Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual with Rare Original Black Dial from 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 34...
Rolex Rare Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual from 1952 Oversized Bubble Back Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm...
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Very Rare Deepsea From 1954 / 55 Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6332 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 / 55 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diamet...
Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Gold Shell Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Date / Ref. 15505 METAL / MATERIAL: Steel w/ Solid Gold Shell Top DIMENSIONS: 39mm X 34mm CIRCA: 1985/...
Rolex Yellow Gold Shell Top Oyster Perpetual Date Watch From 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Date / Ref. 1550 METAL / MATERIAL: Steel w/ Solid Gold Shell Top DIMENSIONS: 39mm X 34mm CIRCA: 1972 /...
Rolex Rose Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex MPN: 1025 Model: Oyster Perpetual Case Material: Stainless Steel with 14k Rose Gold Shell Case Diameter: 34mm Bezel: 14k Rose Gold smooth bezel Dial: Black dial with ras...
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Gold Shell Series in New Condition, circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Date METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell / Gold Filled / Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: 40mm X 34mm CIRCA: 1972 MO...
Gold
Rolex 6466 Oysterdate Vintage Plated Shell Precision Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex 6466 Oysterdate Vintage Plated Shell Precision Watch is a vintage masterpiece that stands as a testament to the enduring excellence of Rolex craftsmanship.
Rolex vintage 15505 Gold Shell Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1987 Rolex Wrist Watch, 34 M.M Gold Shell with Steel back 3 piece Oyster Case.
Gold-filled
Rolex Date Men's Vintage 14k Gold Shell Watch, 1550
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Date Men's Vintage 14k Gold Shell Watch 1550 - Automatic winding, acrylic crystal. 14k yellow gold shell case with smooth bezel (34mm diameter).
14k Gold
Rolex Vintage Gold Shell Ref 6334 Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s Rolex Reference 6334 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 2 piece Gold Shell over Stainless steel with an Oyster water resistant Steel case back.
Gold-filled
Rolex Date Men's Vintage 14 Karat Gold Shell Watch 1550
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Date Men's Vintage 14k Gold Shell Watch 1550 - Automatic winding, acrylic crystal. 14k yellow gold shell case with smooth bezel (34mm diameter).
Rolex 1984 Date Gold Shell Ref 15505 Quick Set Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1984 Rolex "Date" Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 piece Gold Shell with steel back, oyster water resistant case, Caliber 3035 automatic, self winding movement with Quick setting date fe...
Gold-filled
1940s Rolex Precision unusual Gold Shell and Steel back Manual wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Rolex Precision Wrist Watch, 35 M.M. 2 piece Gold Shell case with Water Resistant Stainless Back and Scalloped Lugs. 17 jewel Caliber 1210 Mechanical, manual wind nickle ...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Air King Reference 5520 1960s Gold Capped Shell Champagne Dial 34mm Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand : Rolex Model: Air King Reference Number : 5520 Features : Screw down Crown - Champagne Dial Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Material: G...
Gold
Rolex Vintage Gold Shell Date Model Automatic on Gold Shell Oyster Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1972 Rolex Reference 1550 Date Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 2 piece Gold Shell Oyster case with Steel back, Caliber 1570 Automatic Self Winding movement Near mint Silver Satin Dial wit...
Gold Plate
Rolex Gold Shell Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 1025, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1967 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 1024, 34 MM Gold Shell case with Stainless Steel Back, Caliber 1570 Automatic, self winding movement. Light Silver Gray dial with raised G...
Gold-filled, Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Ref 1024 Gold Shell with Company Logo Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1984 Rolex Reference 1024 Wrist watch, 34 m.m. Gold Shell with Steel back Oyster case.
Gold-filled
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 / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA: 1980 / 1981 DIMENSIONS: 40mm X 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: ...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1980 Ref 1014 Gold Shell Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 1014 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M.
Gold-filled, Stainless Steel
Rolex Gold Shell stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Manual Wristwatch Ref 6634
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Men's Watch 6634 - Manual winding. 14k gold shell case with stainless steel back (34mm diameter).
Rolex yellow Gold Shell stainless steel Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 6567
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1959 Rolex Reference 6567, 34 MM Water Proof, Gold Shell Case with stainless Steel Back and a Fluted Bezel.
Gold-filled, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Shell Diamond Beveled Bezel Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1025
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Rolex reference 1025, 34 MM heavy Gold Shell With steel back case, Oyster perpetual. Automatic self winding 26 jewel, Caliber 1560 movement. Original mint condition silve...
