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Rolex Oversize Salmon Dial
Rolex Oversize Salmon Dial

Rolex Oversize Salmon Dial

Unavailable|$11,871 / set

Rolex Oversize Salmon Dial

By Rolex

Located in Milan, IT

indexes, centered seconds and feuille black hands. Movement: Manual winding Year: 1940 ca The

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Decò Stainless Steel
Rolex Decò Stainless Steel

Rolex Decò Stainless Steel

Unavailable|$9,497

Rolex Decò Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in Milan, IT

centered seconds and yellow gold dauphine hands. Movement: Manual winding Year: 1940 ca The watch

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Rose Gold Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 3484
Rolex Rose Gold Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 3484

Rolex Rose Gold Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 3484

By Rolex

Located in Milano, IT

Unusual and very rare 18 Kt. pink gold circular case,a square shape button chronograph snap on back in very good conditions wristwatch. Produced for the '40 in a few examples with b...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Rose Gold Chronograph Piccolino Wristwatch Ref 3055
Rolex Rose Gold Chronograph Piccolino Wristwatch Ref 3055

Rolex Rose Gold Chronograph Piccolino Wristwatch Ref 3055

By Rolex

Located in Milano, IT

Unusual and very rarely produced, in a few samples. Rolex chronograph 18 KT rose gold with the

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex Bubble Back 31mm 2940
Rolex Bubble Back 31mm 2940

Rolex Bubble Back 31mm 2940

Unavailable|$10,620

Rolex Bubble Back 31mm 2940

By Rolex

Located in Surfside, FL

This Rolex Stainless Steel Bubbleback, circa 1944, is a remarkable vintage piece, complete with its

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Precision Steel Wristwatch, c1945
Rolex Precision Steel Wristwatch, c1945

Rolex Precision Steel Wristwatch, c1945

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

Vintage Rolex Precision wristwatch dated Circa 1945. Snap back Stainless Steel case with tapered

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold White Dial Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 2508
Rolex Yellow Gold White Dial Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 2508

Rolex Yellow Gold White Dial Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 2508

By Rolex

Located in Milano, IT

Unusual and stunning conditions 18 KT. yellow gold chronograph wristwatch. Produced in the '40 in a few examples with a beautiful white dial with applied gold indexes and battons ha...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

ROLEX Retro Diamond Bracelet Watch

ROLEX Retro Diamond Bracelet Watch

By Rolex

Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

inches in circumference. Stamped "Rolex, Swiss Made" circa 1940's

Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond

Rolex Oysterdate 6494, Case, Certified and Warranty
Rolex Oysterdate 6494, Case, Certified and Warranty

Rolex Oysterdate 6494, Case, Certified and Warranty

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Oysterdate Reference #:6494. Rolex Oysterdate Vintage Unpolished 6494 Men Hand Wind Watch

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Stainless Steel Watch, 1945
Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Stainless Steel Watch, 1945

Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Stainless Steel Watch, 1945

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1945 Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Ref. 2940 Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Wrist Watch "Moneta" Ref. 3540 Stainless Steel Case Two Tones Dial
Rolex Wrist Watch "Moneta" Ref. 3540 Stainless Steel Case Two Tones Dial

Rolex Wrist Watch "Moneta" Ref. 3540 Stainless Steel Case Two Tones Dial

By Rolex

Located in Milan, IT

This Rolex "moneta" is extremely rare and in excellent NOS conditions. A stainless steel 35 mm case

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Rolex Perpetual Datejust 36 Custom Red Vignette
Rolex Perpetual Datejust 36 Custom Red Vignette

Rolex Perpetual Datejust 36 Custom Red Vignette

By Rolex

Located in Bradford, Ontario

Rolex Datejust is quietly classy in yet stands heads above rather more sedate peers Datejusts. Like

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Rolex Wrist Watch Perpetual Super Precision Ref. 4645 Rose Gold with Bracelet
Rolex Wrist Watch Perpetual Super Precision Ref. 4645 Rose Gold with Bracelet

