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 brandās 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 modelās 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 companyās 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. Newmanās personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.
Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
Rolex GMT-Master Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch 1675
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT-Master Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch 1675 - Automatic winding. GMT-Master. Stainless steel with original rotating bezel with black insert (40mm diameter).. ...
$9,700Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Submariner (No Date) 1989 Service Card from 2010
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner REFRENCE: 14060 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oyster Steel WRIST SIZE: 8 MOVEMENT: Automatic Good condition, re-poli...
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
$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 Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Art Deco Rare 14Kt Two-Tone Gold Bracelet Watch, circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 3285 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Two-Tone Yellow & Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 25mm Len...
Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
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
NEW Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Steel Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126000 B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. The Original box and papers are included. A classic that shines in every moment. Rolex OP 36 with blue dial. The perfect gift this season. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Reference...
Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Green Wave Diamond Dial Watch 116233
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Green Wave Diamond Dial Watch 116233 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold flute...
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18k Rose Gold Black Dial Men Watch 126515LN Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with box and papers. 2025 card.
Rose Gold
Rolex Day-Date President 40 18K Yellow Gold Green Lacquer Dial Men Watch 228238
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with Box and papers. š°ļø Product Overview Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date 40 Model Number: 228238 Type: Wristwatch Style: Luxury Department: Men Country/Region of Manufa...
Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex GMT Master Pepsi Red Blue 16750 MATTE DIAL Steel Box Booklet 40mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16750 Serial: 747**** Year: 1983 Model: Vintage Rolex GMT Master Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: "Pepsi" Red and Blue Dial: Black...
Steel
Rolex Day-Date 40 Yellow Gold Silver Roman Dial 228238
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Day-Date 40 wristwatch in 18k yellow gold, by Rolex. Featuring a distinctive silver dial with Roman applied numerals. Complementing the dial is a fixed fluted bezel crafted i...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1983 Rolex Day-Date 18078 18K YG Champagne Tapestry Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Study In Gold And Texture The Day-Date has always been Rolex's flagship model, an unambiguous statement of success rendered in precious metal. This reference 18078 from 1983 takes...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Air King with Black Finish and Custom Made Dial circa 1960'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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diam...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Champagne Dial 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's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Day-Date Platinum Omani Khanjar Dial 1804
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare and important Rolex Omani Day-Date 1804, available now at our Showroom, London. This exquisite timepiece, crafted from opulent platinum, is one of very few pieces which were ...
Diamond, Platinum
Genuine Rolex Diamond Watch. 14k YG Ladies Rolex 4749 Mechanical Windup Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
14k Yellow Gold Rolex Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1980s.Ā 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 4749. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism.Ā Case and Bracelet is ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1984 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone Champagne Tapestry Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Two-Tone Rolex The Datejust is the benchmark against which all other daily watches are measured. The reference 16013 defined the two-tone aesthetic for a generation...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 2653 Vintage Genuine Manual Windup Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1973.Ā 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2653. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism.Ā Case is Stain...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex DateJust Model 69178 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rare Chevrolet Dial Box
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex Model 69178 DateJust 18k Yellow Gold, 26mm Rare Chevrolet Dial made for Jubilee Anniversary, Automatic Movement, Made in Switzerland with Original Box and Booklet c.198...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1968 Rolex Disco Volante 18K YG Grey Dial Manual Wind 31mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Departure From The Oyster Case During the 1960s, Rolex briefly experimented with case forms that departed from their tool watch origins. The "Disco Volante," or flying saucer, is ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Unique Red 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 40mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Pumpkin Orange Dial circa
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 60's / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diamete...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 6580 Mens 34mm 1950s 14k Gold SS Vintage Automatic RA786
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oyster ref.6580 automatic dress watch, c.1954, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rol...
Stainless Steel, 14k Gold
Rolex Day-Date 36 18K Yellow Gold Green Hombre Diamond Dial Watch 128238
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Box and papers. Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date 36 Model Number: 128238 Department: Unisex Adult Style: Luxury Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzer...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Platinum DateJust Presidential 15 Carat Diamond 26mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1988 Rolex Datejust Presidential in platinum featuring 15 carats of natural diamonds. Pave diamond dial and pink ruby hour markers. Emerald...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 179178, circa 2002
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex lady's 18k yellow gold Datejust wristwatch, Ref. 179178, circa 2002, cream-colored textured dial with gold Roman numerals. The dial has a pattern on it that is hard to photograph. the close up photo captures it accurately. 18k yellow gold Bracelet length: 6.5 inches Top to bottom: 32.77mm Width without crown: 26.4mm Width with crown: 28.78mm Bracelet width at case: 13mm Case thickness: 10.7mm Bracelet: Rolex President, 750, D711 83138 Crystal: Sapphire Outside case: 179178, Y165815 Inside case: Rolex 750...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom M.O.P Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel 1980'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: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug Tip ...
