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1951 Rolex

Rolex Royal Precision, 1951, 15 Jewel Super Balance, Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Raleigh, NC
example of the Rolex Oyster Royal 6144. Hailing from circa 1951, this Oyster Royal reference 6144 features
Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Two Tone Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial from 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6084 METAL
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial from 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6085 METAL
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Late Series Bubble Back Movement with Original Dial from 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6285 METAL
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oysterdate with Rare Super Oyster Crown, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Super Oysterdate / Reference 6094 METAL
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Original Patinated Dial from 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6285 METAL
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex Rare Vintage Semi Bubble Back Oyster Perpetual Coin Edge Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A Rare 18k Yellow Gold Semi Bubble Back Oyster Perpetual Vintage Men's Wristwatch, silver dial with applied hour markers, a fixed 18k yellow gold coin edge bezel, a very rare origina...
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

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18k Gold Men's Watch Omega Constellation Chronometer
By Omega
Located in Montreal, QC
Omega Constellation chronometer, automatic day-date 18k gold men's watch with leather strap, circa 1960-69. Lug width 19mm, mechanical automatic movement, gold tone original dial, go...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Omega 9kt yellow gold from 1960's, Ref. 315418
By Omega
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage Omega 9kt yellow gold from 1960's. Watch has long service award engraved on case back from H.J Heinz company. Reference: 315418 Period: 1960's Movement: 24 jewels, Mechanica...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex 18Kt Yellow Gold Early Datejust Watch, circa 1950
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6084 METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm CIRCA: 1950 MOVEMENT / C...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Vintage Steel Manual Wind Ref 6424 Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1954 Rolex Reference 6424 Wrist Watch, 36 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster case. Caliber 1215 Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle Lever movement, Rolex Logo Crown. New Custom Vin...
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Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre 18K Yellow Gold Triple Date Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
Presented in an 18k solid Yellow gold case , the original Jaeger-LeCoultre Triple Date Calendar collection served as the inspiration for the brand’s modern day Master Calendar. Aest...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre 18K Yellow Gold Triple Date Watch
Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre 18K Yellow Gold Triple Date Watch
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H 1.42 in W 0.32 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex "Bubbleback" Ref 5011 Automatic Steel and Rose Gold Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1949 Rolex "Bubbleback" Reference 5011 Wrist Watch, 31 M.M Stainless Steel with a Rose Gold Engine Turned Bezel, Caliber A296 17 Jewel Automatic, Self winding movement, Older R...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch from 1952
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6106 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 20 Jewels / Caliber 645 DIAL / HANDS: Original Matte...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Post-War Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Champagne Dial Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand : Rolex Model: Oysterdate Precision Reference Number : 6694 Features : Screw down Crown - Champagne Dial Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Manual winding Case...
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Extremely rare rectangular solid gold watch 1930s
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex Ref 2356 Circa 1930 Rolex Vintage Rectangular solid gold case with solid wire gold fixed lugs. This attractive watch is manual hand winding. Excellent condition it has been rec...
Category

20th Century European Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

LeCoultre & Cie Vintage Watch Power Reserve White Dial Yellow Gold Plated Case
Located in Vannes, FR
LeCoultre & Cie Vintage Watch Power Reserve White Dial Yellow Gold Plated Case This Lecoultre & Cie men's watch is an outstanding example of Swiss watchmaking excellence. With a 10...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Yellow Gold

Rolex Vintage Steel and Gold Ref 6582 Zephyre Bezel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Oyster perpetual Reference 6582 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 piece stainless steel Oyster case with Yellow Gold Zephyre Bezel and Gold Crown. Caliber 1030, Automatic, self...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Chronometer Bubbleback with Black Dial 1940's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 2940 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1945 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diamet...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble Back Rare Roman Dial Perpetual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 32mm CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perp...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Oyster with Rare Original Dial from 1946
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 4365 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1946 DIMENSIONS: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Rare Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual from 1952 Oversized Bubble Back Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex 9Ct. Prince in Nearly New Condition Silver Enamel Dial from 1935 or 36
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince Model METAL / MATERIAL: 9KT Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1935 / 36 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Width 20mm MOVEMENT: ...
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Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Recent Sales

