What does Oyster Perpetual mean on a Rolex watch?

An Oyster Perpetual on a Rolex watch refers to the watch's ability to run on the energy generated by the wearer's wrist movements rather than manual winding. At Baselworld in 2015, a variety of Rolex watches with a new-generation Oyster Perpetual movement were unveiled. Find a variety of vintage Rolex watches on 1stDibs.

What is the value of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual?

The popular Rolex Oyster Perpetual is usually between $5,900 and $6,600 in price.

How much is a platinum Rolex watch?

Because platinum is denser than other metals, it is often more expensive to purchase platinum watches than gold. One of the most expensive watches sold was a Platinum Rolex worth $277,000.

How much is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date worth?

A new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date watch is worth around $6,000. However, if it's encrusted with gems or vintage, it can cost as much as $50,000. 1stDibs has a great and vast selection of Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date watches.

How much is the new Rolex Submariner?

The new Submariner Rolex with a Black Bezel is worth around $8,100 with some of the more expensive new Submariners in yellow gold costing around $36,950.

How do I wind a Rolex watch?

To wind a Rolex watch, first fully unscrew the winding crown. Once it is in a raised position, carefully turn the crown clockwise. Most watches require 25 turns for enough winding to begin powering the watch. The instructions included with Rolex watches provide more information about how to wind specific models. Shop a large collection of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.

Is Panerai better than Rolex?

Depending on what kind of watch you're looking for, one may be better than the other. For instance, if you want a highly functional sport watch, some of Rolex's models may be better for you. That said, the brands' watches are very similar quality-wise. The main difference is their appearances: While Rolex designs more traditional timepieces, Panerai is more contemporary and bold.

How much gold is in a Rolex Submariner?

A Rolex Submariner bears an 18k stamp and the number “750,” which means that 75 percent of the watch is made out of pure gold model. The most luxurious of all timepieces, the Rolex Submariner has been continuously manufactured since 1951. Find vintage Rolex watches on 1stDibs.

Does Rolex use real diamonds?

Rolex uses only the highest quality melee diamonds with between D and G in color and IF in clarity. Every diamond is tested individually to make sure it is real.

What size is a 126000 Rolex?

The size of a Rolex 126000 is 36 millimeters. It features a corrosion-resistant 904L stainless steel case. Many collectors love the now discontinued watch due to this striking feature, which was available in a variety of vivid colors. Find an assortment of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.

Is the Rolex 126000 discontinued?

Yes, the Rolex 126000 is discontinued. Rolex discontinued the Oyster Perpetual ref 126000 in the early 2020s. However, the watch may be available on the secondary market via trusted online platforms, including 1stDibs. Find a collection of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.

Does Rolex make sunglasses?

No, Rolex does not officially make sunglasses that are available for sale. They do however occasionally create promotional products, which have included sunglasses for sponsored events in the past. Browse a range of Rolex products that have been expertly authenticated on 1stDibs.

How to wind a datejust rolex?

To wind a Rolex Datejust, set the crown notch (located on the right hand side of the face) to position one. To set it to position one, turn the crown counterclockwise to unscrew the crown and pop the crown out one notch. From this position, start to wind the Rolex by turning the crown clockwise. You should feel a bit of tension and hear a soft clicking sound. Browse a wide selection of Rolex Datejust watches on 1stDibs.

What is the cheapest Rolex?

The lowest priced Rolex model is the Oyster Perpetual. This watch retails for roughly $5,000. On 1stDibs, you can can find a variety of Rolex watches for sale.

What is the best Rolex for a lady?

While choosing a watch can depend on the wearer's style, there are a few consistent favorites. Some of the top Rolex watches for women include the Rolex Datejust, the Rolex Day-Date, and the Rolex Oyster Perpetual.

What is the most expensive Rolex?

The most expensive Rolex ever sold is the Paul Newman Daytona. This Rolex was purchased for $17.8 million in 2017. On 1stDibs, there are expensive Rolex watches but there is a wide variety available, so it should be easy to find a good fit for your tastes as well as your budget.

What diamonds do Rolex use?

Rolex uses only the highest quality diamonds in their watches and compares these stones against certified master stones. They are the most colorless, so in ranges D to G.

How much is the cheapest Rolex watch? DISABLED for question id 2075512

One of the cheapest Rolex watches is the Oyster Perpetual, which usually costs around $5,000. This model is made of oystersteel, an affordable type of steel.

How much is a Rolex Yacht Master?

