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.
Unworn Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 Reference# 279171, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 Ref. 279171-0007 beautifully combines timeless luxury with contemporary sophistication. Crafted from Everose Rolesor — Rolex’s signature fusion of durable ...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34 Reference# 124200, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34 Ref. 124200-0006 is an exquisite blend of timeless refinement, modern aesthetics, and Rolex’s legendary precision. Presented in unworn condition, this 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust 179173 26mm Champagne Jubilee Diamond Dial 18k Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 179173 Serial: D38**** Year: 2005 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Red Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug T...
Stainless Steel
$10,900Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Sea-Dweller
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Sea-Dweller REFRENCE: 16600 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black Ceramic BAND: Oyster Steel LINKS: 11 MOVEMENT: Automatic Re-polished, mark ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Orange Diamond Dial and Bezel 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 42mm X Diameter ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 4431A Chronometer 18K Yellow Gold Fancy Lug Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Rolex Precision “Fancy Lugs” Ref. 4431A is a striking example of 1960s watchmaking, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and a unique design. Crafted from 18K yellow gold, this w...
18k Gold
Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Silver Oyster Reference# 126300, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn and refined, the Rolex Datejust 41, ref. 126300-0003, stands as a modern icon in Rolex’s legendary Datejust collection, seamlessly blending sophistication, practicality, and t...
Stainless Steel
$57,800Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Daytona Blue Dial White Gold Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Can be accommodated with an appraisal upon request, after return period. Marks through out the bracelet, no deep scratches BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Daytona REFERENCE: 116509 SIZE: 40mm ...
White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
$12,500Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Datejust II 41mm Mint Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Datejust II REFRENCE: 116334 SIZE: 41mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Silver Purple numbers BEZEL: White Gold BAND: Oyster Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic Very...
Stainless Steel
RARE Rolex Oysterquartz Day Date 19019 18K White Gold 36mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 19019 Serial: 6127*** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex President Day Date Case Material: 18K White Gold Band: 18K White Gold Bezel: 18K White Gold ...
White Gold
Rolex Lady-Datejust 18K Yellow Gold Silver Roman Dial Ladies Watch 279178 B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with original box and papers. Recently fully serviced. The movement is calibrated and keeps time well. Rolex Lady-Datejust 279178 Brand: Rol...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster 1005 Champagne Dial Gold Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34mm reference 1005 champagne dial, fluted bezel, and set in 14k yellow gold. Fitted with a vintage Rolex jubilee...
18k Gold
$5,520Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 34mm Mens 14k SS Automatic 1960s All Original RA570
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury classic, Men's Rolex Ref.1002 Oyster perpetual automatic 14k solid gold bezel, c.1966, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master wa...
Stainless Steel, 14k Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Baby LeMan 40 18K White Gold Black Dial Watch 126509
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers. 5 year Rolex warranty.
White Gold
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k WG Ladies 2633 Dainty 1970s Ladies Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Rolex Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970 Dainty 16mm Case. Rolex 1400 Movement Ref. 2633. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is 18k 750...
18k Gold, White Gold
$5,360Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 35mm Mens Vintage Automatic 1970s RA604
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1501 Date automatic, c.1972, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, ap...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Date Ref 1500, Yellow Gold 34mm Case, Lightly Patinated Dial, Year c1967
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Rolex Date , reference 1500 features a gold case (34mm) with beautiful lightly patinated dial. Presented in excellent condition for its age, we date manufacture to c. 196...
Yellow Gold
Rolex. A Rare Gold $20 Coin Watch C1970
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rolex Rare Gold Pre Cellini Twenty Dollar Coin Watch, C1970. Dial: The original champagne dial with black Roman numerals at twlelve, three , six and nine with batons in between a...
Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold
$10,700Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Submariner (No Date) Certified 14060M
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner No Date REFRENCE: 14060M SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oyster Steel WRIST SIZE: 8 MOVEMENT: Automatic Has been re-po...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26 18k Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Ladies Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with original box and papers.