Rolex Cellini 6223, White Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Cellini Reference #:6223. Rolex Brevet 6223 Mens Hand Winding Vintage Watch Silver Dial
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Vintage Collection 6223 White Dial Certified Authentic
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Vintage Collection Reference #:6223. Rolex Brevet 6223 Mens Hand Winding Vintage Watch Silver
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Date Custom Color Automatic Wristwatch, 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1951 Rolex Reference 1501, Date Model Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel Oyster case with
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Royal manual Wristwatch Ref 6144, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Rolex Oyster Royal, Ref:6144, Serial No.809892 1951 Jewelled manual wind movement, silvered
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Rose Gold Chronograph Wristwatch with Black Dial Ref 4062 circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Rolex 18k rose gold chronograph wristwatch with black dial, Ref. 4062, Case Number 845132, circa
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Steel Rare Model with Machined Bezel Super Oyster, circa 1951 or 1952
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Ref. 6107 METAL
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble Back Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: W3281 Model: 6050 Serial: 676*** Condition: 8.5 - Good condition Age: 1951 Case Diameter: 32
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold Date Automatic Wristwatch Ref 15037
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Date Men's 14k Yellow Gold Watch - Automatic winding. 14k yellow gold (34mm diameter
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex yellow gold Stainless steel Datejust Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1601
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Watch 1601 on Strap - Automatic winding, 26 jewels, acrylic crystal
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1601
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Watch 1601 on Strap - Automatic winding, 26 jewels, acrylic crystal
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Yellow Gold GMT-Master Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 1675
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
hand. This would have been among the very first 1675s in yellow gold that Rolex produced, with a
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Vintage Semi Bubble Back Oyster Perpetual Manual Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
excellent condition, comes with an original Rolex box, our own certficate of authenticity and our own one
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Rare Vintage Semi Bubble Back Oyster Perpetual Coin Edge Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A Rare 36mm 1951 18k Yellow Gold Semi Bubble Back Oyster Perpetual Vintage Gents Wristwatch
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Prince Eaton "Quarter Century Club" Doctors Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Prince Eaton "Quarter Century Club" Doctors Watch - Manual winding. Gold case ( 21 mm x 45 m
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Ref. 5016, Stainless Steel So-called "Bombay" ROLEX
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
between 1940 and 1951. This watch is illustrated in “Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches”, by Osvaldo Patrizzi
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

