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...
Rolex Gold Top Tropical Series Steel Back Early Ladies Perpetual from 1947
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
Top with Steel Back CIRCA / YEAR: 1947 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 29mm x Diameter 24mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 17 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Black with Gold Numbers / Gil...
1947 Vintage Rolex Speedking Stainless Steel with Rare Pink Gold Arabic Dial!
By Rolex
Located in Warrington, PA
On September 4th 1935, wearing a Rolex watch, this “king of speed” set a land speed record over 300 miles per hour.
Stainless Steel
1947 Rolex Precision Vintage Mens "Jumbo" Watch - 14K Gold & Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1st...
14k Gold, 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...
Rolex Steel Mid-Size Oyster with Original Dial and Early Crown from 1947 or 1948
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Mid Size Oyster Speedking Style / Ref. 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1947-48 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 35mm X ...
Rolex 18 Karat Gold Early Ovetone Wristwatch from 1946 or 1947 with Rare Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Ovesized "Ovetone" Big Egg / Ref. 6305 METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1946-47 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 41mm x 36mm M...
1947 Rolex Oyster Royal 4444 Stainless Steel Men's Watch Hand-Winding
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1947 Rolex Oyster Royal Men's Watch Model: 4444 Serial: 591784 This authentic Rolex watch is hand winding Set in stainless steel with a white dial Gold markers and hands 30mm c...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Rose Gold and Steel Art Deco Watch from 1947
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: / Art Deco Tropical / Reference 4327 METAL / MATERIAL: Rose Gold Top Steel Back CIRCA / YEAR: 1947 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 29mm Len...
Gold
Rolex Steel Watch with Original Dial from 1947 Great Birthday Gift
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: 3/4 Size / Ref. 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1947 - 48 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 35mm X 30mm MOVEMENT / CALIB...
Vintage Rolex Precision Reference 4061 Stainless Steel Watch, 1947
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1947 Vintage Rolex Precision Ref. 4061 Stainless Steel watch with Original Two Tone Silver and Brown Dial with Applied Steel Arabic 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 with Stick/Bar/Baton Marker...
Rolex Pink gold Bubbleback self winding wristwatch ref 3372, circa 1947
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A Christmas present from 69 years ago, could be a Christmas present again! Rolex 14K PG Bubbleback ref 3372 serial # 495,xxx circa 1947.
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Pink Gold Bubbleback ref# 3131 circa 1947
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex 14K PG Bubbleback ref # 3131 circa 1947, 31mm diameter 3 piece Oyster case, Beautifully restored antique salmon dial with antique patina'd luminous indexes and mercedes hands. ...
18k Gold
Rolex Gold Athlete "Empire" ref. 3548 circa 1947
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare Rolex 18K PG automatic "Empire" model ref# 3548 circa 1947. Large drum shaped case with heavy extended lugs, screw down period crown and caseback, with beautiful presumably olde...
18k Gold
Rare Rolex Gold Automatic "Empire" model ref# 3548 circa 1947
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare Rolex 18K PG automatic "Empire" model ref# 3548 circa 1947. Large drum shaped case with heavy extended lugs, screw down period crown and caseback, with beautiful presumably olde...
18k Gold
Rare Rolex 18K PG automatic "Empire" model ref# 3548 circa 1947
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare Rolex 18K PG automatic "Empire" model ref# 3548 circa 1947. Large drum shaped case with heavy extended lugs, screw down period crown and caseback, with beautiful presumably olde...
18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century all original, 1951 Rolex stainless steel oyster date precision wristwatch. Red date wheel. Original ruby steel riveted oyster band. Unpolished, minor scratches to case an...
Steel, Stainless 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 / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 33mm CIRCA: 1951 MOVEM...
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 Rare 1942 Bubble Back Ladies Steel Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1942 Rolex Ladies Reference 3869 Bubble Back Wrist Watch, 24 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece Oyster case, original and unpolished, original Oyster Crown. Automatic, self winding ...
Steel
Rolex Ref 6426 Classic 1950s Steel Manual wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1959 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster Case, 17 Jewel Caliber 1210 Manual Wind Nickle Lever Movement, Beautiful Original Mint Condition S...
Steel
Vintage 1940s Bubbleback Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14k Gold 32mm Watch Ref. 3372
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case Material: Solid 14k Rosy Yellow Gold Weight: 48.1 Grams (case and strap) Case Size (Diameter): 32mm (not includ...
