Rolex Ref 4444 1948 32mm Shock Resisting Oyster Royal Watch 31r31s
By Rolex
Located in Dix hills, NY
A NICE ORIGINAL Men's 1948 ROLEX OYSTER ROYAL Signs of Wear: Exterior: Minor Scratches, Minor Rubbing Edges: Minor Scratching Band: Minor Scratches, Very Minor Rubbing Hardware: Min...
Vintage Rolex Oyster Royal Quadrant Dial 6246
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 32mm Rolex Oyster Royal crafted in stainless steel.
Stainless Steel
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
Vintage Rolex Oyster Cupronickel Ultra Prima Handwind Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex’s early Oyster design is presented here with distinctive vintage character, featuring a cupronickel case and a shaped profile that reflects the brand’s formative era of durable...
Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oysterdate with Rare Super Oyster Crown, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Super Oysterdate / Reference 6094 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 33mm CIRCA: 1951 MOVEM...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare, Bulls Eye Dial from 1958 Caliber 1060
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6552 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1958 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm Length X Diamet...
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 Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Champagne Dial circa, 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 41mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Rare Super Oyster Model with Original Dial from the Mid 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Reference 6202 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 34mm MOV...
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble Back Rare Roman Dial Perpetual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 32mm CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perp...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Factory Patinated Dial 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...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch from 1952
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6106 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 20 Jewels / Caliber 645 DIAL / HANDS: Original Matte...
Stainless Steel
Rolex, Oyster Precision. Men's wristwatch. Approx. 1960s.
By Rolex
Located in bronshoj, DK
Rolex, Oyster Precision. Men's wristwatch. Dial in silver. Approx. 1960s. Steel chain with folding clasp. Case diameter 36 mm. Unisex. In excellent condition with minor wear. The wat...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual from 1957 with Original Patinated Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamet...
$5,272Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.38 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 Mens Vintage Automatic 1960s RA675B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.1501 Men's automatic, c.1963, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silve...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking with Original Dial and Hands from 1947
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1947 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X Diameter 35m...
Rolex Stainless Steel Rare Early Air King with Original Patinated Dial Early 60s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diame...
$5,040Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.34 in
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s 34mm Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 manual wind, c.1967, unrestored, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, untou...
Stainless Steel
Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's with Original Bracelet
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch / Reference 4217-10 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 23mm X Widt...
Gold
Rolex Rare 1942 Bubble Back Ladies Steel Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1942 Rolex Ladies Reference 3869 Bubble Back Wrist Watch, 24 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece Oyster case, original and unpolished, original Oyster Crown. Automatic, self winding ...
Steel
Omega Choreograph Vintage 18k gold wrist watch cal.33.3 1950
By Omega
Located in Berlin, BE
Handaufzugs omega uhr in 18k gelbgold mit lederband und orginaler omega dornschließe cal.33,3 plexiglas uhr weisst leichte gebrauchspuren
18k Gold
Cartier Riviera Paris Vintage Yellow Gold Ladies Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Riviera Paris Wrist Watch, 23 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind movement, White dial with Black Roman numerals. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Vintage Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Cartier Mid Size Wrist Watch, 30 M.M. X 6 M.M thick 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, Cartier Inc. 17 jewel mechanical, Manual wind movement. Silver Satin Dial with raised Gol...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$14,622
H 0.35 in Dm 1.34 in
Vacheron Constantin Vintage Watch 1956 Fancy Lugs and Swan Regulation, Pink Gold
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vacheron Constantin Vintage 1956 with Fancy Lugs and Swan Regulation, Pink Gold A very fine and elegant Vacheron Constantin to fit in every High Valued collection. Functions: hours...
18k Gold, Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date chocolate dial 34mm
By Rolex
Located in Berlin, BE
Behold the astonishingly beautiful Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, a timepiece that exudes unparalleled elegance and sophistication. With the reference number (15210), this horological ...
Steel
Boucheron Diamond Platinum Necklace And Brooch
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
A truly magnificent 1950's Boucheron diamond necklace. Designed as a stylised, flexible ribbon set with graduated and tapered baguette & step-cut diamonds, suspending an articulated ...
White Diamond, Platinum
Rolex Rare Vintage Oyster Perpetual Yellow Gold 1035
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A striking mens yellow gold Oyster Perpetual by Rolex. Featuring a rare champagne dial with applied hour markers and a textured yellow gold bezel. Equipped with a stunningly rare yel...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 38mm Yellow Gold Triple Date Calendar Moon Phase 8171 Auto. Watch, 1950
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 8171 Year: 1950 Serial number: 71xxxx Reference: OT1852 The Rolex reference 8171, manufactured for a brief period from 1949 to 1952, stands out as one of...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,997Sale Price|33% Off
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Baume & Mercier with Arabic Numbers Gold Dial on a Strap
By Baume & Mercier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A 27mm yellow gold Ladies Baume & Mercier wristwatch. Featuring a stunning a gold dial with Arabic numbers. The watch is fitted with a sapphire glass, movement and a Baume & Mercier ...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
Circa 1891 Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch 14k Solid Gold Case w/White Dial
By Elgin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Circa 1891 Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ Ornate Cobalt Blue Hands & Dedicated Second Dial 14k Solid Gold Case w/ Beautiful Colored Engraving on Both Sides Black Arabic Nume...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold I.W.C. Watch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Westport, CT
An iconic Art Deco IWC (International Watch Company) and Tiffany & Co. 18K yellow gold manual wind wristwatch, circa 1920s. The watch features an 18K yellow gold case with a whit...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mercedes Stainless Steel Post WWII Vintage Wrist Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
In mint condition, enjoy this post WWII Style Mercedes Winder 32mm Men's Wrist Watch. With a pristine linen face, the gold tone hands and matchstick indexes are sleek and easy to rea...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Longines Vintage Men's Wristwatch, 1940s / 50s, in Excelle
By Longines
Located in bronshoj, DK
Longines vintage men's wristwatch. 1940s / 50s. Case diameter: 35 mm. In excellent original condition. All watches are thoroughly serviced by our professional watchmaker. Fully stamp...
Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref 2449 Yellow Gold Manual wind Vintage Wrist Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950-1955 Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 2449 Wrist Watch, 35 M.M. diameter x 9 M.M. thick 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, 18 Jewel Caliber 12-120 PS Mechanical, manual wind...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.
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.
Throughout the season, timepieces are clues to the characters' character.
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.