ROLEX 18K Gold Self-Winding Wristwatch With Sweep Centre Seconds
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
A 18Kt Gold Automatic Swepp Seconds Wristwatch, Rolex Oyster Perpetual, REF. 6085. Made on 1951
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex 1951 Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch with Cali Bubbleback Style Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1951 Rolex Reference 6558 Wrist Watch, 36 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster case. Caliber
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Oyster Date Precision Vintage Steel Mechanical Custom Dial Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1951 Rolex Reference 6694 Oyster Date Precision Wrist Watch. 34 M.M. 3 piece Stainless Steel
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Perpetual Automatic 18 Carat Gold, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A rare and very well preserved vintage Automatic Perpetual wristwatch by Rolex Circa 1951. 18ct
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Perpetual Automatic 18 Carat Gold, circa 1951
Rolex Perpetual Automatic 18 Carat Gold, circa 1951
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W 1.11 in D 0.32 in L 1.46 in
Rolex Stainless Steel Sub Seconds Bubble Back Watch, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / "Bubble Back" METAL
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel with Rare Full Size Bubble Back Movement from 1951 or 1952
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Super Oyster / 6084 METAL
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wristwatch Ref 6084
By Rolex
Located in Milano, IT
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wristwatch Ref 6084 circa 1951 A very nice clean Rolex in excellent
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Rose Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Perpetual Wind Watch, circa 1952
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Ref. 6105 METAL / MATERIAL
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Oyster Precision Ref. 6022 Watch, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1951 Vintage Rolex Oyster Precision Ref. 6022 10k Yellow Gold watch with Original Silver Dial with
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Ref 6022 Original Dial, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Oyster ref # 6022 in stainless steel, case serial # 761,xxx circa 1951. Featuring 34mm
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 Stainless Steel Watch, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1951 Vintage Rolex Early Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6084 Semi-Bubbleback Stainless Steel watch with
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Zephyr Wristwatch circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brand Name: Rolex Style Number: 1008 Series: Oyster Perpetual Gender: Men's Case Material
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Yellow Gold Bombe Red Officially self winding wristwatch, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare example Rolex 18K YG Bombe ref # 6090 serial# 759,xxx circa 1951 with red printed OFFICIALLY
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel and Rose Gold Viceroy Wristwatch circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel and rose gold Viceroy wristwatch, Ref. 3359. Steel tonneau case with nicely
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1951 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Big Semi Bubbleback Ref. 6084 14k Yellow Gold watch with
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking Wristwatch circa 1951 with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Speedking wristwatch, Ref. 6420, circa 1951, complete with original box and
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1951 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084. 18K Yellow Gold case. Case size, 34mm wide
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6284
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, reference 6284. This Rolex features a plastic crystal, stainless
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Cellini 6223, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Cellini Reference #: 6223. Mens Mechanical Hand Wind Watch Stainless Steel Silver 34 MM
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Brevet 6223 Men's Hand Winding Vintage Watch Silver Dial Stainless
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Brevet 6223 Mens Hand Winding Vintage Watch Silver Dial Stainless Steel 34mm
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex Rose Gold Bombe self winding wristwatch Ref 6090, circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare example Rolex 18K rose gold Bombe ref # 6090 serial# xxx,xxx circa 1951. Featuring 33 x 40mm
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Cellini 6223, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Cellini Reference #: 6223. Mens Mechanical Hand Wind Watch Stainless Steel Silver 34 MM
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Precision Reference 4658 Stainless Steel Watch, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1951 Vintage Rolex Precision Ref. 4658 Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with Applied
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

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1951 Rolex For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 1951 rolex you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of 18k Gold, Gold and Rose Gold, this item was constructed with great care. When shopping for a 1951 rolex, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or women today than there are for men.

How Much is a 1951 Rolex?

On average, a 1951 rolex at 1stDibs sells for $4,850, while they’re typically $2,000 on the low end and $51,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Rolex for sale on 1stDibs

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.

Finding the Right wrist-watches for You

Antique, new and vintage wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.

Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.

Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.

In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.

Find antique, new and vintage wristwatches on 1stDibs.

