$2,610Sale Price|40% Off
1947 Rolex Oyster Bubbleback “Elegante” Gold-Plated Wristwatch w California Dial
By Rolex
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Also known as a "Bubbleback" for its distinctive waterproof case designed to appear slim on the wrist, its aged dial features a bold Mid-century "California" design and luminous "Mer...
Gold
Rolex 3372 Chronometre Rose Gold SS Men 1940s 32mm Automatic Bubbleback RA750B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare and historic Rolex Perpetual Ref.3372 with solid rose gold bezel, c.1947, unrestored dial, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Ro...
Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
$7,920Sale Price|20% Off
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 excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Ro...
Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ref 6084 Oyster Perpetual 1950s Mens 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fitted on new, leather strap and aftermarket buckle. Luxurious classic, Rolex ref.6084 Oyster Precision bubbleback automatic, collectible luxury, ready to be worn and enjoyed, what w...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 Mens 1950s 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage classic, Rolex Oyster Precision 6084 bubbleback automatic, highly versatile, ready to be worn and enjoyed, classic for the modern time, make it a part of your rotation toda...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 Mens 1950s 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A true collectable classic, Rolex Oyster Precision 6084 bubbleback automatic, time tested luxury, ready to be worn and enjoyed, make it a part of your collection today.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ref 5030 Datejust 18k Gold Mens 1940s 36mm Rare Vintage Automatic RA700B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, applied dagger index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at th...
Gold, 18k Gold
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, Chronometer," Ref. 2940, case No. 251075.
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, .Ref. #3458. Made in the 1940s.. Fine and rare, tonneau shaped, Self-winding, sta...
Stainless Steel
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 circa 1940. Fine and rare, tonneau-shaped, center seconds, self-winding, water-resi...
18k Gold
Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6564 Automatic, c.1950s Swiss Vintage RA139
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fitted on new, aftermarket leather strap, with Rolex buckle. Classic icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6564 bubbleback automatic, versatile luxury, goes well with any style, for any...
Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 18k Solid Gold 34mm Automatic 1950s Swiss RA467
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic luxury, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6084 semi bubbleback automatic dress watch, c.1954, in excellent working condition.
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex 1950s Vintage Ref 1002 Steel Self winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Caliber 1560 Automatic, Self winding Movement. Bubbleback "California" style Dial with aged Luminous, Mercedes hands and a sweep seconds hand.
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 rose gold. Original hands and self-winding. 14k rose gold and Stainless Steel Len...
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 1040 Automatic, self winding Nickle Lever movement, Rolex Logo Crown. New Custom Vin...
Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 18k Solid Gold 34mm Automatic 1950s RA467B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6084 semi bubbleback automatic dress watch, c.1954, in excellent working condition.
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Vintage Precision Steel Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster Case, Rolex Logo screw down Crown, Caliber 1215 Mechanical, Manual wind movement, restored "California" Bubbleback style 2 tone Black and Copper dial w...
Steel
Rolex Precision Vintage Steel Manual Wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1948 Rolex Precision Wrist watch, 32 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case, original Crown, 17 Jewel, Mechanical, Manual wind movement, Custom refinished "California" Bubble...
Steel
Rolex 1940's Vintage Ref 6552 Steel Self winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Recently Refinished Bubbleback "California" style Dial with aged Luminous, Mercedes hands and a sweep seconds hand.
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14K PG Bubbleback ref #3130 c.1946
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14K PG Bubbleback ref #3130, 32mm diameter case with smooth bezel and screw down period crown serial #400,XXX circa 1946.
Sold
W 1.26 in Dm 1.26 in
Rolex Yellow Gold Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch circa 1940s. 32mm diameter case with smooth bezel and acrylic crystal. Beautifully restored glossy black so called "California" dial with ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 14K PG man's Oyster Perpetual bubbleback ref #3131 c.1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K PG man's Oyster Perpetual bubbleback ref #3131 circa 1940's. 3 piece screw down 34mm diameter case with screw down crown.
18k Gold
Rolex Rose Gilt Top and Steel Bubbleback Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Bubbleback wristwatch with rose gold top and stainless steel case back, Ref# 3933, circa 1940s. 32mm diameter tonneau shaped Oyster case with screw back and period style screw ...