Steel
Unworn Rolex Datejust 31 Grey Jubilee Reference# 278274, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Datejust 31 Ref. 278274-0022 is an unworn masterpiece that harmoniously combines timeless design, refined luxury, and exceptional precision. Crafted from White Rolesor, a s...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
1987 Rolex GMT Master Pepsi Vintage Watch 16700 Factory Original As Is
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1987 Rolex GMT Master Pepsi Automatic Watch 16700 Bracelet: 8.5 inch length including the case, thirteen links, clasp “M11”, "78360” see pictur...
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6426 Rare Subseconds Dial 1960s Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Stainless Steel Case ref.6426 / 6427 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1960 New Leather Band. Beautiful Watch. 34 mm round Case
Stainless Steel
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Mens Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA544
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1966, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied baton index hour markers, silver Rolex pencil...
Stainless Steel
$5,840Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 35mm Mens Automatic 1970s w Paper RA534
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1971, with original Rolex paper, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorg...
Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Datejust 31 Green Jubilee Reference# 278274, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Datejust 31 278274-0018 blends timeless elegance with contemporary refinement, making it a standout choice for those seeking a versatile luxury watch. Crafted from Oysterst...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16014 Silver Diamond Dial Bezel Stainless Steel Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16014 Serial: 5881*** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel Dia...
Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer 2940, aka "bubbleback / ovetto. c 1949
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very attractive vintage Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer, reference 2940, aka "bubbleback / ovetto" features a 32mm x 39mm stainless steel case with silver baton dial and sword...
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom M.O.P Pink Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Datejust 28 Pink Jubilee Reference# 279174, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Datejust 28 279174-0017 is a stunning expression of timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship, perfectly tailored for the discerning wearer. This model features a 28mm Oy...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond MOP Dial Automatic 1980s RA552B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A dazzling iconic classic, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust diamond set mother of pearl dial automatic, c.1986, in excellent working condition...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1937 Rolex Ref 3647 Very Rare Antique Manual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Extremely Rare 1930s Rolex Precision Model 3647 Manual Wind Square Watch This late 1930s Rolex manual wind square watch is a remarkable and rare find, showcasing the timeless crafts...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 5500 Cream Dial Watch, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Air King precision reference 5500 automatic with a silver cream dial from the 70s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements include a 34mm oyster...
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 Mens 36mm 18k SS 1970s Vintage Automatic RA615
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16013 automatic, c.1978, in excellent working condition, with original Rolex tag. Verified authe...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Milgauss 40mm Black Dial Green Crystal Stainless Steel Mens Watch 116400GV
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Milgauss Green Crystal 116400GV has Silver-tone stainless steel case with a silver-tone stainless steel Rolex oyster bracelet. Fixed domed silver-tone stainless steel bezel. Bl...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 69173 26mm Two-Tone Watch in Steel, 1980s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage ladies Rolex Datejust reference 69173 automatic two-tone with a champagne dial on a Jubilee bracelet from the 80s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurem...
Steel
Rolex Cellini Prince 28mm Chronometer 18K White Gold Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Prince Chronometer Cellini men's watch with a rectangular 28 x 47mm case in 18K white gold. Powered by a manual wind Caliber 7040-4 movement with 21 jewels, this rare piece fea...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel & Rose Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1957 Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 4389 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel & Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm "Lug...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 14000 Blue Dial Watch in Stainless steel case, 2000s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a Rolex Air King Oyster Perpetual Precision reference number 14000 automatic with a blue arabic numeral sunburst dial from the 2000s. Keeps great time and is fully functional....
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 14000 Watch with Silver Dial in Stainless Steel, 1990s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here’s a Rolex Air-King Oyster Perpetual, reference number 14000, automatic with a silver sunburst dial from the 1990s. Keeps excellent time and is fully functional. This piece featu...
Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Green Jubilee Reference# 126334, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126334-0028 – White Rolesor Sophistication with Mint Green Sunray Dial The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126334-0028 is a masterful blend of timeless design and contemporary flair, presented in White Rolesor—a signature combination of durable Oystersteel and luxurious 18K white gold. The standout feature of this model is its unique mint green sunray-finished dial, offering a fresh and modern take on the classic Datejust aesthetic. The mint green dial, with its dynamic radial brushing, shifts beautifully in tone depending on the light, adding depth and character. Polished baton hour markers and hands, filled with Chromalight for long-lasting luminescence, enhance legibility while maintaining elegance. The iconic fluted bezel in solid white gold frames the dial, providing Rolex’s hallmark...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference# 126500ln, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126500LN-0002 is a pinnacle of modern watchmaking, blending cutting-edge technology with the timeless prestige of Rolex. This model, introduced in 2023, ...
