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Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's

$6,100

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare White Dial circa, 1960's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare White Dial circa, 1960's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare White Dial circa, 1960's

$6,200

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

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's

$6,600

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Black Dial, Ref. # 6427
Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Black Dial, Ref. # 6427

Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Black Dial, Ref. # 6427

$8,900

Dm 1.34 in

Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Black Dial, Ref. # 6427

By Rolex

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Ref. # 6427 Similar to the Rolex Ref. #1016 Manual

Category

Vintage 1960s European Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Two Tone Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Dress Watch, circa 1930's
Rolex Two Tone Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Dress Watch, circa 1930's

Rolex Two Tone Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Dress Watch, circa 1930's

$4,400

Rolex Two Tone Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Dress Watch, circa 1930's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

rare and unique Rolex watch was originally a man's watch, but by today's standards it would be

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Black Dial from 1960's Custom Diamond Bezel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Black Dial from 1960's Custom Diamond Bezel

Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Black Dial from 1960's Custom Diamond Bezel

$6,500

Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Black Dial from 1960's Custom Diamond Bezel

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Two Tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Original Rare Black Dial 1987
Rolex Two Tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Original Rare Black Dial 1987

Rolex Two Tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Original Rare Black Dial 1987

$6,500

Rolex Two Tone Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Original Rare Black Dial 1987

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1600

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Rare Submariner Date Red Writing Vintage Stainless Steel Mark VI 1680
Rolex Rare Submariner Date Red Writing Vintage Stainless Steel Mark VI 1680

Rolex Rare Submariner Date Red Writing Vintage Stainless Steel Mark VI 1680

$38,086

Dm 1.58 in

Rolex Rare Submariner Date Red Writing Vintage Stainless Steel Mark VI 1680

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

An Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date Red Writing men's wristwatch, in stainless steel. This rare

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel O.P Date with Factory Original Rare Charcoal Dial 1960's
Rolex Steel O.P Date with Factory Original Rare Charcoal Dial 1960's

Rolex Steel O.P Date with Factory Original Rare Charcoal Dial 1960's

$5,100

Dm 34 in

Rolex Steel O.P Date with Factory Original Rare Charcoal Dial 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial Rare Jubilee Bracelet, Early 1970's
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial Rare Jubilee Bracelet, Early 1970's

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial Rare Jubilee Bracelet, Early 1970's

$5,400

Dm 1.42 in

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial Rare Jubilee Bracelet, Early 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Rare Day-Date Vintage Men's 18K Yellow Gold Omani Dial Bark Finish 1807
Rolex Rare Day-Date Vintage Men's 18K Yellow Gold Omani Dial Bark Finish 1807

Rolex Rare Day-Date Vintage Men's 18K Yellow Gold Omani Dial Bark Finish 1807

$49,927

Dm 1.42 in

Rolex Rare Day-Date Vintage Men's 18K Yellow Gold Omani Dial Bark Finish 1807

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A very rare 18k yellow gold Day-Date men's wristwatch by Rolex, produced for the Sultan of Oman

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Rare Nipple Dial Omani Crest Submariner Date B&P 1680
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Rare Nipple Dial Omani Crest Submariner Date B&P 1680

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Rare Nipple Dial Omani Crest Submariner Date B&P 1680

$92,930

Dm 1.58 in

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Rare Nipple Dial Omani Crest Submariner Date B&P 1680

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

. To find this watch in this condition along with the original Punched Papers, is very rare and would

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Very Rare Day-Date 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Omani Dial Bark Finish
Rolex Very Rare Day-Date 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Omani Dial Bark Finish

Rolex Very Rare Day-Date 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Omani Dial Bark Finish

$50,897

Dm 1.42 in

Rolex Very Rare Day-Date 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Omani Dial Bark Finish

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Very Rare 36 mm 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Vintage Gents Wristwatch, silver dial

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Rolex Steel O.P Date with Rare White Dial and Diamond Bezel circa, 1970's
Rolex Steel O.P Date with Rare White Dial and Diamond Bezel circa, 1970's

Rolex Steel O.P Date with Rare White Dial and Diamond Bezel circa, 1970's

$4,950

Rolex Steel O.P Date with Rare White Dial and Diamond Bezel circa, 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Zenith Movement Daytona Stainless Steel & Gold Rare Mark I Dial B&P 16523
Rolex Zenith Movement Daytona Stainless Steel & Gold Rare Mark I Dial B&P 16523

Rolex Zenith Movement Daytona Stainless Steel & Gold Rare Mark I Dial B&P 16523

$43,972

Dm 1.58 in

Rolex Zenith Movement Daytona Stainless Steel & Gold Rare Mark I Dial B&P 16523

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Rare Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Zenith Movement Cosmograph Daytona

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Collectors Hooded Bubble Back, 1st Rolex Automatic, 1940 s, Reference 2940
Rolex Collectors Hooded Bubble Back, 1st Rolex Automatic, 1940 s, Reference 2940

Rolex Collectors Hooded Bubble Back, 1st Rolex Automatic, 1940 s, Reference 2940

$14,953

Dm 1.26 in

Rolex Collectors Hooded Bubble Back, 1st Rolex Automatic, 1940 s, Reference 2940

By Rolex

Located in Antwerp, BE

Rolex Collectors Hooded Bubble Back 1940s, very rare & collectible Rolex. First Rolex Automatic

Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Stainless Steel

1971 Rolex Day Date Silver Wide Boy Dial Ref. 1802
1971 Rolex Day Date Silver Wide Boy Dial Ref. 1802

1971 Rolex Day Date Silver Wide Boy Dial Ref. 1802

$80,250

Dm 1.42 in

1971 Rolex Day Date Silver Wide Boy Dial Ref. 1802

By Rolex

Located in Dubai, AE

The elusive White Gold 1802 When it comes to collectible and rare Vintage Rolex watches, the first

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

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Rare Rolex Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact rare rolex watch you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Stainless Steel — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 407 vintage editions and 6 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect rare 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 21st Century. A rare rolex watch can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 39, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. 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 baguette cut and old mine cut alternatives. Most of our rare rolex watch for sale are for men, but there are 178 pieces available to browse for women.

How Much is a Rare Rolex Watch?

Prices for a rare rolex watch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1,200 and can go as high as $278,361, while this accessory, on average, fetches $8,716.

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.

Read More

The Rolex Datejust Is Celebrating Its 80th Anniversary

The watch has transformed several times over, but it’s still undeniably a classic.

The Rolex Bluesy

This is perhaps the least subtle version of the Submariner.

The Rolex Panda

The black-and-white Rolex Daytona is arguably the most famous panda-style watch.

Rolex Starbucks

If you think this looks like the Rolex Kermit, you're correct.

The Rolex Sprite

This model was designed for lefties.

How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips

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.

Rolex Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know about Choosing the Right Watch

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.

Get a Glimpse at One of the Most Valuable Watch Collections in the World

As the cache goes on display at London’s Design Museum, we speak to its enigmatic owner about some of his rarest acquisitions.

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