Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Purple Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Purple Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Purple Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Blue Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Lavender Dial Circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Blue Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Green Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1505
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Blue Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Dial from 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Yellow Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Charcoal Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Blue Dial Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1500 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Factory Patinated Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Factory Patinated Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Blued Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Orange Dial Diamond Markers 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Sage Green Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Finished Orange Dial, circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Green Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Orange Dial Diamond Markers 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Steel Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Pink Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Green Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Flawless Black Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Flawless Black Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Navy Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Navy Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Navy Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Made Light Green Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Made Light Green Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Lady Perpetual Gold Date. Ladies wristwatch, 1970s/80s
By Rolex
Located in bronshoj, DK
Rolex Oyster Lady Perpetual Gold Date. Ladies wristwatch, original bracelet in two-tone steel and
Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Slate Blue Dial from Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Slate Blue Dial from Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Blue Dial 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare, Original Shaded Sunburst Red Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Light Lavender Dial, circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500/6354
Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Finished Orange Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Mother of Pearl Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Black Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
$5,368Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 35mm Mens Vintage Automatic 1970s RA604B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless iconic classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1501 Date automatic, c.1972, in excellent working
Stainless Steel
$5,360Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 35mm Mens Vintage Automatic 1970s RA604
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1501 Date automatic, c.1972, in excellent working
Stainless Steel
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 35mm Mens Vintage Automatic 1970s RA602
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1970, in excellent working condition
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference: 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Made Blue Dial, circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
$14,320Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 35mm 14k Solid Gold Mens 1970s Automatic RA741
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 14k solid gold automatic, c.1978, all
Gold, 14k Gold
$10,240Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 1503 Oyster Perpetual Date 14k Solid Gold Mens 1970s 34mm Automatic RA692B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 solid 14k gold automatic, c.1978, in
14k Gold
$10,320Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 34mm 14k Solid Gold Mens 1970s Automatic RA692
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 solid 14k gold automatic, c.1978, in
14k Gold
$5,360Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 35mm 14k Gold SS Mens 1970s Automatic RA624B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's 14k and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1974
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,080Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 35mm 14k SS Mens 1970s Automatic RA624
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's 14k and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1974
Stainless Steel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual With Factory Original Silver Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1002
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Thunderbird Bezel Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual With Factory Original Dial from 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Thunderbird Bezel Custom Blue Dial, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Thunderbird Bezel Custom Blue Dial, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL
Stainless Steel
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1505 14k SS Mens 1970s 35mm Automatic w Paper RA737
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1505 Date automatic with original tag and paper, c.1978
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Orange Dial & Custom Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Factory Original Charcoal Dial 1970
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare White Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
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.
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.