Rolex Stainless Steel Original Dial Bubble Back circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: "Bubble Back" / Oyster Perpetual METAL
Category
Rolex Stainless Back Steel
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
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex Stainless Steel "Bubble Back' with Original Dial from 1946 or 47
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 3372 METAL
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 32MM 3372 Brown Bubble Back Steel Automatic Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Men's Metal Type: Stainless Steel Diameter: 32.00 mm Weight: 44.38 grams
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Collectors Hooded Bubble Back, 1st Rolex Automatic, 1940 s, Reference 2940
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rolex Collectors Hooded Bubble Back 1940s, very rare & collectible Rolex. First Rolex Automatic
Category
20th Century Swiss Artisan Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1948 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Watch Ref 6050
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual dates to 1948 and is crafted in stainless steel, bearing the
Category
Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Bubble Back S.S., Circa 1948
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Movement: Manual Case: Stainless Case Size: 32.5mm Strap / Band: Rolex Stainless Steel Folded Link Band
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ref 6084 Oyster Perpetual 1950s Mens 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. Acrylic crystal. Original Rolex crown. Smooth bezel on stainless steel case measuring 34mm, case in
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 Mens 1950s 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
look. Acrylic crystal. Original Rolex crown. Smooth bezel on stainless steel case measuring 34mm, case
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 Mens 1950s 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. Acrylic crystal. Original Rolex crown. Smooth bezel on stainless steel case measuring 34mm, case in
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 6098 Mens 1950s 36mm Automatic Bubble Back RA712
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
vintage look. Acrylic crystal. Original Rolex crown. Smooth bezel on stainless steel case measuring 36mm
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex 5015 Oyster Perpetual 14k SS Mens 1940s 32mm Bubble Back Automatic RA690B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, timeless classic Rolex 14k gold and stainless steel Oyster Perpetual 5015 Bubble Back
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5015 14k SS Mens 1940s 32mm Bubble Back Automatic RA690
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, timeless classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref 5015 Bubble Back Automatic with 14k solid gold
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steve McQueen Explorer II #1655 Straight Hand Steel Automatic Watch, 1971
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: Explorer II * UNPOLISHED* Year: 1971 Serial number: 327xxxxx Reference
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Royalite Watch 2280 Circa 1939
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale. This model was made with stainless steel
Category
Vintage 1930s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Blue Cosmograph Ref. #6239, Circa 1966
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
mechanical, 17 Jewels Movement: Valjoux Case: Stainless Steel – Screw down case back Case Size: 37mm
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Recent Sales
Rolex Bubble Back 31mm 2940
Unavailable
Rolex Bubble Back 31mm 2940
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
. Certified preowned Rolex Bubble Back 2940 watch is made out of Stainless steel on a Black Crocodile strap
Category
Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble Back Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
mm Case Size: 32mm Box and Papers: Box Only Movement: Automatic Case: Stainless Steel Dial: White
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Wristwatch Ref 6332
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: 6332 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Oyster Perpetual
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex 33mm Stainless Steel Step Dial Bubble Back Wrist Watch Ref. 6332
Sold
H 1.66 in Dm 1.3 in
Vintage Rolex 33mm Stainless Steel Step Dial Bubble Back Wrist Watch Ref. 6332
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Movement Serial Number: 95511 Circa: 1953 Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 33mm Strap
Category
Antique 19th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Back and Gold Top Hallmark Logo Presentation Wristwatch circa 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
watches, there is a collectable element to add to the overall charm. This watch is stainless steel, capped
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold
Rolex Watch Company Stainless Steel Gold Bezel Bubble Back Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / 3133 / Oyster Perpetual
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex Gilt and Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch with Custom-Colored Dial
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex gilt top and stainless steel back wristwatch, Ref. 1024, circa 1959, 26-jewel wristwatch with
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Gilt Metal, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Non-Date 4 Liner 14060M Circa 2006 with Rolex Box and Booklets
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Movement: Automatic Case: Stainless Steel – Screw down case back Bracelet: Stainless Steel Bracelet with
Category
Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Chronometer California Dial
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
ROLEX REF. 3458 BUBBLE BACK.STAINLESS STEEL BEAUTIFULL PATINA Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Chronometer
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble-Back, Oyster Perpetual, Chronometer, Ref. 2940
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
, self-winding, waterresistant, stainless steel wristwatch. Case two-body, polished and brushed, screwed
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Model 5050 Perpetual Bubble Back Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Rolex Model 5050 Perpetual Bubble Back Stainless Steel Men's Wrist Watch. Post WWII style and in
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Pink Gold & Stainless Steel Rolex Chronometre Bubble Back Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
14 Kt Pink Gold & Stainless Steel Rolex Chronometre Bubble Back, Mercedes Hands, Automatic
Category
20th Century Swiss Artisan Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Perpetual Original Dial Bubble Back Watch, 1953 / 1954
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
/ MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: 39mm X 33mm CIRCA: 1953 / 54 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Ladies "Bubble Back" with Custom Mother of Pearl Dial 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 6006 METAL
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Bubble Back Perpetual Winding Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Romabic METAL / MATERIAL
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex Rose Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Strap Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex bubble back 1944 with deep pink, almost red, gold bezel and beautiful black dial with mixed
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Sub Seconds Bubble Back Watch, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / "Bubble Back" METAL
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Wristwatch Ref 2764
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual, Ref. 2764 MOVEMENT
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex Watch Company Rose Gold Stainless Steel Bubble Back Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
: Solid Rose Gold Bezel and Case / Stainless Steel Back CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Oyster
Category
Antique Early 1900s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble Back Rare Sector Dial Perpetual Winding Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Bubble Back METAL
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Bubble Back Oyster Perpetual Watch, 1950
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
/ MATERIAL: Two Tone / 14Kt. & Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: 39mm X 34mm CIRCA: 1950/51 MOVEMENT / CALIBER
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex Stainless Steel with Rare Full Size Bubble Back Movement from 1951 or 1952
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
/ MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1951 / 1952 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm X 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Rolex 1950s Bubble Back Oyster Perpetual
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exciting!! Vintage Rolex bubble back This watch, a Reference 6084 Oyster Perpetual dates
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Aesthetic Movement Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1941 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Ref. 3869 – Automatic
