Vintage Rolex Orchid Diamonds Halo Set 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Classic Watch
By Rolex
Located in Tysons, VA
Rolex Orchid Diamonds - 6.1 inches length - 18K Yellow Gold - 53.8 Grams Circa 1975 Rolex Orchid, part of Rolex’s series of cocktail watches. u.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 6673 Cellini Ladies White Gold and Diamond Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2007 Rolex Cellini Reference 6673 Ladies 18k White Gold Bracelet Wrist Watch, 26 M.M 2 piece case, Factory Diamond set bezel and Lug tops, Quartz Movement, Pink dial with Diamo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Vintage Extremely Rare Ladies Yellow Gold Cocktail Watch Ref 4492
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Tonneau shaped refurbished champagne dial with gold hour markers. 18K yellow gold ribbed gold links in floral/petal motif; will fit up to a 6 inch wrist. Pre-owned with Rolex box. Ci...
Rolex Datejust Turn-o-graph Wristwatch Ref 16253, Aka "Thunderbird". Year 1987
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
A discontinued reference, this vintage Rolex Datejust dates from circa 1987 with a R **** serial.
Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Automatic Coral dial Ladies Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1978 Rolex Reference 6719 Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 M.M. 14k Yellow Gold 3 piece Oyster case with Fluted bezel, Oyster Perpetual Automatic, self winding movement, Custom finished ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini 3801 Silver Dial 26mm 18K White Gold Vintage Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Crafted in solid 18K white gold, the Rolex Cellini reference 3801 is an elegant dress watch dating to circa 1973.
Gold
Rolex Precision Ref. 4579 Chronometer 18K Rose Gold Hooded Lugs c.1946
By Rolex
Located in PARIS, FR
Rolex Precision reference 4579, manufactured circa 1946, representing one of the finest examples of Rolex's elegant post-war dress watches.
Rose Gold
Rolex Rare 1942 Bubble Back Ladies Steel Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1942 Rolex Ladies Reference 3869 Bubble Back Wrist Watch, 24 M.M.
Steel
Rolex Precision 2644 Vintage 1971 Silver Dial 18K White Gold Mesh Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Precision ref. 2644 in 18K white gold, circa 1971, featuring a silver dial, baton hour markers, manual-wind movement, and integrated textured 18K white gold mesh bracel...
White Gold
Rolex Ref 6426 Classic 1950s Steel Manual wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1959 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M.
Steel
Rolex 2000 Midsize Date Ref 15210 Stainless Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Rolex Date Model Wrist Watch, 34 M.M.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Steel Date Model 1501 Black Dial Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1957 Rolex Reference 1501 Date Model Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless Steel case with Engine Turned Bezel, Caliber 1560, 26 Jewel Automatic, Self winding movement, Desira...
Steel
Rolex GMT Ref 16753 Vintage Gold and Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1985 Rolex GMT, Reference 16753, 40 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster Case with 14K 24 Hour Rotating Bezel, Original insert, Acrylic Crystal with Date Bubble.
Gold, Steel
Rolex Vintage Steel and Gold Ref 6582 Zephyre Bezel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Oyster perpetual Reference 6582 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 piece stainless steel Oyster case with Yellow Gold Zephyre Bezel and Gold Crown.
Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust 16233 Two Tone Steel-18K Gold Ruby Diamond Bezel Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Mens Automatic Wristwatch Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Datejust Movement: Automatic (Rolex Oyster Perpetual) Case Material: Stainless steel...
Ruby, Diamond, Stainless Steel, Gold
Rolex Oyster Royal Vintage Rose Gold and Steel Manual Wind Mid Size Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940 Rolex Reference 4302 Oyster Royal Wrist Watch, 29 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless steel case with Oyster Water Resistant back and a Rose Gold bezel, 17 jewel mechanical, manual win...
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Vintage Ref 1038 Steel and 18k Zephyr Bezel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1967 Rolex Reference 1038 Wrist Watch, 35 M.M. 3 piece Stainless Steel case with 18k Zephyr Bezel and Gold crown.
18k Gold, Steel
Rolex 1930s Ladies Rose Gold and Steel Oyster Case Manual Wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1930s Rolex Oyster Wrist Watch, 24 M.M. Rose Gold top with Steel back oyster Case and curved down Lugs. mechanical, manual wind movement, original screw down Oyster logo Crown,...
Rose Gold, Steel
Antique c1915 Rolex W&D 9K 375 Rose Gold 28mm Hinged Round Case Ladies' Watch
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This sophisticated ladies’ timepiece is an antique Rolex watch from circa 1915, yet it’s in beautiful original condition & in great working order This exquisite timepiece feature...
Rose Gold
Rolex Unicorn Silver with Original Breguet Engine Turned Dial circa 1915
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Unicorn / Rolex for GA Baker & Son Gloucester STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Campaign Style METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver CIRCA / YEAR: 1915-20's DIMENSIONS...
Silver
Tudor Watch Company by Rolex Nickel Cushion Shaped Watch circa 1940's
By Tudor
Located in Long Beach, CA
This piece done by Tudor and cased by Rolex has just been serviced by our team and keeps excellent dependable time.
ROLEX prince circa 1935 in stainless steel and pink gold, manual-winding, curved
Located in Ermatingen, TG
Scarce ROLEX green dial in stainless steel and pink gold, manual-winding, curved, rectangular-shaped, circa 1935.gentleman’s wristwatch, green Color dial with subsidiary seconds at 6...
Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Tudor by Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster with Original Patinated Dial, circa 1960's
By Tudor
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tudor Watch Company, by Rolex STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Prince METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 39mm X Diameter 31mm CIRCA: 1950's / 60's MOVEME...
Stainless Steel
Tudor by Rolex Stainless Steel Prince Oysterdate with Original Dial circa 1970's
By Tudor
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tudor Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince Oysterdate METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm x Diameter 35mm MOVEME...
Antique c1913 Rolex W&D 9K 375 Rose Gold Case & 9K Gold Bracelet Ladies' Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This sophisticated ladies’ timepiece is an antique Rolex watch from circa 1913, yet it’s in beautiful original condition & in great working order This exquisite timepiece featur...
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Original Oyster Bracelet and Sub Seconds circa 1957
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6504 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 / 58 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 31mm X D...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER...
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diameter 34m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Classic Indexed Bezel, circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42...
Steel, 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.