Vintage Rolex 1655 Explorer Steve McQueen STRAIGHT HAND 1972 UNPOLISHED
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1655 Serial: 3039*** Year: 1972 Model: Rolex Explorer "Steve McQueen" Straight Hand Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Di...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Dark Blue Dial from 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 36mm...
Vintage Rolex 1665 Double Red Sea Dweller Stainless Steel 40mm 1972
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1665 Serial: 3066*** Year: 1972 Model: Sea Dweller Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Dial: Black DOUBLE RED SEA DWELLER Face: Acryli...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Vintage 1972 Rolex Air-King 5500 Stainless Steel Silver Dial Automatic 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear. The Foundational Rolex This Air-King works for the person who wants the integ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster 6246 36mm Dial Small Seconds Manual Wind Watch Circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster ref. 6246, originally produced in the mid-1950s and factory serviced and recased by Rolex in 1972.
Gold
Rolex Steel Datejust with Original Bracelet and Custom Made Dial from 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm...
Mini Chameleon Precision 2028 Bark Finish 18k YG Manual Winding 1972
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 1963 Brand Rolex Model Mini Chameleon Precision Reference 2028 Year 1972 Dial Bark Finish Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Rolex Chameleon Leather Strap Diameter 17mm Length N/A Mo...
Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Mens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1972 36 mm Preowned Reference: 1600 18kt yellow and stainless steel
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6551 Two Tone 18K Gold Champagne Dial 31mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A 1972 vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 6551 in two-tone stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, featuring a champagne dial with gold baton hour markers, gold stick hands, a fluted y...
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Air-King Stainless Steel Watch, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1972 Vintage Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 Stainless Steel watch with Original RARE Unique Champagne Mildly Linen Textured Dial with Applied Gold Color Ridged Stick/Bar/Baton Markers with...
1972 Rolex Day Date Oxblood Stella 'Qaboos' Ref. 1803
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
We have only seen a hand full of Stella dials featuring this logo on the dial and we are comfortable to say that this may be one of the rarest Stella dial Day Dates out there. Brand...
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Stainless Steel Watch with Black Dial, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1972 Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Ref. 6694 Stainless Steel watch with Original Black Dial with Applied Gold Color Stick/Bar/Baton Markers.
Vintage Rolex Datejust Wide Boy 14 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Watch, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
a 1972 Vintage Rolex Datejust Reference 1601. 14K White Gold & Stainless Steel case.
Rolex GMT "Root Beer" Yellow Gold Brown Nipple Dial Model 1675, circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Model: GMT Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Size: 40mm Dial: Brown Nipple Dial "Root Beer" Model Number: 1675 Age: 1972 Serial Number: 35809** Band: Custom Leather & Buck...
18k Gold
Unavailable
W 1.34 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 Stainless Steel Watch Gray Dial, circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref 1500 serial # 3.1 million circa 1972.
Stainless Steel
Tudor Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Prince Cotton Bowl Wristwatch, 1972
By Tudor
Located in Chicago, IL
Tudor By Rolex 1972 Oyster Prince model, Cotton Bowl Classic Wrist Watch. 34 MM Stainless Steel Water Proof Case 25 jewel Automatic, self winding movement.
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1972 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 – Automatic
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 1972 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 is a striking example of Rolex’s classic two-tone design paired with a desirable black gloss dial.
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Explorer Ref. 1016, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Rolex Explorer 1, Ref. 1016, serial number = 1972, Oyster Bracelet, original, near mint dial.
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master reference 1675 (1675/8 internally to Rolex) 'Root Beer', 1972
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
This is a very desirable reference of the Rolex GMT Master, dating from 1972, also known as the Root beer (for the colours), or Concorde GMT (as it featured in the Rolex/ Concorde pi...
1972 Rolex Zephyr 1512 Men's Watch Steel 14K Yellow Gold #15772
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1972 Rolex Zephyr Men's Watch Model: 1512 Serial: 2963622 This vintage men's rolex is set in stainless steel with a 14K yellow gold bezel original two tone oyster rivet bracelet -...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1600 Wristwatch. Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel, Champagne Dial, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and attractive Rolex Datejust 1600 features a 36mm stainless steel case with yellow gold fluted bezel, champagne dial and riveted oyster bracelet in steel/ yellow gold.
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Pink Dial 1971 or 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This vintage classic Rolex Datejust has a custom made pink diamond dial made to Rolex of Switzerland specifications.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Original Bracelet and Custom Made Dial from 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 44mm X 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpe...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Gold Shell Series in New Condition, circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Date METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell / Gold Filled / Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: 40mm X 34mm CIRCA: 1972 MO...
Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Date Model Ref. 1501 Dated 1972-1973
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date/ Ref. 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972-73 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm x 34mm MOVEMENT /...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini Wristwatch Ref 4091. 18K Yellow Gold. 170mm Wrist. Year 1972
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very rare vintage mid size Rolex Cellini reference 4091 features a large for period 18k yellow gold case (30mm x 25mm) and integral bracelet and is powered by a cal 1600 manual w...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Shell Top Oyster Perpetual Date Watch From 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Date / Ref. 1550 METAL / MATERIAL: Steel w/ Solid Gold Shell Top DIMENSIONS: 39mm X 34mm CIRCA: 1972 /...
Rolex GMT Master reference 1675 / 8 18K Yellow Gold Wristwatch, 'Root Beer' 1972
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
This is a very desirable reference of the Rolex GMT Master, dating from 1972, and is also known as the Root beer (for the colours), or Concorde GMT (as it featured in the Rolex/ Conc...
Yellow Gold
Sold
H 1.38 in W 1.25 in
1972 Rolex Cellini Vintage Mens Handwound Ref. 3806 TV Watch - 18K White Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
Detailed Appraisal: Manufacturer: Rolex Country of origin: Switzerland Model: Reference 3806, Cellini Serial no.: 3,110,142 Year made: c. 1972 Functions: Hours and Minutes ...
White Gold
Sold
H 1.29 in W 1.03 in
1972 Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Rolex Datejust 26mm Jubilee Bracelet Watch Ref. 6917
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case, Bezel & Bracelet Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 65.4 Grams Case Size: 26mm (not including the crown) ...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Two-Tone Datejust Watch with Thunderbird Bezel from 1971 or 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Ref. 1625 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt.
Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1600 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rolex stainless steel and yellow gold Datejust wristwatch, perhaps the most classic wristwatch of record, with smooth bezel. This minor detail offers a clean, modern look and is a ni...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 1.11 in W 1.11 in
Rolex Cellini, Very Rare 18k WGold "King Midas" Ref. 4017 Wristwatch, C. 1972
By Rolex
Located in Paris, FR
Produced Circa 1972. This Rolex King Midas-Cellini is fitted in a solid 18kt White gold case and with a striking Silver-finish dial and black and silver hours markers.
18k Gold
ROLEX For Tiffany, Oyster Perpetual DateJust Men's Watch, C 1972
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very rare, collectible stainless steel, with white gold bezel Rolex for Tiffany, Oyster Perpetual DateJust watch for men, Circa 1972.
Rolex Two-Tone Datejust with Rare Smooth Bezel and Linen Dial from 1972 or 1973
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 - 73 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm X 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Original Linen Dial and Baton Markers / Baton Hand...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Black Dial circa, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1005 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / Solid White Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / S...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18 Karat Rare Rose Gold President Day Date from 1971 or 1972 Ref. 1805
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: President / Ref. 1805 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Rose Gold DIMENSIONS: 44 mm X 36 mm CIRCA: 1971 / 1972 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perp...
18k Gold, Rose 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.
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.