
Steel
Rolex Daytona Steel White Sticks Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with the original box but no papers. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona – Reference 116520 Complete Specifications** General Information Brand: Rolex Mo...
Steel
Rolex Daytona 126503 Steel & Gold White Dial Unworn 2026
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Daytona from Rolex in Oystersteel and Yellow Gold. Features a white dial with applied hour markers. With an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers, the Dayt...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Grey Dial Gold Steel Jubilee Bracelet Men's Watch 16233
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel with a gray Roman numeral dial on a jubilee band. 36 mm case size Ref 16233. Certified Classic Rolex Datejust 16233 watch is mad...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust 1601 14K Yellow Gold Pie Pan Dial Jubilee Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A 1969 vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 1601 in 14K yellow gold pre-quickset desirable pie-pan champagne dial with gold baton hour marke...
Gold
Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Woman's Datejust Pearlmaster Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Rolex Pearlmaster that is as stylish as it is beautiful! Style 80318, the mother-of-pearl dial, 12 diamond bezel, Pearlmaster bracelet with aftermarket diamonds, synthetic sapphire...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1974 Rolex Oyster 6426 Stainless Steel Silver Sunburst Dial Manual 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Purest Form Of The Oyster The reference 6426 is Rolex at its most essential. It is a direct descendant of the original waterproof Oyster case from 1926, stripped of every possib...
Stainless Steel
1996 Rolex GMT-Master 16700 Steel Auto Black Bezel 40mm T-Serial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Final Evolution Of The Original GMT The reference 16700 marks the end of an era as the final iteration of the original GMT-Master line. Produced alongside the GMT-Master II, the...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust 80s Ref 16233 Automatic Gold Two Tone White Roman Numeral
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16233 automatic two tone with a white roman numeral dial on a jubilee bracelet from the 1990s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Mea...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 116233 Two Tone 18k & Steel 36mm Champagne 10 Diamond Dial Minty
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this 2009 Rolex 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Datejust, reference 116233 with most of the original protective stickers still intact. This timeless class...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel
Rolex Mini Chameleon Precision 8789 18k YG Florentine Engraving Manual Winding 1
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 1964 Brand Rolex Model Mini Chameleon Precision Reference 8789 Year 1979 Dial Florentine Engraving Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Rolex Chameleon Leather Strap Diameter 17mm Leng...
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Unique 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
Genuine Rolex 6917 Oyster Perpetual Date Watch. Ladies ROLEX 14k Multi tone
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 6917. 14k Yellow gold and Stainless Steel Multi tone Rolex Ladies Wristwatch. Circa 1971 Just went through a complete overhaul. Fully serviced. ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16013 36mm MOP Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16013 Serial: 590**** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamo...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Genuine 18k Rolex 6517 Oyster Perpetual Watch. Ladies ROLEX 18k Yellow Gold.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady DateJust Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1960. 18k Yellow Gold Case. 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6517. Condition: Excellent Condition fo...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Pearlmaster Tridor Meteorite Dial Diamond (18948)
By Rolex
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Rolex Pearlmaster wristwatch (Ref. 18948), is a rare Masterpiece edition from the early 2000s that combines three shades of 18K gold in its distinctive Tridor construction with ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15000 34mm 1980s Mens Automatic All Original RA771
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15000 all-stainless steel automatic, c.1981, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, Roman numeral and applied baton hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 position, hands and dial in excellent vintage condition, very minor show of age. Acrylic crystal. Smooth bezel on stainless steel case measures 34mm wide, case in excellent condition. 27-jeweled Rolex cal.3035 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. On original Rolex solid stainless steel Oyster bracelet, measures 20cm with the watch, in very good vintage condition. A classic icon, Men's Rolex 15000...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 278273 Olive Green Diamond Dial Jubilee Gold Steel Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with original box and papers. Rolex Lady-Datejust 31 Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Lady-Datejust 31 Model Number: 278273 Department: Women Style: Luxury Country/Region of Ma...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel & Rose Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1957 Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 4389 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel & Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm ...
Gold, 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
Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Champagne Dial TT YG/SS 1987
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Mini Datejust 69173 – 26mm – Champagne Dial – Two-Tone Yellow Gold & Steel – 1987 SKU 1931 Available exclusively at Classic Time Club, Sydney — your trusted destination for rar...
2007 Rolex Cellini Cellissima 24MM 6693 18K White Gold Pave Diamond Quartz Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K White Gold Diameter: 24.00 mm Weight: 81.81 grams ROLEX Ladies 18K white gold diamond ROLEX Swiss made wristwatch with original box...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116506 40mm Platinum Index Icy Blue Chestnut Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Full links. Box and papers. Free polishing upon request. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accu...
Platinum
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
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 Rare Day-Date Platinum Omani Khanjar Dial 1804
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare and important Rolex Omani Day-Date 1804, available now at our Showroom, London. This exquisite timepiece, crafted from opulent platinum, is one of very few pieces which were ...
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18k Rose Gold Black Dial Men Watch 126515LN Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with box and papers. 2025 card.
Rose Gold
Rolex vintage Oysterdate Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1967 Rolex Oyster Date Reference 6694 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1225 17 Jewel manual Wind, Nickle Lever movement. Custom Refinished "Cal...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 116233 Tahitian Diamond Dial Diamond Band 18K Yellow Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116233 Serial: Z189*** Year: 2006 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel with Custom Diamonds Band: 18K Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Jubilee B...
Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual Date Watch 69240
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual Date Watch 69240 - Automatic winding, 29 jewels, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. Stainless steel case with fluted bezel ( 26 mm). Silver stick . Stainl...
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
Rolex Precision Vintage Manual wind Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1954 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case, screw down crown, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle Lever movement, acrylic crystal, "...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 79173 Blue Dial Jubilee Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Datejust 79173 is an elegant ladies' watch featuring a 26mm stainless steel case with an 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Its blue dial boasts gold hands, index hour markers, and ...
Steel
Rolex Date Ref 1500, Yellow Gold 34mm Case, Lightly Patinated Dial, Year c1967
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Rolex Date , reference 1500 features a gold case (34mm) with beautiful lightly patinated dial. Presented in excellent condition for its age, we date manufacture to c. 196...
Yellow Gold
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...
Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel 1975 Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1975. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2611. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case and Brac...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
New Rolex Daytona 126518LN 18K Yellow Gold Paul Newman Dial Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with original box and papers. Rolex Daytona — Model 126518LN (2024) Men’s Luxury Chronograph Yellow Gold Black Dial Oysterflex Rubber Strap 📌 General Information B...
Yellow Gold
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...
Rolex Datejust Men's Watch - Stainless Steel Yellow Gold 18k Automatic 16233
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 16233 Specific Year: 2002 Movement: Automatic Warranty: 1 Year Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Grey Roman Metal Content: Stainless Steel...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
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
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Titanium Unworn 2026
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Yacht-Master 42 REFERENCE: 226627 SIZE: 42mm CASE: Titanium DIAL: Black BAND: Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic Unworn Accommodated with an up-to-date digital...
Titanium
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 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 Vintage 5512 Gilt Underline Dial Pointed Crown Guard Submariner Full Set
By Rolex
Located in Boston, MA
A vintage Rolex Submariner, model 5512, with rare Underline gilt dial and pointed crown guard case. The round case measures 40mm in width, featuring the original black dial with gil...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Persian Numbers 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 / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diame...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
$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
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 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
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
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.