Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Modernist Watch circa 1948 with High Grade Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Moderist / Reference 8143 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold & Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm "Lug ...
Gold, Platinum
Rolex 14Kt. Rare "Bubble Back" with Original Dial and Rolex Signed Bracelet 1948
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This was the first truly practical and dependable automatic watch ever produced. Rolex called their automatic watches, "perpetual" which is a word that they protected.
14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Bubble Back S.S., Circa 1948
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Bubble Back Ref. 2940 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale.
Stainless Steel
Rolex 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Rare "Bubble Back" with Factory Original Dial 1948
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This was the first truly practical and dependable automatic watch ever produced. Rolex called their automatic watches, "perpetual" which is a word that they protected.
14k Gold
Rolex Ref 4444 1948 32mm Shock Resisting Oyster Royal Watch 31r31s
By Rolex
Located in Dix hills, NY
Measurements: Length: 2.8" Width: 1.2" Height: 2.8" Circumference: 7" OVERALL VERY GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7.25/10 or B+ ) THE STAINLESS STEEL SCREW BACK OYSTER CASE IS IN GOOD...
Rolex Precision Vintage Dresswatch, H/M 9K Yellow Gold, c 1948
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
A generic leather strap with tang buckle is fitted. This Rolex dates to c. 1948. The caseback is inscribed with a beautiful font, "JS".
Yellow Gold
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 1940s Yellow Gold Automatic Bubble Back Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1948 Rolex Bubble Back Wrist Watch, 32 M.M. 3 Piece 14K Yellow Gold case with smooth Bezel, Automatic, Self Winding movement.
14k Gold
1948 Rolex 14k Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Mid Size Wrist Watch 5015
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous, vintage, Rolex Oyster Perpetual wrist watch is mounted in a 32mm case crafted in solid 14k yellow gold back in 1948.
14k Gold
Rolex Precision Vintage Steel Manual Wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1948 Rolex Precision Wrist watch, 32 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case, original Crown, 17 Jewel, Mechanical, Manual wind movement, Custom refinished "California" Bubble...
Steel
Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Two-Tone Watch, 1948
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1948 Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Ref. 4392 Two Tone 14k Yellow Gold Machined Bezel and Stainless Steel watch with Two Tone Black and Gold Roman Arabic California Dial. 32mm x 38mm lug t...
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 5050 circa 1948
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Bubbleback wristwatch, Ref. 5050, serial number 661,XXX, circa 1948. 32mm case with smooth bezel and signed Rolex Oyster screw down crown.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Bombe Wristwatch circa 1948
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster perpetual bombé wristwatch, Ref. 5018, serial number 608,XXX, circa 1948.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Bombe Wristwatch Ref 5018 circa 1948
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Scarce and desirable model Rolex Stainless Steel Bombe ref 5018 serial # 641,xxx circa 1948.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Bombe Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 5018 1948
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Scarce and desirable model Rolex stainless steel “Bombe ref 5018 serial # 608,xxx circa 1948. Featuring 35mm diameter Oyster case with extended bowed lugs, smooth bezel, acrylic crys...
Rolex Stainless Steel and Rose Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch circa 1948
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel and rose gold Bubbleback wristwatch, Ref. 5010, serial number 62,XXX, circa 1948.
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Bombe self winding wristwatch Ref 5018, circa 1948
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Scarce and desirable model Rolex stainless steel “Bombe ref 5018 serial # 608,xxx circa 1948. Featuring 35mm diameter Oyster case with extended bowed lugs, smooth bezel, acrylic cry...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Oyster Wristwatch Ref 5022 circa 1948
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex yellow gold top and stainless steel back Oyster wristwatch, Ref. 5022, circa 1948. 33mm case with acrylic crystal and signed crown.
Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold
Rolex SS/14K Hooded Bubbleback correct ref 3065 circa 1948
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS/14K Hooded Bubbleback correct ref 3065 circa 1948 with beautifully restored black sector dial with contrasting patina'd luminous indexes and matching luminous gold Mercedes...
14k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 4392, circa 1948
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The case measures 31 mm in width. Circa 1948 This watch includes a one year warranty from the time of purchase for accurate timekeeping.
14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Bombe self winding wristwatch Ref 5018, circa 1948
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Scarce and desirable model Rolex stainless steel “Bombe ref 5018 serial # 641,xxx circa 1948. Featuring 35mm diameter case with extended bowed lugs, smooth bezel, acrylic crystal, a...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1982 Ladies Rolex 6917 with Diamond Bezel 18k Yellow Gold Complete
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Complete with original box and papers. Vintage 6917 18k 1982 ladies Datejust with a diamond bezel. Crafted out of 18k yellow gold paired with a champagne dial and the iconic Presiden...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel 26mm Just Date Women's Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date display watch is a classic example of Rolex's timeless elegance and durability. With it's versatile satin 26mm stainless steel case, this water resis...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Omega Yellow Gold Custom Colored Ice Blue Dial Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 1950’s solid 18k yellow gold Omega manual wind. Florentine bezel. Omega dial refinished and custom colored in a bright ice blue. 18k yellow gold Length: 37.36mm Width: 34mm Ban...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with A Custom Finished Mint Green Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1500's METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Di...
Stainless 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
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 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
Piaget Ladies Yellow Gold and Diamond Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Piaget
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Piaget Ladies Wrist Watch, 27 X 24 M.M. 2 Piece 18k Yellow Gold Oval case, Piaget Factory White Gold Diamond set Bezel totaling 1.20 Carats. Caliber 9P 17 Jewel, mechanic...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$17,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.18 in W 1.22 in Dm 9 in L 9 in
CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An automatique Ceinture large wrist-watch designed by Cartier. This is the rare large model of the Ceinture automatique wristwatch, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of C...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18 Kt Collectors Rolex President Wood Dial, Ref 18038 from 1978
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Collectors Rolex President Wood Dial, Ref 18038 Gender: Mens Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatches Reference: 18038 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Casual M...
18k Gold
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
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
New Platinum 1.71ctw GIA Emerald Cut Diamond & Sapphire 3 Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a incredible, brand new, custom made diamond and sapphire three stone engagement ring crafted in solid platinum. It features a gorgeous, GIA certified, 0.91 carat emeral...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Concord Swiss Full Diamond 18K Gold Ladies Watch
By Concord Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant and luxurious Concord ladies' Les Palais wristwatch features a 21mm solid 18k yellow gold case and bracelet set with glittering original Concord factory diamonds. The watch f...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Omega Constellation Stainless Steel with Original Dial and Bracelet 1950s
By Omega
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Constellation METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm Lug Tip To Lug Tip X Diame...
Stainless 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.