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Old Rolex Value

Rolex Explorer 11 16550 1986 Collectors
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
This remarkable timepiece is considered to be the model that bridges between the then old-style
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Explorer 11 16550 1986  Collectors
Rolex Explorer 11 16550 1986  Collectors
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H 1.54 in W 1.54 in
1942 Rolex “Raleigh” Stainless Steel. Total Restoration!
By Rolex
Located in Raleigh, NC
always worth checking these numbers before buying any vintage Rolex as so many of these high value pieces
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1920's Gruen Quadron 15 Jewel Restored. Beautiful Art Deco Watch
By Gruen
Located in Raleigh, NC
than Rolex, which at that time was concentrating on the British and Commonwealth countries. Hans
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

1920"s Art Deco Gruen Quadron 15 Jewel, Restored, 14KY Gold Filled
By Gruen
Located in Raleigh, NC
leaders in wristwatch design and quality, even working together with Rolex. In 1925, Gruen introduced the
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Karen
By Kat Flyn
Located in New Orleans, LA
because emotional value had been added to it (such as a photograph, an old shoe, a vintage toy) and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Karen
Karen
H 27 in W 10 in D 10 in

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Rolex Submariner Date Steel Vintage Mens Watch 16800 Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Submariner Date Steel Vintage Mens Watch 16800 Box Papers. Officially certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel case 40 mm in diameter. Stainless s...
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Cartier Tank Must GM Silver Blue Precious
By Cartier
Located in PARIS, FR
Cartier Must model Tank watch in 925/1000 silver, ecru background with blue railway indexes and Roman numerals, quartz movement, blue exotic leather strap, Cartier folding clasp in s...
Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver, Stainless Steel

Rolex 1940s Yellow Gold Automatic Bubble Back Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1940s Rolex Bubble Back Wrist Watch, 32 M.M. 3 Piece 14K Yellow Gold case with smooth Bezel, Automatic, Self Winding movement. Restored Black Dial with Radium style filled Rom...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Aesthetic Movement Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Lipton Wristwatch from 1944
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Lipton METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1944 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm x Diameter 29mm MOVEMENT / ...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Tudor Oyster Mid Size with Original Patinated Dial From 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tudor Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 4270 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1942 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm x Diameter ...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Cartier LOVE Bracelet in 18k white gold and 3.70ct diamonds with box & papers
By Cartier
Located in Bilbao, ES
CARTIER LOVE BRACELET Cartier 'Love' bangle bracelet crafted in 18 karat white gold with diamond screw tops and pave set round brilliant cut diamonds (D-F in color, VVS clarity) Sign...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Clamper Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 Automatic Original Champagne Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand : Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Date Reference Number : 1500 Features : Screw down Crown - Champagne Dial Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Ca...
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Omega Lady's Constellation Quadra Wrist Watch
By Omega
Located in Amman, JO
Omega Constellation Quadra watch made with stainless steel, it features a classy squared bezel with engraved Roman numerals that are housed on a black dial. Luminescent hands and hou...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex for Tudor Steel Skyline Centrograph with Original Dial 1940's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex for Tudor STYLE / REFERENCE: Skyline / Centrograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diameter 29mm MOVE...
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex Royal Precision, 1951, 15 Jewel Super Balance, Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Raleigh, NC
Today's offering showcases this uncommon and original Rolex Oyster Royal model #6144 encased in stainless steel. Built only in the early 1950's, these watches are fine and desirable....
Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Waltham Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa, 1940's with Original Dial
By Waltham
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 23mm ...
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Gruen 10k Gold Filled Art Deco Watch
By Gruen
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style / Reference 770 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm...
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Rolex Day-Date 1803 Men's Watch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Day-Date 1803 Men's Watch in 18kt Yellow Gold SKU: 129876 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date Country of Origin: Switzerland Movement Type: Mechanical: Automatic/Kin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Seiko Chronograph Gen 1 Military Raf Chronograph 1990
By Seiko
Located in London, GB
Watch: Seiko Generation 1 7A28-7120 c.1990 Watch Only Stock Number: CHW5274 Price: £995.00 Original, working Generation 1 Seiko Chronograph made for the British RAF in 1990. Having ...
Category