Gold Plate
Rolex Yellow Gold "Shell" Air King with Flawless Original Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 1025-3 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell / Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / ...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Vintage Rolex Air King 5520 Gold Shell Wristwatch Box Papers 1 Owner
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1982 Rolex Air King Reference 5520 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M.
Gold-filled
Rolex Yellow Gold Shell Custom Dial Oyster Date Automatic Wristwatch Ref 15505
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1982 Rolex Reference 15505 Oyster perpetual date Wrist watch 34 MM Gold Shell case with Stainless Steel back.
Gold Plate
Rolex Datejust 16203NG 10P Diamond, White Shell Dial, Y-Series, Men's Used Watch
By Rolex
Located in Holtsville, NY
This iconic timepiece, renowned for its precision and sophistication, stands as a testament to Rolex's unwavering commitment to excellence. Featuring a captivating white shell dial, ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Date ref #15505 circa 1985
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex gold shell Oyster Perpetual Date ref #15505 34mm diameter case with smooth bezel serial #: 9.0 million circa 1985/86.
Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic Wristwatch circa 1979
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
With associated original gold plated riveted link Rolex Oyster bracelet with deployment clasp. This is a popular man’s size model in exceptional condition showing little to no wear t...
Rolex Datejust 79173NR White Shell Dial, Y Series, Ladies, Pre-Owned
By Rolex
Located in Holtsville, NY
The Rolex Datejust isn't just a watch; it's an icon of fashion and precision, showcasing the brand's mastery in watchmaking.
Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel 26mm Just Date Women's Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date display watch is a classic example of Rolex's timeless elegance and durability. With it's versatile satin 26mm stainless steel case, this water resis...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Cartier Tank Solo XL Automatic Stainless Steel Watch, Black Leather Strap
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Elevate your wrist with timeless sophistication in this Cartier Tank Solo XL Automatic, a contemporary reinterpretation of Cartier’s iconic Tank design. Crafted in polished stainless...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 9ct. Solid Gold Art Deco Ladies Wristwatch ca 1920's, with Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Baguette Style METAL / MATERIAL: 9ct. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm x Width 11mm M...
Unworn TAG Heuer Carrera Reference# CBS2213.FN6002, Complete set, 2025
By TAG Heuer
Located in New York, NY
TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper CBS2213.FN6002 – 39 mm Steel “Glassbox” Chronograph, Nautical Blue Dial, Regatta Colours, revives a historic sailing chronograph with a bold, contemporary t...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 179178, circa 2002
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex lady's 18k yellow gold Datejust wristwatch, Ref. 179178, circa 2002, cream-colored textured dial with gold Roman numerals. The dial has a pattern on it that is hard to photogra...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tourneau 18 Karat Gold Art Deco Triple Date Valjoux Chronograph, circa 1940s
By Tourneau
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tourneau / Valjoux STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Chronograph with Full Calendar METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42m...
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
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
Rolex Steel Quickset Datejust with Exceptional Original Silver Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 16014 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 4...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Unique Red 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 40mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
18K Gold 6.55cts Bezel Set Men's Colombian Emerald Solitaire Gypsy Signet Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a stunning, Colombian emerald signet bezel ring in 18K yellow gold. This gorgeous statement-size solitaire ring carries a 6.55-carat ethically mined emerald in a secure ...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Jaeger LeCoultre Rose Gold Reverso Wrist Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Reference 250.2.86 Wrist Watch, 39 x 23 M.M. 18k Rose Gold case, mechanical movement, Black dial with raised Gold markers, newer Hirsch Black Croc...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18k Yellow Gold Custom Diamond Dial Bezel Ladies Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Custom Diamond dial and bezel. Comes with the gift box. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69173 Type: Wristwatch Department: Women Sty...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies Art Deco Rare 14Kt Two-Tone Gold Bracelet Watch, circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 3285 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Two-Tone Yellow & Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 25mm Len...
Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe 3322 Ladies Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Patek Philippe Reference 3322 Wrist Watch. 16 x 20 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case with hand Texturing, 20 Jewel Mechanical, manual wind Nickle lever movement, Patek Ph...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Louis Cartier Classic Tank, Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Cartier, Louis Cartier, Classic Tank Wrist Watch, 24 X 18 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, quartz movement, white dial with Black Roman numerals, Sapphire crown. 1/2 in...
18k 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.
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.