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
Stainless Steel
Antique Rolex Oyster Pioneer Watch Face Chronograph Manual Wind
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Introducing a rare and stunning piece of history: an antique Rolex Oyster Pioneer manual winding
Stainless Steel
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.83 in
Rolex Oyster Solid 18k Gold Ladies 1930s Manual Wind Cocktail Watch RA639
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, luxurious elegance solid 18k gold Rolex Lady Oyster cocktail watch, c.1938, unrestored dial
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Egyptian Rose Gold & Steel Oyster with Factory Original Dial circa 1938
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Egyptian Model METAL / MATERIAL: Rose Gold
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 1930s Ladies Rose Gold and Steel Oyster Case Manual Wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1930s Rolex Oyster Wrist Watch, 24 M.M. Rose Gold top with Steel back oyster Case and curved
Rose Gold, Steel
$7,680Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.26 in
Rolex Oyster 9k Solid Rose Gold Mens 1930s 32mm Vintage Manual Wind RA713
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, timeless treasure 9k solid rose gold Rolex Oyster cushion case manual wind dress watch, c
Gold, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Rolex Oyster, Vintage Manual Winding Wristwatch, 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Oyster, Vintage manual winding wristwatch. 1930's Case : Stainless Steel Original Rolex
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6582 14 Karat Yellow Gold Zephyr Dial
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6582 Serial: 135*** Year: Circa 1939 Model: Oyster Perpetual Case Material
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel and Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rolex stainless steel and gold Oyster Perpetual bubble back wristwatch, 34mm diameter case, on a 8
Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
1938 Rolex Early Oyster Chronometer Vintage Mens Midsize Watch - 18K Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1938 ROLEX Early Oyster Chronometer Vintage Mens Midsize Watch - 18K Gold Very Fine & Rare - All
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Precision Champagne Dial Watch Ref. 6466
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: Manual Wind Function: hours, minutes, seconds, date Case: 31mm round stainless-steel case Dial: Champagne Dial with yellow gold stick markers Band: stainless steel factory ...
Stainless Steel
Tudor Rolex Stainless Steel Mid Size Oyster Raleigh Wristwatch 1939
By Tudor
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex / Early Style Tudor STYLE / REFERENCE: Mid Size / Ref. 3136 METAL
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Lipton Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Hicksville, NY
Authentic rolex from the late 30's. This watch was created for the Canadian market. Often used as a
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Octagonal Original Oversized Crown Manual Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Octagon / English Patents METAL
Rolex Nickle Silver Oyster Octagon Radium Dial Wristwatch Ref 2136
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Oyster Watch Company (By Rolex) STYLE / REFERENCE: Octagon, Oyster, Ref. 2136
Mixed Metal
Rolex Oyster 3478, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Reference #: 3478. Mens Swiss Automatic Watch Stainless Steel Silver 30 MM. Verified
Rolex Rose Gold Oyster Cushion Water Resistant Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Milano, IT
. A famous production of the Oyster case by Rolex.
18k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Water Resistant Speed King Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Milano, IT
A beautiful 18 KT yellow gold tonneau shape Rolex with special "patina" dial with applied buttons
18k Gold
Rolex, Rose Gold, Art Deco Cushion Oyster Dated, 1930
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco vintage wristwatch by Rolex made in 1930. The Rolex “Oyster” the world’s first
Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold
W 1.11 in Dm 1.11 in L 1.11 in
Rare 1930s Rolex Oyster Officers 18 KT Yellow Gold Cushion Shaped Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New york, NY
The present watch is a very rare 18kt yellow gold Rolex Oyster Cushion Shaped Officers wristwatch
18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Two Tone 18Kt. Yellow & Platinum Art Deco Watch from 1920's
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Haas Neveux for Tiffany & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum & Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 27mm X Width 2...
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.25 in Dm 2.4 in
Must de Cartier Marques et Model Déposés 21 Quartz Watch W10050F4
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER Must 21 W10050F4 Watch SSYG Silver/Gold Quartz Ladies Ivory Dial A Refined Synthesis of Elegance and PrecisionAdd a touch of classic luxury to your wrist with this Must de C...
Quartz, Gold, Silver, Stainless Steel
Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's with Original Bracelet
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch / Reference 4217-10 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 23mm X Widt...
Gold
$13,404
H 0.87 in W 0.87 in Dm 0.87 in
Chanel 1989 Montre Mademoiselle 16 cm Yellow Gold Pearls bracelet Watch M
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Mademoiselle model watch, square yellow gold case, quartz movement, white background with Roman numeral indexes, crown with a small half pearl, yellow gold and pearl bracelet,...
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500. 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1520 Automatic, Self winding movement, excellent Mint condition Silver Satin "Sunburst"...
Steel
Rolex Cellini 18K Gold 37mm 6623 On Leather Watch Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Cellini 37mm in 18k gold case and ostrich leather strap. 1990 year with the original Cellini anniversary box and papers. Details: Brand: Rolex Model: Cellini 18K Gold ...
18k Gold
$18,950
H 1.85 in W 0.25 in Dm 1 in
Bugatti By Mido 1930 Art Deco Radiator Shape Enamel Wrist Watch 14Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Radiator wrist watch designed by Bugatti. An extremely rare and unusual deco wristwatch, created in Switzerland by Mido for the Bugatti company. Made during the art deco period in t...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Corum Vintage Gold Watch 18 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Corum Vintage Watch is in working condition good condition overall gorgeous band deco casing of watch is: 18mm x 18mm 42 grams marked "18kt" on band & case. 6.50 inch.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Custom Orange Dial Engine Turned Bezel 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 41mm Length x...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Must de Cartier Tank Black Dial Watch Vermeil ARGENT Small Manual Tank
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Iconic Tank Argent. Sterling Silver and 18k Gold plated (Vermeil). Ref 3055582 RARE Black Roman Dial. New Gucci Leather Band. Manual Windup Movemen...
Sapphire, Gold, Sterling Silver
Cartier Vintage Stepped Case Mechanical 18k Gold Plate Wrist watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Mid size Triple Stepped case Wrist Watch, 28 x 28 M.M. 18k Gold Electroplate 2 piece case, original and Excellent, Mint condition Chocolate brown dial with Gold R...
Gold Plate
Cartier 18Kt. Tank European Watch & Clock Co. w/ Engine Turned Dial 1920 / 30's
By Cartier
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Cartier Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tank Style / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 18 Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920 / 30's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X 23mm W...
18k Gold
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: ...
Patek Philippe 18Kt. Two-Tone Oversized Late Art Deco Wristwatch from 1940s
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Solid Yellow and White Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 47mm X Width 29mm CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMEN...
18 Kt Pink Gold Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Chronograph Ref.26100OR Watch
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Pink Gold Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Chronograph Wrist Watch with Box & Warranty Papers in top condition Ref.26100OR Case : 18 Kt Pink Gold 41 mm
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 28x31mm quartz
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Berlin, BE
Presenting a refined pre-owned Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, a timepiece that seamlessly combines elegance with a sporty flair. Designed specifically for women who appreciate classic ae...
Quartz, Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
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.
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.
These companies have stood the test of time, making exceptional pieces for generations.