Rolex Steel Early Oyster with Original Super Oyster Crown circa 1952-53
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a rare model with an original Super Oyster Crown. This was an experimental design by Rolex.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oysterdate with Rare Super Oyster Crown, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
Uniquely it still has an original "Super Oyster" crown. This means you do not need to unscrew it for winding.
Rolex "Carbonized" Oyster Perpetual Black Dial and Super Oyster Crown, 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6084 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1950 / 51 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X D...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 14K YG Bombe" model circa 1953
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Unusual dial with rich character has sunken gilted numbers, and matching baseball bat shaped luminous hands. Rolex Super Oyster crown. A great example of a an early Bombe model
Rolex 18K YG Ovetone so called big bubbleback ref 6105 c 1950s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
With Rolex Super Oyster crown. Fitted with correct non cyclops magnifying crystal.
18k Gold
1952 Rolex Precision Model 6044 “Royal” Oyster
By Rolex
Located in Raleigh, NC
Rolex Oyster cased watches normally have a screw down crown, but in the early fifties Rolex used a non screw down crown called the Super Oyster.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Ref 6084, 14K gold case
By Rolex
Located in Sežana, SI
Original, Untouched and Unrestored Dial with ‘Lance’ Hands and ‘Daggerhead’ Hour Indices 31mm Diameter Case, Excluding the Rolex Super Oyster Screw-Down Crown Smooth Bezel, Case Body...
Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Raleigh with Original Patinated Dial 1930's Oyster
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Tudor STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Raleigh / Reference 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diameter 29mm M...
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Brushed Dial & Solid Link Bracelet 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: Mid-1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diame...
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 Stanless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Dial from 1957
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual .Date / Reference 6534 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
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 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...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Factory Original "Deep Sea" Dial 1956
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Deep Sea" / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1956 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34...
Stainless Steel
$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...
$5,592Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.38 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 Mens Automatic 1960s All Original RA675
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.1501 Men's automatic, c.1963, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Vintage Patinated 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 42mm X Diameter 3...
Tudor by Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster with Original Patinated Dial, circa 1960's
By Tudor
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tudor Watch Company, by Rolex STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Prince METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 39mm X Diameter 31mm CIRCA: 1950's / 60's MOVEME...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1501 All Original circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking Original Dial Manual Watch, circa 1952
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: 3/4 Size Precision / Oyster Speedking METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: 1953 DIMENSIONS: Length 36mm X Diameter 30mm M...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Patinated Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
Universal Geneve Stainless Steel Uni Compax Chronograph circa 1940s
By Universal Genève
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Universal Geneve Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Uni Compax 2 Register Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Stainless Steel
Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch, circa 1940's Luminous Original Dial
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Round Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diameter 2...
Gold-filled
$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...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Black Dial, circa 1970s
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
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
$6,500
H 1.74 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Early Datejust Perpetual Wind Watch, 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6105 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm CIRC...
Yellow Gold, 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...
Piaget 18Kt. Solid Gold Automatic Micro Rotor and Original Strap and Buckle 1970
By Piaget
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Piaget Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Automatic / Reference 12447 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 3...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Yellow 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 43mm X Diameter 3...
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
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Modernist Watch circa 1948 with High Grade Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Moderist / Reference 8143 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold & Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm "Lug ...
Gold, Platinum
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
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 2280 SS 30mm 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Royal 2280 Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1939 Beautiful Watch. Generic Stainless Steel Bracelet (not original Rolex). 30mm round c...
Stainless Steel
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...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 mm 1501 Silver Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in istanbul, TR
Classic but at the same time suitable for any occasion, the Rolex Oyster Date ref. 1501 can be worn on a daily basis and despite being a vintage watch, it has an elegant and modern l...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Cellini Series Ladies Watch in Original Condition 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cellini / Reference 4081 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 29mm X Diamet...
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.