1950S Rolex
Vintage 1950s Retro Wrist Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Retro Wrist Watches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Retro Wrist Watches
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Rose Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Steel
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
14k Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
14k Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
20th Century Retro Wrist Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Pocket Watches
18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
14k Gold
Vintage 1950s Retro Link Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Rose Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Retro Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Rose Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Retro Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Retro Wrist Watches
Mid-20th Century More Jewelry
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches
18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Retro Wrist Watches
18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Modern Wrist Watches
Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1950s Contemporary Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Contemporary Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Modern Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Contemporary Wrist Watches
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1950S Rolex For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 1950S Rolex?
Rolex Biography and Important Works
Ask anyone, anywhere, to name a luxury watch brand, and the answer will probably be “Rolex.” This 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 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 and contemporary Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
Finding the Right Watches for You
Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind.
Modern-day timepieces are fashionable and functional. Watches have also migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, watches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner.
Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic 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 watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, many are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
When shopping for a watch, 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 exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.
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