Rolex Stainless Steel Precision Wristwatch circa 1960s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Precision wristwatch, circa 1960s. 33mm case with acrylic crystal and signed
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Precision Wristwatch circa 1960s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Stainless Steel Precision wristwatch, circa 1960s. 33mm case with acrylic crystal and signed
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Precision Wristwatch, circa 1958
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Vintage Rolex Precision wristwatch, circa 1958. Snap back 18 carat gold case with tapered fancy
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Precision Wristwatch circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14k yellow gold Precision wristwatch, circa 1950s, manual-wind dress model, 33 x 39mm case
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Precision Wristwatch circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Precision wristwatch, circa 1950s. Medium-size 32 X 39.5mm dress-model with
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Rolex Oyster Date Precision 46561
By Rolex
Located in Carlisle, GB
This Classic & Elegant Manual Watch is in Good Working condition and is ticking well with its swift
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Precision Shock Resisting Wristwatch c1945
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Model 4517. A Precision wristwatch by Rolex made circa 1945. Snap back Stainless Steel shock
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Precision Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Precision Manual Wind Wristwatch Factory Grey Dial with Applied Stick
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies White Gold Diamond Precision Cover Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A very rare and unusual Diamond Cover Watch by Rolex. Beautiful design from the 1960's. A petite
White Diamond, 18k Gold
1940's Rolex Precision Yellow Gold 12834 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
the mid-1920s with their waterproof cases. These elegant manual wind Rolex Precision pieces were
Yellow Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Super Precision Chronometer Wristwatch, circa 1949
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A vintage Rolex Super Precision wristwatch, circa 1949. Snap back 18 carat gold case with faceted
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Reference 6694 with a Linen Dial, 1971
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1971 Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref. 6694 Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Rare
Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Precision Dress Model manual wristwatch, circa 1952
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A scarce and striking design vintage lady’s Rolex 18K YG dress model circa 1952. Featuring a 22mm
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Precision Chronometer 35 5 Adjust Oversized 18 Karat Yellow Gold 9081
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: COM2127 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Precision Model Ref: 908.1 Age: Circa 1950's Gender: Mens
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Star Dial Bubbleback Manual Wind Wristwatch, 1950s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Precision Watch Rare Factory Star Dial with Star Hour Markers and
18k Gold
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Date Tropical Dial Vintage Precision Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Boston, MA
A vintage tropical dialed Rolex Oyster Date precision wrist watch in stainless steel. In very good
Steel, Stainless 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.