14k Gold
Rolex Steel Early Speedking with Original Dial from 1941 or 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 3373 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 36mm X Diameter 30mm CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 / 1942...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Speed King with Rare Original Waffle Dial from 1954
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Speed King / Reference 6221 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm x Diam...
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 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 Watch. Rolex ref. 6144 1950s Stainless Steel Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Just underwent Full Service - New mainspring. Ready To go. Stainless Steel Gold plated. Some is wearing off. ref.6144 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950 with Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold / Set with Vintage Rose Cut Stones .75Cts. CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZ...
18k Gold
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 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...
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 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
Omega Choreograph Vintage 18k gold wrist watch cal.33.3 1950
By Omega
Located in Berlin, BE
Handaufzugs omega uhr in 18k gelbgold mit lederband und orginaler omega dornschließe cal.33,3 plexiglas uhr weisst leichte gebrauchspuren
18k Gold
Cartier Tank 1710 Américaine Diamond Bezel Quartz 18K Gold Watch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier Tank Américaine watch with diamond bezel and bracelet in 18K yellow gold, featuring a rectangular 19 x 34.5mm case and quartz movement. Designed with timeless Roman numerals ...
18k Gold
Patek Philippe Calatrava Vintage Ref 2545 Yellow Gold Mechanical Wristwatch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 2545, 32 M.M. 18K yellow Gold 2 piece case with Water Proof Back, 18 Jewel, Caliber 12-400 Mechanical, Manual wind nickle Lever moveme...
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dark Blue Sunburst Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Date / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter ...
Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch. Ladies ROLEX 6623 Automatic Wristwatch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1969. 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6623. Beautiful Watch. 25mm case New Leather Black Band. Condition: ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
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 with Machined Bezel, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 34 mm M...
Patek Philippe for Shreve Crump & Low Platinum Diamond 1920s Ladies Wrist Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Patek Philippe Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch retailed by Shreve Crump & Low, 24 X 13 M.M. Platinum case set with Old cut Diamonds. Hand Engraved design work on the case sid...
Diamond, Platinum
Vacheron Constantin Platinum and Diamond Dress Watch with Ceylon Sapphires, 1920
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Vacheron Constantin for Merimont STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum Diamond Sapphires CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
$14,460
H 0.35 in Dm 1.34 in
Vacheron Constantin Vintage Watch 1956 Fancy Lugs and Swan Regulation, Pink Gold
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vacheron Constantin Vintage 1956 with Fancy Lugs and Swan Regulation, Pink Gold A very fine and elegant Vacheron Constantin to fit in every High Valued collection. Functions: hours...
18k Gold, Gold
Ladies Omega 14K Yellow Gold Automatic Watch with Mesh Band and Gold Dial
By Omega
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Ladies Omega Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Automatic Watch with Mesh Band and Gold Dial. (Pre-Owned) Pre-Owned Brand: Omega. Gender: Ladies. Dial Color: Gold. Case Back: Solid. Band Type: ...
Yellow Gold
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Wristwatch in Rose Gold
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in New York, NY
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso 260.2.86 wristwatch exudes a distinct charm with its polished 18k rose gold case and silvered dial. It features a slim, reversible rectangular case measu...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Kaki leather mini Timeless bag CHANEL
By Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Kaki leather mini Timeless bag . SIZE 20cm X 12cm X 6cm Chain lenght = 125cm One flat pocket on the back of the bag. 2 inside pocket ( one with zip closure) Kaki leather lining. Aut...
Vintage Dark Brown Exotic Leather Handle Bag
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Exquisite rare vintage kelly style handbag made of quality exotic leather with gold hardware. We offer more exclusive items, view our frontstore It's in preloved vintage condition ...
Chopard 18k White Gold Opal and Diamond Lady’s Watch
By Chopard
Located in beverly hills, CA
This unique vintage Chopard ladies wristwatch features an elegant opal dial on a textured gold bracelet, crafted entirely in 18k white gold. The timeless timepiece is adorned with a...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Exclusive Black Exotic Leather Kelly Style Handbag
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This vintage "Hermes look" bag is made of glossy quality exotic leather. The interior is leather and has 3 compartments, 1 with a inside closure. Gold hardware In preloved condition ...
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.