Rolex Steel Oyster Raleigh with Original Patinated Dial 1930's Oyster
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Tudor STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Raleigh / Reference 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diameter 29mm M...
Vintage ROLEX Oyster Watch. Rolex ref 4365. 1940s Gold Capped Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Mens Watch Just underwent Full Service - Ready To Go Stainless Steel Case that is Gold Filled Capped ref.4365 Circa 1946 Condition: Windup Movement. Runs we...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Oyster Precision Herringbone Quadrant Dial 6422
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Oyster Precision Men’s Wristwatch reference 6422, which dates circa 1944, featuring a rare herringbone quadrant dial with applied dagger indexes and Arabic numbers at...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster SPEEDKING 4302 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster SpeedKing 4302 9k Yellow Gold Bezel and Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1946 Beautiful Watch. New Genuine Leather band. 29mm round c...
9k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster with Rare Black Dial From 1943
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 3492 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1943 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm "Lug Tip to Lug Ti...
Stainless Steel
$4,980Sale Price|20% Off
1947 Rolex Oyster Bubbleback “Elegante” Gold-Plated Wristwatch w California Dial
By Rolex
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This vintage 32mm Rolex Oyster “Elegante” wristwatch showcases timeless sophistication with its classic gold-plated case and matching oyster rivet bracelet. Also known as a "Bubbleba...
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 Yellow Gold Weight: 48.1 Grams (case and strap) Case Size (Diameter): 32mm (not includ...
14k 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 5011 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
14k Gold
1943 Rolex Very Rare Lund & Blockley Oyster Aqua Vintage Mens Midsize World War
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 5015 Oyster Perpetual 14k SS Mens 1940s 32mm Bubble Back Automatic RA690B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, timeless classic Rolex 14k gold and stainless steel Oyster Perpetual 5015 Bubble Back Automatic, c.1940s, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchma...
Gold, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Royal Vintage Rose Gold and Steel Manual Wind Mid Size Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940 Rolex Reference 4302 Oyster Royal Wrist Watch, 29 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless steel case with Oyster Water Resistant back and a Rose Gold bezel, 17 jewel mechanical, manual win...
Rose Gold, Steel
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 bezel, c.1940s, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchm...
Gold, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel
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 / ovetto" features a 32mm x 39mm stainless steel case with silver baton dial and sword...
1940s Rolex Oyster Athlete Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
The evolution of the Rolex sport watch is clear upon examination of this unique vintage wristwatch. Manual wind, with a thicker-than-average robust 32 millimeter case diameter, this ...
Stainless Steel
9ct Yellow Gold Oyster "Rolex Royal" by Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
9ct Yellow Gold Oyster Royal by Rolex - Extremely rare 9ct Yellow Gold & "Bowtie" Dial, Manual wind, "Rolex Oyster Royal," circa 1940
9k Gold
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 a 32mm x 39mm stainless steel case with silver baton dial and sword hands.
Stainless Steel 'Majestic' Oyster by Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stainless Steel 'Majestic' Oyster by Rolex
Stainless Steel
Rare Rolex Oyster Chronograph Monoblocco / Barilotto 3525
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare and historically significant Rolex Oyster Chronograph, reference 3525 the very first chronograph to be housed within Rolex’s patented waterproof Oyster case, as earlier Rolex ...
Stainless Steel
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, .Ref. #3458. Made in the 1940s.. Fine and rare, tonneau shaped, Self-winding, sta...
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 watch features a round 14k gold case with a smooth finish polished bezel. Watch in...
14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Royal Manual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage mens Rolex Oyster Royal manual winding wristwatch, Circa.1940's Gender: Mens Vintage Model : Oyster Royal Case Diameter : 29 mm Movement: Manual Winding Watchband Material: ...
Rolex Oyster Royal Manual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage mens Rolex Oyster Royal manual winding wristwatch, Circa 1940's Gender: Mens Vintage Model : Oyster Royal Case Diameter : 32 mm Movement: Manual Winding Watchband Material: ...
Rolex Ladies Rose Gold Oyster Manual Wristwatch, 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex 14K Rose Gold Ladies Wrist watch, 21 MM Diameter and 7 MM thick 2 piece Oyster Case. 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind movement. Original Rose Gold Rolex Screw down ...
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 case, Caliber 1570, 26 Jewel Automatic, self winding movement. Newly restored Califo...
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 winding. 14k yellow gold case with smooth bezel (31mm diameter). White Arabic numeral...
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. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
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. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
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. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
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 dial with gold hands and Arabic numeral hour marker. 14K rose gold mesh bracelet wi...
Rose 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. S...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Waterproof Oyster Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 3525
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Unique waterproof chronograph with two register dial, gold hands and special blue track ring. Beautiful vintage condition. The track ring adds another dimension to the dial, without ...
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 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
Extremely Rare Rolex Oyster Precision Men's Vintage Stainless Steel Watch 4417
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Extremely Rare Rolex Oyster Precision Men's Vintage Stainless Steel Watch 4417 - Manual winding. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel with oversize Art Deco lugs (36mm diameter)....
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 / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being ...
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 with smooth bezel. Caliber 1030 Automatic, self winding Nickle lever movement, Gold ...
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 with smooth bezel. Caliber 1030 Automatic, self winding Nickle lever movement, Gold ...
14k Gold
1945 Rolex Oyster Imperial Viceroy 9k Yellow Gold Gent's Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine vintage Rolex Oyster Imperial Viceroy gents wrist watch in 9 karat yellow gold; part of our vintage watch collection This authentic vintage Rolex Oyster Imperial gentleman'...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1941 ROLEX OYSTER NEPTUNE Vintage "Boys" Size WWII Military Style Watch
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 1st...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Square Bubble Back Wristwatch Ref 4643
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare original Rolex reference 4643 1940’s square bubble back officially certified Chronometer solid 18k gold case with stepped sides. Movement size AR. 18k Rolex buckle. Beautiful go...
18k Gold, 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.