Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 5500 Air King Mens 1970s 34mm Automatic RA754
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
leather strap and buckle. A vintage classic, Rolex Oyster Precision Air-King 5500, perfect blend of luxury
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Finished Green Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial circa, 1970's 80's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Finished Green Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Diamond Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Rare Early Air King with Original Patinated Dial Early 60s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Dial and Diamond Bezel circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1970s Vintage NA140G
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oyster "Air-King" Precision Ref.5500 automatic, c.1972, unpolished, in
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1960s Vintage NA141B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic vintage, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision Ref.5500 "Air-King" automatic, c.1969, in excellent
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Precision Ref.9659 18k White Gold Hand-Wind, c.1960s Swiss RA153
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, men's Rolex Oyster Precision ref.5500 "Air-King" automatic, c.1979. Verified
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 Vintage Steel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1972 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Water
Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King Automatic 1960s Vintage RJC131
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision Air-King 5500 automatic, c.1969. Verified authentic by
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 5500 Air King Automatic 1960s Swiss RA340
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision Ref.5500 Air King automatic, c.1962. Verified authentic
Mens Rolex Ref 5500 Oyster Precision Air King Automatic 1960s Swiss RJC191T
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster "Air-King" Precision Ref.5500 automatic, c.1967. Verified
Stainless Steel
Men's Rolex Oyster Precision "Air-King" Ref.5500 Automatic, circa 1970s RA116BLU
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, men's Rolex Oyster Precision ref.5500 "Air-King" automatic, c.1972. Verified
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 5500 Air King Automatic 1960s Swiss RJC106B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision Air-King 5500 automatic, c.1967. Verified authentic by
Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Mens Automatic 1970s Vintage NA142R
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, aftermarket red vintage leather strap. A timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision Air-King, highly
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Ref 5500 Oyster Precision Air King Automatic Swiss 1970s RJC190S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's steel Rolex Ref.5500 Oyster Precision Air-King automatic, c.1978. Verified
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1970s Vintage RA477B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.5500 Precision "Air King" automatic, c.1971, in
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Charcoal Dial Perpetual Wind Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Ref. 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Green Dial and Diamond Markers
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial circa, 1970/80's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Made Purple Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Finished Green Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Green Dial and Diamond Markers circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Green Dial and Diamond Markers circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Green Dial and Diamond Markers circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King 5500, Case, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Air-King Reference #:5500. Rolex Mens/Ladies 34mm Stainless Steel Air-King - Automatic
Rolex Air King Precision Silver Dial Vintage Steel Mens Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Air King Precision Silver Dial Vintage Steel Mens Watch 5500. Automatic self-winding movement
Silver, Steel
Rolex Air King Precision Silver Dial Vintage Steel Mens Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Air King Precision Silver Dial Vintage Steel Mens Watch 5500. Automatic self-winding movement
Steel, Silver
Rolex Oyster Air King “Super Precision” Ref 5504, circa 1959
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A terrific looking gilt dial Rolex Air King ref 5504 serial# 452,xxx circa 1959. Featuring a 36mm
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King Silver Dial Brown Strap Vintage Steel Men's Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Air King Silver Dial Brown Strap Vintage Steel Mens Watch 5500. Officially certified
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Pink Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Patek Philippe Ultra Thin, 18Kt Solid Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe et Cie STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch / Reference 3571-1 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm X Width...
18k Gold
Rolex 18Kt. Gold President with Custom Blue Diamond Marker Dial, 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: President / Reference 18000 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare, Bulls Eye Dial from 1958 Caliber 1060
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6552 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1958 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm Length X Diamet...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Basculante XL 26mm 2522
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 26mm XL Tank Basculante in stainless steel by Cartier. Featuring a silver dial with Roman numerals, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, and a secret Cartier signature at VII. The watch...
Stainless Steel
Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / Reference 3490-2 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 26mm X 26mm ...
18k Gold
$17,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.18 in W 1.22 in Dm 9 in L 9 in
CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An automatique Ceinture large wrist-watch designed by Cartier. This is the rare large model of the Ceinture automatique wristwatch, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of C...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$2,672Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vivid Emerald Cut 9.81 ct Emerald Eternity Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold Settings
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald eternity band ring in 14K gold symbolises the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you have for your partner. The circular shape represents love whic...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,750
H 1.42 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Custom Yellow Dial Oyster Men Watch 116000
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Aftermarket custom dial. Comes with the original box and papers. Shipping 3-4 weeks timeframe. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty ...
Steel
Hermes Kelly 35 Malachite Shiny Crocodile Porosus Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the epitome of luxury and sophistication, the Hermes Kelly 35 Malachite Shiny Crocodile Porosus Gold Hardware handbag. Crafted in 2018, this iconic handbag is a testament...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Yellow 2022 Bart Simpson New box papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
ROLEX Oyster Perpetual 36 Spetial Edition 'Bart Simpson' Ref. 12600. Wrist watch. Stainless steel. Automatic-movement Mint condition, unworn. Box and papers enclosed, bought 12/20...
Steel
Rolex President Datejust 69178 Ladies 26mm Ruby Diamond Dial 18K Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex President Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69178 factory ruby and diamond dial in 18k yellow gold. Fluted bezel with string diamond and ruby hour markers. Complete with the original...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,568Sale Price|40% Off
Christian Dior Black Lady Dior Bag Cannage Braided Leather Limited Edition
By Christian Dior
Located in Geneva, CH
Amazing work of art of Macramé style at the Dior House for this Limited Edition and New Lady Dior bag with its shoulder strap. It is crafted in braided black lambskin leather strips ...
$42,380
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Daytona White Panda Dial Steel Ceramic Automatic Mens Watch 116500LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Mint condition. This watch comes with an original box and paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund....
Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Rainbow Daytona 116595RBOW
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
This impressive Daytona variant was first released in rose gold at Baselworld 2018 after Rolex had discontinued the yellow and white gold models. On the black lacquer dial, 11 sapphi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green ...
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Pink Dial, Circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm x Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / C...
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.