A contemporary Rolex Yacht Master costs around $11,000. However, a vintage model can cost up to $30,000.

Is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual worth it?

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a great entry-level Rolex to purchase. The perpetual refers to the ability of the watch to use the energy of the wearer's wrist motion to run. It is a popular starter Rolex.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18k Gold With Diamonds

1980 Ladies Rolex Watch

Rolex Lady Datejust Roman Numerals

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Two Tone

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch. 26mm Stainless Steel case. Yellow Gold

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Datejust Professional 69173 Ladies Watch. 26mm Stainless Steel case. Yellow Gold Stationary

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Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Tapestry Dial Ladies Watch

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Tapestry Dial Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Tapestry Dial Ladies Watch. Reference 69173. 26 mm stainless steel

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Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust 69173 Pyramid Dial Ladies Watch

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Rolex Datejust 69173 Pyramid Dial Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ladies Watch. 26 mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold fluted

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1990s Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch

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Dm 1.02 in

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold

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20th Century Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

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Rolex Datejust 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold

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1990s Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

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Rolex Datejust 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

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Rolex Datejust 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Rolex 69173 Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

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Rolex 69173 Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex 69173 Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

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Rolex 69173 Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold

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1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex 69173 Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

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Rolex 69173 Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex 69173 Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

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Rolex 69173 Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

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Located in Great Neck, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch Box & Papers

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Rolex 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch Box & Papers

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold

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1990s Wrist Watches

Rolex 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch Box & Papers

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Rolex 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch Box & Papers

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold

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1990s Wrist Watches

Rolex 69173 Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

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Rolex 69173 Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold

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Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ladies Sapphire Watch 69173 Stainless & 18k Gold 1Yr Wnty

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ladies Sapphire Watch 69173 Stainless & 18k Gold 1Yr Wnty

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Located in Greensboro, NC

Total Weight: 55.4 Grams Stamps: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, Superlative Chronometer Officially

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown More Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Ladies yellow gold stainless steel Oyster Perpetual DateJust Wristwatch

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Rolex Ladies yellow gold stainless steel Oyster Perpetual DateJust Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Aspen, CO

, quick set, sapphire crystal, jubliee Rolex bracelet, Rolex deployant clasp. 27 mm. case. Model 69173

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Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69000A Gold and Stainless Steel Ladies Watch

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H 1.29 in W 1 in

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69000A Gold and Stainless Steel Ladies Watch

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Located in London, GB

This Rolex Oyster Datejust 69000A lady's watch is made in 18K yellow gold and stainless steel. It

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold

ROLEX Lady Datejust 69173 Box only

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ROLEX Lady Datejust 69173 Box only

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady, model 67193, features a 26mm stainless steel case, a fluted bezel

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1990s European Wrist Watches

Ladies Two-Tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Diamond Bezel Watch, Case/Box

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Ladies Two-Tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Diamond Bezel Watch, Case/Box

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Located in Palm Desert, CA

Ladies Two-Tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Diamond Bezel Wristwatch. Exquisite wristwatch with

Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Lady Rolex Oyster Perpetua 69173, Box & Papers, Excellent Condition

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Lady Rolex Oyster Perpetua 69173, Box & Papers, Excellent Condition

By Rolex

Located in Canterbury, England

Our classic neo vintage Lady Rolex Oyster Perpetual features a 26mm stainless steel and yellow gold

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1990s Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust 18K Gold SS Diamond Dial Automatic Women's Watch 69173

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Dm 1.03 in

Rolex Datejust 18K Gold SS Diamond Dial Automatic Women's Watch 69173

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

This elegant Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust (Ref. 69173) features a 26mm case crafted from a

Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Datejust Ladies Steel and Gold White Dial 69173 Automatic Wristwatch

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Dm 1.03 in

Rolex Datejust Ladies Steel and Gold White Dial 69173 Automatic Wristwatch

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Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ladies Wristwatch, white dial with

Category

1990s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies 2-Tone Datejust, Champagne Dial - 18K Gold & Stainless Steel, 69173

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Rolex Ladies 2-Tone Datejust, Champagne Dial - 18K Gold & Stainless Steel, 69173

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Located in Suwanee, GA

origin: Switzerland Maker: Rolex Model: Lady Oyster Perpetual Datejust, Ref. 69173 Serial no

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Romantic Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 68173

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Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 68173

By Rolex

Located in Stamford, CT

Original ladies 18k yellow gold and steel 69173 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust with rare factory

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1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Colored Dial Wristwatch

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Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Colored Dial Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Stamford, CT

