Rolex Yellow Gold Vintage Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Automatic wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback White Roman Arabic Dial 3131 - Automatic
Rolex Yellow Gold Vintage Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Automatic wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback White Roman Arabic Dial 3131 - Automatic
Sold|$3,200
Rolex Precision, circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Princeton, NJ
Brand: Rolex Model: Precision Reference: n/a Year: 1940s Material: 18kt Yellow Gold Size: Less than
18k Gold
Nickel Cased Rolex British Military Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This Rolex military pocket watch can be dated in the 1940s. It is Swiss made and in good working
1940's Oversized Stainless Steel Ref# 4498 Vintage Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
1940's Oversized Stainless Steel Vintage Rolex -Like-new condition -Special Lugs
Stainless Steel
Ref. 5016, Stainless Steel So-called "Bombay" ROLEX
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
between 1940 and 1951. This watch is illustrated in “Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches”, by Osvaldo Patrizzi
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer BubbleBack 14K Yellow Gold Dial Ref. #3131
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer BubbleBack 14K Yellow Gold Dial Ref. #3131 Description
Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage Stainless Steel Dress Watch "Bull's-Eye" Dial
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Dress Watch with "Bull's-Eye" Silver Arabic Dial. Manual wind, ref #4061
Stainless Steel
Retro Rolex Ladies Rose Gold Automatic Dress Watch
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This rare and collectable automatic lady’s Rolex ref. #4487 is made of 18 karat rose gold and
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold|$4,364
Vintage Rolex 9ct Gold Watch. c.1949
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
This beautiful vintage Rolex watch dates to the 1949s. The 9 carat yellow gold case is 30mm in
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,305
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubbleback Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Automatic winding. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel and bubble back (30mm diameter). Rose colored dial. Strap band.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Bubble Back Transportation Dial Perpetual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL
18k Gold
Rolex Bubbleback Pink Gold and Black California Dial Ref 3131
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Rolex California Dial Rolex, “Oyster Perpetual, Officially Certified Chronometer", Ref. 3131. Made
18k Gold
Rolex Gold and Steel Tropical Series with California Romabic Dial from 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: "Bubble Back" Ref. 4392 METAL: Solid Rose
1940s Rolex Anti Magnetic Steel chronograph
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Steel cased, Tear Drop Lug Rolex Anti Magnetic chronograph, 2 register, 3 Piece Case, Cal. 23
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Chronograph Monopusher Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Vannes, FR
Rolex Chronograph Mono-Pusher Watch Yellow Gold, 18 Carat Precise time Dial with telemetric scale
18k Gold
Rolex Rose Gold Stainless Steel Romabic Dial Viceroy Manual Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Viceroy Two Tone / 3359 METAL / MATERIAL
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 2940 with Custom Airplane Dial
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A stainless steel Rolex Bubbleback wristwatch with a custom dial (the airplane was not applied to
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Hooded Bubbleback Wristwatch with Rare Dial Ref 3599
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rolex bubblebacks offered the first automatic movements in a waterproof wristwatch, truly
Stainless Steel
Extremely Rare Rolex Oyster Precision Men's Vintage Stainless Steel Watch 4417
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Extremely Rare Rolex Oyster Precision Men's Vintage Stainless Steel Watch 4417 - Manual winding
Rolex Ladies Rose Gold French Retro Star Dial Bracelet Manual Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
of the hour stations and is framed by a crownlike design, which clearly is inspired by Rolex
18k Gold, Rose Gold
ROLEX Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Rolex yellow gold Bubbleback wristwatch, Ref. 3131. 18k yellow gold, automatic movement. Original
18k Gold
ROLEX Chronograph Gold Ref. 2811 'Anti-Magnetic'
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Rolex 18kt Gold, Ref. 2811 Rolex, Anti-Magnetique, case No. 41993, Ref. 2811. Made in the 1930s
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Royal Wristwatch circa 1945
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
nice watch a vintage Rolex stainless steel Oyster Royal wristwatch, circa 1945. This example is
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Yellow Gold Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 3484
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Rolex, Ref. 3484, two-register chronograph in a 33 mm 18k yellow gold three-piece case. Manual-wind
18k Gold
Sold|$3,795 / set
Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1946 Rolex "Bubbleback" Wrist Watch, 32 M.M 2 piece Stainless Steel case, Automatic, self
Steel
Sold|$4,858
Vintage 9ct Gold Rolex Watch, c.1940s
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1940s comes this beautiful Rolex watch The 9 carat yellow gold case is a rectangle
Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Sold|$4,364
Vintage Rolex 9ct Gold Watch. c.1949
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
This beautiful vintage Rolex watch dates to the 1949s. The 9 carat yellow gold case is 30mm in
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$12,500
Rolex Retro Diamond and Rose Gold Watch/Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
carats. The bracelet is composed of graduated gold demilune links. Circa 1940’s. Signed, Rolex case
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Wristwatch Ref 6491
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex stainless steel Oysterdate wristwatch, Ref. 6491, circa 1944, original aged dial with
Stainless Steel
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Rolex Cellini 27mm Dial Manual Winding Watch Face
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A rare vintage Rolex Cellini watch face in solid 18K yellow gold, featuring a classic 27mm dial
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 1940s Yellow Gold Automatic Bubble Back Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1948 Rolex Bubble Back Wrist Watch, 32 M.M. 3 Piece 14K Yellow Gold case with smooth Bezel
14k Gold
Rolex Ladies Rose Gold Oyster Manual Wristwatch, 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex 14K Rose Gold Ladies Wrist watch, 21 MM Diameter and 7 MM thick 2 piece Oyster
14k Gold
Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Manual-wind movement. 18k yellow gold case with unusual design, 16mm x 34mm. Silvered dial with gilt markers. Rope band. Pre-owned, circa 1940s.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Rose Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch circa 1945
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Automatic movement. 14k rose gold case, 32mm, circa 1945. Black dial with both Arabic and Roman numerals, the so-called California dial. Pre-owned with custom box.
Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex WW2 Military Pocket Watch, Rare Circa 1942, Superb Collectable
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and extremely rare pocket watch has a cal. 590 Rolex movement and case by Calcort. A
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 2940, aka "bubbleback /ovetto"
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer , reference 2940, aka "bubbleback / ovetto" features
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back 3131 Rose Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3131 Watch. 34mm 14K rose gold case with 14K rose gold smooth bezel. Silver
Rose Gold
Rolex 1940s Iconic Bubbleback Yellow Gold Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex Reference 3131 "Bubbleback" 32 M.M 14k Yellow Gold 3 piece Oyster case
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster perpetual Automatic Wristwatch, 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1948 Rolex Oyster perpetual Reference 1002 Wrist Watch 14K yellow Gold 34 MM 2 Piece Oyster
14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch Retailed by Bucherer circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Offered in entirely original condition, this 1940s Rolex dress wristwatch was sold at esteemed
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Triple Calendar Anti Magnetic Chronograph Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1945 Rolex Reference 6236 ( Jean Claude Killy ) Triple Calendar, Anti Magnetic Chronograph
Stainless Steel
Rolex Watch Company Stainless Steel Gold Bezel Bubble Back Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / 3133 / Oyster Perpetual
Rolex Stainless Steel Waterproof Oyster Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 3525
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Unique waterproof chronograph with two register dial, gold hands and special blue track ring. Beautiful vintage condition. The track ring adds another dimension to the dial, without ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Manual Wind Silver Dial Chronograph Antimagnetic 2508 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
by Rolex) with an original stainless steel pin buckle, plastic glass, snap back case, manual wind
Stainless Steel
Rolex Precision Vintage Dresswatch, H/M 9K Yellow Gold, c 1948
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and rare Rolex Precision features a hallmarked 9k yellow gold case (30mm exc crown
Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage 1944 Steel Automatic with Bubble Back Style Military Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1944 Rolex Reference 6565 Wrist watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece Oyster case with
Steel
Rolex Rare Rose Gold Prince Imperial Open Face Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex rare 18k rose gold Prince Imperial open face pocket watch, circa. 1940s, manual-wind movement
Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Square Bubble Back Wristwatch Ref 4643
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare original Rolex reference 4643 1940’s square bubble back officially certified Chronometer solid
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1946 Rolex Precision Full Size Vintage Mens Handwound Dress Watch - SS
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1946 ROLEX PRECISION Full Size Vintage Mens Handwound Dress Watch - Stainless Steel Pleasing & Elegant
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oversized Precision Bull's Eye Dial Wristwatch Ref 8029
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Beautiful, large and rare Rolex Precision (manual wind) ref. #8029 in stainless steel with a
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Speedking Precision Wristwatch Ref 4220, 1946
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
with a stainless steel Rolex buckle. Case : Two-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Vintage Gold Automatic Wristwatch with Bubble Back Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1945 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6567 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M 14K yellow Gold 3 piece case
14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Vintage Gold Automatic Wristwatch with Bubble Back Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1945 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6567 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M 14K yellow Gold 3 piece case
14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking with Original Dial and Hands from 1947
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 4220 METAL / MATERIAL
1945 Rolex Oyster Imperial Viceroy 9k Yellow Gold Gent's Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
text 'Rolex Oyster'. This 1940's watch retains the original gold, baton style hands. The
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1941 ROLEX OYSTER NEPTUNE Vintage "Boys" Size WWII Military Style Watch
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
with a 5.0 star rating. 1941 ROLEX OYSTER NEPTUNE Vintage Mens Midsize "Boys" WWII Military Style
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Fantastic Stainless Steel and Rose Gold Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Of the great and important vintage Rolex dress watches we have had the pleasures of selling, this
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
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.
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.
These companies have stood the test of time, making exceptional pieces for generations.