Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer 2940, aka "bubbleback / ovetto. c 1949
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very attractive vintage Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer, reference 2940, aka "bubbleback
Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer 2940, aka "bubbleback / ovetto. c 1949
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very attractive vintage Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer, reference 2940, aka "bubbleback
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
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3372 Bubbleback Steel Rose Gold Wristwatch, Circa 1940
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
consists of 100% guaranteed genuine and all original Rolex parts. The Perpetual movement has been
Steel, Stainless Steel, Rose Gold
Rolex 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Rare "Bubble Back" with Factory Original Dial 1948
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Bubble Back" / Reference
14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Bubbleback Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14k Gold 32mm Watch Ref. 3372
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case Material: Solid 14k Rosy
14k Gold
$7,920Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.26 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5015 14k SS Mens 1940s 32mm Bubble Back Automatic RA690
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, timeless classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref 5015 Bubble Back Automatic with 14k solid gold
Gold, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Unavailable
W 0.71 in D 0.56 in Dm 1.26 in L 7.49 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 2940 Bubble Back Vintage Patina Automatic Watch SS
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 2940 Bubble Back Vintage Patina Automatic Watch SS 32mm
Unavailable
H 0.48 in W 0.71 in Dm 1.42 in L 7.76 in
Rolex Explorer 6610 Oyster Perpetual Vintage Tropical Brown Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Explorer 6610 Oyster Perpetual Vintage Tropical Brown Dial Mens Watch 36MM
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 2940, aka "bubbleback /ovetto"
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer , reference 2940, aka "bubbleback / ovetto" features
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Chronometer California Dial
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
ROLEX REF. 3458 BUBBLE BACK.STAINLESS STEEL BEAUTIFULL PATINA Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Chronometer
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch 14k Gold 30mm
By Rolex
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Everyone needs a Rolex in their timepiece collection. Circa 1940s, this 30mm Rolex Oyster Perpetual
14k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster perpetual Automatic Wristwatch, 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1948 Rolex Oyster perpetual Reference 1002 Wrist Watch 14K yellow Gold 34 MM 2 Piece Oyster
14k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Vintage Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Automatic wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback White Roman Arabic Dial 3131 - Automatic
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back 3131 Rose Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3131 Watch. 34mm 14K rose gold case with 14K rose gold smooth bezel. Silver
Rose Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer BubbleBack 14K Yellow Gold Dial Ref. #3131
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer BubbleBack 14K Yellow Gold Dial Ref. #3131 Description
Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Vintage Gold Automatic Wristwatch with Bubble Back Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1945 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6567 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M 14K yellow Gold 3 piece case
14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Vintage Gold Automatic Wristwatch with Bubble Back Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1945 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6567 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M 14K yellow Gold 3 piece case
14k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Square Bubble Back Wristwatch Ref 4643
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
thickness: 12.10mm Band: Italian Crocodile - minor showcase wear Dial: Rolex Perpetual Superlative
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 1949 Oyster Perpetual Steel Automatic Wristwatch with California Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1949 Rolex Reference 5500, 34 MM & Steel 2 piece case. Caliber 1530 Automatic, self winding
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Bubble Back Perpetual Winding Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Romabic METAL / MATERIAL
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Wristwatch Ref 2764
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual, Ref. 2764 MOVEMENT
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Manual-Winding 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Model Oyster Perpetual Year 1940's Gold plated Rolex buckle Dimensions 34 mm.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Manual-Winding 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Model Oyster Perpetual Year 1940's Gold plated Rolex buckle Dimensions 34 mm.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble-Back, Oyster Perpetual, Chronometer, Ref. 2940
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
BERNARDO ANTICHITÀ PONTE VECCHIO FLORENCE Made in the 1940s. Fine, tonneau-shaped, center seconds, self-winding, waterresistant, stainless steel wristwatch. Case two-body, polished...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Zephyr Oyster Perpetual Vintage Steel & Gold Quadrant 6582 Automatic Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Zephyr Oyster Perpetual Vintage Gents Wristwatch, silver
