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1981 Rolex Datejust

Vintage 1981 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone Houndstooth Dial Auto 36mm
Vintage 1981 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone Houndstooth Dial Auto 36mm

Vintage 1981 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone Houndstooth Dial Auto 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

A Rare Dial On A Foundational Reference The two-tone Datejust is a pillar of the Rolex catalog, but certain dial variations elevate a common reference into a collector-focused piece.

Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1981 Rolex Datejust 16014 Stainless Steel Silver Linen Dial Auto 36mm
Vintage 1981 Rolex Datejust 16014 Stainless Steel Silver Linen Dial Auto 36mm

Vintage 1981 Rolex Datejust 16014 Stainless Steel Silver Linen Dial Auto 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

The Choice To Prioritize Texture The Rolex Datejust established its core identity decades before this watch was made, built on legibility and robustness.

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1981 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone White Buckley Dial Auto 36mm
Vintage 1981 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone White Buckley Dial Auto 36mm

Vintage 1981 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone White Buckley Dial Auto 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

It’s the foundational two-tone Datejust, pairing stainless steel and 18K yellow gold in a way that became synonymous with the Rolex brand itself.

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1981 Rolex Datejust 15037 14K YG Navy Blue Sunburst Dial Auto 34mm
Vintage 1981 Rolex Datejust 15037 14K YG Navy Blue Sunburst Dial Auto 34mm

Vintage 1981 Rolex Datejust 15037 14K YG Navy Blue Sunburst Dial Auto 34mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear. 14K Gold And Navy Blue Rolex built the Datejust as the standard for a daily d...

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1981 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone Silver Tiffany & Co. Dial Auto 36mm
Vintage 1981 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone Silver Tiffany & Co. Dial Auto 36mm

Vintage 1981 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone Silver Tiffany & Co. Dial Auto 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Key Specifications Reference: 16013 Model: Datejust Year: 1981 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 36mm Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Bracelet: Jubilee Bracelet Length: Fits 7-7.75in Dia...

Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

1981 Rolex Datejust 31 President 6827 18K Yellow Gold Watch White Roman #24681
1981 Rolex Datejust 31 President 6827 18K Yellow Gold Watch White Roman #24681

1981 Rolex Datejust 31 President 6827 18K Yellow Gold Watch White Roman #24681

By Rolex

Located in Washington Depot, CT

1981 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Datejust 31 Watch Model: 6827 Serial: 6703098 This elegant Rolex midsize watch is set in solid 18K gold. 31mm case with fluted bezel White ro...

Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Ladies President Datejust 6917 Black Dial 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Bezel
Rolex Ladies President Datejust 6917 Black Dial 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Bezel

Rolex Ladies President Datejust 6917 Black Dial 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Bezel

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 6917 Year: 1981 Model: Rolex Ladies President Datejust Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold President Bezel: Custom Diamond & Ruby Bezel ...

Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Ladies Datejust 6916 26mm White Roman Dial 18K Yellow Gold Box Paper
Rolex Ladies Datejust 6916 26mm White Roman Dial 18K Yellow Gold Box Paper

Rolex Ladies Datejust 6916 26mm White Roman Dial 18K Yellow Gold Box Paper

By Rolex

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 6916 Serial: 6369*** Year: 1981 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Gold Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Whit...

Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Certified 1981 Rolex Datejust 6916 Mother of Pearl Dial
Certified 1981 Rolex Datejust 6916 Mother of Pearl Dial

Certified 1981 Rolex Datejust 6916 Mother of Pearl Dial

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Date Reference #:6916. . Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Colored Dial Wristwatch
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Colored Dial Wristwatch

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Colored Dial Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Stamford, CT

1981 Rolex Datejust, serviced. Original Rolex dial custom refinished with multiple layers of Ferrari red high luster finish by the Peter Suchy workshop.

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Steel, Yellow Gold

Ladies Rolex 1981 Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch With Leather Strap
Ladies Rolex 1981 Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch With Leather Strap

Ladies Rolex 1981 Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch With Leather Strap

By Rolex

Located in South Pasadena, CA

Ladies Rolex 1981 Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch With Leather Strap.

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1981 Ladies Stainless Steel Rolex Datejust 26mm Oyster Bracelet Watch Ref. 6718
1981 Ladies Stainless Steel Rolex Datejust 26mm Oyster Bracelet Watch Ref. 6718

1981 Ladies Stainless Steel Rolex Datejust 26mm Oyster Bracelet Watch Ref. 6718

By Rolex

Located in Montclair, NJ

This gorgeous unisex Rolex Datejust is from 1981 and reference 6718. The automatic self-winding movement runs smoothly and keeps accurate time.

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1981 Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel 16030 Wristwatch
1981 Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel 16030 Wristwatch

1981 Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel 16030 Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

Vintage * *Complete with: Xupes Presentation Pouch & Guarantee dated 8th April 1981 *Case Size: 36mm *Strap: Stainless Steel Jubilee *Age: 1981 *Strap length: Adjustable up to ...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 16013 Two-Tone Watch, 1981
Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 16013 Two-Tone Watch, 1981

Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 16013 Two-Tone Watch, 1981

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1981 Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 16013 Two Tone 18k Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel and Stainless Steel Case watch with Original Champagne Dial with Applied Yellow Gold Stick/Bar/Bar Marker...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Yellow Gold Onyx Dial Datejust Self Winding Wristwatch, circa 1981
Rolex Yellow Gold Onyx Dial Datejust Self Winding Wristwatch, circa 1981

Rolex Yellow Gold Onyx Dial Datejust Self Winding Wristwatch, circa 1981

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

A beautiful condition scarce Rolex 18K gold Datejust ref# 16018 circa 1981 with factory Onyx dial.

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex yellow gold Midsize Datejust wristwatch Ref 6827, circa 1981
Rolex yellow gold Midsize Datejust wristwatch Ref 6827, circa 1981

Rolex yellow gold Midsize Datejust wristwatch Ref 6827, circa 1981

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex midsize Datejust 18K YG ref 6827 case serial # 6.7 million circa 1981.

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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1981 Rolex Datejust For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the 1981 rolex datejust you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from 18k gold, gold and steel — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 15 vintage editions and 1 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a 1981 rolex datejust may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Take a look at a 1981 rolex datejust featuring diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. 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. There aren’t many items for women if you’re seeking a 1981 rolex datejust, as most of the options available are for men and unisex.

How Much is a 1981 Rolex Datejust?

On average, a 1981 rolex datejust at 1stDibs sells for $6,896, while they’re typically $4,995 on the low end and $12,900 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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 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 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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The lowest priced Rolex model is the Oyster Perpetual. This watch retails for roughly $5,000. On 1stDibs, you can can find a variety of Rolex watches for sale.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The most expensive Rolex ever sold is the Paul Newman Daytona. This Rolex was purchased for $17.8 million in 2017. On 1stDibs, there are expensive Rolex watches but there is a wide variety available, so it should be easy to find a good fit for your tastes as well as your budget.
  • 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
    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 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
    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 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 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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The popular Rolex Oyster Perpetual is usually between $5,900 and $6,600 in price.
  • 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 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 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 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
    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.