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
: Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Reference: 3869 Year: Circa 1941 Case: 24mm Stainless
Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Tudor Stainless Steel Victory Original Dial Screw Back Manual Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tudor Watch Company by Rolex STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Screw Back METAL
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex "Bubble Back" Stainless Steel 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rolex oyster perpetual chronometer "Bubble Back" in stainless steel. This has an original silvered
Category
Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Bubble Back Wristwatch Ref 5009
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Model: Bubble Back Ref.:5009 Metal: Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Year: circa
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Bubble Back Original California dial Stainless steel 1941
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex bubble back in stainless steel with an Original California dial. Circa 1941. Very early
Category
Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex Rose Gold Top Steel Back Tropical Bubbleback Wristwatch circa 1944
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex rose gold top and stainless back Bubbleback Wristwatch, Ref. 3696, circa 1944. 32mm diameter
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Rose Gold Top Bubbleback circa 1940s.
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Pink Gold top, Stainless Steel back Bubbleback circa 1940's. Beautiful condition case with
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Early 1930s Rolex Bubble Back Stainless Steel with Sweep Seconds Watch
By Rolex
Located in Carlisle, GB
This early and rare Pre-own Manual winding Rolex Watch is working and it is running well. The dial
Category
Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
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$21,500
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By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
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Category
Vintage 1970s French Modernist Wrist Watches
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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1550 34mm Champagne Dial 14k Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1550 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Case Material: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Steel Band: Custom Leather Strap Bezel: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Ste...
Category
Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Patek Philippe Calatrava Yellow Gold Wristwatch Ref. 2452J
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
A vintage manual wind Patek Philippe watch from the Calatrava collection, featuring a 35 mm case diameter with a silver white dial and gold hour markers, a seconds subdial on the 6 o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bucherer Chronograph Hand Wind Men's Watch Lemania 1280
By Bucherer
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Bucherer stainless steel chronograph hand-wind men's watch is a standout piece that blends mid-century Swiss craftsmanship with bold, functional design. Encased in durab...
Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 35mm 14k Gold SS Mens 1970s Automatic RA624B
$5,360Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.38 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 35mm 14k Gold SS Mens 1970s Automatic RA624B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's 14k and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1974, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeou...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with A Custom Finished Mint Green Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1500's METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Di...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA551
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust diamond dial automatic, c.1987, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master...
Category
Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1960s Retro Omega De Ville 18 Karat Gold Men's Watch
By Omega
Located in Poitiers, FR
Omega De Ville men's watch. Square case in 18 karats yellow gold, owl hallmark. Total length: 20.5 cm, width of the bracelet: 2.2 cm to 0.6 cm, Case: Side: 2.8 cm, thickness: 5.8 mm...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Original Dial with Gilt Markers 1970s
$4,500
H 1.38 in W 1.66 in
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Original Dial with Gilt Markers 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diame...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
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...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made Sage Green Dial 1960s or 70s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diame...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Rolex vintage Oysterdate Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1967 Rolex Oyster Date Reference 6694 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1225 17 Jewel manual Wind, Nickle Lever movement. Custom Refinished "Cal...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 1992 18K Gold - 16518
By Rolex
Located in Vannes, FR
The Rolex Daytona chronograph in 18K yellow gold, manufactured in 1992, is an exceptional timepiece that combines timeless elegance with technical excellence. This iconic model, refe...
Category
20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
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...
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Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
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Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty
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Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date President Model Number: 1803 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Date: 1964 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Aftermarket Champagne Diamond Metal Con...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
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Rolex 9Kt Solid Gold Two Tone Prince with Kiln Fired Enamel Printing 1938
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince / Reference 971 METAL / MATERIAL: 9Kt Two Tone Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1938 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Width 26m...
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Rolex Stainless Back Steel For Sale on 1stDibs
On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate rolex stainless back steel for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Stainless Steel, Gold and Steel — can elevate any look. Finding the perfect rolex stainless back steel may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 20th Century. Creating a rolex stainless back steel has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Rolex are consistently popular. There aren’t many items for women if you’re seeking a rolex stainless back steel, as most of the options available are for men and unisex.
How Much is a Rolex Stainless Back Steel?
Prices for a rolex stainless back steel can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $2,128 and can go as high as $7,236, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,900.
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.
Questions About Rolex
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021An 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The popular Rolex Oyster Perpetual is usually between $5,900 and $6,600 in price.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Because 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The 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?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To 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?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Depending 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A 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?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Rolex 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?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024Yes, 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?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, 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?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To 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?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021While 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The 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?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Rolex 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021One 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A contemporary Rolex Yacht Master costs around $11,000. However, a vintage model can cost up to $30,000.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The 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.
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