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
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Steel
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
Steel
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
Rolex Two Steel and Rose Gold with Original Dial and Ladder Bracelet from 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 2940 METAL
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
Rolex WW2 Military Pocket Watch, Rare Circa 1942, Superb Collectable
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and extremely rare pocket watch has a cal. 590 Rolex movement and case by Calcort. A
Rolex Oyster Chronograph Silver Dial Anti-Magnetique 4048 Manual Wind Watch 1942
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 4048 Year: 1942 Serial number: 20xxxx Reference: OT1063 Model 4048 is
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex 6634 Oyster Perpetual 14 Karat Yellow Gold Capped, 1942
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6634 Serial: 242*** 1942 Model: Oyster Perpetual Case Material: 14K Yellow Gold
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1942 Rolex “Sky Rocket” Total Restoration
By Rolex
Located in Raleigh, NC
military 24 hour dial! This watch is well known to all collectors of vintage Rolex watches, produced for
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Precision Vintage Steel Manual Watch 6480, circa 1942
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Precision Reference #:6480. . Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Raleigh Wristwatch circa 1942
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Raleigh wristwatch, serial number 194,XXX, circa 1942. 29 x 35mm case
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Boy's Size Oyster Wristwatch circa 1942
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel "boy's" size Oyster wristwatch, serial number 169,XXX, circa 1942. 29mm x
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Royalite Observatory Wristwatch circa 1942
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Royalite Observatory wristwatch, serial number 227,XXX, circa 1942/43
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Royalite Observatory Wristwatch circa 1942
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Royalite Observatory wristwatch scarce WWII-era model with exceptional
Stainless Steel
STAINLESS STEEL ROLEX WATCH
Located in Miami, FL
1942 Stainless steel Rolex Oyster Speedking watch with medium silver face.Original Rolex jubilee
Stainless Steel
$1,032Sale Price|20% Off
Bvlgari Estate Sapphire Crystal Quartz Watch Stainless Steel 38 mm
By Bulgari
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bvlgari Estate Sapphire Crystal Quartz Watch Stainless Steel 38 mm B12 This elegant Authentic Bvlgari Watch is made of stainless steel. Newly polished TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 P...
Crystal, Quartz, Sapphire, Steel, Stainless Steel
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...
Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Paris Centure Collection Wrist Watch, 18k Yellow Gold 27 X 27 M.M. 2 Piece stepped case. 17 jewel mechanical, manual wind movement. White Dial with Black Roman nu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Canterbury Steel Incabloc Military Style Wrist Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
With it's case intentionally left in original condition, proudly showing signs of use from its journey thru time from the Pre-War 11 Era, this vintage American made steel 31mm Canter...
Steel
Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17
By Cartier
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Sold out worldwide with a waitlist extending over a year, this petite timepiece is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Skilfully created in the house's Swiss atelier, it boasts 18-karat ...
Rolex Submariner Glossy Gilt Explorer Dial 5513 Steel Automatic Watch, 1964
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 5513 Year: 1964 Serial number: 11xxxxx Reference: C03610 Many have seen Rolex signature design the 3,6,9 known to be the explorer dial as it is frequentl...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Jaeger LeCoultre Rose Gold Reverso Wrist Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Reference 250.2.86 Wrist Watch, 39 x 23 M.M. 18k Rose Gold case, Quartz movement, Black dial with raised Gold markers, newer Hirsch Black Crocodil...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
BUCCELLATI Aquamarine Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Gianmaria Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage Gianmaria Buccellati cocktail ring is crafted in 18k brushed and textured yellow gold with white gold accents. This ring is set with a faceted oval 7.0mm x 10....
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Perpetual Datejust with Original Outstanding Silver Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Factory House STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold Strap Model Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Rolex Wrist Watch, 33 M.M. 14K 2 piece case, 9 M.M. thick, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle lever movement, 2 tone Silver Satin Pie pan dial with raised Gold marke...
14k Gold
Rolex Rare Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual from 1952 Oversized Bubble Back Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm...
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 9Kt Solid Gold Two Tone Prince with Kiln Fired Enamel Printing 1938
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince / Reference 971 METAL / MATERIAL: 9Kt Two Tone Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1938 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Width 26m...
Gold
$7,590
H 1.03 in W 0.44 in Dm 1.03 in
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Yellow Gold Steel Champagne Dial Automatic Watch 79173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Women Model Number: 79173 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Model: Rolex Datejust 7917...
Yellow Gold, 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
Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown 1955 Iconic Gown Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Berlin, BE
'La Robe Broderie À Ramages' PIERRE BALMAIN PARIS Made In France, ca.1955 Majestic evening gown in silk and cream satin with the most astonishing embroiderery by PIERRE BALMAIN Haut...
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.