1950's Rolex Oyster Speedking Precision in Red Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Precision stainless steel watch, circa 1950s.
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
1950's Rolex Oyster Speedking Precision in Red Leather Strap
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Precision stainless steel watch, circa 1950s.
Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex 6494 Watch. Mens ROLEX OysterDate Precision. 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Oysterdate 6494 Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1954 Beautiful Watch. Case is Stainless Steel. New 70s Inspired Diver rubber band. Can be swapped o...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Ladies Rolex Precision 18K Ref. #2604 1950's Champagne Dial, Cal. # 1400
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Ladies Rolex Precision 18K Ref. # 2604, 1950's Champagne Dial, Cal. # 1400 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to be...
18k Gold
Rolex 1950s Yellow Gold Honeycomb Precision Tear Drop Lugs Wristwatch 4514
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 34mm 18k Yellow Gold Tear Drop Lugs Gents Wristwatch, honeycomb dial with applied 18k yellow gold index batons and arabic numbers at 3, 6, 9 and 12 0'clock, blue steel centre secon...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,080Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Ref 6022 Oyster Precision Mens Vintage 1950s 34mm Manual Wind RA781
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision ref.6022 manual hand-wind dress watch, c.1952, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. ...
Stainless Steel
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Ref 6022 Oyster Precision Mens Vintage 1950s 34mm Manual Wind RA781
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision ref.6022 manual hand-wind dress watch, c.1952, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
Stainless Steel
$6,080Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Precision 9k Gold Mens 1950s 32mm Vintage Manual Wind Dress Watch RA751
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage treasure, rare 9k solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision manual wind dress watch, c.1954, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex...
9k Gold
$7,360Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Precision 14k Solid Gold Mens Manual Wind Dress Watch 1950s Vintage RA709
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage treasure, rare 14k solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision manual wind dress watch, c.1958, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
14k Gold
Rare 1950s Rolex Rose Gold Chronometer Champagne Dial Precision Vintage 4134
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 37mm 18k Rose Gold Vintage Precision Gents Wristwatch, a rare original chronometer champagne dial with applied 18k rose gold index batons and roman numerals at 3,6,9 and 12 0'clock...
Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Precision Reference 8896 Stainless Steel Watch, 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1950's Vintage Rolex Precision Ref. 8896 Stainless Steel watch with Original Patina Silver Dial with Applied Rolex Steel Crown and Bar Markers. 34mm x 43mm lug to lug (1.34 in. x 1.6...
Vintage 1950's Rolex Precision Mechanical Manually Wound Wrist Watch Ref. 8029
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Reference No.: 8029 Movement: Mechanical - Manually Wound - 17 Jewels - Swiss Made Movement Serial No.: 83998 Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 37mm (no...
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel Precision 1950's Ref. 3265 Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stainless Steel Precision 1950's Ref. 3265 Rolex
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Mens Wrist Watch 5506 Late 1950's Air King Super Precision
By Rolex
Located in Dearborn, MI
Vintage Rolex Mens Wrist Watch 5506 Late 1950's Air King Super Precision Genuine Rolex 5506 Wrist Watch Late 1950's Air King Super Precision Runs & Stops I'm Sure it Just N...
Rolex Lady's Stainless Steel Precision Wristwatch circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Attractive lady's Rolex wristwatch with manual-wind movement and stainless steel case, fitted with a correct-for-the-period non-Rolex-made bracelet. The style is unusual, with a sing...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 1950s Yellow Gold Honeycomb Precision Tear Drop Lugs Wristwatch 4514
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 34mm 18k Yellow Gold Tear Drop Lugs Gents Wristwatch, honeycomb dial with applied 18k yellow gold index batons and arabic numbers at 3, 6, 9 and 12 0'clock, blue steel centre secon...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1950s Vintage RA425
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's timeless Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 manual wind, c.1957, in excellent working condition.
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Hand Wind 1950s Vintage RA425B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's timeless Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 hand wind, c.1957,in excellent working condition.
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 8952 14k Solid Gold 35mm Manual Wind 1950s RA529
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sophisticated luxury, chic Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Precision Ref.8952 manual wind dress watch, c.1957, in excellent working condition.
Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex 1950s Ladies Yellow Gold and Diamond Covered Surprise Cuff Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa mid to late 1950s Rolex precision Ladies Cuff Bracelet Watch, a rare and unusual Rolex watch, all in 18k Yellow Gold, the top in the form of a Flower measuring 1 1/4 inches in...
Diamond
Rolex Precision 18k Gold Watch for Ladies, 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Vannes, FR
ROLEX 18K Gold Watch For Ladies 1950's Mouvement Mecanic Precision Ankel 17 Rubis Original Red Box Garantie 1 years
Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Gold-Capped Hand-Wind 1950s RJC169G
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's Rolex "Golden Egg" Oysterdate Precision gold-capped ref.6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1950s.
Gold-filled
Rolex Lady Oyster Precision 22mm 18k Solid Gold Manual Wind 1950s Swiss RA511
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare timeless vintage luxury, 18k solid gold Rolex Lady Oyster Precision manual wind, c.1957, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Ro...
Gold, 18k Gold
Mens Rolex Precision Ref 8961 34mm 18k Solid Gold Manual Wind 1950s Swiss RA463
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic luxury, rare and timeless 18k solid gold Rolex Precision 8961 manual wind dress watch, c.1959, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorg...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6494 34mm Mens 1950s Hand Wind Roulette Date RA191C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref.6494 hand-wind dress watch with roulette red-black date wheel, c.1957, in excellent working condition.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Precision Diamond Watch 18ct Gold
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Circa 1950s–60s Rare vintage Rolex Precision Cocktail watch 18 carat gold Diamond bezel with 20 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling over one carat Integrated bracelet strap Round silve...
ROLEX Stainless Steel Precision Wristwatch Ref 4417 c. 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a very rare Rolex Precision with incredible horn lugs. This is a minty example with an original dial and beautiful case.
Rolex Rose Gold Precision Wristwatch circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The is an exquisite example of the Rolex Precision with an unpolished case, the dial is in mint condition, and comes with the period papers.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
ROLEX Yellow Gold Oyster Precision Veriflat Ref 6512 circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rolex yellow gold Oyster Veriflat reference 6512 from the 1950s. This has a champagne dial, subsidiary seconds, dauphine hands, screw winding crown, and, as in the name, a very flat ...
Rolex Stainless Steel Precision Wristwatch Ref 8051 circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rolex Stainless Steel Precision Wristwatch, Ref 8051, circa 1950s, with a manual-wind movement, circa 1950s.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Precision Wristwatch Ref 4061 circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a very rare Rolex stainless steel Precision wristwatch with an unusual original salmon color dial with Arabic numerals. This watch is quite scarce in such nice condition.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Gold Precision circa 1950's ref# 4471
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K YG Precision circa 1950's ref 4471 square 26 X 40 mm case with large lobd lugs.
14k Gold
Rolex Precision 4219 stainless steel watch, Circa 1950's All original
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Rolex Precision 4219 stainless steel watch, circa 1950's.
Stainless Steel, Steel
1950's Fancy Lug Rolex 18K YG Precision Dress Model
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18K YG Dress model 35mm diameter case with extended horn shaped lugs. 2 tone beautifully restored silver satin dial with gold applied indexes and gold leaf hands. 17 jewel manu...
18k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Precision Wristwatch circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14k yellow gold manual-wind Precision wristwatch, circa 1950s. 34 X 43mm case with extended flared lugs and beautifully restored dial with applied indexes and baton hands. 17-j...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Precision Ref. 8952 14k YG, circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Precision ref. 8952 18K YG circa 1950’s. Featuring 35mm snap back case with the icon engine turned bezel, and with low dome acrylic crystal.
14k Gold
Vintage Rolex Precision Reference 9022 Stainless Steel Watch, 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1950's Vintage Rolex Precision Ref. 9022 Stain;less Steel watch with Silver Dial with Applied Steel Beveled and Pointed Tip Stick/Bar/Baton Markers. 35mm x 41mm lug to lug (1.38 in. ...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oversized Precision Wristwatch circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Precision oversized wristwatch, circa 1950s.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Precision Wristwatch Ref 4470 circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K Yellow Gold Precision Wristwatch, Ref 4470, circa 1950s.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Precision Dress Model 18 Karat Yellow Gold, circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Precision 18K YG circa 1950’s. Featuring 34mm snap back case with smooth bezel and low dome acrylic crystal.
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.