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Rolex 16253

Rolex Datejust Thunderbird 16253 Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold Steel 36mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16253 Year: 1985 Model: Rolex Datejust Thunderbird Case Material
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph Thunderbird 16253 14K Yellow Gold Stainless Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16253 Serial: 7365*** Year: 1982 Model: Rolex Turn-O-Graph Thunderbird
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust Turn-o-graph Wristwatch Ref 16253, Aka "Thunderbird". Year 1987
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and very rare Rolex Datejust Turn-o-graph reference 16253 aka the Thunderbird features
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust Thunderbird 16253 Blue Vignette Diamond Spider 18K Gold Steel B+P
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16253 Serial: R385*** Year: 1988 Model: Rolex Datejust Thunderbird Case
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph 16253 Steel/18k Gold 36mm Champagne Dial Circa 1987
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Model features quick-set movement...
Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Steel

Recent Sales

Rolex Datejust 16253, Black Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust Reference #:16253. Rolex Datejust 16253 Mens Automatic Watch Champagne Dial Two Tone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust 16253, Gold Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust Reference #: 16253. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Gold 36 MM
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust 16253, Gold Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust Reference #: 16253. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Gold 36 MM
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust 16253 Turn-O-Graph Men's Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex datejust 16253 Turn-O-Graph Men's Watch 36mm stainless steel case yellow gold turn-o-graph
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust 16253 Men's Automatic Watch Champagne Dial Two-Tone 18 Karat
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust 16253 Mens Automatic Watch Champagne Dial Two Tone 18K 36mm
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust 162354, Champagne Dial Certified Authentic
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust Reference #:16253. Rolex Datejust 16253 Mens Automatic Watch Champagne Dial Two Tone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Thunderbird Datejust Two-Tone Watch, 1979
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1979 Vintage Rolex Datejust Thunderbird Ref. 16253 with Two Tone 14k Yellow Gold Thunderbird Turn-O
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Turnograph Men's 2-Tone Watch 16253
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Turnograph Men's 2-Tone Watch 16253 - Automatic winding, Quickset, acrylic crystal. Stainless
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Turnograph Men's 2-Tone Watch 16253
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Turnograph Men's 2-Tone Watch 16253 - Automatic winding, Quickset, acrylic crystal. Stainless
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Turnograph yellow gold stainless steel automatic wristwatch Ref 16253
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Automatic winding, Quickset, acrylic crystal. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold Thunderbird bezel (36mm diameter). Silvered dial with gold stick markers. Stainless steel and ...
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold

Rolex 16253 Datejust Silver Dial 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stainless Steel with Box
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16253 Serial: 9870*** Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust Thunderbird 16253 Champagne Dial 18K Gold Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16253 Serial: 8225*** Model: Datejust Thunderbird Case Material
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph
By Rolex
Located in Oyster Bay, NY
Rolex 16253 Datejust Turn-O-Graph, stainless steel case on an integrated two-tone stainless steel
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

Rolex Datejust 16253, Champagne Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust Reference #: 16253. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Steel and 18k Gold Champagne 36
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust Turnograph Steel Yellow Gold Vintage Mens Watch 16253
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Datejust Turnograph Steel Yellow Gold Vintage Mens Watch 16253. Officially certified
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust Turnograph Steel Yellow Gold Black Dial Vintage Mens Watch 16253
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Datejust Turnograph Steel Yellow Gold Black Dial Vintage Mens Watch 16253. Officially
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

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Rolex Daytona 116523 White Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Box Paper 40mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116523 Serial: V520*** Year: 2010 Model: Rolex Daytona Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yello...
Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Rolex 18 Karat Yellow Gold President Just Date 1601 Men's Wrist Watch w Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Rolex President 1601 Date Just 36mm Men's Luxury Wrist Watch. Circa 1962, this wildly popular Rolex model, with pearl tone face, tritium hands, lumen dots, fluted bezel and scratch r...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Patek Philippe Ref 2493 Vintage Yellow Gold Wrist Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s Patek Philippe Reference 2493 Wrist Watch, 30 x 30 MM 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece stepped, cushion case with tear Drop lugs. Caliber 10-200 18 Jewel Nickle Lever movement. Si...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 2611 Mechanical Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2611. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism.  Case is Stainless Steel Ne...
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Champagne Dial circa
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1971 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35mm MO...
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Mens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1972 36 mm Preowned Reference: 1600 18kt yellow and stainless steel
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Steel Oyster Perpetual Date 1512
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex 14kt. yellow gold and steel Oyster Perpetual Date 1512 Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual Date Made in Switzerland, Date of purchase, 1990. Case Diameter: 34 mm Crown: Original ...
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

1978 ROLEX MEN'S DATEJUST 16013 Two Tone Quick Set Wristwatch Box All Factory
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
8 inch 23 links two tone 14K Gold & Steel bracelet Factory Blue Dial 14K gold Bezel Working condition Manufacturing date of 1978
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Piaget 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet Watch
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Piaget Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Excellent Condition Length: 6.5 inch Dial Width: 0.82 inch Weight: 32.6 grams
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Rolex Date 15053 Champagne Gold Peg Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15053 Serial: 7212*** Year: 1982 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold ...
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Date 15200 Black Dial Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15200 Serial: A184*** Year: 1999 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel Dial: Black Face: Sapphire Crystal C...
Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Cartier Santos 18k Yellow Gold And Stainless "Spider" Burgundy Dial Ref 0902
By Cartier
Located in Houston, TX
A rare and unique find, this Cartier Santos features the eye-catching "spider" burgundy dial paired with a matching burgundy cabochon crown. A true statement piece, this watch combin...
Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Blue "Vignette" Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 3...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 16233 Blue Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16233 Serial: L276*** Year: 1989 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold ...
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Dial and Bezel circa, 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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 36 36mm Ref 16014 Rare Jubilee dial anniversary dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Reference Number: 16014 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic 3035 Case Material: Stainless steel Measurements : 36mm (without cr...
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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Rolex 16253 For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact rolex 16253 you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from 18k Gold, Gold and Stainless Steel — can elevate any look. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Making the right choice when shopping for a rolex 16253 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. When shopping for a rolex 16253, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or women today than there are for men.

How Much is a Rolex 16253?

On average, a rolex 16253 at 1stDibs sells for $6,600, while they’re typically $4,750 on the low end and $9,600 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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The popular Rolex Oyster Perpetual is usually between $5,900 and $6,600 in price.
  • 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.
  • 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
    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 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 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 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 ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    The size of a Rolex 126000 is 36 millimeters. It features a corrosion-resistant 904L stainless steel case. Many collectors love the now discontinued watch due to this striking feature, which was available in a variety of vivid colors. Find an assortment of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    Yes, the Rolex 126000 is discontinued. Rolex discontinued the Oyster Perpetual ref 126000 in the early 2020s. However, the watch may be available on the secondary market via trusted online platforms, including 1stDibs. Find a collection of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 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
    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 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 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 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 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
    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
    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.