Questions About Rolex
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Most Rolex watches use a Perpetual rotor which means that they do not need winding if worn regularly. If you have not worn your watch in some time, you can manually wind it by unscrewing the crown to the winding position and turning it clockwise about 20 times. Make sure to screw the crown back into place after winding to reestablish its waterproof qualities. Shop a collection of authentic Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, you can wear a Rolex every day. This durable and high-quality timepiece is meant to withstand everyday use and wear. Shop a large collection of authentic Rolex watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Rolex made the Oysterquartz watch starting in the 1970s. Not many were made, with around an estimated 25,000 models making it to market. Shop a range of expertly vetted Rolex watches from top boutiques worldwide on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Rolex joined the quartz movement popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The first Rolex quartz watch was the Date 5100. The company then released the Oysterquartz Datejust and the Oysterquartz Date-Date models. Very few Date 5100s were released, and the Oysterquartz models were only produced for 25 years. Find a collection of expertly vetted Rolex watches, including rare Oysterquartz models, from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, all Rolex products have a serial number. You can find it engraved along the side closest to the six o’clock mark. If your Rolex is missing a serial number, it is likely not authentic. On 1stDibs you can shop a wide range of expertly vetted Rolex products from some of the best boutiques around the world.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Rolex watch is powered by a Perpetual rotor that captures the energy of your body’s movement and uses it to keep your watch running. You can also wind up a Rolex if you haven’t been wearing it for a while. Shop the collection of authenticated Rolex timepieces available from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Most Rolex watches work thanks to a perpetual rotor found inside. Every time you move your wrist, this rotor glides back and forth, creating kinetic energy. That energy moves into the mainspring of the watch to power the timepiece, eliminating the need for winding as long as the watch is being worn. You’ll find a large selection of Rolex on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A contemporary Rolex Yacht Master costs around $11,000. However, a vintage model can cost up to $30,000.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To clean a Rolex watch, wipe it all over periodically with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. For deeper cleaning, you can wash their metal bracelets and cases with warm water and mild dish or hand soap. Use a leather cleaner product to clean leather straps on Rolex watches. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Rolex watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Rolex made its mark on the world in 1910, and in the 100-plus years since, the Bienne, Switzerland-based brand has focused on making some of the highest quality watches in the world, with trademark chronometric precision. Find authentic vintage and new Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    How you adjust a Rolex band depends on the style. Submariner and SeaDweller watches feature Glidelock clasps that allow you to adjust the size 2 mm at a time simply by opening the bracelet and sliding it back and forth. Other watches use an Easylink comfort extension link which allows you to adjust the length by 5 mm without any special tools. Check the user manual of your specific watch for more detailed instructions. You’ll find a large collection of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Adjust a Rolex by twisting the crown at the side counter-clockwise to unscrew it, then gently pull it out three notches to its third position. Twist it clockwise to set the time. Push the crown in until it clicks to its second position. Turn it clockwise to set the date. Push it all the way back in and screw it in in a clockwise direction to secure it and re-waterproof the watch. Browse a range of Rolex timepieces from top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Insert a Rolex spring bar tool into the lug holes, or alternatively, the gaps for the spring bars at the end of the band. Gently retract the spring bar by pressing it with the tool until the band dislodges. Put the new band onto the spring bar. Line up the spring bar with the lugs and use the tool to navigate it into place until it clicks securely. Browse for authenticated Rolex timepieces and bands on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Designed with world travelers in mind, the Rolex Sky-Dweller can be purchased through Rolex directly as well as through authorized retailers and resellers, including 1stDibs. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity. While Rolex has at times inspired knockoffs, 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    One of the cheapest Rolex watches is the Oyster Perpetual, which usually costs around $5,000. This model is made of oystersteel, an affordable type of steel.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The way a Rolex bracelet fits is a matter of preference. For a comfortable fit, Rolex recommends leaving the bracelet loose enough to allow for the wrist expansion that comes with warmth but snug enough to avoid sliding. Shop a collection of authentic Rolex pieces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Presidential Rolex is a nickname for the Rolex Day-Date watch. When it debuted in 1956, the timepiece stood out as the only one that showed both the date and day of the week on its dial. The watch got its nickname when President Lyndon B. Johnson wore a Day-Date watch made of yellow gold in 1965. You’ll find a large selection of Rolex Day-Date watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Paul Newman Rolex is a Rolex Daytona 6239 that was owned by Paul Newman, who wore it many times during his racing career — Newman began racing professionally in 1972 and is said to have worn the watch every day, both on and off the track. The ruggedly handsome star was captured in countless paparazzi and publicity photos seemingly never without the same beloved Daytona. The back was engraved with the phrase, “Drive Carefully Me.” Search a collection of authenticated Rolex watches from top boutiques worldwide on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Rolex Daytona is a wristwatch designed with race car drivers in mind. Named after the Daytona 500, the watch measures elapsed time and calculates average speed. Find a selection of Rolex Daytona watches and other styles on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Rolex Masterpiece is a special-edition Rolex Day-Date with a larger face. Due to their exclusive nature, the Rolex Masterpiece is one of the most coveted styles of watches. Find a selection of Rolex Masterpiece watches and other styles on 1stDibs.