Rolex Vintage Explorer Precision 6298
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 36mm stainless steel Explorer Precision by Rolex. Features a black refinished dial with
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Explorer 5504 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm Explorer crafted in stainless steel by Rolex. Features a matte black dial with arabic
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer Precision Vintage Steel 6352
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 36mm stainless steel Explorer Precision by Rolex. Features a black dial with applied hour
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Explorer Honeycomb Dial 6298
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 36mm stainless steel Rolex Explorer. Features a silver "honeycomb" dial with applied hour
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Explorer Super Precision Underline Dial 5500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Explorer in stainless steel. Featuring a black gilt dial with arabic numbers, a
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Explorer II Spider Rail Dial 16550
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A striking Explorer II by Rolex, featuring an extremely rare and sought-after "rail" dial with a
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex 1655 Explorer Steve McQueen STRAIGHT HAND 1972 UNPOLISHED
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1655 Serial: 3039*** Year: 1972 Model: Rolex Explorer "Steve McQueen" Straight Hand
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Explorer II Steve McQueen Albino Mark II Dial 1655
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Steve Mcqueen Rolex Explorer II labelled the albino. Hard to come by, the orange 24-hour
Stainless Steel
1962 Rolex Explorer Ref. 5501 Vintage Mens Watch - Stainless Steel & 14K Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1962 ROLEX EXPLORER Ref. 5501 Vintage Mens Watch - Stainless Steel & 14K Gold Rare Explorer
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
1984 Rolex Explorer II 16550 Spider Rail Dial Men's Watch #23711
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1984 Rolex Explorer II Men's Watch Model: 16550 Serial: 8584581 This vintage Rolex Explorer II
Steel
Rolex Submariner Glossy Gilt Explorer Dial 5513 Steel Automatic Watch, 1964
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 5513 Year: 1964 Serial number: 11xxxxx Reference: C03610 Many have
Steel, 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 Year: 1971 Serial number: 327xxxxx Reference: #1655 Case
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II Steel No Holes Case GMT Automatic Mens Watch 16570
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Style Luxury Model Rolex Explorer 16570 Vintage No Year Manufactured 2005 Customized No Handedness Right
Rolex Explorer II Steel No Holes Case GMT Automatic Mens Watch 16570
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
16570 Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Style Luxury Model Rolex Explorer 16570 Vintage No Year
Rolex Explorer II Steel GMT Orange Hand Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 216570
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Style Luxury Model Rolex Explorer 216570 Vintage No Band Color Gray Band Material Stainless Steel
Steel
Rolex Explorer II Steel GMT Orange Hand Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 216570
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Manufacture Switzerland Style Luxury Model Rolex Explorer 216570 Vintage No Band Color Gray Band Material
Rolex Explorer II12600, Dial Certified Authentic
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Explorer II Reference #:16550. Rolex Explorer II 16550 Vintage Mens Automatic Watch White
Unavailable
W 0.79 in D 0.52 in Dm 1.58 in L 7.49 in
Rolex Explorer II 16550 Vintage Spider Rail Dial Automatic Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Explorer II 16550 Vintage Spider Rail Dial Automatic Watch 40MM
Unavailable
W 0.79 in D 0.48 in Dm 1.42 in L 8 in
Rolex Explorer 1016 Vintage Matte Mark1 Dial Automatic Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Explorer 1016 Vintage Matte Mark1 Dial Automatic Mens Watch 36MM
Unavailable
H 0.48 in W 0.71 in Dm 1.42 in L 7.76 in
Rolex Explorer 6610 Oyster Perpetual Vintage Tropical Brown Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Explorer 6610 Oyster Perpetual Vintage Tropical Brown Dial Mens Watch 36MM
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II 16550, White Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Explorer II Reference #:16550. Rolex Explorer II 16550 Men Automatic Vintage Unpolished Rail
Rolex Explorer II 16550, White Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Explorer II Reference #:16550. Rolex Explorer II 16550 Vintage Mens Automatic Watch White
Rolex Explorer Vintage Gents Stainless Steel Tropical Dial 1016
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Explorer Vintage Gents Wristwatch, tropical dial with hour
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Explorer Precision 6298
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 36mm stainless steel Explorer Precision by Rolex. Features a black dial with applied hour
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer 1016 Vintage Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Explorer 1016 Men's Watch. 36mm Stainless Steel case. Stainless Steel Stationary bezel
Rolex Super Precision Explorer Vintage 36mm 5504
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
faithful to its vintage character. Powered by a reliable automatic movement, this vintage Rolex Explorer
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Explorer Men's Steel Watch 1016
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Explorer Men's Steel Watch 1016 - Automatic winding. Stainless steel case (35 mm
Vintage Rolex Explorer Men's Steel Watch 1016
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Explorer Men's Steel Watch 1016 - Automatic winding. Stainless steel case (35 mm
Rolex Explorer Tropical Dial 1016
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm, vintage Rolex Explorer in stainless steel. Featuring a distinctive rare tropical dial with
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer Vintage Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1016
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Explorer Men's Steel Watch Mod. 1016 - Automatic winding. Stainless steel case
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Explorer I Men's Steel Watch Ref. 1016
