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
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Steel
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
Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1946 Rolex Reference 3130 "Bubbleback" 31 M.M Stainless Steel 2 piece Oyster case, caliber
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3372 Bubbleback Steel Rose Gold Wristwatch, Circa 1940
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Rare and gorgeous example of the Rolex Bubbleback Reference 3372 wristwatch in excellent condition
Steel, Stainless Steel, Rose Gold
Rolex Two tone Oyster Semi Bubbleback Super patina Dial reference 6286
By Rolex
Located in MADRID, ES
This is a collector piece from the 1950s. A Rolex Oyster Semi Bubbleback Super patina Dial, case in
Gold, Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer BubbleBack 14K Yellow Gold Dial Ref. #3131
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer BubbleBack 14K Yellow Gold Dial Ref. #3131 Description
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Bubbleback Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14k Gold 32mm Watch Ref. 3372
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case Material: Solid 14k Rosy
14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Vintage Gents 18 Karat Gold Silver Dial 5048
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Vintage Gents Wristwatch, original silver dial with
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
$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
Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 Mens 1950s 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
true collectable classic, Rolex Oyster Precision 6084 bubbleback automatic, time tested luxury, ready
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 Mens 1950s 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
watch, bracelet in very good condition. A vintage classic, Rolex Oyster Precision 6084 bubbleback
Stainless Steel
$9,520Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.34 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6094 14k Solid Gold Mens 1950s Automatic RA657
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless treasure, solid 14k Gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6094 semi bubbleback automatic, c.1952, in
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
ROLEX SS BUBBLEBACK CALIFORNIA DIAL “Oyster Perpetual, Chronom."
By Rolex
Located in New York City, NY
Up for sale is a ROLEX- REF. 2940 – BUBBLEBACK CALIFORNIA DIAL Rolex, “Oyster Perpetual
Rolex Oysterdate Perpetual Chronometer Bubbleback #3065 Men's Watch Hooded Lugs
By Rolex
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Movement #N28993 Case #3065 14k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Hooded Lugs Case 31 mm in Diameter (34 mm w/ Crown) Lug-to-Lug Distance = 39 mm Lug-to-Lug Width = 18 mm Thickness = 1...
14k Gold
Unavailable
Rolex Bubble Back 31mm 2940
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
This Rolex Stainless Steel Bubbleback, circa 1944, is a remarkable vintage piece, complete with its
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 6305, Case, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust Reference #:6305. Rolex Datejust Bubbleback Vintage 6305 Mens Automatic Two Tone
1953 Rolex Bubbleback Gold Steel Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
1953 Rolex Bubbleback 14K bezel Gold Stainless Steel Watch Ref. 6105 Vintage Rolex Bubbleback with
Gold, Steel
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
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 Bubbleback Pink Gold and Black California Dial Ref 3131
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Rolex California Dial Rolex, “Oyster Perpetual, Officially Certified Chronometer", Ref. 3131. Made
18k Gold
Rolex Charming Yellow Gold Bubbleback Watch with Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A superb Rolex Bubbleback in solid 14k yellow gold, gorgeous ivory-colored dial with Arabic
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 2940 with Custom Airplane Dial
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A stainless steel Rolex Bubbleback wristwatch with a custom dial (the airplane was not applied to
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Hooded Bubbleback Wristwatch with Rare Dial Ref 3599
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rolex bubblebacks offered the first automatic movements in a waterproof wristwatch, truly
Stainless Steel
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
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback 3131
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 14ct rose gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback by Rolex. Featuring a silver dial with applied arabic
14k Gold, Rose Gold
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 Rose Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 3131
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Rose Gold Bubbleback with Original Bracelet, Ref. 3131, automatic movement. 14k rose 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 Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 5015
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Highly collectible Rolex stainless steel Bubbleback wristwatch, Ref. 5015, circa 1950s, with
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 Rose Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch circa 1945
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Automatic movement. 14k rose gold case, 32mm, circa 1945. Black dial with both Arabic and Roman numerals, the so-called California dial. Pre-owned with custom box.
