1940s Rolex Precision unusual Gold Shell and Steel back Manual wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex Precision Wrist Watch, 35 M.M. 2 piece Gold Shell case with Water Resistant
Gold, Steel
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 4498 Precision 1940s Black Dial Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Precision Mens Watch Ultra Slim Body Stainless Steel ref.4498 Windup Movement
Stainless Steel
$15,120Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.3 in
Rolex Precision Ref 4431 18k Rose Gold Mens 1940s 33mm Manual Wind RA689
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
: Rolex MODEL : Precision, Ref.4431 COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE : Switzerland YEAR OF MANUFACTURE : c.1940s
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Genuine 18k Rolex Precision Watch. 18k YG Ladies 9127 Dainty 1940s Ladies Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k Yellow Gold Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1941 Dainty 16mm Case
18k Gold, White Gold
1940's ROLEX PRECISION Vintage Mens Rare Ref. 3923 18K Rose Gold & SS
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
other online sites. 1940's ROLEX PRECISION Vintage Mens Ref. 3923 Coin Edge Watch - 18K Rose Gold
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Precision Watch in "Time Capsule" Condition
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An exceptional find! This 1940s Rolex Precision is the epitome of "new-old-stock," "time capsule
Rolex Precision, circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Princeton, NJ
Brand: Rolex Model: Precision Reference: n/a Year: 1940s Material: 18kt Yellow Gold Size: Less than
18k Gold
Rolex Precision Ladies Vintage Wristwatch 9k Gold Mechanical 2Yr Wty 1930s-1940s
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Rolex Precision Year: 1930s - 1940s Metal Content: 9k Yellow Gold Movement: Mechanical Case: 12.7mm
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Manual Wind Pocket Watch, 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex Precision Reference 9165 Pocket Watch 45 MM Stainless Steel 3 Piece case. 17
Stainless Steel
Rolex Precision 1940's Vintage Platinum "Star Dial" ladies Watch Extremely Rare
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Precision 1940's Vintage Platinum "Star Dial" ladies Watch Extremely Rare Vintage Ladies
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex Vintage Precision Yellow Gold Silver Dial Ladies Wristwatch 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Yellow Gold Precision Vintage Ladies Wristwatch, silver dial with applied hour markers, small
Yellow Gold
Mens Rolex Precision Ref 4282 14ct Solid Gold Manual Wind 1940s Swiss RA234
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, men's Rolex Precision ref.4282 solid 14ct rose gold manual wind, c.1944
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Precision Vintage Yellow Gold Ladies Mechanical Wrist Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex Ladies Precision Wrist Watch, 16 M.M. Diameter X 5 M.M. thick 14k Yellow Gold 2
14k Gold
Rolex Rose Gold Precision Super Balance Wristwatch Ref 3667
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 1940’s very fine Rolex Precision Super Balance 3667 18k pink gold watch with brown Alligator
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Extra Precision Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Extra Precision wristwatch in beautiful condition, an original salmon
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Precision Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel manual-wind dress model wristwatch, Ref. 4051, circa 1940s. Scarce and great
Stainless Steel
Rolex Precision 14 Karat Pink Gold Manual Wind Ref 4010, circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex Precision man’s 14K PG manual wind dress model ref 4010 circa 1940’s. Featuring a 20
14k Gold, Rose Gold
1940's Rolex Precision Yellow Gold 12834 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Vintage * *Complete with: Box Only dated 1940's *Case Size: 34mm *Strap: Black Leather *Age
Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies Precision Stainless Steel Watch, circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Rolex Precision 17 rubis super balance stainless steel Ladies watch. Last two photos depict
Glycine Airman Automatic Watch in Stainless Steel
Located in Bloomington, MN
Glycine Airman Automatic Watch in Stainless Steel This Glycine Airman wristwatch is crafted in stainless steel and features the brand’s iconic aviation-inspired design. The black di...
Stainless Steel
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Sapphire & Diamond Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1900 18ct yellow gold ring, set with sapphires and two diamonds in alternating order. Each stone is claw-set into the band, fl...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 1960's Green Emerald And Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the timeless elegance of this Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald and Diamond Ring, a stunning piece that exudes luxury and sophistication. This exquisite ring features a b...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$5,360Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.38 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 35mm 14k Gold SS Mens 1970s Automatic RA624B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's 14k and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1974, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeou...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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
Audemars Piguet Ref 4161 Automatic Yellow Gold Wrist Watch
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Audemars Piguet Reference 4161BA Wrist Watch, 33 M.M. diameter x 6 M.M thick 18K Yellow Gold 2 piece case with stepped bezel. Caliber 2123/1 21 Jewel Automatic, self w...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe Ultra Thin, 18Kt Solid Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe et Cie STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch / Reference 3571-1 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm X Width...
18k Gold
Cartier Audemars Piguet 1970s Yellow Gold Tank Mechanical mid size Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Cartier classic Tank Wrist Watch, 20 x 20 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown. 20 Jewel, Audemars Piguet Manual wind, Nickle Lever movement. White Enamel Dia...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oversize Omega Wrist Watch ca' 1947
By Omega
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
An Omega wrist watch ca' 1947. Oversize steel case measuring approx. 37.5 mm. Reference 2609. Robust construction, movement #265. Original dial with patina.
Patek Philippe 18kt. Rose Gold Late Art Deco Round Original Dial from 1940s
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe et Cie. STYLE / REFERENCE: Round Art Deco / Reference 2494 METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 41 Length X 33 D...
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies ROLEX 2649 Precision Cocktail Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970s. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2649. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Leather Band...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Omega Classic - Vintage Tropical two tone dial
By Omega
Located in MADRID, ES
This is a rare vintage piece for collectors. A "two-tone tropical dial" refers to a vintage watch that features a face or dial that has been discolored or altered by exposure to sun...
18k Gold
Rolex Rare 1942 Bubble Back Ladies Steel Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
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 ...
Steel
Cartier De Cartier Ronde 18001 Silver Sterling 33 mm New Belt Mens Watch
By Cartier
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand: Cartier Model: Ronde Reference Number: 18001 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Quartz Case Material: Sterling Silver / Gold Measurements : Case width: 33 mm....
Silver
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Rare Blue "Vignette" Dial circa 1960 / 70
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960 / 70 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
Omega Choreograph Vintage 18k gold wrist watch cal.33.3 1950
By Omega
Located in Berlin, BE
Handaufzugs omega uhr in 18k gelbgold mit lederband und orginaler omega dornschließe cal.33,3 plexiglas uhr weisst leichte gebrauchspuren
18k Gold
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.