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1937 Rolex Watch

1937 Rolex Ref 3647 Very Rare Antique Manual Wind Watch
1937 Rolex Ref 3647 Very Rare Antique Manual Wind Watch

1937 Rolex Ref 3647 Very Rare Antique Manual Wind Watch

By Rolex

Located in Houston, TX

Extremely Rare 1930s Rolex Precision Model 3647 Manual Wind Square Watch This late 1930s Rolex manual wind square watch is a remarkable and rare find, showcasing the timeless crafts...

Category

Vintage 1930s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Recent Sales

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Original Manual Wrist Watch, 1937
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Original Manual Wrist Watch, 1937

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Original Manual Wrist Watch, 1937

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Oyster Case / Ref. 3121 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: 35 mm X 28 mm CIRCA: 1937 / 1938 MOVEMENT / CA...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Vintage Ladies Cocktail 8365 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Watch
Rolex Vintage Ladies Cocktail 8365 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Watch

Rolex Vintage Ladies Cocktail 8365 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Watch

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 8365 Year: Est. 1937 Model: Rolex Vintage Ladies Cocktail Watch Case Material: 14K Yellow Gold Band: 14K Yellow Gold Bezel: Diamond Bezel Dial: Gold Case Size: ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Hooded Lugs Vintage Art Deco Wristwatch, 1937
Rolex Yellow Gold Hooded Lugs Vintage Art Deco Wristwatch, 1937

Rolex Yellow Gold Hooded Lugs Vintage Art Deco Wristwatch, 1937

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

An Art Deco vintage wristwatch by Rolex made in 1937. Gold case with rare and unusual hooded lugs, marked “RWC LTD” for the Rolex Watch Company Ltd and “27 Records Universels”.

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 2508 circa 1937
Rolex Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 2508 circa 1937

Rolex Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 2508 circa 1937

By Rolex

Located in Munich, Bavaria

Rolex Ref. 2508 Rare and early chronograph wristwatch Case Stainless steel, 36mm Movement Valjoux, manual-wind, chronograph Dial Original silvered dial and original feu...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold Art Deco Tonneau Wristwatch, 1937
Rolex Yellow Gold Art Deco Tonneau Wristwatch, 1937

Rolex Yellow Gold Art Deco Tonneau Wristwatch, 1937

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

An Art Deco vintage wristwatch by Rolex made in 1937. Gold tonneau cushion shaped case marked with Rolex and the “RWC Ltd” lozenge for the Rolex Watch Company Ltd.

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Art Deco Articulated Lugs Chronometre Wristwatch, 1937
Rolex Yellow Gold Art Deco Articulated Lugs Chronometre Wristwatch, 1937

Rolex Yellow Gold Art Deco Articulated Lugs Chronometre Wristwatch, 1937

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

An Art Deco vintage wristwatch by Rolex made in 1937. Gold case with stepped sides, articulated, curved lugs, marked “25 World’s Records” and hallmarked for Glasgow import into the ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

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Located in New York, NY

Rolex’s early Oyster design is presented here with distinctive vintage character, featuring a cupronickel case and a shaped profile that reflects the brand’s formative era of durable...

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20th Century Wrist Watches

Rolex Rare 1942 Bubble Back Ladies Steel Automatic Wristwatch
Rolex Rare 1942 Bubble Back Ladies Steel Automatic Wristwatch

Rolex Rare 1942 Bubble Back Ladies Steel Automatic Wristwatch

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Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1942 Rolex Ladies Reference 3869 Bubble Back Wrist Watch, 24 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece Oyster case, original and unpolished, original Oyster Crown. Automatic, self winding ...

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Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

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Rolex Ref 6426 Classic 1950s Steel Manual wind Wrist Watch
Rolex Ref 6426 Classic 1950s Steel Manual wind Wrist Watch

Rolex Ref 6426 Classic 1950s Steel Manual wind Wrist Watch

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Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1959 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster Case, 17 Jewel Caliber 1210 Manual Wind Nickle Lever Movement, Beautiful Original Mint Condition S...

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Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

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Rolex Precision Vintage Manual wind Steel Wrist Watch

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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, "...

