Vintage Rolex Explorer Super Precision Underline Dial 5500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Explorer in stainless steel. Featuring a black gilt dial with arabic numbers, a distinctive 'super precision' underlined at 6 o'clock and a steel bezel. The watch is ...
Stainless Steel
1975 Rolex Air-King 5500 Stainless Steel Cream Dial Automatic 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Purest Form Of Rolex The reference 5500 Air-King is a direct link to the foundational principles of Rolex.
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1972 Rolex Air-King 5500 Stainless Steel Silver Dial Automatic 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Key Specs Reference: 5500 Model: Air-King Year: ~1972 Movement: Automatic (Cal. 1520) Case Size: 34mm Bezel: Smooth Stainless Steel Bracelet: Oyster Dial: Silver Metal: Stainless St...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1965 Rolex Air-King 5500 Steel Silver Pool Intairdril Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Appeal Of The Corporate Dial Rolex produced a limited number of watches with co-branded dials for major corporations, a practice that has long since been discontinued.
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel California Dial Automatic Wristwatch Ref 5500
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1974 Rolex Reference 5500, 34 MM water proof 2 piece case.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Silver Dial Mens Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King 34mm Silver Dial Men's Watch 5500.
1981 Rolex Air King 5500 Silver Dial 34mm Watch Stainless #25018
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1981 Rolex Air King Model: 5500 Serial: 6559514 Stainless steel case - 34mm in diameter Silver dial with stick markers No Date Stainless steel oyster band - fits up to 7 3/4" br...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King Gents Stainless Steel Silver Dominos Pizza Dial 5500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 34 mm Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King Gents Wristwatch, silver dial with applied hour markers, Domino's Pizza logo at 6 0'clock, a fixed stainless steel smooth bezel, a s...
Silver, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Ref 5500 Custom Green Dial from 1973-1974
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Ref 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1973/1974 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm x 34mm MOVEMENT ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Air-King Gold Dial Model 5500 Stainless Steel c.1987
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex Air-King Model 5500 Stainless Steel Yellow/Gold Original Dial c.1987 Stephanie Windsor guarantees the proper functioning of this watch mechanism for ONE year from...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch Ref 5500 with Custom-Colored Dial
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Automatic winding, acrylic crystal. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (34mm diameter). Custom-colored blue dial with stick markers. Stainless steel Oyster bracelet. Circa 1970s,...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King Ref 5500 Wristwatch, Silver Dial, Oyster Bracelet, B&P's, 1987
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Rolex Air-King reference 5500 features a 34mm stainless steel case with stainless steel Oyster bracelet and silver dial, making for a very classical combination.
Rolex Air King Custom Gray Meteorite Diamond Dial Steel Men's 1969 Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Details: Model Number 5500 Brand Rolex Department Men Style Dress/Formal Model Air King Band Color Steel Dial Color Gray Case Color Steel Display Analog Year Manufactured 1969 Dial S...
Rolex Air-King 5500 Super Precision – 1964 – RAF Provenance – Full Set
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
The untouched cream dial with its even patina, gold markers, and iconic 5500 reference elevate it as a piece of Rolex history.
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel California Dial Wristwatch Ref 5500
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Rolex Reference 5500, Stainless Steel 34 MM water proof case with engine turned Bezel.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Ref 5500 Custom Green Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Ref 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm x 34mm MOVEMENT / C...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Ref 5500 Steel cased Automatic watch with Bubble Back Style Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1977 Rolex Reference 5500, 34 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless Steel Oyster Case with smooth bezel.
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Ref. 5500 Glossy Black Dial, Late 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Ref. 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm X 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBE...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King Ref. 5500 Original Dial from 1973-74
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1973-74 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm x 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Wind...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer 5500, Black Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Explorer Reference #: 5500. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Black 34 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Rolex Air-King 5500, Black Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Air-King Reference #:5500. Rolex Air-King Vintage 5500 Men Automatic Watch Silver Dial Stainless Steel 34MM.
Rolex Air-King 5500, White Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Air-King Reference #:5500. Rolex Air-King Vintage 5500 4.0 Million Serial Men's Automatic Steel Watch 34mm. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by Wat...
Rolex Air-King 5500, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Air-King Reference #: 5500. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Silver 34 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Rolex Air-King 5500, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Air-King Reference #: 5500. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Silver 0 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Rolex Air-King 5500, Blue Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Air-King Reference #: 5500. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Blue 34 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Rolex Air-King 5500, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Air-King Reference #: 5500. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Silver 34 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Rolex Air-King 5500, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Air-King Reference #: 5500. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Silver 34 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Rolex Air-King 5500, Black Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Air-King Reference #: 5500. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Black 34 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Rolex Air-King 5500, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Air-King Reference #: 5500. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Silver 0 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Rolex Air-King 5500, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Air-King Reference #: 5500. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Silver 0 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Rolex Air-King 5500, White Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Air-King Reference #: 5500. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel White 34 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Rolex Air-King 5500, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Air-King Reference #: 5500. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Stainless Steel Silver 0 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
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.