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1974 Rolex Watch

Rolex DateJust 1601 Rose Gold watch with papers 1974
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
An elegant vintage Rolex DateJust, reference 1601, featuring a 36mm stainless steel case with an
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer 14K Yellow Gold Ref. # 1002 1974 "Mint Shape"
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Suede with Rolex Buckle Water resistant: No Accessories: No. No original box, however a new watch box
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Air-King with Original Factory Black Dial 1974
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air-King / Reference 5500
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex GMT-Master Steel Automatic Wristwatch w/ Dial and Gold Accents Ref 1675
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
. **Bank wire only at this price** Ref 1675. Circa 1974 Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Recent Sales

Rolex 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cellini Dress Watch New Old Stock, circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cellini / 4014 / 2109 METAL / MATERIAL
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1974 Gent's Rolex Date Just Khanjar Black خنجر Dial 18K Two Tone Watch Ref 1603
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a vintage 1974 Rolex Datejust wristwatch for men. It features a 36mm stainless steel case
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1974 Blue Monte Carlo Tudor by Rolex - Rare Blue
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Blue Monte Carlo Tudor by Rolex - manual wind, stainless steel, ref # 7149/0, circa 1974
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1974 Rolex Cellini 18 Karat White Gold Model 3807
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: Cellini 3807 Year: 1974 Material: 18 Karat White Gold Dial: Blue Vignette Case
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Cellini 18K White Gold With Rare Blue Vignette Dial 1974
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex Cellini 18k White Gold Rare Blue Vignette Dial, Manual Wind, Made in Switzerland c
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Charcoal Dial from 1974 or 1975
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Thunderbird Bezel / Ref. 1500 METAL
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Ref 5500 Custom Green Dial from 1973-1974
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Ref 5500 METAL
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Polished Bezel Custom Green Dial from 1974 or 75
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
has just been serviced by our team. This Watch comes in an original Rolex Box and also is supplied
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Cellini 30mm 4320
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
. Circa 1974. Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Dress Rolex Cellini 4320 watch is made out
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Air King 5500/1002
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
tag, box and papers. **Bank wire only at this price** Ref 5500/1002. Circa 1974. Fine Pre-owned Rolex
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Air King 5500/1002
Rolex Air King 5500/1002
W 1.34 in L 1.34 in
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Presentation Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1974 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 14K Yellow Gold Oyster Case with Fluted
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Rolex 1970s Day-Date Yellow Gold, Ref. 1807
By Rolex
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rolex watch box.
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Cellini Diamond White Gold Watch, Circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in Feasterville, PA
An authentic Rolex Cellini watch showcasing a diamond bezel set with 22 original rolex diamonds in
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Rolex Cellini King Midas Watch, circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex Cellini King Midas 18 Karat White Gold Watch c.1974 Model # M4017/9 Composition: 18K
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Steel with Charcoal Dial from 1974 or 1975
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Thunderbird Bezel / Ref. 1500 METAL
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Rolex Date Model 1503 c.1974
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1974 14 Karat Yellow Gold Rolex Date Model 1503 Rare blue dial. Stephanie Windsor
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Rolex Precision Stainless Steel Manual Winding Ref 6426 from 1973 or 1974
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Ref 6426 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Watch Diamond Bezel and Dial Silver Mint
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
1974's Rolex Oysterdate Precision Watch Diamond Bezel and Dial Silver Mint condition. This watch is
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Silver, 14k Gold

