Rolex Stainless Steel Manual Wind Pocket Watch, 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex Precision Reference 9165 Pocket Watch 45 MM Stainless Steel 3 Piece case. 17
Vintage 1940s Swiss Pocket Watches
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Manual Wind Pocket Watch, 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex Precision Reference 9165 Pocket Watch 45 MM Stainless Steel 3 Piece case. 17
Stainless Steel
Rolex Classic Oyster with Original Dial from 1944
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Ref.4444 METAL / MATERIAL
Rolex Vintage Steel Automatic Wrist Watch with California Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1947 Rolex Reference 6565 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case. Caliber
Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Precision Super Balance Wristwatch Ref 3667
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 1940’s very fine Rolex Precision Super Balance 3667 18k pink gold watch with brown Alligator
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Bubbleback Self Winding Wristwatch, circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex "BubbleBack" Wrist watch, 39 X 32 M.M. 14K yellow Gold 2 Piece Case
14k Gold
Rolex, Precision. 18-carat gold ladies' wristwatch set with twelve diamonds.
By Rolex
Located in bronshoj, DK
Rolex, Precision. 18-carat gold ladies' wristwatch set with twelve diamonds. Approx. 1940/50s
Rolex Precision Vintage Yellow Gold Ladies Mechanical Wrist Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex Ladies Precision Wrist Watch, 16 M.M. Diameter X 5 M.M. thick 14k Yellow Gold 2
14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Royal Shock Resisting Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
(both not by Rolex), plastic glass, manual wind movement, in excellent condition, comes with an original
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble Back Rare Sector Dial Perpetual Winding Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Bubble Back METAL
Rolex Vintage Precision Yellow Gold Silver Dial Ladies Wristwatch 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
clasp, plastic glass, manual wind movement, in excellent condition, comes with a Rolex box, our own
Yellow Gold
Rolex 1949 Oyster Perpetual Steel Automatic Wristwatch with California Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1949 Rolex Reference 5500, 34 MM & Steel 2 piece case. Caliber 1530 Automatic, self winding
Stainless Steel
1947 Rolex Oyster Royal 4444 Stainless Steel Men's Watch Hand-Winding
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1947 Rolex Oyster Royal Men's Watch Model: 4444 Serial: 591784 This authentic Rolex watch is
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Rose Gold and Steel Art Deco Watch from 1947
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: / Art Deco Tropical / Reference 4327 METAL
Gold
Vintage Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Bulls-Eye Dial Ref 3478
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex stainless steel wristwatch with bulls-eye dial, circa 1941. Original natural patina, two-tone
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Royal 6444 Stainless Steel Midsize Very Rare
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6444 Serial: 205*** Model: Oyster Royal Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Custom Leather Band Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Ivory Face: Acrylic Case Size: ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Strap Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex bubble back 1944 with deep pink, almost red, gold bezel and beautiful black dial with mixed
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Zephyr Oyster Perpetual Vintage Steel & Gold Quadrant 6582 Automatic Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
case, a brand new brown leather strap with a stainless steel pin buckle (both not by Rolex), plastic
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Chronograph Silver Dial Anti-Magnetique 4048 Manual Wind Watch 1942
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 4048 Year: 1942 Serial number: 20xxxx Reference: OT1063 Model 4048 is
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Rose Gold Stainless Steel Art Deco Manual Wind Watch Ref 3911
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a great looking and dependable Rolex ladies watch from the mid 1940's
Rolex Ladies Rose Gold Stainless Steel Art Deco Manual Wind Watch Ref 3911
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a great looking and dependable Rolex ladies watch from the mid 1940's
Midsize Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.3372 Bubble Back Automatic, c.1940s LV942
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, men's 14k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref.3372 bubble back
14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6565
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex stainless steel and 18k yellow gold Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, circa 1945, self-winding
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex 6634 Oyster Perpetual 14 Karat Yellow Gold Capped, 1942
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Face: Acrylic Case Size: 34mm Includes: -Rolex Service Box -Certified Appraisal -6 Month
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1940s Rolex Precision unusual Gold Shell and Steel back Manual wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex Precision Wrist Watch, 35 M.M. 2 piece Gold Shell case with Water Resistant
Gold, Steel
1948 Rolex 14k Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Mid Size Wrist Watch 5015
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous, vintage, Rolex Oyster Perpetual wrist watch is mounted in a 32mm case crafted in
14k Gold
Rolex Falcon Stainless Steel with Original Dial and Hands from 1944 or 1945
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Falcon / Ref.4070 METAL / MATERIAL
Mens Rolex Precision Ref 4282 14ct Solid Gold Manual Wind 1940s Swiss RA234
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, men's Rolex Precision ref.4282 solid 14ct rose gold manual wind, c.1944
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
9k Rose Gold Vintage Rolex c1949 Square 26mm Manual Gents' Watch. Fine & V Rare.
