Rolex. A Rare Gold and Enamel Keyless Pocket Watch C1920
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold and Enamel Keyless Lever Pocket Watch Retailed By The Alex Clarke Company London C1920. Dial: The original silver matt dial engine turned to the cent...
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Rolex 9ct. Solid Gold Art Deco Ladies Wristwatch ca 1920's, with Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Baguette Style METAL / MATERIAL: 9ct. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm x Width 11mm M...
Rolex 9 Carat Gold Cushion Shaped Watch with Original Breguet Dial from 1922
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shape / Fixed Wire Lugs METAL / MATERIAL: 9Ct. English Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1922 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 31mm x...
Rare Circa 1920’s Woman’s Rolex Watch Box Presentation Case
By Rolex
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage 1920’s intricate designed pressboard watch box is in excellent condition and is made with meticulous craftsmanship. Beautifully embossed top, reminiscent of tooled leath...
Leather, Wood
Rolex Hunter's Case Yellow Gold Filled Pocket Watch circa 1920's Flawless Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company for Dunkling's STYLE / REFERENCE: Hunter's Case Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diamet...
Gold-filled
Antique Art Deco Rolex 9k Rose Gold Square 15j Mechanical Hand Wound Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Rolex - Mechanical - Hand Wound - 15 Jewels - Swiss Made Gross Weight: 23.3 Grams (Includes Strap) Case Material: Solid 9k Rose Gold Case Width: 25mm (w/o...
Rose Gold
Rolex Lady's Rose Gold Prototype Submarine Aqua Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Paris, FR
Extremely rare and early Rolex submarine aqua prototype wristwatch manufactured for P.Orr&Sons Ltd. Madras-Rangoon in the 20s. Integrated in a pink gold protective case, manual windi...
Enamel, Gold
Rolex Rare Art Deco Open Face Pocket Watch Vintage 9 Karat Gold Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare 9k Yellow Gold Art Deco Open Face Vintage Gents 40mm Pocket Watch, silver dial with art deco arabic numbers, small seconds at 6 0'clock, blued steel hands, a fixed 9k yellow g...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Rolex Ladies Rose Gold Wristwatch, circa 1920
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920 Rolex Ladies Wrist watch, 28 MM Rolex W.D. Wilsdorf & Davis English 9K Rose Gold case. 15 Jewel Rolex Nickle lever stem set and wind movement. Excellent, Mint condition S...
9k Gold
Antique Ladies Pre 1926 18k ROLEX wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Victoria, BC
Here is a lovely Antique Ladies Pre 1926 18k ROLEX wristwatch This watch has recently been serviced and is working well. It is a small watch measuring approx. 12.75mm wide (excludin...
18k Gold
Rolex 18ct Gold Vintage Manual Wristwatch – Circa 1927
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A rare Rolex vintage wristwatch, featuring a manual movement housed in an elegant 18ct gold case. This timepiece dates back to circa 1927, showcasing the timeless craftsmanship and h...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex. A Rose Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1924
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex. A 9ct Rose Gold Keyless Lever Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1924. Dial: The perfect white enamel dial simply signed Rolex with Roman numerals, outer minute track and subsidiary s...
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex "Princess" Watch 9K Yellow Gold Manual Wind 1926 Manufacture
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This is an exceptionally rare 1926 Rolex "Princess" watch. It is a reference 2058. The watch is powered by a Rolex 15 jewel manual wind movement. The 17mm x 27mm 9K gold case is UNPO...
Yellow Gold
Very Rare Vintage Rolex Oyster Prima 1925, Original Box & Paperwork, Circa 1925
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Rolex invented the first waterproof wristwatch, the Oyster. This is a very early example of such a watch, a reference 1925 and is incredibly rare on its own, but even more so, as it ...
Antique Rolex Gold Plated Keyless Lever Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1920s
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex. A Rose Gold Plated Keyless Lever Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1920s. Dial: The excellent white enamel dial with Arabic numerals outer minute track and subsidiary seconds dial at...
Gold Plate
1920's Rolex Ladies Vintage Art Deco Watch - 9K Rose Gold
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 1st...