Rose Gold, 14k Gold
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
Rolex Vintage Bubbleback 2940 Men's Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Vintage Bubbleback 2940 Men's Stainless Steel Watch - Automatic winding. Stainless steel case
Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Rose Gold 3065
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18ct rose gold vintage Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback by Rolex. Featuring a copper dial with Arabic
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex 1940s Iconic Bubbleback Yellow Gold Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex Reference 3131 "Bubbleback" 32 M.M 14k Yellow Gold 3 piece Oyster case
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Automatic winding. 14k yellow gold case with smooth bezel (31mm diameter). Black luminous-style Roman Arabic dial. Strap band. Pre-owned with custom box; Vintage ca. 1940's.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 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 Stainless Steel Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Automatic winding. Stainless steel case with yellow gold bezel (31mm diameter). Silvered dial with Arabic numerals and stick markers. Strap band with steel buckle. Pre-owned with cus...
Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Chronometer Bubbleback with Black Dial 1940's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 2940 METAL
Rolex Stainless Steel and Rose Gold Firefly Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 3121
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Stainless steel and 18k rose gold Rolex Firefly bubbleback, Ref. 3121, circa 1942, 28.5mm case
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch with Hooded Lugs
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Boasting the first automatic movement in a Rolex Oyster case, the bubbleback has always been a
Stainless Steel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1954 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Classic Vintage Mens Automatic Watch with Bubbleback
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1954 ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL Classic Vintage Mens Automatic Watch with Bubbleback, Ref. 6284 - Stainless
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Big Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 6075
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Big Bubble Steel and Gold Wristwatch Ref. 6075. Made in 1950
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Steel and Rose Gold Hooded Lugs 3065
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Stainless Steel & 18k Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Vintage Gents Wristwatch, off white
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
1945 Rolex Rare Hooded Bubbleback Ref. 3065, Gold & SS - Original with Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
with a 5.0 star rating. 1945 ROLEX Vintage Oyster Perpetual Bubble Bubbleback Ref. 3065, Gold
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 1930s Rose Gold Bubble Back Exceptional Condition
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa mid 1930s Rolex Reference 3009 Flat Bubbleback "Bubbleback" Wrist Watch, 31 M.M. 14k Rose
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch Ref 6285
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare transitional bubbleback Rolex from 1957, Ref. 6285, with stainless steel case and 14k yellow
14k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold
Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6564 Automatic, c.1950s Swiss Vintage RA139
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, aftermarket leather strap, with Rolex buckle. Classic icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6564 bubbleback
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Watch Ref. 2940
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This 1940's Rolex Bubbleback reference 2940 represents one of the biggest jumps in the innovation
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Salmon Dial Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Bubbleback Men's Oyster Perpetual Steel Watch - Automatic winding. Stainless steel
1945 Bubbleback Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
1945 Bubbleback Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch. The Rolex Bubbleback Stainless Steel Wristwatch
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Bubble Back Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Bubble Back Watch, circa 1947. Vintage Rolex Bubbleback 14k gold ref
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubbleback Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
luminous-style green markers and Arabic numerals. Strap band with stainless steel Rolex buckle. Pre-owned.
Stainless Steel
Rolex 1946 Steel Bubbleback Self Winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1946 Rolex Reference 2940 Bubbleback model Wrist Watch, 39 M.M. ( lug end to end ) X 32 M.M
Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Transitional Bubbleback Wristwatch, circa 1952
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex 14k yellow gold transitional bubbleback wristwatch, circa 1952, with original Rolex dial
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubbleback Automatic Wristwatch Ref 2940
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Bubbleback ca. 1930's; ser # 445110.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Bubbleback Self Winding Wristwatch, circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex "BubbleBack" Wrist watch, 39 X 32 M.M. 14K yellow Gold 2 Piece Case
14k Gold
Rolex Steel Automatic Centre Seconds Bubbleback Ref 2940 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Jewelled automatic movement, silvered dial with applied Arabic and dagger hour markers, centre seconds, polished case with chamfered bezel, screw down crown and screw back, fitted le...
Steel
Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Automatic winding. 14k yellow gold case with finely engine turned bezel (25mm diameter). Ivory colored dial with gold markers; subseconds at 6 o'clock position. Strap band. Pre-owne...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Automatic Centre Seconds Bubbleback Ref 2940 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Jewelled automatic movement, silvered dial with applied Arabic and dagger hour markers, centre seconds, polished case with chamfered bezel, screw down crown and screw back, fitted le...
Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Steel Bubbleback Chronometer California Dial Wristwatch Ref 3133
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex Bubble Back Ref 3133 Viceroy Chronometer with California Dial in Stainless Steel and 14k deep
14k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex 1951 Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch with Cali Bubbleback Style Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1951 Rolex Reference 6558 Wrist Watch, 36 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster case. Caliber
Steel
Rolex 1950s Bubble Back Oyster Perpetual
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
in a mid-century Rolex. It possesses a 'semi-bubbleback' case of the type used by the manufacture
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 1950s Bubble Back Oyster Perpetual in Mint Condition
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
-century Rolex. It possesses a 'semi-bubbleback' case of the type used by the manufacture from the 1930s to
Rolex Rose Gold Automatic Bubbleback Wristwatch 1934
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a beautiful 1934 18kt Rose Gold Automatic Rolex Bubbleback. The dial on this watch is all
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is a beauty from the 1940's. This solid 14kt yellow gold Rolex Bubbleback from 1946 is in
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Franck Muller Geneve Cintree Curvex Silver Dial Watch
By Franck Muller
Located in Toronto, CA
The Curvex watch is Franck Muller's most distinctive silhouette. In modern and practical polished stainless steel case, this watch is perfect for the everyday and every special occas...
Stainless Steel
$2,287Sale Price|20% Off
Dm 1.19 in
Baume et Mercier Yellow Gold 18 Carats Black Leather Strap Cushion Shape Watch
Located in Vannes, FR
Baume et Mercier Yellow Gold 18 Carats Black Leather Strap Cushion Watch - Brand: Baume & Mercier - Model: Cushion - Material: Solid 18K Yellow Gold - Gold Weight: 23.14 gr...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Watch with Original Dial Early 40's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm x Wid...
Patek Philippe Platinum Diamond Art Deco Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1930s Patek Philippe Pocket watch, 44 M.M Platinum 3 piece case, Caliber 2680 "special" 18 Jewel mechanical, manual wind nickle lever movement, signed: Patek Philippe and also ...
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex Yacht-Master White Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Pre Owned Vintage Rolex Model Yacht-Master 169628 Serial/Year Pre-Owned Case Diameter 40 mm Dial White Automatic 2235 movement, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, waterproof, screw...
Yellow Gold
Buren DH German Military Watch – WWII 1940s Authentic 35mm Vintage
By Buren
Located in London, GB
Buren DH German Military Watch – WWII 1940s Authentic 35mm Vintage Manual Wind Tool Watch Experience a rare piece of World War II history with this Buren DH German Military Watch, a ...
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 ...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual With Custom Sage Green Dial circa, 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diam...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Tortue Watch with Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds and a navy blue leather alligator strap. Signed by Cartier 28mm face Model #2644
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Bucherer Chronograph Hand Wind Men's Watch Lemania 1280
By Bucherer
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Bucherer stainless steel chronograph hand-wind men's watch is a standout piece that blends mid-century Swiss craftsmanship with bold, functional design. Encased in durab...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos 18k Yellow Gold And Stainless "Spider" Burgundy Dial Ref 0902
By Cartier
Located in Houston, TX
A rare and unique find, this Cartier Santos features the eye-catching "spider" burgundy dial paired with a matching burgundy cabochon crown. A true statement piece, this watch combin...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Rare Blue "Vignette" Dial circa 1960 / 70
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960 / 70 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
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...
$7,750
H 0.19 in W 1.26 in
Ultra-Thin Classic Gold Audemars-Piguet Mens Watch with Brown Crocodile Strap
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This handsome, vintage 18K yellow gold Audemars-Piguet wristwatch is positively elegant. Crafted during the mid-20th Century, this iteration is among the very thinnest produced durin...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Dial and Bezel circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Date Steel 1501 Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1973 Rolex Date Wrist watch, 35 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster case. Caliber 1570, 26 jewel Automatic, self winding movement. Custom Turquoise Blue Dial with Raised White...
Steel
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.