Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Date from 1953 or 54
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SI...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual with Rare Original Black Dial from 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 34...
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Early Datejust Perpetual Wind Watch, 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm CIRCA: 1953 / 1954 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual (Automatic) Winding / 25 Jewels / Caliber. 745 DIAL / HANDS: ...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Restored and Patinated Dial 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6085 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Diamet...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Two Tone with Factory Original Dial From 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6105 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Stainless Steel & Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6085 Watch, 1953
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1953 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual VERY EARLY Ref. 6085 Two Tone 14k Rose Gold Machined Bezel and Stainless Steel Case watch with White Dial with Applied Rose Color Arabic 3, 6, and...
Rolex Stainless Steel and 14 Karat Gold Oyster Perpetual Ref 6085, circa 1953
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel and 14K yellow gold Oyster Perpetual ref 6085, serial #855,xxx circa 1953.
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Factory Original Patinated Dial 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6085 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Diamet...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 1007 1953
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
1953 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer, Ref. 1007 in a 3 piece stainless steel waterproof case with an engine turned bezel. 26 Jewel automatic, self winding caliber 1570 Movement.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Perpetual Original Dial Bubble Back Watch, 1953 / 1954
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Ref. 6084 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: 39mm X 33mm CIRCA: 1953 / 54 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Pe...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Perpetual Wind Watch, circa 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This is a early and unique Rolex Datejust dates from 1953 or 54. It has an engine turned solid gold bezel and an original two tone bracelet.
1953 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel 6150 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
As one of the classic examples of an understated men’s Rolex of it’s time, this 36mm stainless steel case Oyster Perpetual ref. 6150 is a predecessor of the Rolex Explorer, before th...
Stainless Steel
1953 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel 6150 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
As one of the classic examples of an understated men’s Rolex of it’s time, this 36mm stainless steel case Oyster Perpetual ref. 6150 is a predecessor of the Rolex Explorer, before th...
Stainless Steel
1953 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel 6150 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
As one of the classic examples of an understated men’s Rolex of it’s time, this 36mm stainless steel case Oyster Perpetual ref. 6150 is a predecessor of the Rolex Explorer, before th...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1953
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, Ref. 6084, circa 1953. 34mm diameter case with smooth bezel, acrylic crystal and original patinaed dial with applied indexes and da...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady's Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1953
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex lady's 18k rose gold Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, Ref. 6505, circa 1953. 27mm diameter case with acrylic crystal and very pleasing original waffle dial with pink applied indexe...
Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6284 Stainless Steel Watch, 1953
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1953 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Semi-Bubbleback Ref. 6284 Stainless Steel watch with Silver Star Dial with Applied Steel Arabic 3, 6, 9, and 12 with Star Markers. 34mm x 39mm lug...
ROLEX S Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6500 circa 1953
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual scarce early Ref. 6500, serial 919,XXX, circa 1953. 34mm diameter case with smooth bezel and original patinaed dial with raised tapered indexes...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6085 circa 1953
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual, Ref. 6085, serial number 963,XXX, circa 1953. 34mm case with engine-turned bezel.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Over size Oyster Perpetual .Reference 6298.Circa :1953
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual "Oversized "Reference Number 6298 . 36.5 mm case .Original Dial with Steel markers .Precludes the Explorer models . Good Condition .Crocodile Band .S...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6085 14 Karat YG & SS Watch, 1953
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1953 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Two Tone 14k Yellow Gold Machined Bezel and Stainless Steel watch with Black Dial with Applied Gold Beveled Elongated Pointed Stick/Bar/Baton Mark...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1953
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Oyster Pepetual from 1953, reference 6084. In stainless steel with the original rivited bracelet. The case is 34mm with a plastic crystal.
Sold
H 1.74 in W 1.42 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Datejust 36 Oyster Perpetual 1601 Gold Sunburst Dial 18k Gold Steel 16013
By Rolex
Located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, IDF
In 1953, Rolex Oyster Perpetuals were on the Everest Expedition with Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, leading to the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Explorer celebrating the suc...
18k Gold, Steel
Sold
H 1.66 in W 1.34 in Dm 1.34 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 Gold Sunburst Dial Solid Gold 14k Gold, 1973
By Rolex
Located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, IDF
In 1953, Rolex Oyster Perpetuals were on the Everest Expedition with Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, leading to the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Explorer celebrating the suc...
14k Gold
Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / Reference 3490-2 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 26mm X 26mm ...
18k 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
18 Kt Rainer Brand Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Wrist Watch, Collectors
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Rainer Brand Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Wrist Watch, Brand New In Box With all Warranty Papers, Rare Collectors Watch Case : 18 Kt Solid Gold, Diameter 39.5 mm Strap :...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oysterdate with Rare Super Oyster Crown, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Super Oysterdate / Reference 6094 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 33mm CIRCA: 1951 MOVEM...
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Oyster Bracelet & Rare Black Dial, 1979
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 1200 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1979 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ref 6426 Classic 1950s Steel Manual wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1959 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster Case, 17 Jewel Caliber 1210 Manual Wind Nickle Lever Movement, Beautiful Original Mint Condition S...
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
Jaeger LeCoultre Rose Gold Reverso Wrist Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Reference 250.2.86 Wrist Watch, 39 x 23 M.M. 18k Rose Gold case, mechanical movement, Black dial with raised Gold markers, newer Hirsch Black Croc...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Riviera Paris Vintage Yellow Gold Ladies Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Riviera Paris Wrist Watch, 23 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind movement, White dial with Black Roman numerals. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Omega Choreograph Vintage 18k gold wrist watch cal.33.3 1950
By Omega
Located in Berlin, BE
Handaufzugs omega uhr in 18k gelbgold mit lederband und orginaler omega dornschließe cal.33,3 plexiglas uhr weisst leichte gebrauchspuren
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare "Pie Pan" Factory Original Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42...
Stainless 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
Rolex Steel O.P Date With Custom Made M.O.P Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster with Rare Original Dial from 1946
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 4365 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1946 DIMENSIONS: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500. 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1520 Automatic, Self winding movement, excellent Mint condition Silver Satin "Sunburst"...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Pink Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
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.