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: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
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 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Steel and 18Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1987 DIMENSIONS / SIZ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oysterdate with Rare Super Oyster Crown, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Super Oysterdate / Reference 6094 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 33mm CIRCA: 1951 MOVEM...
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 vintage wristwatch is a Submariner 1680; a watch that is incredibly sought after and...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Very Rare Deepsea From 1954 / 55 Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6332 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 / 55 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diamet...
Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Flawless Black Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This is a wonderful watch for dress or casual wearing, whether with jeans or a dark suit you will get there on time and in style with the rare watch.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Flawless Black Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This is a wonderful watch for dress or casual wearing, whether with jeans or a dark suit you will get there on time and in style with the rare watch.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Rare Original Black Dial from Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diamet...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Original Black Dial and Gilt Markers
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 41mm...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Original Black Dial Mid 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This rare black dial is exquisite and shows how elegant a watch can be.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel O.P Date with Factory Original Rare Charcoal Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date model with rare charcoal dial and an unusual machined index bezel.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel and Rose Gold "Bubble Back" with Rare Original Dial from 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 2940 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / 14Kt.
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare, Bulls Eye Dial from 1958 Caliber 1060
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6552 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1958 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm Length X Diamet...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare, Original Shaded Sunburst Red Dial 1970's
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: 1974 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X D...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Rare Original Satin Grained Silver Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This unique model has a very rare Satin Grained Dial. Rolex's reliability, you have piece of mind this timepiece will get you from point A to B on time for all occasions.
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Black Dial and Engine Turned Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
$19,920Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 5030 18k Gold Mens 36mm 1940s Big Bubble Automatic Rare RA700
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare White Dial, circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic Date model is fitted with a rare white enamel dial and Roman numerals. The watch has just been serviced by us and comes with our 18 month wa...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original White Dial and Original Bracelet Late 60
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm x Diamete...
Steel
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: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diam...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare "Pie Pan" Factory Original Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Rare Early Air King with Original Patinated Dial Early 60s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diame...
Rolex Steel Rare Super Oyster Model with Original Dial from the Mid 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is also fitted with one of the last generations of the "Bubble Back" movement, the 645 caliber, an oversized example of the original caliber. This is a watch for a collector of un...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Slate Blue Dial from Early 1970's
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: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Slate Blue Dial from Early 1970's
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: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date With Rare Engine Turned Bezel and Black Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm Length X 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original White Dial and Hand Made Strap Late 1960
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FFACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm x Diamet...
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.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Double Red Sea Dweller 1665 RARE MK 3 Dial with PATINA 40mm Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1665 Serial: 354**** Year: 1974 Model: Vintage Rolex Double Red Sea Dweller Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel with T. Blue Dial Rare Machined Bezel from Mid 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 3109 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Dia...
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Rare Nipple Dial Omani Crest Submariner Date B&P 1680
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare 18k Yellow Gold Omani Crest Submariner Date Vintage Men's Wristwatch, original matte black nipple dial, date at 3 0'clock, an 18k yellow gold bi-directional rotating bezel wit...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 with applied hour markers, day at 12 0'clock, date at 3 0'clock, Omani Crest at 6 0'...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Rolex Very Rare Day-Date Vintage Gents 18k Yellow Gold Champagne Omani Dial 1803
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36 mm Very Rare 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Vintage Gents Wristwatch, champagne dial with applied hour markers, day at 12 0'clock, date at 3 0'clock, Omani Crest at 6...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Date Model with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's with Custom Made Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / Custom Diamond Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSION...
Stainless Steel
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 Men's Wristwatch, rare Mark I floating champagne dial with applied hour markers, 30 min...
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
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.
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
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 thing that we look at, the main deal maker or breaker is usually the dial, the mos...
White Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Raleigh with Original Patinated Dial 1930's Oyster
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Tudor STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Raleigh / Reference 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diameter 29mm M...
Tudor by Rolex Two Tone Prince Oysterdate Rare Charcoal Original Dial 1960's
By Tudor
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tudor Watch Company by Rolex STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince Oysterdate Automatic METAL / MATERIAL: 2 Tone Steel & Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Len...
Rare Circa 1920’s Woman’s Rolex Watch Box Presentation Case
By Rolex
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage 1920’s intricate designed pressboard watch box is in excellent condition and is made with meticulous craftsmanship. Beautifully embossed top, reminiscent of tooled leath...
Leather, Wood
Rolex Stainless Steel O.P Date with Rare Vignette Dial
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: 1969 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original Charcoal Dial from, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
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.