Rolex 18 Karat Gold Buckley Dial Day-Date Ref. 1803 Men's Wristwatch, circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a lovely solid 18kt yellow gold Rolex Day-Date Reference 1803 from 1973. What makes this
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Ref 1655 aka Steve McQueen or Freccione c.1974
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a great example of a Rolex Explorer II from 1970's. It has the original factory bezel and a
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Ref 5500 Wristwatch c. 1974
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a clean Rolex Air King reference 5500 in stainless steel with a silver dial, automatic
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Thunderbird Datejust Reference 1625 Watch, 1974
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1974 Vintage Rolex Thunderbird Turn-O-Graph Bezel Datejust Ref. 1625 14k White Gold and Stainless
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18k yellow gold Datejust wristawatch, Ref. 1601, serial number 3.9 million, circa 1974. 36mm
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14k yellow gold Oyster Perpetual wristwatch Ref. 1005, serial 3.8 million, circa 1974. 34mm
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Daytona Wristwatch Ref 6263 circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in Boston, MA
Rolex stainless steel Daytona chronograph wristwatch, Ref 6263, manual-wind movement. Oyster
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Rose Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1601 circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18k rose gold Datejust wristwatch, Ref. 1601, serial number 3.3 million, circa 1974. 36mm
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Airking Wristwatch Ref 5500 circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Airking wristwatch, Ref. 5500, serial number 4.1 million, circa 1974. 34mm
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Wristwatch Ref 5513 circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex Submariner ref 5513 serial number 3.7 million circa 1974. Featuring 40mm diameter
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Rose Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Automatic Wristwatch, circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Fabulous collector’s example Rolex Stainless Steel and 14K Pink Gold Datejust ref 1601 serial
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Daytona Wristwatch Ref 6263 Circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in Boston, MA
Rolex stainless steel Daytona wristwatch, manual-wind movement, size 37mm. Ref. 6263 with an Oyster
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust self winding wristwatch Ref 1603, circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Man’s Stainless Steel Datejust ref 1603 serial # 3.7 million circa 1974. Featuring 36mm
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Red Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680 circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
3.7 million, circa 1974. Recent full service by San Francisco authorized Rolex service specialist
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Red Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680 circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel red Submariner wristwatch, ref. 1680, serial no. 3.8million, circa 1974. 40mm
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex White Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Wide Boy Wristwatch, circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage man’s Rolex stainless steel Datejust ref# 1601 with serial number 3.8 million, circa 1974
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Daytona ref. 6239 circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Daytona ref # 6239 vintage manual wind model circa 1974. Exceptional condition model with
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex stainless steel Datejust Black Dial wristwatch Ref 1600, circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Datejust ref 1600 stainless steel case with beautiful condition black original pie an dial
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex yellow gold Datejust Gray Dial wristwatch Ref 1601 , circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Datejust ref 1601 circa 1974. 36mm diameter full size man’s model with
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Date “Stella Dial” Self Winding Wristwatch, circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Ultra rare lady’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 18K yellow gold ref 6916 4 million serial # circa
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch with Custom-Colored Dial circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Datejust wristwatch, Ref. 1601, serial number 3.8 million, circa 1974. 36mm
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rolex SS Explorer II ref # 1655 circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Explorer II ref # 1655 circa 1974 original matte black dial with evenly faded
Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

ROLEX Steel & Gold GMT serial# 3.8 million circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS/14K YG GMT serial# 3.8 million circa 1974 with original chocolate brown dial with applied
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex SS Explorer II serial # 3.8 million production circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Explorer II serial # 3.8 million production circa 1974. Very clean original matte black
Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex SS Submariner ref # 1680 serial #3.7 million circa 1974
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Submariner ref # 1680 serial #3.7 million circa 1974 original matte black dial with red
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex SS Submariner ref# 5513 serial #4.1 million circa 1974.
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Submariner ref# 5513 serial #4.1 million circa 1974. Beautiful original matte black dial
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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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"...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Orange Dial 1970s
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 43mm x...
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex Two Tone Datejust with Original Dial circa, 1969
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Steel and 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex 18K YG Oyster Perpetual Date Silver Dial 1507, 1966's
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 1507 Year: 1966 Serial number: 14xxxxx Reference: C04387 Case: 34mm without crown; 18K YG case shows sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inne...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex 18K YG Oyster Perpetual Date Silver Dial 1507, 1966's
Rolex 18K YG Oyster Perpetual Date Silver Dial 1507, 1966's
H 1.34 in W 1.34 in Dm 1.34 in L 1.42 in
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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Mens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1972 36 mm Preowned Reference: 1600 18kt yellow and stainless steel
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Charcoal Dial, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe 3998/1J Automatic Calatrava w/ Bracelet, Full Set B&P Circa. 2001
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: This new addition to our collection is a Patek Philippe 3998/1J automatic 34mm Calatrava on a 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet. The watch is made of 18 Karat yellow gold, with ...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex 16013 Datejust 36mm Purple Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16013 Serial: 8982*** Year: 1986 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Custom Purple D...
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

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 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Breguet Yellow Gold Pin Set Manual Wind Watch, circa 1900's
By Breguet
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Breguet Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Pin Setting METAL / MATERIAL: 18 Kt Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 37mm X Diameter 32mm CIRCA: 1900's MOVEMENT / ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Light Blue Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm x 34...
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King With Custom Blue Dial from Early 70's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Len...
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 1803 President Day Date Rare Bronze Wide Boy Dial 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1803 Serial: 2568668 Year: 1970 Model: President Day Date Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Case Band: Brown Leather Band Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Rare Bronze Pie Pa...
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1002 34mm 14k Solid Gold Automatic 1960s NA111
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, men's 14 solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision ref.1002 automatic, c.1961, in excellent vintage condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, Rolex si...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 3802/200 Hobnail Mens Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Dallas, TX
Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 3802/200 Hobnail Mens Watch - Automatic. 18k yellow gold case with hobnail finish (33mm). White dial with black baton hands, black Roman numeral hour m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

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1974 Rolex Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 1974 rolex watch you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of gold, stainless steel and 18k gold, this item was constructed with great care. You’re likely to find the perfect 1974 rolex watch among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. While most can agree that any 1974 rolex watch from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a diamond version from the 2 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes alternatives. Finding a 1974 rolex watch for sale for men should be easy, but there are 5 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as women, too.