Rolex Wrist Watch Perpetual Super Precision Ref. 4645 Rose Gold with Bracelet

By Rolex

Located in Milan, IT

applied indexes, little seconds at 6 'o clock Movement: self winding "Super Precision" Year: 1940 circa

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex OysterDate 6094 Very Rare Dagger Dial Men's Watch
Rolex OysterDate 6094 Very Rare Dagger Dial Men's Watch

Rolex OysterDate 6094 Very Rare Dagger Dial Men's Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex OysterDate 6094 Very Rare Dagger Dial Men's Watch 34mm stainless steel case with smooth

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

1947 Vintage Rolex Speedking Stainless Steel with Rare Pink Gold Arabic Dial!
1947 Vintage Rolex Speedking Stainless Steel with Rare Pink Gold Arabic Dial!

1947 Vintage Rolex Speedking Stainless Steel with Rare Pink Gold Arabic Dial!

By Rolex

Located in Warrington, PA

In the 1930's, Rolex and Sir Malcolm Campbell (a record breaking racecar driver), became united for

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Gallet 3 Registers Chronograph Valjoux 71, circa 1940s
Gallet 3 Registers Chronograph Valjoux 71, circa 1940s

Gallet 3 Registers Chronograph Valjoux 71, circa 1940s

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

A very pleasing original dial vintage Gallet 3 registers manual wind chronograph circa 1940’s

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Precision Gold Wristwatch c1947
Rolex Precision Gold Wristwatch c1947

Rolex Precision Gold Wristwatch c1947

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

Vintage Rolex Precision wristwatch with rare “Thunderbird” bezel dated Circa 1947. Snap back 18ct

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Post-War Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex 1940's Stainless-Steel Pink Markers & Special Lugs
Rolex 1940's Stainless-Steel Pink Markers & Special Lugs

Rolex 1940's Stainless-Steel Pink Markers & Special Lugs

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Rolex 1940's Stainless-Steel Pink Markers & Special Lugs

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

ROLEX 1940's Rose Gold Dress Watch

ROLEX 1940's Rose Gold Dress Watch

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

ROLEX 1940's Rose Gold Dress Watch

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

ROLEX 1940's 18K Rose Gold/Stainless Steel Wristwatch
ROLEX 1940's 18K Rose Gold/Stainless Steel Wristwatch

ROLEX 1940's 18K Rose Gold/Stainless Steel Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

ROLEX 1940's One Inch Square 18K Rose Gold/Stainless Steel Wristwatch. Beautiful silver dial

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

ROLEX 1940's Unique Stylized Lugs Yellow Gold Dress Watch

ROLEX 1940's Unique Stylized Lugs Yellow Gold Dress Watch

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

A 1940's yellow gold wristwatch especially desirable for its stylized lugs. Kept in excellent

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Oversized "Cushion" Shape 1940's
Rolex Oversized "Cushion" Shape 1940's

Rolex Oversized "Cushion" Shape 1940's

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Rolex Stainless Steel Oversized Cushion Shape with Arabic Numeral Dial. ref #4547

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rare Rose Gold 1940's  Rolex Bubbleback
Rare Rose Gold 1940's  Rolex Bubbleback

Rare Rose Gold 1940's Rolex Bubbleback

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

18K Rose Gold 1940's Bubbleback by Rolex - Original Warranty Papers, Rare model in excellent

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rare Rose Gold 1940's  Bubbleback by Rolex
Rare Rose Gold 1940's  Bubbleback by Rolex

Rare Rose Gold 1940's Bubbleback by Rolex

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

18K Rose Gold 1940's Bubbleback by Rolex

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

1940's "Bowtie" Dial with Scientific Markers & Rare Case Rolex

1940's "Bowtie" Dial with Scientific Markers & Rare Case Rolex

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Stainless-Steel "Bowtie" Dial with Scientific Markers & Rare Case by Rolex - circa 1940

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

ROLEX "Star Dial" Rare Vintage Yellow Gold 1940's Wristwatch
ROLEX "Star Dial" Rare Vintage Yellow Gold 1940's Wristwatch

