Rolex SS Bubbleback ref #2490 circa 1940's
Sold|$3,450
Rolex SS Bubbleback ref #2490 circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Bubbleback ref #2490 circa 1940's with original black dial with luminous indexes and hands
Sold|$3,450
Rolex SS Bubbleback ref #2490 circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Bubbleback ref #2490 circa 1940's with original black dial with luminous indexes and hands
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubbleback ref# 2940 circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Bubbleback ref 2940 circa 1940's 33mm diameter Oyster case with beautiful restored glossy
Rolex 18K YG so called "Square Bubbleback" circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18K YG self winding dress model so called "Square Bubbleback" circa 1940's heavy stepped case
Rolex Steel/Pink Gold Bubbleback ref #3133 circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel & pink gold bubbleback ref #3133 circa 1940's 33mm diameter case with smooth
Sold|$10,301
Rolex Vintage Platinum
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: COM1899 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Vintage Model Ref: N/A Age: Circa 1940's Gender: Ladies
Platinum
Rolex Yellow Gold Dress Model Wristwatch 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Scarce design Rolex dress model ref 4029 9K gold circa 1940’s. Very pleasing sculpted design
Rolex Vintage Prince Unisex Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
Xupes Reference: COM002503 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Vintage Model Variant: Model Number: Prince
Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 2705
By Rolex
Located in Milano, IT
Very rare oversized stainless steel chronograph with mobile lugs and beautiful white dial with applied stainless steel indexes and feuille hands.
Stainless Steel
Sold|$5,890
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6569
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual with engine-turned bezel with cream dial & baton hour markers. Auto
Stainless Steel
Sold|$4,650
Rolex Gold Bubbleback circa 1940's
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Bubbleback 10K YG circa 1940's. Tonneau shaped case with smooth bezel and screw down period
18k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 3131 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Great looking Rolex Bubbleback ref 3131 circa 1940’s. Featuring 32mm diameter Oyster case with
Rolex Rose Gold Stainless Steel Bubbleback Wristwatch 1944
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Great looking Rolex Bubbleback ref 3372 circa 1944. Featuring 32mm diameter Oyster case with screw
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Rectangular Prince Railway Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Milano, IT
A beautiful Prince, a stainless steel and yellow gold rectangular shaped wristwatch with special two tone dial in very good condition.
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Sold|$3,350
Rolex Stainless Steel Dress Model Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Dress Model Wristwatch circa 1940’s. Man’s small size 30 x 39mm snap back
Stainless Steel
Sold|$5,250
ROLEX PG Bubbleback Ref 3131 c1947
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K PG Bubbleback ref # 3131 circa 1947. 32mm diameter tonneau shaped case with smooth bezel
14k Gold
Sold|$4,153
1942 Rolex “Sky Rocket” Total Restoration
By Rolex
Located in Raleigh, NC
A RARE ROLEX SKYROCKET SHOCKPROOF WATCH FROM THE 1940-1949 PERIOD. But first a commerical message
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Reference 3065 Watch, 1945
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1945 Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Reference 3065. 14K Rose Gold & Stainless Steel case. 32mm wide
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubbleback Chronometer Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubbleback Chronometer Wristwatch circa 1940s. 32mm diameter Oyster case with
Stainless Steel
Sold|$3,650
Rolex Gold Man's Dress Model c1950s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K YG dress model circa 1950's square case 27 X 38mm with fancy lugs. Beautifully restored 2
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Two-Tone Watch, 1948
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1948 Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Ref. 4392 Two Tone 14k Yellow Gold Machined Bezel and Stainless Steel
Sold|$4,750
Rolex Rose Gold Top Bubbleback circa 1940s.