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Strap Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Outside case: 317229 Inside case: 3372 Movement: N3595 – N 75493
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6565
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex stainless steel and 18k yellow gold Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, circa 1945, self-winding
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, 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
Midsize Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.3372 Bubble Back Automatic, c.1940s LV942
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, men's 14k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref.3372 bubble back
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
14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6569
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual with engine-turned bezel with cream dial & baton hour markers. Auto
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3131, Beige Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference #: 3131. Mens Mechanical Hand Wind Watch Yellow Gold Beige 30 MM
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3131, Beige Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference #: 3131. Mens Mechanical Hand Wind Watch Yellow Gold Beige 30 MM
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3131, Beige Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference #: 3131. Mens Mechanical Hand Wind Watch Yellow Gold Beige 30 MM
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
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6048 Silver Dial 14K Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6048 Silver Dial 14K Yellow Gold Watch 31mm
Yellow Gold
Rolex Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Automatic Wristwatch Ref 3131
By Rolex
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Oyster Perpetual Ref. 3131 Nice and early Rolex Oyster Perpetual - Bubble back CASE screwed
Rolex 14K PG man's Oyster Perpetual bubbleback ref #3131 c.1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K PG man's Oyster Perpetual bubbleback ref #3131 circa 1940's. 3 piece screw down 34mm
18k Gold
Sold
W 1.26 in Dm 1.26 in
Rolex Yellow Gold Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch circa 1940s. 32mm diameter case with smooth bezel and
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Bubble Back Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch Ref 3372
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold "Bubble Back" Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch, circa 1947. This Bubble
18k Gold
Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback ref# 3131 circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback ref# 3131 circa 1940's with 3 piece case, smooth
14k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 4392, circa 1948
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch in 14 karat yellow gold, reference 4392. This classic Rolex watch
14k 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
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
$7,200
H 1.74 in Dm 1.38 in
Omega 18 Karat Gold Constellation Observatory Chronometer, circa 1950-1960
By Omega
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Constellation Chronometer METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950 / 60's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 44mm x 35mm MO...
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
Lady's 18K Yellow Gold Patek Philippe "Calatrava" Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Lady's 18K Yellow Gold Patek Philippe "Calatrava" Ref.#4819/1J Wacth White Dial with Black Roman Numerals, Hobnail Pattern Bezel, 18K Yellow Gold Patek Philippe Meshh Bracelet. Swiss...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini 18K White Gold Cellissima 26mm Dial Diamond Bezel 6671 Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Cellini 18K White Gold Cellissima 26mm Dial Diamond Bezel 6671 Watch – a masterpiece that seamlessly fuses elegance and precision. This exquisite timepiece showcases a luxuriou...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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 ...
Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Watch with Original Dial Early 40's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm x Wid...
1960s Retro Omega De Ville 18 Karat Gold Men's Watch
By Omega
Located in Poitiers, FR
Omega De Ville men's watch. Square case in 18 karats yellow gold, owl hallmark. Total length: 20.5 cm, width of the bracelet: 2.2 cm to 0.6 cm, Case: Side: 2.8 cm, thickness: 5.8 mm...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Yellow Gold Steel No Holes Champagne Dial Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. signs of wear. No original box and paper. Comes with a chronostore box and 2 year warranty. Brand & Model Details: Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 69173 Mode...
Yellow Gold, 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
$7,750
H 0.19 in W 1.26 in
Ultra-Thin Classic Gold Audemars-Piguet Mens Watch with Brown Crocodile Strap
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This handsome, vintage 18K yellow gold Audemars-Piguet wristwatch is positively elegant. Crafted during the mid-20th Century, this iteration is among the very thinnest produced durin...
Gold, 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
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 DIMENSIONS: Length 36mm X Diameter 30mm CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 / 1942...
Stainless Steel
Patek Philippe 18Kt. Two-Tone Oversized Late Art Deco Wristwatch from 1940s
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Solid Yellow and White Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 47mm X Width 29mm CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMEN...
Rolex 14Kt Prince with rare Black Dial Hand Made Case and Movement circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince Drs. Watch / Reference 1490 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X ...
14k 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.