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.
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Dial and Diamond Bezel circa, 1970's
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 38mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Date 15238 34mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Box Paper 2002
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15238 Serial: P28**** Year: 2002 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Fluted ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1979 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 14K YG Champagne Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundation Of The Crown The Oyster Perpetual is the reference from which all other Rolex models descend. It combines the brand's two foundational patents, the water-resistant Oy...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 16233 36mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16233 Serial: L88**** Year: 1989 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 18...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Navy Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm "Lug Tip to L...
Stainless Steel
2000 Rolex Explorer I 14270 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Purpose-Built Classic The Rolex Explorer was engineered for legibility and robustness, famously linked to the 1953 Everest expedition. The reference 14270 updated the model for a ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116519LN Ceramic White Gold Steel Dial Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in great condition. Comes with original box and papers.
Steel
Rolex 6564 Oyster Perpetual 1950s Mens 34mm Gold-Capped Vintage Automatic RA789B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic vintage charm, rare Men's Rolex 6564 Oyster Perpetual gold-capped automatic dress watch, c.1956, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic ...
Gold, Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Roulette Date (Two Colour Date Display)
By Rolex
Located in istanbul, TR
Condition Good Seller Notes “for vintage condition excellent” Bezel Color Silver Movement Mechanical (Manual) Closure Fliplock Clasp Number of Jewels 17 Jewels Dial Pattern Sunburst...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 68273 Midsize 2-Tone Red Vignette Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Midsize 2-Tone Red Vignette Dial Watch 68273 - Automatic winding, 29 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold fluted be...
Vintage Rolex Datejust 80s Ref 16233 Automatic Gold Two Tone White Roman Numeral
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16233 automatic two tone with a white roman numeral dial on a jubilee bracelet from the 1990s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Mea...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6551 Two Tone 18K Gold Champagne Dial 31mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A 1972 vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 6551 in two-tone stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, featuring a champagne dial with gold baton hour markers, gold stick hands, a fluted y...
18k Gold
Rolex Day-Date 40 President Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Baguette Black Dial 228348
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 18 ct yellow gold, with a bright black, diamond-set dial, diamond-set bezel and a President bracelet. This dial features 10 baguette-cut diamonds....
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Two Tone Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Dress Watch, circa 1930's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / Reference 3893 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone 14Kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm "Lu...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Steel Silver Dial Manual 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Manual-Wind Oyster The Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 holds a unique place in the brand's history as one of the last manually wound Oyster models. While the self-w...
Stainless Steel
New Rolex Daytona 126518LN 18K Yellow Gold Paul Newman Dial Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with original box and papers. Rolex Daytona — Model 126518LN (2024) Men’s Luxury Chronograph Yellow Gold Black Dial Oysterflex Rubber Strap 📌 General Information B...
Yellow Gold
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
Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 14000 All Original Mens Air King 34m Automatic RA795
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster "Air-King" Precision Ref.14000 automatic, c.1995, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a maste...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Steel White Sticks Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with the original box but no papers. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona – Reference 116520 Complete Specifications** General Information Brand: Rolex Mo...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 16013 36mm MOP Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16013 Serial: 590**** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamo...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Pink Dial with Diamond Markers 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36...
2007 Rolex Cellini Cellissima 24MM 6693 18K White Gold Pave Diamond Quartz Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K White Gold Diameter: 24.00 mm Weight: 81.81 grams ROLEX Ladies 18K white gold diamond ROLEX Swiss made wristwatch with original box...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Rolex Day Date Ref 18038 80s Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold 36mm Case.
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Day Date reference 18038 automatic (single quick) with a champagne sunburst dial in 18K yellow gold from the 1980s. Measurements include a 36mm case, 20mm lug ...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 16233 Champagne Dial Fluted Bezel On Jubilee Watch Full Set
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust 16233 automatic watch in 18K yellow gold and stainless steel featuring 36mm case with champagne dial, fluted bezel, and jubilee bracelet. Serial K, year 2000, comes wi...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue 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 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6564 Mens 34mm 1950s Vintage Automatic RA794B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6564 automatic, c.1957, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial,...
Stainless Steel
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
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Finished Sage Green Dial circa 1960's
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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug Tip ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Day-Date 40 18k Rose Gold Gold Olive Green Dial Men Watch 228345RBR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers.
Rose Gold
Rolex Cellini, 5241/6 , the "Cellinium", manual, platinum, ice blue dial, c2001
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very rare and desirable Rolex Cellini, reference 5241/6 , the "Cellinium" , with manual winding movement, features a 38mm platinum case with ice blue dial, and sub seconds dial m...
