Rolex Rare 1942 Bubble Back Ladies Steel Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1942 Rolex Ladies Reference 3869 Bubble Back Wrist Watch, 24 M.M.
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Steel
Rolex Rare 1942 Bubble Back Ladies Steel Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1942 Rolex Ladies Reference 3869 Bubble Back Wrist Watch, 24 M.M.
Steel
Rolex Steel Early Speedking with Original Dial from 1941 or 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 3373 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 36mm X Diameter 30mm CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 / 1942...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Two Steel and Rose Gold with Original Dial and Ladder Bracelet from 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 2940 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14k Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1942 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
Rolex Steel and Rose Gold "Bubble Back" with Rare Original Dial from 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
Solid Pink Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1942 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm X Diameter 39mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 630 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvere...
Vintage Rolex Precision 12325 Gold Manual Wind Sub Dial On Leather Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Vintage Dress Watch Brand: Rolex Precision Reference: 12325 Year: 1942 or 1957 Case Size: 30mm Metal: Yellow Gold Dial: Off-White with Sub Seconds ...
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 late military request for these pocket watches, during WW2 led to a rush for precisio...
Rolex Oyster Precision Vintage Steel Manual Watch 6480, circa 1942
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Precision Reference #:6480. . Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Vintage Rolex 6634 Oyster Perpetual 14 Karat Yellow Gold Capped, 1942
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6634 Serial: 242*** 1942 Model: Oyster Perpetual Case Material: 14K Yellow Gold over Stainless Steel Band: Black Leather Bezel: 14K Yellow Gold over Stainless St...
14k Gold, Yellow 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 the first chronograph with three registers and anti-magnetic screw down case back t...
Steel, Stainless Steel
1942 Rolex “Sky Rocket” Total Restoration
By Rolex
Located in Raleigh, NC
One of those rough cut diamonds is the 1942 Rolex Sky-Rocket. This watch was acquired by me from London England.
Stainless Steel
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 with acrylic crystal and Oyster Patent + crown.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Boy's Size Oyster Wristwatch circa 1942
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel "boy's" size Oyster wristwatch, serial number 169,XXX, circa 1942. 29mm x 35mm case with acrylic crystal and Rolex signed crown.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Royalite Observatory Wristwatch circa 1942
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Royalite Observatory wristwatch, serial number 227,XXX, circa 1942/43. 31mm boy's-size model.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Royalite Observatory Wristwatch circa 1942
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Royalite Observatory wristwatch scarce WWII-era model with exceptional condition original dial and unusually pristine case. 31mm boy's-size model, serial...
Stainless Steel
STAINLESS STEEL ROLEX WATCH
Located in Miami, FL
1942 Stainless steel Rolex Oyster Speedking watch with medium silver face.Original Rolex jubilee band added to watch in 1990 by Rolex.Automatic/manual wind.Adjustable 7" band.Service...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt. Solid Rose Gold with Original Cord Band and Hardware circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolexl Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 4554 METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 17mm ...
Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century all original, 1951 Rolex stainless steel oyster date precision wristwatch. Red date wheel. Original ruby steel riveted oyster band. Unpolished, minor scratches to case an...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Cupronickel Ultra Prima Handwind Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex’s early Oyster design is presented here with distinctive vintage character, featuring a cupronickel case and a shaped profile that reflects the brand’s formative era of durable...
Rolex Steel Oyster Raleigh with Original Patinated Dial 1930's Oyster
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Tudor STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Raleigh / Reference 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diameter 29mm M...
$7,920Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.26 in
Rolex perpetual 3372 Rose Gold SS Men Rare 1940s 32mm Bubbleback Automatic RA750
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare and historic Rolex Perpetual Ref.3372 with solid rose gold bezel, c.1947, unrestored dial, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Ro...
Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold and Steel Bubble Back with RareThunderbird Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel & Solid Rose Gold Thunderbird Bezel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 32mm CI...
Rolex Stainless Steel Speed King with Rare Original Waffle Dial from 1954
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Speed King / Reference 6221 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm x Diam...
Rolex Steel Rare Super Oyster Model with Original Dial from the Mid 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Reference 6202 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 34mm MOV...
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble Back Rare Roman Dial Perpetual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 32mm CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perp...
Rolex Steel Early Oyster with Original Super Oyster Crown circa 1952-53
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6084 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1952-53 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Di...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Modernist Watch circa 1948 with High Grade Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Moderist / Reference 8143 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold & Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm "Lug ...
Gold, Platinum
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 2280 SS 30mm 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Royal 2280 Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1939 Beautiful Watch. Generic Stainless Steel Bracelet (not original Rolex). 30mm round c...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet. circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SI...
