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...
Vintage 1978 Rolex Submariner 5513 Stainless Steel Black Dial Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Key Specs Reference: 5513 Model: Submariner Year: 1978 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 40mm Bezel: Rotating Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet Length: Fits 6.75-7.5in Dial: Black Metal: Stain...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Tudor Blue “Snowflake” Submariner with Date Ref# 94110, circa 1978
By Tudor
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Tudor blue dial “Snowflake” Submariner with date ref# 94110, serial number 916,xxx , circa 1978.
Stainless Steel
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
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
Tudor Stainless Steel Submariner Wristwatch Ref 94010 circa 1978
By Tudor
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Tudor Submariner, Ref. 94010, with snowflake hands, the caliber 2776 automatic movement, and a Rolex case.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Date Ref 1680 Wristwatch c. 1978
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a great example of a Rolex Submariner reference 1680 from the 1970s. The case still has its original form with thick lugs and the patina of the dial has turned to a very plea...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Vintage 1978 Submariner Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Overland Park, KS
“Excellent running condition , excellent dial, Band is tight for its age. Case has heavy dings and scratches. See photos”
Diamond, Emerald, Stainless Steel
ROLEX 1978 Submariner w/Date Ref. 1680 Mark III Dial
Located in Los Angeles, CA
BRAND NAME: Rolex REFERENCE: 1680 SERIES: Submariner w/ Date DIAL COLOR: Black with Beautiful Beige Painted Markers (Mark III Dial) MOVEMENT: Automatic FUNCT...
Stainless Steel
1978 Stainless Steel Rolex Submariner
By Rolex
Located in DALLAS, TX
Vintage 1978 stainless steel Rolex Submariner. Includes original box, original crystal and recent service record.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Submariner Wristwatch circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18k yellow gold Submariner wristwatch, Ref. 1680, serial number 5.8 million, circa 1978.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Wristwatch Ref 5513 1978
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex Submariner ref 5513, case serial# 5.1 million circa 1978.
Stainless Steel
Rolex SS Submariner ref# 5512 circa 1978 Maxi Dial
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Submariner ref # 5512 serial #5.49 million circa 1978 exeptionally beautiful condition original matte black "maxi" dial with light ivory patina'd luminous indexes and matchi...
Rolex Yellow Gold Submariner Wristwatch Ref. 1680 circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 Case 18k yellow gold, screw back case, acrylic glass, rotating bezel, screw-down crown, 40mm Movement Caliber 1570, automatic, chronometer, date ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ROLEX Stainless Steel Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680 circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Submariner, Ref 1680, serial 5.8 million, circa 1978.
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Stainless Steel Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680 circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Submariner, Ref 1680, serial 5.2 million, circa 1978.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Wristwatch Ref 5512 circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Officially Certified Chronometer (OCC) Submariner wristwatch, Ref. 5512, serial number 5.4 million, circa 1978.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680 circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Submariner wristwatch, Ref. 1680, serial number 5.6 million, circa 1978. 40mm case with bi-directional rotating elapsed-time bezel and original matte black dial...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680 circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18k yellow gold Submariner wristwatch, Ref. 1680, serial number 5.7 million, circa 1978.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Maxi Dial Wristwatch Ref 5513 circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Submariner wristwatch, Ref 5513, serial number 5.5 million, circa 1978.
Stainless Steel
Rolex SS Submariner Tiffany & C ref #1680 c.1978
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Submariner w/ date ref #1680 serial #5.4 million retailed by Tiffany & Co circa 1978.
Rolex SS Submariner ref # 1680 serial# 5.3 million circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Submariner ref # 1680 serial# 5.3 million circa 1978 with magnificent original matte black dial with lightly patina'd luminous indexes and matching hands.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Blue Dial Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Westlake Village, CA
Case In 18K yellow gold, unpolished Movement Rolex, self winding caliber 1570 Dial Nipple blue Band Italian made blue suede strap, by JP Menicucci Summary: brand, model, ...
Yellow Gold
$17,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.18 in W 1.22 in Dm 9 in L 9 in
CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An automatique Ceinture large wrist-watch designed by Cartier. This is the rare large model of the Ceinture automatique wristwatch, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of C...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$56,920
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Gold Ceramic Steel Black Dial Men Watch 116519LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2022 card. Comes with the original box and papers. Brand and Model Brand: Rolex Model: Cosmograph Daytona Model Number: 116519LN Design and Style Style: Luxury Watch Shape: ...
18k Gold
Rolex Submariner Date 16610
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner Date REFERENCE: 16610 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oyster Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic WRIST SIZE: 8.25 Good...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Small Crown Gilt Black Dial 6205 Steel Automatic Watch 1954
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 6205 Year: 1954 Serial number: 21xxx Reference: OT1504 Model 6204 as the first small crown submariner produced in 1953, guarantee depth rate 100 meters. ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Historical Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Big Red 6263 steel 1979
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
First launched in 1963 and created specifically for the world of automotive racing, the Rolex Daytona collection is arguably one of the most popular and universally respected lines o...
Steel
Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date President Model Number: 1803 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Date: 1964 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Aftermarket Champagne Diamond Metal Con...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$44,910
H 1.66 in W 0.44 in Dm 1.66 in
Unworn Rolex Yacht-Master 42mm White Gold Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 226659
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with the original Box and papers.
White Gold
$42,380
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Daytona White Panda Dial Steel Ceramic Automatic Mens Watch 116500LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Mint condition. This watch comes with an original box and paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund....
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage GMT-Master Pepsi Tropical Dial 1675
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage GMT-Master Pepsi in stainless steel by Rolex. Features a matte black gilt dial which over time has transformed into what is known as a Tropical dial. Complementing the case...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Glossy Gilt Explorer Dial 5513 Steel Automatic Watch, 1964
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 5513 Year: 1964 Serial number: 11xxxxx Reference: C03610 Many have seen Rolex signature design the 3,6,9 known to be the explorer dial as it is frequentl...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$20,700
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
New Rolex Submariner Starbucks Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Watch 126610LV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Comes with the original box and papers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model: Rolex Submariner 126610LV Model Number: 126610LV Country/Region of Manufactur...
Steel
1971 Rolex GMT Master 18k Brown Dial Ref. 1675/8
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
A GMT Master in Gold A distinguished expression of Rolex's golden age of sports watches, this 1971 GMT-Master Ref. 1675 is cased entirely in 18K yellow gold and fitted with its matc...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Omega Gilt Tiffany & Co Stainless Steel Gold Automatic Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Stamford, CT
Omega Gilt Top and Stainless Steel Back Wristwatch, Retailed by Tiffany & Co, Ref. 351, circa 1960s, with automatic bumper movement. The bezel has a layer of 14k gold and stainless ...
Gilt Metal, Stainless Steel, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex GMT-Master Rare Nipple Tropical Dial 1675
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare vintage Rolex GMT-Master reference 1675, dating to circa 1978. This remarkable example showcases a black tropical ‘nipple’ dial that has aged to a warm, rich patina over time....
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller Double Red Vintage Stainless Steel Matte Black Mark III 1665
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual "Double Red Sea-Dweller" Vintage Men's Wristwatch, matte black Mark III dial with hour markers, date at 3 0'clock, a stainless steel bi-direct...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Chronograph White Ivory Creamy Dial 116520 Steel Watch 2001
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Rolex Model: 116520 Year: 2001 Serial number: K4xxxxx Reference: C03499 Case: Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case back stamped 2100 Dial: Excellen...
Steel, 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.