Rolex Steel Early Oyster with Original Super Oyster Crown circa 1952-53
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6084 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Two tone Oyster Semi Bubbleback Super patina Dial reference 6286
By Rolex
Located in MADRID, ES
This is a collector piece from the 1950s. A Rolex Oyster Semi Bubbleback Super patina Dial, case in
Gold, Steel
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
Rolex Steel Rare Super Oyster Model with Original Dial from the Mid 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
of Rolex is fitted with its original experimental crown which was called the "Super Oyster." It does
ROLEX Super Rare Oyster Perpetual with Black Honeycomb Dial
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This is why we love vintage Rolex! Perhaps only a collector will truly appreciate all the unique
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Rare Model with Machined Bezel Super Oyster, circa 1951 or 1952
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Ref. 6107 METAL
Rolex Super Precision Explorer Vintage 36mm 5504
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Super Precision Explorer reference 5504 dating from the late 1950s. Known
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel with Rare Full Size Bubble Back Movement from 1951 or 1952
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Super Oyster / 6084 METAL
Rolex 14K YG Bombe" model circa 1953
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
character has sunken gilted numbers, and matching baseball bat shaped luminous hands. Rolex Super Oyster
Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Ref 6084, 14K gold case
By Rolex
Located in Sežana, SI
Indices 31mm Diameter Case, Excluding the Rolex Super Oyster Screw-Down Crown Smooth Bezel, Case Body and
Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex 18K YG Ovetone so called big bubbleback ref 6105 c 1950s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
/> movement with sweep seconds and date.. With Rolex Super Oyster crown. Fitted with correct non
18k Gold
1952 Rolex Precision Model 6044 “Royal” Oyster
By Rolex
Located in Raleigh, NC
crown, signed “Rolex Super Oyster” on its flat outer surface. A full detailed dissection of the Super
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Air King “Super Precision” Ref 5504, circa 1959
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
applied silver indexes and tapered silver, lume filled hands. Dial signed Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer 5504 Super Precision Automatic Men's Vintage Watch, circa 1958
By Rolex
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A rare, stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Super Precision Explorer vintage gents wristwatch
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Daytona ref 6265
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
desirable model. Fitted with Rolex SS heavy Oyster bracelet. Super clean example. (additional scans on
Rolex Steel Daytona Ref. 6265 w/Screw-Down Pushers Rare!
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
black registers and Daytona printed in red. With Rolex SS heavy Oyster bracelet. Super sharp condition
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Salmon Dial Self winding Wristwatch, circa 1999
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
calibre 3135 quickset movement with date and sweep seconds. Rolex SS heavy Oyster bracelet. Super clean
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...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Paris Centure Collection Wrist Watch, 18k Yellow Gold 27 X 27 M.M. 2 Piece stepped case. 17 jewel mechanical, manual wind movement. White Dial with Black Roman nu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe 18kt. Rose Gold Late Art Deco Round Original Dial from 1940s
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe et Cie. STYLE / REFERENCE: Round Art Deco / Reference 2494 METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 41 Length X 33 D...
Cartier 3930 Drive De Cartier 2012 Stainless Steel 41mm Leather Men Watch MINT
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Understated elegance meets refined craftsmanship in the Cartier Drive de Cartier Ref. 3930—a timepiece designed for the discerning gentleman. Featuring a polished 41mm stainless stee...
Steel, Stainless 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 Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 32mm CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perp...
Rolex 14Kt. Solid Gold O.P Date Lady's Watch With Custom Diamond Dial and Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1503 METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X ...
Gold
Rolex Two-Tone Datejust with Factory Original, Dial, Box and Papers circa 2000's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two-tone CIRCA / YEAR: 2000's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm MOVEM...
Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold Strap Model Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Rolex Wrist Watch, 33 M.M. 14K 2 piece case, 9 M.M. thick, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle lever movement, 2 tone Silver Satin Pie pan dial with raised Gold marke...
14k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Orange Diamond Dial Watch, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: 1970's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Oyster Perpetual / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HAND...
Vintage Rolex Ref 2387, 9K Yellow Gold Tonneau with Art Deco Dial, H/M UK 1930
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our wonderful vintage Rolex features a 9k yellow gold stepped tonneau shaped case with manual wind 15 jewel movement. Notably, this example has a very attractive art deco style dial ...
Historical Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Big Red 6263 steel 1979
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
First launched in 1963 and created specifically for the world of automotive racing, the Rolex Daytona collection is arguably one of the most popular and universally respected lines o...
Steel
Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
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...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,400
H 1.66 in W 1.42 in
Men's Vintage International IWC 36mm 18k Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch Cal. 89
By IWC
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: International Watch Co. (IWC) Movement: Mechanical - Hand Winding - Swiss-made Caliber No.: 89 Case Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Case Height: 42mm (Lug to lug) Case W...
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...
Gold
Cartier Ballon Bleu Moonphase 37mm Automatic Watch Box Papers WSBB0021
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
iturn0image0The Cartier Ballon Bleu Moonphase 37mm (reference WSBB0021) is a refined timepiece that exemplifies Cartier's commitment to blending classic design with sophisticated ...
Stainless Steel
Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Gold Dress Watch with Original Dial and Bracelet 1960
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe & Cie. STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch / Reference 3426/3 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 32mm MOVE...
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.
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.