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Rolex 9ct. Solid Gold Art Deco Ladies Wristwatch ca 1920's, with Original Dial
Rolex 9ct. Solid Gold Art Deco Ladies Wristwatch ca 1920's, with Original Dial

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...

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Rolex Steel Early Speedking with Original Dial from 1941 or 1942
Rolex Steel Early Speedking with Original Dial from 1941 or 1942

Rolex Steel Early Speedking with Original Dial from 1941 or 1942

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 3373 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 36mm X Diameter 30mm CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 / 1942...

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Rolex 9Ct. Prince in Nearly New Condition Silver Enamel Dial from 1935 or 36
Rolex 9Ct. Prince in Nearly New Condition Silver Enamel Dial from 1935 or 36

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 Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 2280 SS 30mm 1930s
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 2280 SS 30mm 1930s

Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 2280 SS 30mm 1930s

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Rolex Oyster Royal 2280 Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1939 Beautiful Watch. Generic Stainless Steel Bracelet (not original Rolex). 30mm round c...

Category

Vintage 1930s Modern Wrist Watches

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Rolex 18kt. Rose Gold Art Deco Ladies Watch with Original Dial and Hardware 1940
Rolex 18kt. Rose Gold Art Deco Ladies Watch with Original Dial and Hardware 1940

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By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 33mm X Width 16mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER...

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Rolex Royal ref 2280 Art-Deco c1936 S/Steel Manual 15 Jewels 30mm Mens' Watch
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Located in MELBOURNE, AU

This fine & rare Art-Deco Rolex Royal reference 2280 S/Steel wristwatch, dating back to circa 1936, featuring: 30mm S/Steel Case, 35mm including the original signed screw-down cr...

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Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

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Rolex Steel and Rose Gold "Bubble Back" with Rare Original Dial from 1942
Rolex Steel and Rose Gold "Bubble Back" with Rare Original Dial from 1942

Rolex Steel and Rose Gold "Bubble Back" with Rare Original Dial from 1942

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 2940 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / 14Kt. Solid Pink Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1942 DIMENSIONS / S...

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Vintage Two Tone 1948 Rolex Oyster Handwind Watch Ref 5058
Vintage Two Tone 1948 Rolex Oyster Handwind Watch Ref 5058

Vintage Two Tone 1948 Rolex Oyster Handwind Watch Ref 5058

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Located in New York, NY

This vintage 1948 Rolex Oyster Ref. 5058 is a highly appealing early Rolex, combining the timeless character of a hand wound movement with the enduring elegance of a two-tone case de...

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Rolex 1930s Ladies Rose Gold and Steel Oyster Case Manual Wind Wrist Watch
Rolex 1930s Ladies Rose Gold and Steel Oyster Case Manual Wind Wrist Watch

Rolex 1930s Ladies Rose Gold and Steel Oyster Case Manual Wind Wrist Watch

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Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1930s Rolex Oyster Wrist Watch, 24 M.M. Rose Gold top with Steel back oyster Case and curved down Lugs. mechanical, manual wind movement, original screw down Oyster logo Crown,...

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Rolex 1954 Vintage Steel California Dial Automatic Wrist Watch
Rolex 1954 Vintage Steel California Dial Automatic Wrist Watch

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Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1954 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 5500 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster Case, 17 Jewel, Caliber 1530 Automatic, self winding movement. Custom "Californi...

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Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking with Original Dial and Hands from 1947
Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking with Original Dial and Hands from 1947

Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking with Original Dial and Hands from 1947

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1947 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X Diameter 35m...

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Vintage 1954 Rolex Small Second Manual Wind Watch Ref. 3882
Vintage 1954 Rolex Small Second Manual Wind Watch Ref. 3882

Vintage 1954 Rolex Small Second Manual Wind Watch Ref. 3882

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex’s early dress-watch craftsmanship is reflected in this vintage 1954 reference 3882, a manual wind watch with a refined small seconds layout. The design carries the understated ...

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Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

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A dazzling example of Art Deco elegance, this exquisite wristwatch by Oscar Heyman for Tiffany & Co. is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. The cream dial is adorned with stri...

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Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Gold Blue Diamond Dial Automatic Men's Watch 126334

Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Gold Blue Diamond Dial Automatic Men's Watch 126334

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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, 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.