Platinum
Vintage 1965 Rolex Air-King 5500 Steel Silver Pool Intairdril Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Tool Watch With A Hidden Story The Rolex Air-King has always been the purest expression of the brand's tool watch philosophy. It is simple, reliable, and built for a purpose. This...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1984 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone Champagne Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Blueprint For The Modern Dress Watch The Datejust is the watch that defined the category. It established the template for a reliable, automatic, water-resistant watch with a dat...
18k Gold, 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 Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Champagne Dial TT YG/SS 1987
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Mini Datejust 69173 – 26mm – Champagne Dial – Two-Tone Yellow Gold & Steel – 1987 SKU 1931 Available exclusively at Classic Time Club, Sydney — your trusted destination for rar...
Rolex Ref 1601 Oyster Datejust 18k W Gold SS 1960s Mens 36mm Automatic RA621C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex 1601 18k white gold and stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic, c.1967, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchma...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1980'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: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust 18k Gold 36mm Mens 1960s Date Automatic RA701C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref.6605 Datejust automatic, c.1960, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex ...
18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 116233 Tahitian Diamond Dial Diamond Band 18K Yellow Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116233 Serial: Z189*** Year: 2006 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel with Custom Diamonds Band: 18K Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Jubilee B...
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116506 40mm Platinum Index Icy Blue Chestnut Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Full links. Box and papers. Free polishing upon request. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accu...
Platinum
Vintage 1979 Rolex DateJust Model 16018 18 Karat Blue Vignette Dial on Strap
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
When Hans Wilsdorf introduced the Datejust in 1945 to mark Rolex's fortieth anniversary, it united the three qualities he believed every modern wristwatch should possess: a waterproo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex President Quartz Day-Date Factory Diamond Dial 18k Gold
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Day Date Original Diamond Dial 18k Solid Gold Mint Condition 1982 with box and papers. This Rolex watch is a true collectible to a Rolex lover...
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Precision Vintage Manual wind Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1954 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case, screw down crown, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle Lever movement, acrylic crystal, "...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 278273 Olive Green Diamond Dial Jubilee Gold Steel Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with original box and papers. Rolex Lady-Datejust 31 Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Lady-Datejust 31 Model Number: 278273 Department: Women Style: Luxury Country/Region of Ma...
Steel
$6,080Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Precision 9k Gold Mens 1950s 32mm Vintage Manual Wind Dress Watch RA751
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage treasure, rare 9k solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision manual wind dress watch, c.1954, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex...
9k Gold
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18k Rose Gold Steel Jubilee Diamond Dial Watch 179171
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Box and papers. The watch is fully serviced and working perfectly. 🔹 Model Information Brand: Rolex Model: Lady-Datejust Model Number: 179171 ...
Steel
Vintage Rolex OP Date 34mm 14k Gold Champagne Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1986 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date in 14K yellow gold featuring 34mm case with a champagne dial, fluted bezel, and Jubilee bracelet. ...
Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer Steel & Rose Gold Unworn
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A GMT-Master II Root Beer 126711CHNR in Oystersteel and Rose Gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with the date and second time zone hand. The black and brown ceramic bi-directiona...
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel O.P Date with Rare Vignette Dial
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: 1969 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173 Ivory Dial
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173 - Automatic winding, 29 jewels, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with fluted bezel (26mm). Ivory dial py...
Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel 1975 Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1975. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2611. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case and Brac...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 79173 Blue Dial Jubilee Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Datejust 79173 is an elegant ladies' watch featuring a 26mm stainless steel case with an 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Its blue dial boasts gold hands, index hour markers, and ...
Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Persian Numbers 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 / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diame...
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
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Set Automatic 1980s RA548
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust automatic, c.1986, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
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, ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex 126300 Datejust 41mm Wimbledon on Jubilee Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 126300 Datejust 41mm Wimbledon on Jubilee Bracelet Watch Brand: Rolex MPN: 126300 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 41mm Crystal: Scratch resistant sapphire Bezel: Stainless Steel Smooth Bezel Dial: Grey Slate Wimbledon Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet Size: will fit up to a 8" wrist Clasp: Fold over clasp Serial: Scramble Serial Movement: Automatic Additional Details: This Item comes with white handtag and Card dated Dec 9 2023 SKU: A30320825 The Rolex 126300 Datejust 41 “Wimbledon...
Stainless Steel
$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
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Submariner Date 16610
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner Date REFERENCE: 16610 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oyster Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic WRIST SIZE: 8.25 Good...
Stainless Steel
$10,500Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Submariner Date
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner Date REFERENCE: 16610 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oystersteel MOVEMENT: Automatic WRIST SIZE: 8.25 Good condition,...
Stainless Steel