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This retro timepiece by Rolex is in great condition & in excellent working order, featuring: - a
Rose Gold
Rolex Prince 1/4 Quarter Century Club Eaton 1490 Vintage Watch 14 Karat Gold
By Rolex
Located in Berlin, DE
Historic collector's watch. Presented to "Benjamin Hunt". Manual wind Rolex movement. Of course
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex lady's Yellow Gold precision wristwatch Ref 9292
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
unusual and rare vintage Rolex ca. 1940's.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Watch Ref. 2940
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This 1940's Rolex Bubbleback reference 2940 represents one of the biggest jumps in the innovation
Steel
Rolex Ladies Precision Yellow Gold Manual Winding Watch Model 9292
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
bracelet (will fit apx. 7-1/4 inch wrist and can be sized). Very unusual and rare vintage Rolex ca. 1940's.
Tudor Two Tone Steel & Rose Gold Bezel All Original from 1949
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tudor by Rolex STYLE / REFERENCE: Solar Aqua / Reference 4547 METAL / MATERIAL
Tudor by Rolex Watch Company Gold Steel 2 Tone Oyster Automatic Wristwatch
By Tudor
Located in Long Beach, CA
identical to the "Bombay" styling of a 1940's Rolex. This is a great looking understated watch
20th Century Jewelry Art Nouveau to Modern Coffee Table or Library Book, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Modern periods. Printed 1994 in Italy. 149 pages. Yellow gold bracelet-watch on cover is by Rolex, circa
Linen, Paper
Rolex Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a beauty from the 1940's. This solid 14kt yellow gold Rolex Bubbleback from 1946 is in
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Rare Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 2916
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is an early and rare Rolex hooded lug chronograph wristwatch, reference 2916, which almost
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Monobloc Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 3525
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a beautiful example of a stainless steel Rolex Monobloc chronograph wristwatch, Ref. 3525
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Extra Precision Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Extra Precision wristwatch in beautiful condition, an original salmon
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel King-of-Wings Wristwatch Ref 4125
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Very rare Rolex Oyster King-of-Wings Precision wristwatch in stainless steel with a salmon
Rolex Stainless Steel Monobloc Chronograph Ref 3525 circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a beautiful example of a stainless steel Rolex monobloc chronograph wristwatch, Ref. 3525
Rolex Rose Gold Stainless Steel Chronometre Wristwatch Ref 3372
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rolex Chronometre Ref 3372 in stainless steel with a rose gold engine turned bezel and original
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel and Rose Gold Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 4500 circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rolex stainless steel and rose gold chronograph wristwatch, Ref. 4500. This watch has some light
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Bucherer's Stainless Steel Tank Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Elegant Rolex Tank style wristwatch for Bucherer's with a nicely aged sector dial with seconds
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Viceroy Reference 3116 Watch, 1940
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1940 Vintage Rolex Viceroy Ref. 3116 Stainless Steel watch with Salmon Color Dial with Luminous
Sold|$18,500
Rolex Steel Hooded bubbleback circa 1940's.
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Hooded bubbleback circa 1940's. Fabulous rare original subseconds sector luminous dial
Stainless Steel
Sold|$1,750
Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Speedking circa 1940's 31mm diameter Oyster case with screw down period crown and caseback
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch with Bracelet circa 1940
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14k yellow gold Bubbleback wristwatch with associated period 14k yellow gold bracelet. Great
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex 14K Rose Gold Boy's Size circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex 14K Rose Gold manual wind boy’s size (31mm) Oyster case with screw down case back and
Rolex Gold Bubbleback Tonneau Case circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K YG Bubbleback circa 1940's. 32 X 39mm tonneau shaped case with smooth bezel and screw
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Athlete Wristwatch circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Athlete wristwatch, circa 1940s. 32 x 40mm case with extended lugs, smooth
Stainless Steel
Rolex Antimagnetic Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 2508 W. Rosch Berne circa 1940
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel antimagnetic chronograph wristwatch, Ref. 2508, circa 1940, retailed by W
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubbleback ref # 2940 circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Bubbleback ref # 2940 circa 1940's with beautifully restored glossy black dial with
Stainless Steel
Rolex Pink Gold Bubbleback ref. 3131 circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K pink gold bubbleback ref 3131 circa 1940's with orginal patina'd silver satin dial with
18k Gold
Rolex 14K PG Bubbleback circa 1940's with "California" dial
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K PG Bubbleback circa 1940's with beautifully restored antique salmon so called "California
18k Gold
Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback ref# 3131 circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback ref# 3131 circa 1940's with 3 piece case, smooth
14k Gold
Rolex 14K YG "Square Bubbleback" circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K YG "square Bubbleback" circa 1940's. Beautifully restored matte silver dial with faceted
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.