Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone White Diamond Dial Jubilee 16233 Circa 1989
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Model features quick-set movement...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16234 Tropical Stardust Dial 36mm Circa 1988 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 16234 in stainless steel, circa 1988, featuring an original copper-orange tropical “Stardust” dial with black Roman numeral minute track, sapphir...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Factory Original Champagne Dial circa 1984
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 16000 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1984 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lug...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Black Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Orange Diamond Dial and Bezel circa, 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 ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Factory Original Charcoal Dial circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 34...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 31mm 68274 Salmon Roman Dial Stainless Steel Watch Circa 1987
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has b...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 31mm 68274 Grey Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch Circa 1984
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has b...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone Champagne Diamond Dial Jubilee 16013 Circa 1987
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Model features quick-set movement...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Unisex Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Oyster White Roman Dial 15010 Circa 1988
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unisex Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Oyster White Roman Dial 15010 Circa 1988. This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There a...
Stainless Steel
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
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 CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone White Roman Numeral Dial Jubilee 16013 Circa 1987
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Model features quick-set movement...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare White Dial, circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 15000 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone Silver lndex Dial Jubilee 16013 Circa 1987 Complete
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Model features quick-set movement...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom MOP Dial And Diamond Bezel circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diame...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Blue 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 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel & Diamond & Sapphire Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom MOP Dial And Diamond Bezel circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18 Karat Gold With Diamond Bezel President circa 1980's with Original Box
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: President / Reference 18000 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 43mm Length X 36mm Diam...
18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 31mm 68274 White Roman Dial Stainless Steel Watch W/G Bezel Circa
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has b...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 31mm 68274 Silver Index Dial Steel Watch W/G Bezel Circa 1984
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has b...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 31mm 68274 Black Index Dial Stainless Steel Watch W/G Bezel Circa
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has b...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom M.O.P Gray Dial circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Unavailable
Rolex Datejust Quartz, Circa 1985
By Rolex
Located in New Orleans, LA
This two-tone Rolex Datejust is rare due to its quartz movement. This watch is crafted from stainless steel and 18 karat yellow gold. It features a blue dial with gold markers and a ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master 18k YG Black Dial Rare Vintage circa 1981 Model
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
ROLEX GMT MASTER REF. #16758 18K YG W/ BLACK BEZEL AND DIAL RARE VINTAGE 1981 MODEL ITEM DESCRIPTION: The Rolex GMT is the jet-setting icon of the Rolex sports watch family. The hi...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Date with White Face on Black Strap, circa 1988
By Rolex
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Rolex Date model has a simple design that is just as chic and modern today as it was in 1988. This watch is crafted from Rolex Oyster steel and is displayed on a genuine crocodi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Rose Gold Datejust Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 6917, circa 1987
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage lady’s Rolex 18K rose gold Datejust ref# 6517 serial # L3 million circa 1987. Featuring a 27mm diameter Oyster case with screw down case back and screw down crown. With flute...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex 16014 Date just Stainless Steel with White Gold fluted bezel. Circa 1978
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Rolex 16014 Date just Stainless Steel with White Gold fluted bezel. Officially certified chronometer self-winding movement. Stainless steel oyster case measuring 36 mm...
White Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Midsized Rolex Datejust with Black Dial and Two-Tone Jubilee Bracelet circa 1987
By Rolex
Located in New Orleans, LA
This two-tone Rolex Datejust represents a middle-sized watch at 31mm. It features gold stick markers on a black face and a date window at the 6 o’clock position. This timepiece was...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Day-Date Wristwatch Ref 18348 circa 1989
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Offering great value than a more modern Day-Date with all Rolex factory diamonds. Excellent condition. 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1989 Rolex Datejust Jubilee Engine Turned Bezel Silver Dial 36mm Watch Ref 16220
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
This classic unisex vintage Rolex Datejust wrist watch is circa 1989 and reference 16220.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Wristwatch circa 1980
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
One of the last plastic crystal Submariners produced, with a late (6 million) serial number dating the case to an early 1980s production year. Original bezel insert and beautiful ove...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust with Silver Diamond Dial Circa 1984
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This would have been among the last Datejusts produced by Rolex with a plastic crystal, so this watch offers the robustness of a newer piece, yet the authentic vintage look of a plas...
Stainless Steel, White Gold
Rolex 18Kt. Yellow Gold Rolex in New Condition all Original, circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cellini Series METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 26mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER:...