1990s Japanese Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rare and Unusual Rolex Vintage Precision Stainless Steel Ref 4309 Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare and Unusual Rolex Vintage Precision Stainless Steel Ref 4309 Ladies Watch - Manual winding. Stainless steel ( 16 mm x 23 mm ). Silver dial with applied dot and triangular number...
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Recent Sales

1920’s, Art Deco Gruen Quadron, 15 Jewel, beautiful statement timepiece.
By Gruen
Located in Raleigh, NC
leaders in wristwatch design and quality, even working together with Rolex. In 1925, Gruen introduced
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

1907 Waltham English “Maximus” 19 Jewel 0 Size Trench Watch
By Waltham Watch Company
Located in Raleigh, NC
case manufacture for Rolex, Omega, Waltham and many others in the 1900’s What is a “Trench Watch
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

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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 Old Rolex Value
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
    Yes, some old pearls have value. How much pearls are worth depends on the type of pearl, the maker and their condition. You can consult trusted online resources to get a rough idea of how much your jewelry is worth or use the services of a licensed appraiser or knowledgeable dealer for a more authoritative valuation. Find a large selection of pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, a Rolex watch generally holds its value over time. To ensure that your watch retains its worth, clean it regularly using a microfiber cloth. Also, follow the service guidelines recommended by Rolex. Most timepieces made by the brand require routine service once every 10 years. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of Rolex watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Many Rolex models may go up in value with time, but the Rolex Submariner is one of the watch models most proven to increase in value. It is highly durable and very popular, making it an iconic Rolex model. Shop on 1stDibs to find a collection of authentically vetted Rolex watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    Yes, some rotary phones are valuable. Collectors often seek pieces in colors other than black, brown, white and beige, so phones that are blue, green, yellow, red, pink or purple may be worth more. The maker, age and condition will also impact the value. Rotary dial phones were brought to market in America in around 1919 or so and became widely used during the 1950s. If you want to know how much a particular piece may sell for, a licensed certified appraiser can assist you. On 1stDibs, find a selection of rotary phones.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    The value of an old watch depends on a number of factors, including who made it and which style it is. Condition also has a major impact on how much a timepiece is worth. As a result, it's generally best to seek the opinion of an experienced jeweler or certified appraiser. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, a Rolex watch will hold its value and some of them even appreciate over time. This high-end brand has a grand reputation for superior quality, making it one of the more desirable watches available. Shop a collection of properly vetted vintage and contemporary Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The popular Rolex Oyster Perpetual is usually between $5,900 and $6,600 in price.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
    The value of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust can range from $7,000 to $9,000. 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. Rolex’s Datejust is the epitome of timeless watchmaking. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    Whether pre-owned Rolex watches hold their value depends on a variety of factors, including the specific model, how well the watch is cared for and what demand and supply are like in the future. It’s worth noting that Rolex watches, perhaps more than any other brand’s timepieces, hold their value over time. And some vintage and pre-owned models, like the emerald-green Rolex Submariner “Hulk,” have been known to appreciate well above their original purchase price. The greatest advantage to buying a pre-owned Rolex is that it opens up a wider range of models to consider, including rare ones that have been discontinued. Another plus is that a pre-owned Rolex experiences less of an initial depreciation than a new one and will lose value more slowly over time. The greatest drop in the value of a Rolex generally occurs right after it’s been purchased new, although not every Rolex experiences depreciation to the same degree. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Rolex watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 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 ExpertDecember 4, 2023
    Yes, old Rolex watches can be repaired. The Swiss luxury watchmaker will often restore timepieces for customers, and there are many authorized repair shops that specialize in Rolex restoration. Contact Rolex’s customer service to explore your options. Shop a large collection of Rolex watches from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Yes, a 20-year-old Rolex would be considered vintage by most people. Generally, timepieces that are at least 20 years old are thought of as vintage. And as collecting vintage watches gains steam as a hobby, other venerable brands including Patek Philippe, Breitling and Omega have been mining their archives of late, reissuing mid-century models and resurrecting design elements with retro appeal. Find a variety of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.

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