Rolex Royal ref 2280 Art-Deco c1936 S/Steel Manual 15 Jewels 30mm Mens' Watch
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This fine & rare Art-Deco Rolex Royal reference 2280 S/Steel wristwatch, dating back to circa 1936, featuring: 30mm S/Steel Case, 35mm including the original signed screw-down cr...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938 From a time before formal reference numbers and when a 26mm case was considered suitable for any wrist, this vintage Rolex fr...
Rose Gold
Rolex Oyster Royal Vintage Rose Gold and Steel Manual Wind Mid Size Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940 Rolex Reference 4302 Oyster Royal Wrist Watch, 29 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless steel case with Oyster Water Resistant back and a Rose Gold bezel, 17 jewel mechanical, manual win...
Rose Gold, Steel
Universal Geneve Stainless Steel Uni Compax Chronograph circa 1940s
By Universal Genève
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Universal Geneve Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Uni Compax 2 Register Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Stainless Steel
Unavailable|$7,200
Rolex 1958 Lady-Datejust Watch 6517 - Yellow Gold 18k Automatic One Year
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Lady-Datejust Model Number: 6517 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Year: 1958 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Champagne Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Ma...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Cover Open Link Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Very special item designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, this is a ropetwist gold and diamond open link bracelet watch. Designed with graduating twist rope segments whith the center section...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Platinum Diamond Omega Ladies Wrist Watch Vintage Art Deco
Located in Greer, SC
" Lady's dress watch by Omega measures 6.5 inches long. It weighs 13.3 pennyweights. It has a rectangular platinum case measuring 13.62 by 13.21 mm with bead set round diamond lugs. ...
Diamond, Platinum
Patek Philippe Calatrava Vintage Ref 2545 Yellow Gold Mechanical Wristwatch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 2545, 32 M.M. 18K yellow Gold 2 piece case with Water Proof Back, 18 Jewel, Caliber 12-400 Mechanical, Manual wind nickle Lever moveme...
18k Gold
Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold Strap Model Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Rolex Wrist Watch, 33 M.M. 14K 2 piece case, 9 M.M. thick, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle lever movement, 2 tone Silver Satin Pie pan dial with raised Gold marke...
14k Gold
1960s Retro Omega De Ville 18 Karat Gold Men's Watch
By Omega
Located in Poitiers, FR
Omega De Ville men's watch. Square case in 18 karats yellow gold, owl hallmark. Total length: 20.5 cm, width of the bracelet: 2.2 cm to 0.6 cm, Case: Side: 2.8 cm, thickness: 5.8 mm...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Rare Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual from 1952 Oversized Bubble Back Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm...
Patek Philippe Demi Hunter Pocket Watch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in Boston, MA
A Patek Philippe pocket watch crafted in 18k yellow gold. Housed in a rare Demi, or Half Hunters case accented with black enamel. The round watch features a classic dial with Roma...
18k Gold
18 kt Gold Omega Collectors Wrist Watch, Caliber 321, Reference OT 2955 3
By Omega
Located in Antwerp, BE
Omega Chronograph, Collectors in amazing condition ! Reference OT 2955 3 Movement : Mechanical Manual Winding Caliber 321 Case : 18 Kt solid Gold, 35 mm Strap : Leather, Omega Gol...
18k Gold, Gold
Cartier Vintage Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Cartier Mid Size Wrist Watch, 30 M.M. X 6 M.M thick 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, Cartier Inc. 17 jewel mechanical, Manual wind movement. Silver Satin Dial with raised Gol...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17
By Cartier
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Sold out worldwide with a waitlist extending over a year, this petite timepiece is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Skilfully created in the house's Swiss atelier, it boasts 18-karat ...
Jaeger-LeCoultre 18 Karat Gold Vintage Memovox Wristwatch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in New York City, NY
Fine 18K yellow gold Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox wristwatch. It features an automatic movement and an alarm function. It is more rare than the gold filled counterparts, because of the e...
18k Gold, Gold
Rolex 9Kt Solid Gold Two Tone Prince with Kiln Fired Enamel Printing 1938
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince / Reference 971 METAL / MATERIAL: 9Kt Two Tone Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1938 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Width 26m...
Gold
$1,780Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Large
1960s Jean Patou Vintage Wool Jacket + Skirt Suit Ensemble with Faux Fur Trim
By Jean Patou
Located in Sparks, NV
Completely amazing vintage 1960s Jean Patou black wool jacket and skirt ensemble with faux fur trim and gold studs. Incredible tailoring and construction and chic enamel buttons. Ful...
$104,901
H 0.28 in Dm 0.61 in
Vintage Platinum Audemars Piguet Haute Joaillerie Diamond Tennis Bracelet Watch
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Antwerp, BE
StunningHigh Yewellery Platinum Tennis bracelet / watch Audemars Piguet. Calibre: 2426 Diamonds: The bracelet has together 16,2 carat diamonds. D color Internally Flawless Materi...
Diamond, Platinum
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.
A fresh palette of dial colors and technological advances have elevated this classic watch model.
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.