Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer 2940, aka "bubbleback / ovetto. c 1949
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very attractive vintage Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer, reference 2940, aka "bubbleback
Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer 2940, aka "bubbleback / ovetto. c 1949
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very attractive vintage Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer, reference 2940, aka "bubbleback
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
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 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
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 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
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
$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
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 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 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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Gold, 18k Gold
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 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 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
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
Gold, 18k Gold
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
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback ref# 3131 circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback ref# 3131 circa 1940's with 3 piece case, smooth
14k 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
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6284 Stainless Steel Watch, 1953
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1953 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Semi-Bubbleback Ref. 6284 Stainless Steel watch with Silver
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1951 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Big Semi Bubbleback Ref. 6084 14k Yellow Gold watch with
Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century all original, 1951 Rolex stainless steel oyster date precision wristwatch. Red date wheel. Original ruby steel riveted oyster band. Unpolished, minor scratches to case an...
Steel, Stainless Steel
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
Rolex 69178 Ladies President Datejust Diamond String Dial 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69178 Serial: E312*** Year: 1990 Model: Ladies President Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: F...
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 ...
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...
$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
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 Steel Early Speedking with Original Dial from 1941 or 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 3373 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 36mm X Diameter 30mm CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 / 1942...
Stainless Steel
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
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
Rolex 9Ct. Prince in Nearly New Condition Silver Enamel Dial from 1935 or 36
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince Model METAL / MATERIAL: 9KT Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1935 / 36 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Width 20mm MOVEMENT: ...
Rolex 14Kt Prince with rare Black Dial Hand Made Case and Movement circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince Drs. Watch / Reference 1490 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X ...
14k Gold
Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date President Model Number: 1803 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Date: 1964 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Aftermarket Champagne Diamond Metal Con...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18Kt. Tank European Watch & Clock Co. w/ Engine Turned Dial 1920 / 30's
By Cartier
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Cartier Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tank Style / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 18 Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920 / 30's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X 23mm W...
18k Gold
Vintage Must de Cartier Tank Gold Dial Watch. Vermeil ARGENT Small Tank
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Iconic Tank Argent. Sterling Silver and 18k Gold plated (Vermeil). Ref 366001 RARE Gold Roman Dial New Gucci Leather Band. Condition: New Battery i...
Sapphire, Gold, Sterling Silver
$12,020
H 1.42 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Custom Diamond Red Dial Watch 16013
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. Custom red dial and bezel. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. Comes without a box and pap...
Yellow Gold, 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.