Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking with Original Dial and Hands from 1947
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1947 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X Diameter 35m...
Rolex Gold Top Tropical Series Steel Back Early Ladies Perpetual from 1947
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
Top with Steel Back CIRCA / YEAR: 1947 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 29mm x Diameter 24mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 17 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Black with Gold Numbers / Gil...
1947 Rolex Precision Vintage Mens Claw Lugs Square Dress Watch, 14K Rose Gold SS
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. ...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
1947 Vintage Rolex Speedking Stainless Steel with Rare Pink Gold Arabic Dial!
By Rolex
Located in Warrington, PA
Many believed this is the reason the Rolex 'Speedking' was born. Featured here is a vintage Rolex Oyster Speedking circa 1947 with rare dial with pink gold Arabic applied numbers ...
Stainless Steel
1947 Rolex Precision Vintage Mens "Jumbo" Watch - 14K Gold & Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating on...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking with Original Dial and Hands from 1947
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1947 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X Diameter 35m...
Rolex Steel Mid-Size Oyster with Original Dial and Early Crown from 1947 or 1948
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Mid Size Oyster Speedking Style / Ref. 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1947-48 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 35mm X ...
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...
1947 Rolex Oyster Royal 4444 Stainless Steel Men's Watch Hand-Winding
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1947 Rolex Oyster Royal Men's Watch Model: 4444 Serial: 591784 This authentic Rolex watch is hand winding Set in stainless steel with a white dial Gold markers and hands 30mm c...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Rose Gold and Steel Art Deco Watch from 1947
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: / Art Deco Tropical / Reference 4327 METAL / MATERIAL: Rose Gold Top Steel Back CIRCA / YEAR: 1947 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 29mm Len...
Gold
Rolex Steel Watch with Original Dial from 1947 Great Birthday Gift
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: 3/4 Size / Ref. 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1947 - 48 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 35mm X 30mm MOVEMENT / CALIB...
Rolex Bubble Back Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Bubble Back Watch, circa 1947.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage Steel Automatic Wrist Watch with California Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1947 Rolex Reference 6565 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case.
Steel
Vintage Rolex Precision Reference 4061 Stainless Steel Watch, 1947
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1947 Vintage Rolex Precision Ref. 4061 Stainless Steel watch with Original Two Tone Silver and Brown Dial with Applied Steel Arabic 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 with Stick/Bar/Baton Marker...
Rolex Pink gold Bubbleback self winding wristwatch ref 3372, circa 1947
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A Christmas present from 69 years ago, could be a Christmas present again! Rolex 14K PG Bubbleback ref 3372 serial # 495,xxx circa 1947.
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Pink Gold Bubbleback ref# 3131 circa 1947
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K PG Bubbleback ref # 3131 circa 1947, 31mm diameter 3 piece Oyster case, Beautifully restored antique salmon dial with antique patina'd luminous indexes and mercedes hands.
18k Gold
Rolex Gold Athlete "Empire" ref. 3548 circa 1947
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare Rolex 18K PG automatic "Empire" model ref# 3548 circa 1947.
18k Gold
Rare Rolex Gold Automatic "Empire" model ref# 3548 circa 1947
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare Rolex 18K PG automatic "Empire" model ref# 3548 circa 1947.
18k Gold
Rare Rolex 18K PG automatic "Empire" model ref# 3548 circa 1947
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare Rolex 18K PG automatic "Empire" model ref# 3548 circa 1947.
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dark Blue Sunburst Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Date / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter ...
Stainless Steel
Lip Gold Plated Vintage New circa 1974 Mechanical Wristwatch
By LIP 8
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
LIP New vintage watch from stock, circa 1974. Gold plated, brown bracelet. Brown dial. Indexes and gold needles. Date 3H. Mechanical movement. Warranty 1 year.
$906
Size: 40 on tag but fit 38/ M
Brown double-breasted wool bouclette jacket with buckle THIERRY MUGLER
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Brown double-breasted wool bouclette jacket with silver metal buckle. on the left side. Main fabric composition: 90% wool, 10% nylon. Acetate lining. Shoulder pad. Cut-work. SIZE 40...
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
New Kate Spade Her Rare Large Collectible Spring 2005 Green Wicker Basket Bag
Located in Conroe, TX
Kate Spade Wicker Bag Very Rare From Her Spring 2005 Collection DESIGNED BY KATE SPADE This is the last collection before she sold her brand to Neiman Marcus Impossible to Find Bran...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Machined Bezel, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 34 mm M...
Christian Dior By John Galliano S/S 1998 In A Boudoir Mood White Pearl Gown
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A true collector’s piece from John Galliano’s most theatrical and romantic era at Dior. This gown comes from the iconic Spring/Summer 1998 collection, “In a Boudoir Mood,” where ling...
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
Rolex President Day-Date Men's 18k Gold Watch 18038
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex President Day-Date Men's 18k Gold Watch 18038 - Automatic winding; quick-set; sapphire crystal. President - Day-Date. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel ( 36 mm). Champagne...
Hermès Sac Cabas Herline Toto PM Black Navy Cotton Canvas Hand Bag Tote Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Toto bag (formerly Herline), small size, in black cotton canvas with navy and black cotton strap. The interior features a large zipped pocket and a silver-tone metal Clou de S...
Cartier Colisee Yellow Gold and Diamond Ladies Wrist watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Cartier Colisee collection Wrist Watch, 24 M.M 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, 3 row Diamond Pave Bezel and Diamond set Crown totaling approximately 2 Carats. Quartz movemen...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 37
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977... His Fi...
18k Yellow Gold Omega Seamaster De Ville Men Watch
By Omega
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an 18k yellow gold Omega Men Watch. It is a Seamaster De Ville model. It is known as an elegant dress watch. It has a manual winding movement. The dial is champagne color and...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,655
Size: EU 41-43 / UK 6, 7 & 8.
2000's Christian Dior by John Galliano White Fur Ski Snow Boots EU 41-43
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Sheffield, GB
Fabulous Vintage 2000's Christian Dior by John Galliano, White Fur trimmed Ski Snow Boots. Extremely Iconic Aprés Ski wear. Total height; 15" Size Stated on the Shoes ; EU 41 - 43 ...
Hermes gold 1997 H HEURE MEDIUM 30MM Watch Gold Epsom
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Heure H watch (Medium model, 30 mm) is crafted in yellow gold–plated steel with a cream sunburst dial. It features a sleek square case (lug-to-lug 30 mm, w...
$27,500
H 1.42 in W 0.52 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Day-Date 36mm 18k Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Automatic Watch 18038
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-Owned. Factory Diamond dial. Comes with an original box, No papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buye...
Yellow 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.
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.