14k Gold
$2,369
W 1.42 in L 1.66 in
Personally Owned & Worn By Don McLean with Two COAs - Daniel Steiger Generation
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1002 Mens 1960s 34mm Vintage Automatic RA461B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Ref.1002 Oyster perpetual automatic, c.1967, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dia...
Stainless Steel
$812Sale Price|30% Off
H 6.7 in Dm 3.94 in
Antique Pair of Candle Holder Silver Rococo Style Candlesticks, 1937s Home Decor
Located in Wembley, GB
Pair of Silver Candlesticks by C.G. Hallberg Rococo Style, Sweden 1937 A scarce and elegant pair of antique silver-plated Rococo-style candlesticks by the renowned Swedish silversmi...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Silver
$38,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex x Loree Rodkin Watch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date crafted in 18k yellow gold, customised by jewellery designer Loree Rodkin. The watch features a champagne dial with baton hour markers, day aperture...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.63 in W 12.69 in
Fernand Leger, Untitled, from Circus, 1950
By Fernand Léger
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Fernand Leger (1881–1955), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the album Cirque, Lithographies Originales (Circus, Original Lithographs), originates from ...
Lithograph
1937 Rolex Ref 3647 Very Rare Antique Manual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Extremely Rare 1930s Rolex Precision Model 3647 Manual Wind Square Watch This late 1930s Rolex manual wind square watch is a remarkable and rare find, showcasing the timeless crafts...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Must de Cartier 590005 Tank Watch. Cartier Pillar Dial ARGENT Tank.
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Iconic Tank Argent. Sterling Silver and Gold plated (Vermeil). ref.590005 Rare Pillar Dial. Comes with a new leather band Quartz Movement New batt...
Sapphire, Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Piaget 18Kt. Solid Gold Automatic Micro Rotor and Original Strap and Buckle 1970
By Piaget
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Piaget Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Automatic / Reference 12447 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 3...
$1,355Sale Price / set|41% Off
H 14.38 in W 2.56 in D 9.85 in
Amazing Collection of 18th / 19th Century Weathered Vellum Books
Located in Buisson, FR
Amazing collection of 5 extremely weathered vellum books, Spain/Italy 18th/ 19th century. Weathered and small losses and old repairs. More photo's available on request, please ask. ...
Parchment Paper
Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold Strap Model Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Rolex Wrist Watch, 33 M.M. 14K 2 piece case, 9 M.M. thick, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle lever movement, 2 tone Silver Satin Pie pan dial with raised Gold marke...
14k Gold
$5,780Sale Price|20% Off
H 80.32 in W 60.24 in D 0.3 in
Antique French Tapestry Handwoven French Tapestry Verdure Scenic Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful pictorial antique French tapestry created after William Morris, inspired by the famous mille fleurs tapestries of Cluny, Paris, and featuring a richly detailed ve...
Wool
Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Queens, NY
Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Watch, featuring champagne dial with baton indexes and 18K Rolex Crown logo at 12 0'clock, powered by 19 jewel mechanical wind-up movement, worn on wris...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,200Sale Price|38% Off
H 9.5 in W 8.5 in D 8.5 in
Special! Impressive Large Deluxe Lalique NUDE Bacchantes Standing Sculpture Vase
By Lalique
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is an Estate Lalique Large Bacchantes Vase with Women conjoined Around. Signed with etched Lalique France signature at base. Current Retail $6800....
Crystal
Airplane in landscape - landscape painting
By Jeroen Allart
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful painting by Jeroen Allart is part of his minimalist landscape and animal painting he did in his home country the Netherlands. 'A farm stands before you on the horizon....
Canvas, Oil
Waltham Fontomatic Men's Wrist Watch w Date
By Waltham Watch Company
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
In its period and considered modernist style circa late 1950's, this 33mm vintage Waltham Men's Wrist Watch presents a sleek look with a black face,contrasting gold-toned spear hands...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Original Dial Bubble Back circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: "Bubble Back" / Oyster Perpetual METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / Yellow Gold Bezel DIMENSIONS: Length 39mm X Diameter 33...
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.