Unavailable|$4,250
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
Unavailable|$7,200
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
Yellow Gold, Steel
Unavailable|$3,849
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
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...
18k Gold
Unavailable|$29,908
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
Rose Gold
Vintage Rolex Chronometer Rectangular-Shaped 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1945
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1945 Vintage Rolex Rare Ref. 4469 Rectangle 14k Yellow Gold watch with Silver Dial with Recessed
Unavailable|$46,657
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...
18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 2940 Bubble Back Vintage Patina Automatic Watch SS
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 2940 Bubble Back Vintage Patina Automatic Watch SS 32mm
Rolex Yellow Gold Triple-Calendar Chronograph Dato-Compax Wristwatch Ref 6036
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Reference: 6036 Model: "Jean Claude Killy" Triple-Calendar Chronograph Dato-Compax
18k Gold
Unavailable|$30,500
Rolex Explorer 6610 Oyster Perpetual Vintage Tropical Brown Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Explorer 6610 Oyster Perpetual Vintage Tropical Brown Dial Mens Watch 36MM
Stainless Steel
Unavailable|$13,159
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
Stainless Steel, Steel
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
Stainless Steel
Rolex Wrist Watch Perpetual Super Precision Ref. 4645 Rose Gold with Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Milan, IT
Case: Squared shape, 30 mm in rose gold, snap on back, curved glass Dial: black, curved with applied indexes, little seconds at 6 'o clock Movement: self winding "Super Precision"...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$4,500
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. Featuring a 34mm diameter stainless steel heavy calatrava style case with elongated an...
Stainless Steel
Unavailable|$16,370
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
Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$4,393
Vintage Rolex 9ct Gold Watch. c.1949
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
. Designer: Rolex Age: 1949, Pre-owned Metal: 9ct Yellow Gold
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 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
18k Gold
Sold|$6,500
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
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Stainless Steel
9ct Yellow Gold Oyster "Rolex Royal" by Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
9ct Yellow Gold Oyster Royal by Rolex - Extremely rare 9ct Yellow Gold & "Bowtie" Dial, Manual wind
9k Gold
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
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
Stainless Steel 'Majestic' Oyster by Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stainless Steel 'Majestic' Oyster by Rolex
Stainless Steel
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 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
Stainless Steel
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
Sold|$8,979
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
18k Gold, Rose Gold
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
18k Gold
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.
Stainless Steel
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
Stainless Steel
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
Stainless Steel
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 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 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
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
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|$4,500
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
14k Gold
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
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
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
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
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
18k Gold
Sold|$4,890
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
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
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
Diamond, 18k 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
Ref. 5016, Stainless Steel So-called "Bombay" ROLEX
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Ref. 5016, Stainless Steel So-called "Bombay" Rolex, “Oyster Perpetual, Officially certified
Stainless Steel
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 Stainless Steel Vintage Bubbleback Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6050
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Vintage Bubbleback 6050 Men's Stainless Steel Watch - Automatic winding. Stainless steel case
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
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
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
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
18k Gold
Sold|$12,500
Rolex Retro Diamond and Rose Gold Watch/Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Swiss Retro 18 karat rose gold bracelet covered watch with diamonds by Rolex. The hinged watch
Diamond, 18k Gold
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
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.
The black-and-white Rolex Daytona is arguably the most famous panda-style watch.
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.