Rolex DateJust ref 16000 S/Steel 36mm Case, 18K Gold Rolex Bezel, Crystal, Crown
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Rolex DateJust ref 16000 Stainless Steel 36mm Case + Original 18K White Gold Fluted/ Bark Bezel Original Crystal Original Crown w Rolex logo Serial number 987XXXX, corresponding ...
Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
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 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 / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1952-53 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Di...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Small Crown Gilt Black Dial 6205 Steel Automatic Watch 1954
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 6205 Year: 1954 Serial number: 21xxx Reference: OT1504 Model 6204 as the first small crown submariner produced in 1953, guarantee depth rate 100 meters. ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master Vintage Black Gilt Dial Pepsi Bezel Pointed Crown Guard 1675
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master Vintage Men's Wristwatch, black gilt dial with hour markers, date at 3 0'clock, a stainless steel bi-directional rotating bezel with a r...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 5015 Oyster Perpetual 14k SS Mens 1940s 32mm Bubble Back Automatic RA690B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Original Rolex crown. Swiss Rolex COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition.
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
Original Rolex crown. Swiss Rolex COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition.
Gold, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Precision Ref 4431 18k Rose Gold Mens 1940s 33mm Manual Wind RA689
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Acrylic crystal. 18k solid rose gold case measuring 33mm, case in pristine vintage condition. Original Rolex crown. Swiss Rolex manual wind mechanical movement, cleaned and serviced,...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Big Crown T Swiss 25 Submariner Wristwatch Ref 5510
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Offering an incredible look, with a “T Swiss 25” dial with all silver printing, this is a special example of Rolex’s famed Submariner.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Crown Rose Gold Cufflinks A1015
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A pair of elegant 18k rose gold cufflinks by Rolex. Each cufflink comprises of a rose gold crown motif and a smaller rose gold disc with an embossed Rolex crown, joined together by a...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex 69038 Datejust Crown Collection Ladies Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex MPN: 69038 Model: Datejust Case Material: 18k yellow gold Case Diameter: 26mm Crystal: Scratch resistant sapphire Bezel: Round shape diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold...
Rolex #5512 with Gilt Underline Dial & Pointy Crown Guards
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
“This is a very special watch”- Josh Bonifas… Gilt dial Submariners are leading the popularity charge among vintage Rolex sport models and this piece offers plenty of conversation po...
Stainless Steel
Rare “Crown Logo” Crystal Vintage Rolex Day-Date Ref. #18038
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This 18 karat yellow gold single quick Day-Date is noted for a component rarely celebrated among collectors: its crystal. In addition to the beautiful vintage condition of the watch,...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel "No Crown Guard" Submariner Wristwatch Ref 5508
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This piece offers great value for a rare early reference, particularly when compared to the price of track ring dial 5512- or 5513s. Note the exceptional glossiness of the dial. The ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold No Crown Guard GMT-Master Wristwatch Ref 1675
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An early and rare-to-find “no crown guard” Rolex GMT in 18k yellow gold. This would have been among the first #1675s produced after production of the #6542 ceased. The rarity and col...
18k Gold
Rolex Ladies Crown Collection 69238 President Datejust Watch - 18K Gold, Diamond
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
Detailed Appraisal: Country of origin: Switzerland Maker: Rolex Model: Ref. 69238, Lady "Crown Collection" President Serial no.: N153,626 Year made: c. 1991 Functions: Hours, ...
18k Gold
Rolex Rare Stainless Steel " James Bond " Small Crown Submariner Ref. 6536 / 1
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Rare Stainless Steel " James Bond " Small Crown Submariner Ref. 6536 / 1 - Manual winding. Stainless steel case (36 mm), three body, screw back. Dial is black lacquer, with lu...
Rolex Rare Stainless Steel " James Bond " Small Crown Submariner Ref. 6536 / 1
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Rare Stainless Steel " James Bond " Small Crown Submariner Ref. 6536 / 1 - Manual winding. Stainless steel case (36 mm), three body, screw back. Dial is black lacquer, with lu...
Rolex Rare Stainless Steel " James Bond " Small Crown Submariner Ref. 6536 / 1
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Rare Stainless Steel " James Bond " Small Crown Submariner Ref. 6536 / 1 - Manual winding. Stainless steel case (36 mm), three body, screw back. Dial is black lacquer, with lu...
Rolex Rare Men's Midsize Oyster 6244 Manual Hand-Wind circa 1953 Swiss LV570
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Solid stainless steel case measuring 31mm wide, in excellent condition. Original screw-down Rolex crown. 15-jeweled Swiss Rolex manual hand-wind mechanical movement, cleaned and serv...
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner 4 Line Ghost Dial Big Crown Wristwatch Ref 6538
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A collectable example of the world’s most iconic watch, this “Big Crown” Submariner ref. #6538 is offered in original 1950s condition and at an attractive price for this rare model. ...
Stainless Steel
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 Yellow Gold Oyster Octagonal Original Oversized Crown Manual Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Octagon / English Patents METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: 40mm X 32mm CIRCA: 1935 / 1936 MOVEMENT ...
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 Crown Collection Presidential Ladies Yellow Gold and Diamonds Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
1988 Rolex Crown Collection, Presidential model Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 3 piece water resistant Oyster case. Factory original Diamond bezel totaling approximately...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies President 69138 Crown Collection Original Diamond Dial and Bezel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69138 Serial: E927*** Model: President Crown Collection Case: 18K Yellow Gold Band:...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Crown Collection Ladies Datejust President 18 Karat Gold Diamond 69238
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to offer this Rare 1993 Rolex Crown Collection Ladies Datejust President 69238. This very rare version of the classic Rolex ladies 26mm watch features a solid 18k Yell...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel and Gold Perpetual from 1952 with an Original Dial, Hands and Crown
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 6104 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1952 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Le...
1980s Orange Onyx Ashtray by Rolex, with Rolex Crown in Brass
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s Orange Onyx Ashtray by Rolex, with Rolex Crown in Brass.
Onyx
Rolex Ref 5030 Datejust 18k Gold Mens 1940s 36mm Rare Vintage Automatic RA700B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Acrylic crystal. 18k solid gold case measuring 36mm, case in pristine vintage condition. Original Rolex crown. Swiss Rolex COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner "Small Crown James Bond" Wristwatch Ref 6536
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This week we were lucky enough to find the elusive Rolex Submariner reference 6536, an extremely rare James Bond variation. It is said approximately 100 pieces were produced and only...
Stainless Steel
Rolex SS Submariner James Bond "Big Crown" No Crown Guards Model
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS Submariner James Bond "Big Crown" no crown guards model ref # 6538 circa 1958. Beautiful glossy black patina'd dial with gilt printing. Matching gilt Mercedes hands. Origina...
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Ref 5512 Pointy Crown Guards
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Submariner wristwatch, Ref. 5512, Officially Certified Chronometer, serial number 661,XXX, circa 1961. With pointy crown guard case, matte black original dial w...
Rolex GMT "No Crown Guard" ref. 6542 c. 1959
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS GMT ref # 6542 no crown case serial #183,xxx circa 1959 with beautiful original gilt print inner minute track dial with patina'd lumionus indexes with gilt printed surrounds...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel GMT-Master Ref 6542 with No Crown Guards
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel GMT-Master, Ref. 6542, second generation early no-crown-guard model with original metal bezel and faded red and blue aluminum insert.
Rolex Steel GMT ref 1675 pointy crown guard c. 1963
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex SS GMT ref 1675 pointy crown guard case with original aged gilt inner minute track SWISS signed dial with exclamation point circa 1963.
Stainless Steel
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.