Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Black Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster 6827 Datejust 18k Solid Gold 1980s Midsize 30mm Automatic RA732
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage luxury, 18k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6827 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1981
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 6917 Diamond Blue Vignette Dial 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69178 Ladies Watch. 26mm 18K yellow gold case. 18K yellow gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date Oyster Perpetual self-winding Wristwatch, circa 1981
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Oyster Perpetual "Day-Date," Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, case No. 6582183, Ref
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual No-Date Stainless Steel Watch 6718
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual No-Date Stainless Steel Watch 6718 - Automatic winding. Stainless
Rolex Ref. 6917, Lady's Datejust Gold and Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, DateJust, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, case No. 6357030
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Mens Rolex Datejust 16014 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Automatic 1980s Vintage RA491
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's 18k white gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16014
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Datejust Ref 16014 36mm 18k Gold SS Linen Dial Automatic 1980s RA491B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k white gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16014
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 15000 Automatic 1980s with Paper RA247BRN
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.15000 automatic, c.1981, with original Rolex
Rolex Gold-Filled Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch Model 1550
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex stainless steel and gold-filled Oyster Perpetual Date wristwatch, Ref.15505, circa 1981. The
Gilt Metal, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Date Ref. 1500 Original Black Dial from 1981
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Ref. 1500 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Men's Stainless Steel Model 15010 Oyster Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Bracelet. This chronometer is a perpetual date only watch and has a factory new 15010 Rolex automatic
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Gold Shell Original Blue Dial Automatic Wristwatch, circa 1980
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Ref. 1550 METAL
ROLEX Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 15037 circa 1980s
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rolex Date, Ref. 15037, with silvered dial, fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet, and comes complete with
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch circa 1981
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14k yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Date wristwatch, Ref. 15037, serial number 6.7 million
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Gold Tiffany & Co. Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch circa 1981
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K Yellow Gold Tiffany & Co Oyster Perpetual Date ref 15037 serial #6.7 million circa 1981
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch with Custom Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Date wristwatch, Ref. 15000, serial number 7.0 million
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Date Automatic Reference 15000 Watch, 1981
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1981 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic Ref. 15000 Two Tone 14k Yellow Gold Quick Set
Vintage Rolex Date Automatic Reference 15000 Stainless Steel Watch, 1981
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1981 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic Ref. 15000 Quick Set Date Stainless Steel watch
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch Ref 15000
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Wristwatch ref 15000 serial# 7.0 million circa 1981/82
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Stone Dial Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Rare Factory Lapis Lazuli Stone Dial with
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Rolex 6719 Ladies Oyster Perpetual 18 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Middletown, DE
You are viewing a beautiful Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual Model 6719 watch set in the most
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 6719 Ladies Oyster Perpetual 18 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Middletown, DE
You are viewing a beautiful Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual Model 6719 watch set in the most
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Certified Rolex Date 15010 with Band and White Dial
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Date Reference #:15010. Rolex Oyster Perpetual DateJust watch. 34mm stainless steel case with
Rolex Yellow Gold Diamond Perpetual Datejust Automatic Wristwatch Ref 16018
By Rolex
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A terrific looking 35mm unisex pre-owned 18kt yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Rolex ref 16018
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1987 Mens Watch - Yellow Gold 14k Automatic 15037
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Date Model Number: 15037 Specific Year: 1987 Movement: Automatic Warranty: 1 year Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Champagne Metal Content: 14k...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex GMT-Master II Yellow Gold Green Dial & Black Ceramic Bezel Oyster Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
18k yellow gold case with a 18k yellow gold rolex oyster bracelet. Bi-directional rotating, 18k yellow gold bezel. Green dial with yellow gold tone hands and luminous dots hour marke...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Black Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
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 ...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Classic Air King from 1970's
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 39mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Blue "Vignette" Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
$26,549
H 1.19 in W 0.91 in
Cartier 1990 Montre Or Jaune Baignoire PM Yellow Gold Casque d Or Bracelet Watch
By Cartier
Located in PARIS, FR
Cartier watch circa 1990 Baignoire model in yellow gold, oval case (legendary), white dial with Roman numerals, quartz movement, blued steel hands, winding mechanism or crown decorat...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Red Diamond Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 5500 METAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: 1970's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 27 Jewels...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel O.P Date With Custom Made M.O.P Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 6605
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex Stainless Steel and 14k Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch, Ref. 6605. Natural wear/patina on the dial. Stainless steel and 14k yellow gold Bracelet Length: 8 1/4 inches and adju...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold, Gold, Steel
$7,499Sale Price|25% Off
Rolex Explorer 36mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 14270
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre Owned Rolex Explorer 36mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 14270. The minor patina on the dial near the center of the hands around canon pinion. This Timepiece wa...
$16,125Sale Price|25% Off
H 1.18 in W 1.22 in Dm 9 in L 9 in
CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An automatique Ceinture large wrist-watch designed by Cartier. This is the rare large model of the Ceinture automatique wristwatch, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of C...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Rolex President Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite ladies' 18K yellow gold Rolex President wristwatch combines timeless elegance with exceptional craftsmanship. Featuring a factory diamond-set dial and a fluted bezel, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Factory Original Charcoal Dial 1970
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Rolex Daytona 116523 Diamond White Dial Two-Tone Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Daytona 116523 Mens Watch. 40mm stainless steel case. 18K yellow gold tachymeter bezel. White dial with gold hands and factory diamond hour marker. Three sub-d...
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.