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 applied hour markers, a fixed 18k rose gold bezel, a brown leather strap with a gold ...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Vintage 18k Rose Gold Rolex Bubbleback Automatic Watch Ref 6011
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Classic vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback wrist watch crafted in 18k rose gold.
18k Gold
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 / ovetto" features a 32mm x 39mm stainless steel case with silver baton dial and sword...
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 Yellow Gold Weight: 48.1 Grams (case and strap) Case Size (Diameter): 32mm (not includ...
14k Gold
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 32MM 3372 Brown Bubble Back Steel Automatic Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Custom Gold Plated Buckle. Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Watch Properties Brand: Rolex Family: Oyster Perpetual Model: Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Ref.
Steel, Stainless Steel
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 3131
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 14ct rose gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback by Rolex. Featuring a silver dial with applied arabic numbers and a rose gold bezel.
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold
W 1.26 in L 1.54 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback "Ovetto" Ref. 3131 Automatic, 14K Gold, 1958.
By Rolex
Located in PARIS, FR
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Ovetto Ref. 3131 – 14K Yellow Gold – 1958 – Rare Original Black Dial – Original Box A superb Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Ovetto reference 313...
14k 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, .Ref. #3458. Made in the 1940s.. Fine and rare, tonneau shaped, Self-winding, sta...
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 dial with applied hour markers and applied arabic numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, a f...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Rose Gold 3065
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18ct rose gold vintage Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback by Rolex. Featuring a copper dial with Arabic numbers at 3, 6, 9 & 12 which is complemented by a rose gold bezel and hooded lugs.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
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 winding. 14k yellow gold case with smooth bezel (31mm diameter).
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 a 32mm x 39mm stainless steel case with silver baton dial and sword hands.
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 / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being ...
Yellow Gold
1954 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Classic Vintage Mens Automatic Watch with Bubbleback
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. ...
Stainless Steel
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
1945 Rolex Rare Hooded Bubbleback Ref. 3065, Gold & SS - Original with Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers via other online sites wi...
Gold, Stainless Steel
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 of sports watches with its screw back case and automatic movement. It features a sta...
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.
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 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 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 bezel, screw down caseback and screw down period bubbleback crown.
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 diameter case with screw down crown.
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 Stainless Steel Watch, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1951 Vintage Rolex Early Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6084 Semi-Bubbleback Stainless Steel watch with Silver Dial with Applied Steel Beveled Triangle Markers. 34mm x 38mm lug to lug (1.34 i...
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 Star Dial with Applied Steel Arabic 3, 6, 9, and 12 with Star Markers. 34mm x 39mm lug...
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 Original Silver Dial with Recessed Gold Color Arabic 3, 6, 9, and 12 with Elongated Bevel...
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.