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Explorer I Men's Steel Watch Ref. 1016 - Automatic winding. Stainless steel case ( 36
Vintage Rolex Explorer II Steve McQueen Straight Hand Watch 1655
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Explorer II Steve McQueen wristwatch by Rolex. Featuring a matte black dial with a date
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage 1016 Explorer Gilt Underline Dial 1963 With Military Inscription
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Vintage 1016 Explorer Gilt Underline Dial 1963 With Military Inscription - Automatic winding
Vintage Rolex Explorer Men's Steel Watch 1016 with 47 Pages of Documentation
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Explorer Men's Steel Watch 1016 with 47 Pages of Documentation - Automatic winding
Vintage Rolex Explorer Men's Steel Watch 1016 with 47 Pages of Documentation
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Explorer Men's Steel Watch 1016 with 47 Pages of Documentation - Automatic winding
Rolex Explorer II Steve McQueen Vintage Stainless Steel Matte Black Dial 1655
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40 mm Stainless Steel Explorer II Steve McQueen Vintage Gents Wristwatch, original matte black
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II 'Orange Hand' Very Collectible "Steve McQueen" Vintage Watch 1
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Explorer II (Orange Hand) Very Collectible "Steve McQueen" Vintage Watch 1655 - Automatic
1962 Rolex Explorer Ref. 5501 Vintage Mens Watch - Stainless Steel & 14K Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1962 ROLEX EXPLORER Ref. 5501 Vintage Mens Watch - Stainless Steel & 14K Gold Rare Explorer Reference
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II Steve McQueen Vintage Stainless Steel Matte Black Dial 1655
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Stainless Steel Explorer II Steve McQueen Vintage Gents Wristwatch, matte black dial with hour
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Explorer Men's Steel Watch Rare Tropical Gilt Dial Mod. 1016
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
dial with Arabic numerals and stick markers. Strap band with stainless steel Rolex buckle. Pre-owned
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer 1 Wristwatch Ref 114270. Stainless Steel, Year 2003.
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our attractive neo vintage Rolex Explorer , also known as Explorer 1, features a 36mm stainless
Rolex Oyster Explorer White Creamy Honeycomb Dial 5501 Steel Manual Watch, 1958
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 5501 Year: 1958 Serial number: 36xxxx Reference: OT1625 Case: 34mm
Steel, Stainless Steel
1963 Rolex Explorer Ref 5500-1002, Cal 1530 Automatic S/Steel Mens' Watch
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
counted with a thin central hand. Signed "Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer, Precision" - being vintage
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Explorer Ref. 1016 Vintage 1964
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016, Vintage 1964 watch. Matte black dial, stainless steel case/bracelet, 36.0
Rolex Explorer I Stainless Steel 1016 Vintage
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Ref: W6178 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Explorer I Model Ref: 1016 Age: 1960's Gender: Mens
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer I Stainless Steel 1016 Vintage
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Ref: W6178 Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Explorer I Model Ref: 1016 Age: 1960's Gender: Mens
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Explorer Reference 5500 Stainless Steel Watch, 1967
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1967 Vintage Rolex Explorer Reference 5500. Original, but restored dial with luminous, markers
Vintage Rolex Explorer Reference 5500 Stainless Steel Watch, 1967
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1967 Vintage Rolex Explorer Reference 5500. Original, but restored dial with luminous, markers
Vintage Rolex Explorer Reference 1016 Stainless Steel Watch, 1964
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1964 Vintage Rolex Explorer Highly Collectible and Desirable Early (2nd Year) Ref. 1016 Stainless
Vintage Rolex 40mm Explorer II Watch Stainless Steel from 1985
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II Watch Reference 16550 From 1985 Stainless Steel 40mm Case
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II 16550 Men's Automatic Vintage Unpolished Rail Spider Dial
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Explorer II 16550 Men Automatic Vintage Unpolished Rail Spider Dial 40mm
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 Explorer II 16550 Vintage Men's Automatic Watch White Dial Patina Index
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Explorer II 16550 Vintage Mens Automatic Watch White Dial Patina Index 40m
Rolex Explorer II GMT Transitional Lemon Cream Dial Vintage Steel Watch 16550
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Explorer II GMT Transitional Lemon Cream Dial Vintage Steel Mens Watch 16550 Box Papers
Steel
Vintage Men's Rolex Explorer I 14270 - Black Tritium Dial, W# Single Buckle
By Rolex
Located in Holtsville, NY
-appropriate changes, adding to the watch's vintage charm. This Rolex Explorer I comes with its original
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II Steve Mcqueen Vintage Steel Mens Watch 1655 Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Explorer II Steve Mcqueen Vintage Steel Mens Watch 1655 Box Papers. Officially certified
Steel
Rolex Explorer II 16570, White Dial, A Series - Vintage Pre-Owned Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in Holtsville, NY
Discover the Rolex Explorer II Model 16570, a masterpiece of precision and durability that embodies
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Retailed by Tiffany & Co, Explorer II "Steve McQueen" Ref. 1655
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
McQueen" Rolex, this vintage 1655 Explorer II is extraordinary. It was produced in 1971 and has aged
Stainless Steel
Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17
By Cartier
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Sold out worldwide with a waitlist extending over a year, this petite timepiece is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Skilfully created in the house's Swiss atelier, it boasts 18-karat ...
