1978 Rolex Day-Date Model 1807 - 18k Gold Watch with Pave Diamond Accents - 36mm
By Rolex
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is an original 1978 Rolex Day-Date Model 1807 mens watch in 18k yellow gold with added diamond bezel & pave diamond Presidential band.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1978 Rolex Oysterquartz 17000 Stainless Steel Black Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Architect Of The Integrated Rolex The OysterQuartz was the Rolex response to the quartz crisis and remains one of the most distinct departures from their traditional Oyster case...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1978 Rolex Submariner 5513 Stainless Steel Black Dial Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Archetype Of The Dive Watch The Submariner 5513 is not just a watch, it is the reference point for an entire category. Introduced in an era where tool watches were evolving rapi...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1978 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 Steel Blue Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Classic With A Touch Of Color This example from 1978 captures the straightforward charm of late-seventies Rolex design.
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1978 Rolex Datejust 16003 Two-Tone Champagne Buckley Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
It is an ideal entry point into vintage Rolex that already has a layer of personality built in.
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1978 Rolex Date 1503 14K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Automatic 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Whether put on a Jubilee or swapped onto a different color leather strap, this 1503 is a reliable, character-rich example of a lesser-known chapter in Rolex’s gold history. Key Spe...
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1978 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 14K YG Champagne Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
It is a subtle but significant detail that showcases Rolex's ability to create character through fine adjustments in design.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1978 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone White Boiler Gauge Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Foundational Rolex With A Technical Dial The Datejust is the benchmark for a classic Swiss watch, and the two-tone reference 16013 is one of its most recognizable forms.
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Automatic Coral dial Ladies Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1978 Rolex Reference 6719 Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 M.M. 14k Yellow Gold 3 piece Oyster case with Fluted bezel, Oyster Perpetual Automatic, self winding movement, Custom finished ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Submariner 1680 Stainless Steel 1978
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1680 Serial: 5295*** Year: 1978 Model: Rolex Submariner Case Material: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Band: Custom NATO Strap Dial: Black Face: Acrylic Case Size: 40mm I...
18 Kt Collectors Rolex President Wood Dial, Ref 18038 from 1978
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Collectors Rolex President Wood Dial, Ref 18038 Gender: Mens Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatches Reference: 18038 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Casual M...
18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Precision 34mm Two-Tone Rose Gold Steel Rare Dial 1978 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Its mechanical precision ensures that this watch doesn’t just look good, but functions with the accuracy expected from a Rolex. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to luxury w...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Quickset Datejust with Original Box and Papers from 1978 or 1979
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 16030 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1978 / 79 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter...
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1978 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1978 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Steel 1 Carat Custom Diamond Blue MOP Dial Men's 1978 Watch 16014
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Details: Model Number 16014 Brand Rolex Department Men Style Dress/Formal, Luxury Model Rolex Datejust 16014 Band Color Steel Dial Color Blue Case Color Steel Display Analog Year Man...
Rolex Datejust Two Tone Diamond Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Mens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1978 34 mm Preowned Diamond Dial Reference: 1500 18kt yellow gold and stainless steel
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust 69240 26mm Silver Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69240 Serial: 553*** Year: 1978 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: 26mm Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Custom Silver Diamond...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Two-Tone Datejust Men's 1978, Automatic Diamond Ruby Dial 18 Karat Gold
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust Men's Watch Custom Diamond Ruby Bezel Dial 18k Gold, Dated 1978 Rolex Two Tone Datejust Men's 1978, Automatic Diamond Ruby Dial 18 karat Gold SKU: WA00014 PRIMARY DE...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Unavailable
H 0.46 in W 1.46 in
Rare Vintage Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Men's Date C. 1978 w/ Henry Ford Signature
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
RARE VINTAGE C. 1978 ROLEX DATE IN 18K YELLOW GOLD W/ HENRY FORD SIGNATURE ITEM DESCRIPTION: This is a unique men’s vintage Rolex date in solid 18K yellow gold.
Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner Yellow Gold Blue Nipple Dial Model 1680, circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Model: Submariner Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Size: 40mm Dial: Blue Nipple Dial "Turned Purple" Model Number: 1680 Age: 1978 Serial Number: 57268** Band: Custom L...
18k Gold
Rolex 16014 Date just Stainless Steel with White Gold fluted bezel. Circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Rolex 16014 Date just Stainless Steel with White Gold fluted bezel. Officially certified chronometer self-winding movement. Stainless steel oyster case measuring 36 mm...
White Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Root Beer Tropical Brown Nipple Dial Yellow Gold Model 1675 circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Model: GMT Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Size: 40mm Dial: Brown Nipple Dial "Root Beer" Tropical Model Number: 1675 Age: 1978 Serial Number: 59064** Band: Custom Leath...
18k Gold
Rolex Submariner 1680
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
**Bank wire only at this price** Ref 1680. Circa 1978. Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Sport Rolex Submariner 1680 watch is made out of Stainless steel on a Stainless ...
