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.
Vintage 1930s Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
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.
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 watch. With its 28mm dial, manual winding movement, seconds chronograph, and impeccab...
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, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous...
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 & Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1938 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm X Diameter 29m...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 14Kt Solid Rose Gold Rare Oyster Viceroy Art Deco Watch circa 1938
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Viceroy / Reference 3116 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1938 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm "Lug ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex 14Kt Solid Rose Gold Rare Oyster Viceroy Art Deco Watch circa 1938
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Viceroy / Reference 3116 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1938 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm "Lug ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold
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 down Lugs. mechanical, manual wind movement, original screw down Oyster logo Crown,...
Rose Gold, Steel
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 Gender: Men's Case size (including crown): 35 x 33 mm Movement: Swiss Manual wind ...
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: Stainless Steel Band: Leather Bezel: 14K Yellow Gold Dial: Champagne Face: Acrlyic ...
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" brown lizard strap. Ref. 6565, Serial number 84396.
Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
1938 Rolex Early Oyster Chronometer Vintage Mens Midsize Watch - 18K 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 1stD...
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 / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: 39mm X 30mm CIRCA: 1939 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: 17 J...
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 gift to veterans of WW2. Case is stainless measuring 30mm without crown included. ...
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 / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: 40mm X 32mm CIRCA: 1935 / 1936 MOVEMENT ...
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 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: 15 Jewels, Font Calibur DIAL / HANDS: Original Luminous, Blued S...
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 and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Rolex Rose Gold Oyster Cushion Water Resistant Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Milano, IT
A very rare pink gold Rolex water resistant case with special original black dial and tritium hands. 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 indexes and yellow gold hands. Another famous water resistant case model by Rolex.
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 waterproof watch. In 1927 Hans Wilsdorf, founder of the Rolex Watch Company, sent a newly...
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 with Sub Second dial located at the 6, circa 1930s The Case dimensions are as follo...
18k Gold
Vintage Cartier Paris Manual Wind Dial 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Cartier Paris 18k gold ladies watch with a Roman numeral dial and the classic Cartier style blue sword-shaped hour markers. Manual wind movement with a screw-down crown and s...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$5,316
W 0.75 in L 0.75 in
Cartier Montre Santos Lady Acier Or 1990s Automatic Steel Gold Santos Lady Watch
By Cartier
Located in PARIS, FR
Cartier Santos Lady watch in steel and 18K yellow gold, automatic movement, white dial with railway track minute markers and Roman numerals, adjustable steel and yellow gold bracelet...
Gold, Steel
Cartier Must de Cartier 21 Quartz Watch, Stainless Steel & Gold
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
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...
Gold, Steel
Omega 14Kt Solid Gold Watch Mid Century Watch with Original Waffle Dial
By Omega
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Reference 6550 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 32mm M...
14k 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
Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 X 9 M.M. 2 Piece Platinum Case set with European cut Diamonds totaling 1 Carat, the case sides and back are fu...
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950 with Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold / Set with Vintage Rose Cut Stones .75Cts. CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZ...
18k Gold
Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Rolex Wrist Watch, 31 M.M x 4.5 M.M thick 2 piece 14k Yellow Gold case, 17 jewel, caliber 1600 mechanical, manual wind nickle lever movement. Silver Satin sunburst dial w...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1946 Rolex "Bubbleback" Wrist Watch, 32 M.M 2 piece Stainless Steel case, Automatic, self winding 17 Jewel Movement. Restored as original Black Dial with Luminous Half Roman an...
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
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 mm 1501 Silver Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in istanbul, TR
Classic but at the same time suitable for any occasion, the Rolex Oyster Date ref. 1501 can be worn on a daily basis and despite being a vintage watch, it has an elegant and modern l...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Precision Vintage Manual wind Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
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, "...
Steel
Cartier Vintage Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Cartier Mid Size Wrist Watch, 30 M.M. X 6 M.M thick 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, Cartier Inc. 17 jewel mechanical, Manual wind movement. Silver Satin Dial with raised Gol...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Rolex vintage Oysterdate Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1967 Rolex Oyster Date Reference 6694 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1225 17 Jewel manual Wind, Nickle Lever movement. Custom Refinished "Cal...
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.
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.