Rolex 1960s Oysterdate Precision 6694 Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Oysterdate Precision Reference 6694 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster Case, 17 Jewel Caliber 1225 Manual wind movement, Original Black dial with r...
Steel
$3,896
H 1.23 in Dm 1.03 in
1981 Ladies Stainless Steel Rolex Datejust 26mm Oyster Bracelet Watch Ref. 6718
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous unisex Rolex Datejust is from 1981 and reference 6718. The automatic self-winding movement runs smoothly and keeps accurate time. The watch remains in excellent overall...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Engine Turned Bezel 1957
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6565 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamet...
Stainless Steel
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex DateJust 116234 36 mm Stainless Jubilee Roman Blue Dial 18k Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Rolex DateJust 116234 36 mm Stainless Jubilee Roman Blue Dial 18k White Gold Bezel with Box & Card The watch features a screw-down crown, 18K White Gold fluted bezel, watch comes wi...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
$15,523
H 1.42 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.42 in
NEW Rolex Datejust 36mm 126200 Steel Mint Green Dial Automatic Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with an original box and papers.
Steel
$82,220
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Day-Date 40 Yellow Gold Black Diamond Dial Automatic Mens Watch 228238
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with the original box and papers.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex GMT-Master II 18K Yellow Gold Jubilee Black Dial Men Watch 126718
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with the original box and papers.
Yellow Gold
$68,499
H 1.58 in W 0.44 in Dm 1.58 in
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar 18k White Gold Cream Dial Mens Watch 5320G-001
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned, like-new condition. Comes with an original box and a full paper set. Retail for $101,100 USD. General Information Department: Men Style: Luxury Model Name: Perpetual Cale...
White Gold
Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual Yellow Gold 6593
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A yellow gold vintage Oyster Perpetual by Rolex from the 1950s. Features a champagne dial, complemented by a yellow gold fluted bezel. Fitted with plastic glass and a self-winding au...
Yellow Gold
Rolex 116659SABR Submariner 18 Karat Sapphire & Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 116659SABR Submariner 18k Sapphire & Diamond Watch This Rolex 116659SABR Submariner Watch is in excellent condition and is ready to ship! Brand: Rolex Model: Submariner R...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm Turquoise Blue Dial Steel Watch 277200
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm Turquoise Blue Dial Steel Watch 277200. This watch is one of the most desirable colors in this category. Brand new never been used with a white tag attach...
Turquoise, Steel
Omega Watch. Authentic Mens Omega Mechanical 266cal Wristwatch. Omega 1950s
By Omega
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1950s Band material: Stainless steel Materials: Stainless steel Power: Mechanical Readout: Analog Genuine Omega Ref. 2743-1 1950s Mechanical Watch Separate minut...
Rolex Stainless Steel with Rare Original Dial and Bracelet from 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6298 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diamet...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 3372 Bubbleback Steel Rose Gold Wristwatch, Circa 1940
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Rare and gorgeous example of the Rolex Bubbleback Reference 3372 wristwatch in excellent condition for its 75+ year old age, from Bracken Jewelers (Los Angeles, California). The Bub...
Steel, Stainless Steel, Rose Gold
Rolex Oyster Lifesaver 2849 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A quite rare 32mm Oyster wristwatch in 9k yellow gold, also known as Lifesaver by Rolex. Features a small dial with arabic numerlas 12,3,9, a small seconds subdial and a wide fixed y...
9k Gold, Yellow 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.