Stainless Steel
Unavailable
Rolex Datejust 6917, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. Ref 6917. Circa 1978. Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Classic Rolex Datejust 6917 watch is made out of yellow gold on a Brown Strap ban...
Certified Authentic Rolex Datejust 6960, White Dial
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. Ref 6917. Circa 1978. Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Classic Rolex Datejust 6917 watch is made out of yellow gold on a Brown Strap ban...
Vintage Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual Black Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1978 Vintage Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6917 14k Yellow Gold watch with Black Dial with Applied Yellow Gold Baton/Bar Markers. 25mm x 31mm lug to lug (0.98 in. x 1.22 in.) - ...
Rolex Datejust 6917, Beige Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. Ref 6917. Circa 1978. Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Classic Rolex Datejust 6917 watch is made out of yellow gold on a Brown Crocodile...
Rolex Datejust 6917 18 Karat White Dial Automatic Watch 'Certified Authentic'
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. Ref 6917. Circa 1978. Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Classic Rolex Datejust 6917 watch is made out of yellow gold on a Brown Strap ban...
1978 Rolex Datejust 36MM 16013 Black Dial Diamond Bezel Gold & Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Unisex Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Diameter: 36.00 mm Weight: 103.55 Grams 18K yellow gold and stainless steel diamond ROLEX Swiss made wa...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
1978 Rolex Datejust 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Rare Malachite Dial Model 6917
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies DateJust with a RARE and original Rolex Malachite dial circa 1978 26mm Dial Automatic movement Model Ref 6917 Currently fits up to a 6.5"-...
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Date 1970s Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1978 Rolex Date model Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless Steel Oyster case with Smooth bezel. 31 Jewel Caliber 1570 Automatic, self winding movement.
Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Steel GMT Nipple Bezel Wristwatch Ref. 1675
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Original vintage 1978 Rolex GMT. Black nipple dial with unique 1970's gold markers and a black mat finish bezel.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Date Stainless Steel Gents 1500, 1978
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: W4225 Model Number: 1500 Serial Number: 540**** Condition: 9 - Excellent condition Age: 1978 Case Diameter: 36 mm Case Size: 36mm Box and Papers: Box Only Movement: Automatic C...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Stainless Steel Gents 6263 1978
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: COM1308 Model Number: 6263 Serial Number: 500**** Condition: 9 - Excellent Condition Gender: Gents Age: 1978 Case: 37mm Box and Papers: Box, Manuals & Service Guarantee Movement...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Datejust Automatic Wristwatch 6827 1978
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref COM588 Model Number 6827 Serial Number 594**** Condition 9 - Excellent condition Gender Unisex Age 1978 Case Diameter 31 mm Case Size 31mm Box & Papers Box only Move...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Datejust Birch Wood Dial & “Bark” Bezel C. 1978
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
. #16078 Datejust in 18k yellow gold, made circa 1978. This would have been among the first Datejusts offered by Rolex with a sapphire crystal.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Blue Sunburst Dial 5.7m Serial 1978
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 1914 Brand Rolex Model Oysterdate Precision Reference 6694 Year 1978 Dial Blue Sunburst Dial Case Steel Bracelet Steel Diameter 34.5mm x 42mm Length Leather Strap Movement Manual...
Vintage Rolex Submariner 1680 Mark 1 Dial, circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in Cape May, NJ
Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Submariner 1680 Serial/Year: 5,6XX,XXX - 1978 Purchased in 1980 from Saddik & Mohamed Attar Co located in Saudi Arabia.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Sea-Dweller Wristwatch Ref 1665 circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Rolex stainless steel Sea-Dweller wristwatch, Ref. 1665, serial number 5 million, circa 1978.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Datejust Perpetual 1978 Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
This Rolex Oyster Datejust 16013F watch is made in 18K yellow gold and stainless steel. It is in perfect condition and works perfectly as it was fully restored. It comes with its Rol...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Sub Mariner with Original Dial and Factory Service, 1978
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Sub Mariner / 1680 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1978 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 46mm X 39mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Per...
Vintage Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual, Excellent Condition 'for Age', circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Presented in excellent condition given its age, this is a superb and usable ladies Rolex, with instant recognition factor. Bearing a 5 *** serial number, we date production to circa ...
Sold
H 1.21 in Dm 0.99 in
Vintage 1978 Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Rolex 25mm Watch Ref. 6719 w/ Rivet Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Reference / Serial #: 6719 / 5315461 Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case, Bezel & Bracelet Material: Solid 18k Gold Weight: 55 Grams Case Size (Dia...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Custom Green Diamond Dial, Dated 1978
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / 1601 METAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: 1978 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual, Automatic / 26 Jewels 1570 DIAL / HANDS: C...
Mens Rolex Day Date President 18038 18k Gold Automatic 1970s Swiss RA280
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxury icon, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date ref.18038, the "President", c.1978, with original Rolex box, in excellent working condition!
18k 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.