ROLEX "Star Dial" Rare Vintage Yellow Gold 1940's Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

years ago. To find a 1940's Rolex of this importance in this condition is very exciting. This timepiece

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Vintage Chronograph Stainless Steel 1940's
Rolex Vintage Chronograph Stainless Steel 1940's

Rolex Vintage Chronograph Stainless Steel 1940's

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Vintage Cosmograph Stainless Steel Rolex from 1930's with Rolex Service Papers. Rolex Service

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1940's Oversized Men's Dress Wristwatch by Rolex
1940's Oversized Men's Dress Wristwatch by Rolex

1940's Oversized Men's Dress Wristwatch by Rolex

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

1940's Oversized Men's Dress Wristwatch by Rolex -"Owl Claw" Stylized lugs -37mm case

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Chronometer Bubbleback with Black Dial 1940's
Rolex Stainless Steel Chronometer Bubbleback with Black Dial 1940's

Rolex Stainless Steel Chronometer Bubbleback with Black Dial 1940's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 2940 METAL

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

9ct Yellow Gold 1940's Oversized 'Shock-Resisting' Rolex
9ct Yellow Gold 1940's Oversized 'Shock-Resisting' Rolex

9ct Yellow Gold 1940's Oversized 'Shock-Resisting' Rolex

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

9ct Yellow Gold 1940's Oversized 'Shock-Resisting' Rolex - 37mm 9ct Yellow Gold Case, Extremely

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold

1940's Women's 14k Yellow Gold and Diamond Rolex Wristwatch Antique Rolex
1940's Women's 14k Yellow Gold and Diamond Rolex Wristwatch Antique Rolex

1940's Women's 14k Yellow Gold and Diamond Rolex Wristwatch Antique Rolex

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

A "Rolex" ladies 14K Yellow Gold and Diamond Wristwatch: Rhodium-plated caliber-1400 movement with

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Extremely Rare 1940's Rolex Dealer Counter Display
Extremely Rare 1940's Rolex Dealer Counter Display

Extremely Rare 1940's Rolex Dealer Counter Display

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Extremely Rare 1940's Rolex Dealer Counter Display. Rolex Oyster Watches Display. Made from wood

Category

20th Century Models and Miniatures

9ct Yellow Gold Oyster "Rolex Royal" by Rolex
9ct Yellow Gold Oyster "Rolex Royal" by Rolex

9ct Yellow Gold Oyster "Rolex Royal" by Rolex

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

, "Rolex Oyster Royal," circa 1940

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold

Rolex Rose Gold Viceroy Wristwatch Ref 3359 with California Dial circa 1940
Rolex Rose Gold Viceroy Wristwatch Ref 3359 with California Dial circa 1940

Rolex Rose Gold Viceroy Wristwatch Ref 3359 with California Dial circa 1940

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Unbelievably rare and handsome early example of a 1940s Rolex Viceroy in 18k rose gold. Manual wind

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, 18k Gold

1940's ROLEX PRECISION Vintage Mens Rare Ref. 3923 18K Rose Gold & SS
1940's ROLEX PRECISION Vintage Mens Rare Ref. 3923 18K Rose Gold & SS

1940's ROLEX PRECISION Vintage Mens Rare Ref. 3923 18K Rose Gold & SS

By Rolex

Located in Suwanee, GA

other online sites. 1940's ROLEX PRECISION Vintage Mens Ref. 3923 Coin Edge Watch - 18K Rose Gold

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

ROLEX Extremely Rare Early Black Dial Chronograph
ROLEX Extremely Rare Early Black Dial Chronograph

ROLEX Extremely Rare Early Black Dial Chronograph

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

1942, this watch is a wonderful find for all ROLEX and chronograph collectors.