Ladies 18k gold and steel 69173 wrist watch. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Sapphire crustal

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Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Steel, Yellow Gold

Rolex Ladies Two-Tone in 18K and Stainless Steel with Datejust, C. 1985

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Rolex Ladies Two-Tone in 18K and Stainless Steel with Datejust, C. 1985

By Rolex

Located in Aspen, CO

feet. Chocolate dial with fluted 18K yellow gold bezel. 26mm Oyster Perpetual Datejust Watch. The watch

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch Box & Papers

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Rolex 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch Box & Papers

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex 18k & Steel Datejust Ladies Watch Ref 69173

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Dm 1.03 in

Vintage Rolex 18k & Steel Datejust Ladies Watch Ref 69173

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

and enthusiasts alike. Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ladies Reference Number: 69173

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Ladies Two-Tone in 18K and Stainless Steel with Datejust, c. 1985

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Rolex Ladies Two-Tone in 18K and Stainless Steel with Datejust, c. 1985

By Rolex

Located in Aspen, CO

feet. Chocolate dial with fluted 18K yellow gold bezel. 26mm Oyster Perpetual Datejust Watch. The watch

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

"Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch Original Papers

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch Original Papers

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

"Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

"Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Tapestry Dial Ladies Watch

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Tapestry Dial Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Tapestry Dial Ladies Watch. Reference 69173. 26 mm stainless steel

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch Ref 69173

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Dm 1.03 in

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch Ref 69173

By Rolex

Located in Potts Point, New South Wales

A classic ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust - stainless steel case - stainless steel and 18k

Category

1990s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

ROLEX Datejust Oyster Perpetual Watch

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Dm 0.79 in

ROLEX Datejust Oyster Perpetual Watch

By Rolex

Located in Sundbyberg, SE

Switzerland ITEM DETAIL Collection: Oyster Perpetual Model Name: Datejust Reference Number: 69173 Serial

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex 69173 Ladies Oyster Perpetual 18 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Watch

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Rolex 69173 Ladies Oyster Perpetual 18 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Watch

By Rolex

Located in Middletown, DE

steel Rolex 69173 at an amazing price? Well you just found it! This is an older Rolex, however, it

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Lady's Stainless Steel and Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch

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Rolex Lady's Stainless Steel and Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Atlanta, GA

Brand: Rolex Model Name/Number: DateJust 69173 Serial/Year: L300***/ 1989 Dial Window: Sapphire

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 69173 Champagne Bar Dial E Series Elegant Used Ladies Watch

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Dm 1.03 in

Rolex Datejust 69173 Champagne Bar Dial E Series Elegant Used Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in Holtsville, NY

This exquisite Rolex Datejust 69173 is a true embodiment of timeless elegance and sophistication

Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Certified, Rolex Date 69173 Champagne Dial

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Dm 1.03 in

Certified, Rolex Date 69173 Champagne Dial

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Date Reference #:69173. Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual DateJust watch. 26 mm stainless steel

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Women's OPDJ 69173 Two-Tone 18 Karat/SS with Original Box and Papers

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Rolex Women's OPDJ 69173 Two-Tone 18 Karat/SS with Original Box and Papers

By Rolex

Located in Sherman Oaks, CA

Diameter Labeled "ROLEX / OYSTER PERPETUAL / DATEJUST // SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER / OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Tapestry Dial Ladies Watch

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Tapestry Dial Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Tapestry Dial Ladies Watch. Reference 69173. 26 mm stainless steel

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust 69173 Pyramid Dial Ladies Watch

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Rolex Datejust 69173 Pyramid Dial Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ladies Watch. 26 mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold fluted

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust 69173, White Dial, Certified and Warranty

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Dm 1.03 in

Rolex Datejust 69173, White Dial, Certified and Warranty

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Datejust Reference #:69173. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady Datejust, 18K Yellow Gold and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Diamond Datejust Automatic Wristwatch

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W 1.15 in

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Diamond Datejust Automatic Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Metairie, LA

Gold with Diamonds Type: Rolex Date Just Oyster Perpetual Serial#E300782 Model#69173 Condition

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Diamond Datejust Automatic Wristwatch

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W 1.15 in

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Diamond Datejust Automatic Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Metairie, LA

Gold with Diamonds Type: Rolex Date Just Oyster Perpetual Serial#E300782 Model#69173 Condition

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

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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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If you think this looks like the Rolex Kermit, you're correct.

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This model was designed for lefties.

How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips

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.