Stainless Steel
$18,100Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex GMT-Master II Two Tone Yellow Gold Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: GMT Master II REFERENCE: 116713 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: 18k Yellow Gold BAND: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel ...
Mixed Metal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18ct Everose gold with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126515LN is a 40mm watch made of 18 ct Everose gold. It features a bright black and Sundust dial with diamond-set hour markers and hands. The watch also ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 9k ROLEX Watch. Rolex 9k YG 12324 Dress Watch 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch 9k Yellow Gold Case ref.12324 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1946 Beautiful Watch. New Genuine Gucci Leath...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$32,600Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Submariner Date Violet/Tropical Dial Service Papers
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner Date REFRENCE: 16618 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold DIAL: Blue BEZEL: Blue BAND: Oyster 18k Yellow Gold MOVEMENT: Automatic Highly desirable violet/...
Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Unworn Rolex Datejust 31 Slate Jubilee Reference# 278271, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Datejust 31 278271-0030 embodies timeless sophistication, blending classic design with contemporary elegance. This 31mm Rolesor Everose model combines the durability of Oys...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini 3805 White Roman Dial Watch in 18K Yellow Gold, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Cellini Reference number 3805 manual wind in 18K yellow gold with a white roman numeral dial from the 70s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measuremen...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Champagne Jubilee Reference# 126333, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126333-0012 – Yellow Rolesor Luxury with Champagne Diamond Dial The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126333-0012 is a refined blend of elegance and precision, crafted i...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies President Date Just Turntable Dial Diamond Dial Gold Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Lady's Rolex President Date Just turntable wristwatch model 179138. Factory Turntable dial with a diamond bezel in 18k yellow gold. 6.5 inches. The band oyster band has no visible stretch or wear. Circa 2001. Rolex box included. No papers. Length: 33mm Width: 26mm Band width at case: 13mm Case thickness: 11.80mm Band: 18k yellow gold ladies president...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Blue Jubilee Reference# 126334, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126334-0026 – White Rolesor Elegance with Azzurro blue Dial The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126334-0026 is a refined blend of timeless design and modern appeal, fe...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 Reference# 279135rbr, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Lady-Datejust Ref. 279135RBR-0001 is a captivating blend of elegance, luxury, and refined craftsmanship. Presented in unworn condition, this exquisite 28 mm timepiece is cr...
Gold
Rolex Oysterdate Blue Dial Watch, 1960-70s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex oysterdate precision reference number 6694 manual wind with a blue sunburst dial from the late 60s, early 70s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measur...
Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Slate Jubilee Reference# 126300, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126300-0008 – Slate Grey Sophistication in Oystersteel with Jubilee Bracelet The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126300-0008 is a refined, modern classic that pairs un...
Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Datejust 31 Pink Jubilee Reference# 278274, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Datejust 31 278274-0024 is a perfect fusion of classic elegance and modern precision, designed for those who appreciate refined luxury in a versatile size. This model featu...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
2025 Rolex Datejust 126231 Wimbledon Dial 18K Rose Gold Stainless Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126231 Serial: LV365*** Year: 2025 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Rose Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Rose ...
Unworn Rolex Lady-Datejust Reference# 279171, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Lady-Datejust 279171-0013 – Everose Rolesor Elegance with Mother-of-Pearl Dial and Diamond Hour Markers The Rolex Lady-Datejust 279171-0013 is a masterful fusion of classic de...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Datejust 36 Silver Oyster Reference# 126200, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Datejust 36 126200-0002 is a refined expression of Rolex’s timeless design, crafted for those who value both elegance and precision. Its 36mm Oystersteel case offers except...
Stainless Steel
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k WG Ladies Rolex CELLINI 3803 Barrel WristWatch
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Rolex Cellini Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Rolex 1600 Movement Ref. 3803 Barrel Cellini Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup ...
18k Gold, White Gold