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel 'Majestic' Oyster by Rolex
Stainless Steel 'Majestic' Oyster by Rolex

Stainless Steel 'Majestic' Oyster by Rolex

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Stainless Steel 'Majestic' Oyster by Rolex

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Chronometer California Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Chronometer California Dial

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Chronometer California Dial

By Rolex

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

ROLEX REF. 3458 BUBBLE BACK.STAINLESS STEEL BEAUTIFULL PATINA Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Chronometer

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch 14k Gold 30mm
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch 14k Gold 30mm

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch 14k Gold 30mm

By Rolex

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Everyone needs a Rolex in their timepiece collection. Circa 1940s, this 30mm Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Rare Rolex 18K White Gold & Diamond "Prince" Pocketwatch
Rare Rolex 18K White Gold & Diamond "Prince" Pocketwatch

Rare Rolex 18K White Gold & Diamond "Prince" Pocketwatch

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

18K White Gold & Diamond "Prince" Pocketwatch by Rolex - very rare Diamond Pocketwatch Dial, Very

Category

Vintage 1940s Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1940s Rolex Unisex Square Manual Wristwatch
1940s Rolex Unisex Square Manual Wristwatch

1940s Rolex Unisex Square Manual Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

This is a 1940s 18ct rose gold unisex Rolex watch. The dial is a cream colour with gold hands and

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Oyster Royal Manual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1940s
Rolex Oyster Royal Manual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1940s

Rolex Oyster Royal Manual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1940s

By Rolex

Located in Braintree, GB

Vintage mens Rolex Oyster Royal manual winding wristwatch, Circa.1940's Gender: Mens Vintage Model

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Royal Manual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1940s
Rolex Oyster Royal Manual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1940s

Rolex Oyster Royal Manual Winding Wristwatch, circa 1940s

By Rolex

Located in Braintree, GB

Vintage mens Rolex Oyster Royal manual winding wristwatch, Circa 1940's Gender: Mens Vintage Model

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

1940s Rolex Oyster Athlete Stainless Steel
1940s Rolex Oyster Athlete Stainless Steel

1940s Rolex Oyster Athlete Stainless Steel

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The evolution of the Rolex sport watch is clear upon examination of this unique vintage wristwatch

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rare Rolex Oyster Chronograph Monoblocco / Barilotto 3525
Rare Rolex Oyster Chronograph Monoblocco / Barilotto 3525

Rare Rolex Oyster Chronograph Monoblocco / Barilotto 3525

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A rare and historically significant Rolex Oyster Chronograph, reference 3525 the very first

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold Square “Ciccolatone” Automatic Wristwatch
Rolex Yellow Gold Square “Ciccolatone” Automatic Wristwatch

Rolex Yellow Gold Square “Ciccolatone” Automatic Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

An important Rolex dress watch from the 1940s in 18k yellow gold. The case measures 31mm wide

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Bubble Back Wristwatch
Rolex Yellow Gold Bubble Back Wristwatch

Rolex Yellow Gold Bubble Back Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in South Pasadena, CA

Rolex Bubbleback 3131 14k yellow gold 32mm in exceptionally nice condition. From the 1940s. It has

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

ROLEX 1940s Rose Gold 'Saturn' ref. #3029 Chronometer Wristwatch
ROLEX 1940s Rose Gold 'Saturn' ref. #3029 Chronometer Wristwatch

ROLEX 1940s Rose Gold 'Saturn' ref. #3029 Chronometer Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Among the most rare of vintage Rolex models from this era, this piece has special recessed enamel

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

ROLEX Rare Oversized Honey Comb Dial Contract Gold Case
ROLEX Rare Oversized Honey Comb Dial Contract Gold Case

ROLEX Rare Oversized Honey Comb Dial Contract Gold Case

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

ROLEX Rare Oversized Honey Comb Dial Contract Gold Case

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

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Rolex 1940 For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the rolex 1940 you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Stainless Steel and 18k Gold. If you’re looking for a rolex 1940 from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 20th Century. A rolex 1940 of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 5, is particularly popular. 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. Finding a rolex 1940 for sale for men should be easy, but there are 131 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as women, too.

How Much is a Rolex 1940?

Prices for a rolex 1940 can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $950 and can go as high as $68,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,750.

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 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
    The popular Rolex Oyster Perpetual is usually between $5,900 and $6,600 in price.
  • 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 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.
  • 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 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 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 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.