Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1946 Rolex Reference 3130 "Bubbleback" 31 M.M Stainless Steel 2 piece Oyster case, caliber 630, 17 jewel Automatic Self winding movement, Quality Redone as original Black dial ...
Steel
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.
Steel
Vintage 1946 Rolex Oyster Elegante Ref. 4365
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This distinguished vintage circa 1946 Rolex Oyster Elegante Ref. 4365 exemplifies Rolex’s early mastery of precision and elegance in mid-century wristwatches.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster with Rare Original Dial from 1946
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 4365 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1946 DIMENSIONS: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel "Bubble Back' with Original Dial from 1946 or 47
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 3372 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1946 / 47 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diamet...
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.
Steel
1946 Rolex Precision Full Size Vintage Mens Handwound Dress Watch - SS
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...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Speedking Precision Wristwatch Ref 4220, 1946
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Circular signed silvered dial with alternate Arabic numerals and baton markers, centre seconds hand and outer scale 0-60. Fine, water-resistant, center seconds, stainless steel mid-...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18 Karat Gold Early Ovetone Wristwatch from 1946 or 1947 with Rare Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Ovesized "Ovetone" Big Egg / Ref. 6305 METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1946-47 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 41mm x 36mm M...
Vinatge Rolex Zephyr Ref 6582 18k Yellow Gold Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1946 Rolex Reference 6582 "Zephyr" Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 3 Piece Case with "Zephyr" bezel.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 1946 Steel Bubbleback Self Winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1946 Rolex Reference 2940 Bubbleback model Wrist Watch, 39 M.M. ( lug end to end ) X 32 M.M.
Steel
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1946
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 9488 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1946 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Rectangular Dress Model Wristwatch circa 1946
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel rectangular dress model wristwatch, Ref. 4513, circa 1946.
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Stainless Steel Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 2940 circa 1946
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Bubbleback wristwatch, Ref. 2940, 32mm diameter tonneau case with smooth bezel, circa 1946, with refinished antique salmon dial with Roman and Arabic luminous n...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Bubbleback Original Black Dial Wristwatch Ref 3131 1946
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Great looking man’s Rolex Bubbleback 14K Rose Gold ref 3131 case serial # 444,xxx circa 1946 with very desirable original black luminous dial.
14k Gold
ROLEX Steel Bubbleback California Dial circa 1946
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Bubbleback ref # 2940 31 x 38mm tonneau shaped case with smooth bezel circa 1946 with very pleasing original black California dial with luminous indexes and luminous Merced...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Bubbleback ref# 2940 circa 1946
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Bubbleback ref # 2940 31 x 38mm tonneau shaped case with smooth bezel circa 1946 with very pleasing original salmon dial with luminous indexes and luminous pencil style hand...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 3131 1946
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Great looking 14K rose gold Rolex Bubbleback ref 3131 circa 1946. Featuring 32mm diameter Oyster case with screw down caseback, screw down crown, smooth dome bezel, acrylic crystal, ...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14K PG Bubbleback ref #3130 c.1946
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14K PG Bubbleback ref #3130, 32mm diameter case with smooth bezel and screw down period crown serial #400,XXX circa 1946. Beautifully restored antique salmon s...
Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Reference 2940 Stainless Steel Watch, 1946
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1946 Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Ref. 2940. Stainless Steel example. 32mm wide case.
Rolex Rose Gold Square Dress Wristwatch Ref 4470
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful rare Rolex watch from 1946 has a square case that measures approximately 28 mm.
18k Gold
Cartier Tank Solo XL Automatic Stainless Steel Watch, Black Leather Strap
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Elevate your wrist with timeless sophistication in this Cartier Tank Solo XL Automatic, a contemporary reinterpretation of Cartier’s iconic Tank design. Crafted in polished stainless...
Stainless Steel
1981 Rolex Datejust 31 President 6827 18K Yellow Gold Watch White Roman #24681
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1981 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Datejust 31 Watch Model: 6827 Serial: 6703098 This elegant Rolex midsize watch is set in solid 18K gold. 31mm case with fluted bezel White ro...
18k Gold
Cartier Cougar Ladies Steel Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Cartier Classic Ladies Cougar Wrist watch, 26 MM Stainless Steel case, quartz Movement, White Dial with Black roman Numerals, sweep seconds hand, Calendar window at the 3...
$2,000,000Sale Price|20% Off
Extraordinary Legacy in Diamond Form Harry Winston 28.13ct Masterpiece
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
An Extraordinary Legacy in Diamond Form: The Harry Winston 28.13ct Masterpiece When rarity meets refinement, the result is nothing short of legendary. This original Harry Winston cre...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Tissot Navigator World Time Automatic Wrist Watch
By Tissot
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa mid 1950s Tissot Navigator, World Time Wrist Watch, 36 M.M. 3 piece case with Gold Filled top and Water Resistant Stainless Steel back. Caliber 28.5N-21 Automatic, Self Winding...
Gold-filled, Stainless Steel
Vintage Eska Steel Military Style Men's Wrist Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Add this great post-war, Swiss-made Eska Military Style Wrist Watch to your vintage collection. In brushed steel, this 31mm watch has its original mat silver-toned face with Roman nu...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Cartier 3 row Gentiane Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Cartier Gentiane Collection 18k Yellow Gold Rice link Bracelet, measuring 7 1/4 inches in length x 1/2 inch wide, weighing 25.8 Grams. Cartier signed and numbered. Comes ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Riviera Paris Vintage Yellow Gold Ladies Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Riviera Paris Wrist Watch, 23 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind movement, White dial with Black Roman numerals. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe 3322 Ladies Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Patek Philippe Reference 3322 Wrist Watch. 16 x 20 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case with hand Texturing, 20 Jewel Mechanical, manual wind Nickle lever movement, Patek Ph...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Roadster Automatic 2510 Watch
By Cartier
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Vintage Cartier rectangular stainless steel case with silver dial, stainless steel bezel, and date window at 3 o'clock Condition: Worn - Excellent (minor signs of wear). Stainless s...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Gubelin 14mm Watch 18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Link Bracelet
By Gubelin
Located in Montclair, NJ
This stunning vintage ladies' Gubelin wrist watch features a 14mm solid 18k yellow gold square shaped case that is hidden under a unique diamond encrusted case cover. The beautiful b...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
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
Genuine Rolex 6516 Watch. 18k and SS ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k and Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6516. Beautiful Watch. Case is Stainless Steel. 18k Yellow gold b...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier White Gold Tank American Mid Size Automatic Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Cartier Tank American Wrist Watch, 41 X 23 MM 18K White Gold water resistant case. Automatic, self Winding movement. Silver White Engine Turned Dial with Black Roman Numer...
18k Gold
Breguet Yellow Gold Pin Set Manual Wind Watch, circa 1900's
By Breguet
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Breguet Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Pin Setting METAL / MATERIAL: 18 Kt Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 37mm X Diameter 32mm CIRCA: 1900's MOVEMENT / ...
18k Gold
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 ...
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.