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Pink Gold top, Stainless Steel back Bubbleback circa 1940's. Beautiful condition case with
18k Gold
Rolex Steel & Gold Bubbleback ref #2764 circa
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS/PG Bubbleback ref #2764 with warmly patina'd original luminous salmon dial circa 1940's
Stainless Steel
Sold|$4,450
Rolex Rose Gold Square Dress Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K Rose Gold Square Dress Wristwatch circa 1940s. Square case measuring 26 x 35mm with horn
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold|$3,250
Rolex Steel Bubbleback ref# 2940 circa 1946
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Bubbleback ref # 2940 31 x 38mm tonneau shaped case with smooth bezel circa 1946 with very
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Steel Bubbleback California Dial circa 1946
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Bubbleback ref # 2940 31 x 38mm tonneau shaped case with smooth bezel circa 1946 with very
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch, Ref 4417, 1945
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex dress model wristwatch, reference 4417. This super rare Rolex is from 1945, made of stainless
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 3131 1946
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Great looking 14K rose gold Rolex Bubbleback ref 3131 circa 1946. Featuring 32mm diameter Oyster
Rolex Yellow Gold French Case Dress Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold dress model featuring highly stylized French made case circa post war 1940’s
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ROLEX Stainless Steel Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 2940
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Bubbleback, Ref. 2940, circa 1946, 32mm diameter tonneau shaped case with
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K yellow gold automatic Bubbleback wristwatch circa 1940s. 32mm diameter tonneau case with
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oversized Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel oversized wristwatch, circa 1940s, 35 x 40mm case with extended lugs and
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Precision Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel manual-wind dress model wristwatch, Ref. 4051, circa 1940s. Scarce and great
Stainless Steel
Rolex Boy's Stainless Steel Oyster Raleigh Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Oyster Raleigh Wristwatch serial # 177,xxx circa 1944. 31mm boy's size model with original
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Chronograph Wristwatch circa 1945
By Rolex
Located in Paris, FR
Rolex 18k yellow gold chronograph wristwatch, circa 1945, manual-wind movement, antimagnetic, with
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 69173, Black Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust Reference #: 69173. Womens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Black 26 MM
Rolex Oysterdate 6494, Beige Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oysterdate Reference #: 6494. Mens Mechanical Hand Wind Watch Stainless Steel Beige 34 MM
Rolex Oysterdate 6494, Beige Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oysterdate Reference #: 6494. Mens Mechanical Hand Wind Watch Stainless Steel Beige 34 MM
Rolex Steel/Pink Gold Bubbleback ref #2764 c. 2940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS/PG Bubbleback ref #2764 with warmly patina'd original luminous salmon dial circa 1940's
Rolex Dress Model Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Scarce design vintage Rolex dress model ref 4330 14K yellow gold circa 1940’s. Very pleasing design
14k Gold
Rolex Rose Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 18k rose gold Bubbleback wristwatch, circa 1940s. Classic vintage model, 32mm tonneau case
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Rose Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14k rose gold Bubbleback wristwatch, circa 1940s. Great looking model with 32mm tonneau case
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Rose Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Fabulous looking Rolex 14k rose gold Bubbleback wristwatch, circa 1940s, Ref. 3131, 32mm three
Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Rose Gold Speedking Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14k rose gold Speedking wristwatch, Ref. 4270, circa 1940s. Great condition 31mm Oyster case
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Pink Gold Bubbleback ref# 3131 circa 1947
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K PG Bubbleback ref # 3131 circa 1947, 31mm diameter 3 piece Oyster case, Beautifully
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Army Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Army wristwatch, Ref. 4301, circa 1940s. Cushion Oyster case with
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Royalite Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Royalite wristwatch, circa 1940s. 30mm case, manual-wind movement
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Speedking Wristwatch circa 1943
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Speedking wristwatch, serial number 211,XXX, circa 1943. 31mm boy's
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Reference 5050 Stainless Steel Watch, 1949
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1949 Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Ref. 5050 Stainless Steel watch with a Two-Tone Black and Silver
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Raleigh Wristwatch circa 1942
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Raleigh wristwatch, serial number 194,XXX, circa 1942. 29 x 35mm case
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Precision Reference 4061 Stainless Steel Watch, 1947
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1947 Vintage Rolex Precision Ref. 4061 Stainless Steel watch with Original Two Tone Silver and
Vintage Rolex Chronometer Reference 5275 Square-Shaped Watch, 1944
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1944 Vintage Rolex Rare Ref. 5275 Square 18k Rose Gold watch with Salmon Color Dial with Applied
Rolex Rose Gold French Case Wristwatch Ref 2283
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Rose Gold French Case Wristwatch ref 2283 circa late 1940s. 25 x 38mm beautifully designed
Rose Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Army Wristwatch Ref 3139
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Army ref 3139 serial # 381,xxx circa 1945. 31 x 38mm cushion shaped
Stainless Steel
Sold|$11,250
Rolex Gold Athlete "Empire" ref. 3548 circa 1947
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare Rolex 18K PG automatic "Empire" model ref# 3548 circa 1947. Large drum shaped case with heavy
18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3131, Beige Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference #: 3131. Mens Mechanical Hand Wind Watch Yellow Gold Beige 30 MM
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3131, Beige Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference #: 3131. Mens Mechanical Hand Wind Watch Yellow Gold Beige 30 MM
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3131, Beige Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference #: 3131. Mens Mechanical Hand Wind Watch Yellow Gold Beige 30 MM
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.