Rolex Explorer Date 5701
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage stainless steel and yellow gold Rolex Explorer Date ref. 5701 automatic movement
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer 1950
Rolex Explorer Precision Vintage Steel 6352
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 36mm stainless steel Explorer Precision by Rolex. Features a black dial with applied hour
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Recent Sales
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer Sir Edmund Hillary Wristwatch Ref 6298
By Rolex
Located in Munich, Bavaria
first serie of Explorer. See: The History of the Rolex Explorer CASE screwed case, steel, acrylic
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex Explorer Ref. 6298 Sir Edmund Hillary Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Munich, Bavaria
of Explorer. See: : The History of the Rolex Explorer I CASE screwed case, steel, screw-down
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
ROLEX 1950's Bull's Eye Dial Explorer
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Thought to be made for the Canadian market, this is a very unique example of the classic Explorer
Category
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
1950's Honeycomb Dial Explorer
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stainless Steel Honeycomb Dial Explorer by Rolex -1st Explorer Model Ref. 6350 -Rare
Category
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Super Precision Explorer Vintage 36mm 5504
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Super Precision Explorer reference 5504 dating from the late 1950s. Known
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
ROLEX 1953 White "Polar" Dial Rolex "Everest" Explorer ref #6298
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
conventional black. This reference is often referred to as the "Pre-Explorer", however, the word Explorer
Category
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel “Polar” Explorer Sport Wristwatch Ref 6298
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A rare early Rolex sport watch, offered in gorgeous original condition. This is a great example of
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rare 1st Explorer c1953 Honey Comb Dial by Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stainless Steel 1st Explorer Honey Comb Dial By Rolex - Extremely Rare & Fine, Honey Comb Dial
Category
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Pre Explorer Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Pre Explorer Men's Stainless Steel Watch 6098 - Automatic winding
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer Wristwatch Ref 5504 with Tropical Dial
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An early Rolex stainless steel Explorer wristwatch, Ref. 5504, circa 1950s. Color-change "tropical
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Explorer White Creamy Honeycomb Dial 5501 Steel Manual Watch, 1958
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 5501 Year: 1958 Serial number: 36xxxx Reference: OT1625 Case: 34mm
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Honeycomb Dial Explorer circa 1953
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A Stainless Steel Honey Comb Dial 1950's Explorer by Rolex - 1st Explorer with Honey Comb Dial
Category
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Explorer Wristwatch Ref 6352
By Rolex
Located in Milano, IT
Unusual and very rare Rolex Explorer ref.6352 in stainless steel water resistant case with a
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer Wristwatch Ref 6610 circa 1957
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Explorer wristwatch, Ref. 6610, serial number 268,XXX, circa 1957. 36mm case
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer 1 Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 6610
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer 1 ref 6610 serial # 168,xxx circa 1956. 36mm diameter case with dome
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer I 6610 Men Stainless Steel Gilt Watch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
Xupes Reference: COM002564 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Explorer I Model Variant: 0 Model Number
Category
Vintage 1950s Unknown Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex SS Big Bubbleback pre Explorer ref 6098 circa 1953
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Big Bubbleback pre Explorer ref 6098 circa 1953. 36mm diameter heavy and thick
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Pre-Explorer Wristwatch Ref 6298 circa 1953
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel pre-Explorer Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, Ref. 6298, serial number 92,XXX
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Explorer Wristwatch circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Toronto, ON
Rolex stainless steel and 18k yellow gold Explorer wristwatch, Super Precision, circa 1950s
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold
1958 Rolex Explorer I Gilt Dial Stainless Steel 6610 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. ** SERVICE HISTORY * This watch has received a Rolex accredited service in
Category
Vintage 1950s Unknown Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer 5504 Super Precision Automatic Men's Vintage Watch, circa 1958
By Rolex
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A rare, stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Super Precision Explorer vintage gents wristwatch
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer Wristwatch Ref 6610 1959
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex stainless steel Explorer wristwatch, Ref. 6610, 1959. This watch has the original gilded
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
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By Harry Winston
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Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches
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Rolex Datejust 31MM 18K Rose Gold Steel Jubilee Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 178271
$19,610
H 1.23 in W 0.44 in Dm 1.23 in
Rolex Datejust 31MM 18K Rose Gold Steel Jubilee Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 178271
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned excellent condition. Comes with a box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 178271 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: L...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
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Rolex Datejust 41 Steel 18K Yellow Gold Black Diamond Dial Men’s Watch 126333
$30,360
H 1.62 in W 0.52 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel 18K Yellow Gold Black Diamond Dial Men’s Watch 126333
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. It comes with an original box and paper.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, Steel
NEW Rolex Datejust 41 126333 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Watch B&P
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NEW Rolex Datejust 41 126333 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with an original box and papers.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 41 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Watch 218238
$52,800
H 1.62 in W 0.52 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 41 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Watch 218238
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date II...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
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HERMES Beige Marfa Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 bag is crafted from luxurious Beige Marfa Veau Togo leather, showcasing elegant gold-plated hardware. The interior is lined in Chèvre (goat skin)...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Rose Gold Automatic Mens Watch 26331OR.OO.D315CR.01
$68,999
H 1.62 in W 0.44 in Dm 1.62 in
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Rose Gold Automatic Mens Watch 26331OR.OO.D315CR.01
By Audemars Piguet
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with a box and paper. No manual.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Rose Gold
Hermes Birkin Bag 50cm in Barenia Crinoline
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Do not miss out on this rare Hermès Birkin Bag 50cm in Barenia Crinoline—an extraordinary and rare piece that epitomizes luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. The generous 50...
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NEW Rolex Datejust 41 126333 Yellow Gold Steel Silver Dial Automatic Watch B&P
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By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with an original box and papers.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, Steel
Cartier 18Kt. Yellow Gold Art Deco Open Faced Pocket Watch Hand Made 1920's
By Cartier
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Cartier Jewelers STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Opened Faced METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Yellow Gold and Enamel CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 50mm MOVEME...
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Materials
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Chanel 1992 Rare Vintage Square Top Handle Train Case Vanity Decor Jewelry Box
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Chanel 1992 Rare Vintage Square Top Handle Train Case Vanity Decor Jewelry Box
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage Square Top Handle Train Case Vanity Decor Jewelry Box Year: 1992 {Vintage 33 Years} 24K Gold plated hardware Black quilted diamond quilted leather Leather and...
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Rolex Submariner 41mm 18K Yellow Gold Ceramic Black Dial Watch 126618LN
$58,190
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Submariner 41mm 18K Yellow Gold Ceramic Black Dial Watch 126618LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned excellent condition. 2023 card. Box and papers.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
F/W 2001 Gianni Versace by Donatella Black Astrakhan Silver Fox Mink Fur Coat
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Located in West Hollywood, CA
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By Cartier
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By Cartier
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Rolex for sale on 1stDibs
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.
Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You
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.
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More Ways To Browse
Rolex 5504 Explorer
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1953 Rolex Explorer
Rolex 6098
Rolex 6610
Rolex Everest Watch
Rolex Explorer 1 Used
Rolex Explorer 1
Rolex Explorer 1016 Gilt Dial
Rolex Explorer 6610
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Super Precision
Sir Edmund Hillary Rolex
1964 Rolex Datejust
1964 Rolex Explorer
1964 Rolex Oyster Perpetual
1964 Rolex Oyster
1964 Rolex Submariner 5513