Rolex Stainless Steel Seadweller Wristwatch Ref 1665 circa 1984
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
One of the last Ref. 1665s made. It has a serial number from 1984 and a plastic crystal. Exceptional, mint condition, a future collectable that offers handsome style and a bit more r...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Diamond Day-Date 18138 with Rare Bezel Circa 1988
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Look close to appreciate the details of this single quick Day-Date. The watch has a black diamond dial and diamonds set on the bezel and lugs. At the 6 o’clock position, there is a p...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch Ref 5500 circa 1985
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch, Ref. 5500, with a caliber 1520 Self-Winding Movement. 34mm Case with Original Riveted Oyster Bracelet. Black Dial with White Printing and R...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 6917 circa 1980s
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Automatic movement, 28 jewels, acrylic crystal. 18k yellow gold case with smooth bezel, 26mm diameter. Black dial with gold baton markers. 18k yellow gold President bracelet. Pre-own...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel GMT Master II Wristwatch Ref 16760 circa 1986
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex stainless steel GMT Master II wristwatch, Ref. 16760, circa 1986, with red and black bezel, original bracelet, dial and naturally faded markers Stainless steel Bracelet len...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18 Karat Gold Cellini Cushion Shaped Watch, circa 1980s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shaped Cellini METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Yellow Gold CIRCA: 1980's DIMENSIONS: Length 35mm X Diameter 31mm MOVEMENT / CA...
Rolex 18 Karat Gold Cellini Cushion Shaped Watch, circa 1980s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shaped Cellini METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Yellow Gold CIRCA: 1980's DIMENSIONS: 35mm X 31mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: 19 Jewels...
Rolex Yellow Gold Oysterquartz Day-Date Wristwatch Ref 19018 circa 1980s
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Quartz movement, quick-set date, sapphire crystal, circa 1980s. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel, 36mm. Black dial with gold baton markers. 18k yellow gold hidden-clasp bracele...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Rare Platinum, Diamond and Sapphire Day-Date Wristwatch circa 1980s
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Rolex important platinum Day-Date wristwatch with from the 1980s, Ref. 18024, with a super rare combination of details. The most noteworthy and unusual element of the watch is the cr...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Rolex Yellow Gold Oysterquartz Day-Date Wristwatch Ref 19018 circa 1980s
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Oysterquartz movement. Quickset date. Sapphire crystal. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel, 36mm diameter. Champagne dial with raised gold baton indexes. 18k yellow gold Oysterqu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Rolex Cellini Ref 4170, 18k Yellow Gold, circa 1981, Superb Condition
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our rare vintage Rolex Cellini reference 4170 features a 18k yellow gold case of 30mm (exc crown) x 34mm (lug to lug), a manually wound movement and is fitted with a very high qualit...
Yellow Gold
Rare Rolex Cellini Ref 4170, 18k Yellow Gold, circa 1981, Superb Condition
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our rare vintage Rolex Cellini reference 4170 features a 18k yellow gold case of 30mm (exc crown) x 34mm (lug to lug), a manually wound movement and is fitted with a very high qualit...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Red Dial Oyster Perpetual Watch, circa 1981
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / 5500 METAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: 1981 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 27 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: C...
Stainless Steel
Rolex stainless steel Big Red Cosmograph Daytona Ref 6263 circa 1980s
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Manual-wind chronograph movement. Stainless steel case with rotating bezel with black insert, 38mm diameter. Silvered dial with black sub dials and Daytona in red letters. Stainless ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Orange Hand Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 1655 circa 1982
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Rolex stainless steel Orange hand Explorer II Steve McQueen wristwatch, Ref 1655, circa 1982, with a cal. 1575 movement. This is a one-owner watch obtained from the original purchase...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Date Stainless Steel Automatic Calendar Bracelet Watch, circa 1980
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Ref: 6917, 1980’s, 28-jewel Cal: 2030 automatic movement adjusted to 5 positions and temperature, silvered dial with applied baton hour markers, calendar aperture at 3, baton hands a...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Domino's Pizza Logo Dial Air King Wristwatch, circa 1980s
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Know someone whose brilliant career began delivering pizza to pay off student loans? This is the ideal gift. Once upon a time, Rolex offered the service of applying corporate logos t...
Stainless 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.
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.