How Much is a 1974 Rolex Watch?

The price for a 1974 rolex watch starts at $5,000 and tops out at $65,000 with these watches, on average, selling for $7,750.

Rolex for sale on 1stDibs

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.

Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You

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.

Questions About Rolex
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The popular Rolex Oyster Perpetual is usually between $5,900 and $6,600 in price.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Rolex uses only the highest quality melee diamonds with between D and G in color and IF in clarity. Every diamond is tested individually to make sure it is real.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Rolex Submariner bears an 18k stamp and the number “750,” which means that 75 percent of the watch is made out of pure gold model. The most luxurious of all timepieces, the Rolex Submariner has been continuously manufactured since 1951. Find vintage Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The new Submariner Rolex with a Black Bezel is worth around $8,100 with some of the more expensive new Submariners in yellow gold costing around $36,950.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Because platinum is denser than other metals, it is often more expensive to purchase platinum watches than gold. One of the most expensive watches sold was a Platinum Rolex worth $277,000.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date watch is worth around $6,000. However, if it's encrusted with gems or vintage, it can cost as much as $50,000. 1stDibs has a great and vast selection of Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To wind a Rolex watch, first fully unscrew the winding crown. Once it is in a raised position, carefully turn the crown clockwise. Most watches require 25 turns for enough winding to begin powering the watch. The instructions included with Rolex watches provide more information about how to wind specific models. Shop a large collection of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Depending on what kind of watch you're looking for, one may be better than the other. For instance, if you want a highly functional sport watch, some of Rolex's models may be better for you. That said, the brands' watches are very similar quality-wise. The main difference is their appearances: While Rolex designs more traditional timepieces, Panerai is more contemporary and bold.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    An Oyster Perpetual on a Rolex watch refers to the watch's ability to run on the energy generated by the wearer's wrist movements rather than manual winding. At Baselworld in 2015, a variety of Rolex watches with a new-generation Oyster Perpetual movement were unveiled. Find a variety of vintage Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    The size of a Rolex 126000 is 36 millimeters. It features a corrosion-resistant 904L stainless steel case. Many collectors love the now discontinued watch due to this striking feature, which was available in a variety of vivid colors. Find an assortment of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    Yes, the Rolex 126000 is discontinued. Rolex discontinued the Oyster Perpetual ref 126000 in the early 2020s. However, the watch may be available on the secondary market via trusted online platforms, including 1stDibs. Find a collection of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    There is no single rarest Rolex face, as the availability of the luxury watchmaker's timepieces does vary in response to changes in collecting trends. However, some faces are generally rarer than others due to limited production, age and other factors. Examples of such dials include those made of meteorite, onyx, malachite, bloodstone, tiger's eye, coral, wood and lapis lazuli. Find a wide range of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    What is the cheapest Rolex ever made may vary over time as the luxury maker introduces new models. However, some watches made by Rolex are generally considered entry-level models based on their price points. These include the Oyster Perpetual, the DateJust 36mm, the Explorer 36mm, the Air King and the Milgaus. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of Rolex watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A contemporary Rolex Yacht Master costs around $11,000. However, a vintage model can cost up to $30,000.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    One of the cheapest Rolex watches is the Oyster Perpetual, which usually costs around $5,000. This model is made of oystersteel, an affordable type of steel.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To wind a Rolex Datejust, set the crown notch (located on the right hand side of the face) to position one. To set it to position one, turn the crown counterclockwise to unscrew the crown and pop the crown out one notch. From this position, start to wind the Rolex by turning the crown clockwise. You should feel a bit of tension and hear a soft clicking sound. Browse a wide selection of Rolex Datejust watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Rolex does not officially make sunglasses that are available for sale. They do however occasionally create promotional products, which have included sunglasses for sponsored events in the past. Browse a range of Rolex products that have been expertly authenticated on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a great entry-level Rolex to purchase. The perpetual refers to the ability of the watch to use the energy of the wearer's wrist motion to run. It is a popular starter Rolex.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Rolex uses only the highest quality diamonds in their watches and compares these stones against certified master stones. They are the most colorless, so in ranges D to G.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    While choosing a watch can depend on the wearer's style, there are a few consistent favorites. Some of the top Rolex watches for women include the Rolex Datejust, the Rolex Day-Date, and the Rolex Oyster Perpetual.