Rose Gold
1920s Rare Vintage Rolex 9 Karat Rose Gold Marconi Digital Jump Hour Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare 9k Rose Gold Marconi Digital Jump Hour Vintage Gents Wristwatch, silver hour, minute and second wheels with arabic numbers, jump hour aperture at near centre, minute and secon...
Rose Gold
Rolex Art Deco 18kt, White Gold Ladies Wristwatch with Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Art Deco 18kt. white gold ladies wristwatch with diamonds. Fully hallmarked case 18kt white gold - R.W.C - ROLEX WATCH COMPANY Made in 1920's Gender: Women Case size: Width - ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Rolex 15K Rose Gold Old European Diamond Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Rolex 15K Rose Gold Old European Diamond Bezel Watch. This incredible watch is crafted in 15k rose gold. The movement and watch is made by Rolex and the mo...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Rolex 18 Karat Yellow Gold Early Oyster Cushion Shape, circa 1920s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Oyster / Screw Down Crown METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Yellow CIRCA / YEAR: 1929 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 33mm x Width 28m...
Rolex Dress Watch Handmade
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / METAL / MATERIAL: 9kt. Solid Gold CIRCA: 1920's DIMENSIONS: 35mm X 27mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Winding / 15 Jewel...
Rolex 9Ct. English Market Art Deco Ladies Rolex from 1920's with Enamel Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Campaign Style with Wire Lugs METAL / MATERIAL: 9Ct. Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diamete...
Rolex Rare Stainless Steel Open Face Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Very Rare Asymmetrical Shaped Stainless Steel Open Face Pocket Watch Circa 1920, an original engraved cream dial signed Rolex with gilt baton and 3, 6 and 9 arabic numbers, a subsi...
Rolex Ladies Rose Gold Wristwatch, circa 1920
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920 Rolex Ladies Wrist watch, 28 MM Rolex W.D. Wilsdorf & Davis English 9K Rose Gold case. 15 Jewel Rolex Nickle lever stem set and wind movement. Excellent, Mint condition S...
9k Gold
Vintage Rolex Oyster Octagonal 1920's Extra Prima 1096 Case RARE
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1096 Serial: 260*** Year: 1925 Model: Rolex Oyster Vintage Octagonal Band: Custom Leather Band Dial: White / Off White Case Size: ~32mm In...
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Vintage Octagon Manual Wristwatch, circa 1936
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Octagon METAL / MATERIAL: 9Ct. Yellow Gold English Market DIMENSIONS: 37mm X 32mm CIRCA: 1936 / 1937 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manu...
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Vintage Octagon Manual Wristwatch circa 1936
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Octagon METAL / MATERIAL: 9Ct. Yellow Gold English Market DIMENSIONS: 37mm X 32mm CIRCA: 1936 / 1937 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manu...
Rolex. Asprey. A Rare Gold Observatory Pocket watch C1920
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex, Retailed by Asprey. A Very Rare Gold Observatory 18ct Two Colour Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1920 with Matching Two Colour Gold Dress Chain Dial: The original silver ma...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Enamel Inlay Octagonal Manual Watch, 1920's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Octagon METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: 28mm X 25mm CIRCA: 1920's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual ...
Rolex Steel and Gold Art Deco Ladies Watch, circa 1920's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 6311 METAL / MATERIAL: Steel & Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 33mm X Width 15mm MOVE...
Rolex 9Kt Gold Art Deco Tank Style Watch circa 1920's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Tank METAL / MATERIAL: 9Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 20mm MOVEME...
Rolex 9ct. Solid Gold Made for the British Commonwealth, circa 1920's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL: 9Ct. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 26mm X 21mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Win...
Rolex Silver Tonneau Shape with Rare Original Breguet Engine Turned Dial 1920's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tonneau / Reference 575 METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36 X Width 26mm MOVE...
Rolex 9 Carat Gold U.K. Ladies Watch with Original Fitted Bracelet, circa 1920s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Bracelet Watch / Reference 920 METAL / MATERIAL: 9Ct. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 23mm X 23mm MOV...
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.
Antique, vintage and luxury 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, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.
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.