Stainless Steel
$5,360Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1960s Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA774
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 manual wind, c.1969, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, u...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm steel with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Datejust 36, reference 126200, is the definitive archetype of the classic watch. Crafted from high-performance Oystersteel, this model features a refined 36mm case that bal...
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel
Rolex Explorer II Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16570
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Explorer II Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16570 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal, dual time. Explorer II. Stainless steel case (40mm diameter) with 24 h...
$6,304Sale Price|20% Off
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 36mm 18k Gold SS 1970s Automatic Vintage RA535
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k yellow gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster ref.1601 Datejust automatic, c.1971, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. ...
18k Gold, 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 Ladies President 179138 White Diamond Dial Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 179138 Serial: K556*** Year: 2005 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust President Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Original...
Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel 18k Yellow Gold Green Diamond VI IX Dial Watch 126233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Box and papers included. š° Rolex Datejust 126233 Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 126233 Model Number: 126233 Department: Men Style: Dress/Formal Cou...
Steel
Rolex Yacht Master 116622 Steel & Platinum 40mm Rhodium Dial Full Set Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A 2021 Rolex Yacht-Master ref. 116622 automatic wristwatch in Oystersteel with a platinum rotatable graduated bezel, rhodium dark slate dial with luminous dot hour markers, blue seco...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Day Date President 18138 Factory Diamond Dial Bezel & Lugs 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18138 Year: 1986 Model: Rolex Day Date President Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Factory Rolex Diamond Bezel & Fac...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Explorer II 16570 Panna Polar S Serial 1993
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Explorer II 16570 āPannaā Polar ā S Serial (1993) ā Rare Collectible Vintage An exceptional opportunity for the discerning collector: this Rolex Explorer II 16570, dating from...
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 5500-1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16013 Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Westport, CT
An original Rolex Datejust reference 16013 two tone stainless steel and 18K yellow gold menās wristwatch. Featuring a Buckley white dial with 18K yellow gold hands and Roman numeral ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16234 36mm Factory Salmon Diamond Dial Stainless Steel 18k Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16234 Serial: P83**** Year: 2000 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: 18k White Gold Fluted D...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 Stainless Steel Watch Brand: Rolex MPN: 116680 Model: Yacht-Master II Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 44mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Vintage 1973 Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 Manual Silver Sunburst Dial 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Pure Manual Expression The 6426 represents the most stripped-back version of the Rolex Oyster. By removing the date window and the automatic winding rotor, Rolex achieved a thinne...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Gold Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 179173
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex Ladies Gold Steel Datejust Wristwatch ref 179173 with solid links and hidden fold over clasp in 18k yellow gold and steel. Model 179173. 18k yellow gold and steel Length:...
18k Gold, Steel, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 1601 Mosaic Blue JDM 5.1m Serial 1977 Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601, Mosaic Blue Dial, Steel & 18k White Gold, Full Set, 1977 (5.1M Serial, JDM) Among vintage Datejusts, few dials capture collectorsā imaginations like the Mo...
Rolex Zenith Daytona 4 Liner Inverted 6 200 Bezel 16523
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Zenith Cosmograph Daytona in Oystersteel and yellow gold by Rolex, featuring a champagne 4 liner dial. The dial features the 12 hour counter at 6 o'clock with an inverted 6 an...
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's Watch - Stainless Steel Yellow Gold 18k Automatic 16233
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 16233 Specific Year: 2002 Movement: Automatic Warranty: 1 Year Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Grey Roman Metal Content: Stainless Steel...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 116233 Two Tone 18k & Steel 36mm Champagne 10 Diamond Dial Minty
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this 2009 Rolex 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Datejust, reference 116233 with most of the original protective stickers still intact. This timeless class...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel
1986 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15037 14K YG Dark Blue Diamond Dial Auto 34 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Dial In Solid Gold The reference 15037 represents a classic era for the Oyster Perpetual Date, executed entirely in 14K yellow gold. While the model itself is a cornerstone o...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Date 1503 14K Yellow Gold Jubilee Band 34mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1503 Serial: 6089*** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: 14K Yellow Gold Band: 14K Yellow Gold Bezel: 14K Yellow Gold Dial: Cha...
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
Rolex Ladies 26MM Tuxedo Dial Date Wrist Watch in Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Boston, MA
This Rolex Lady Date wristwatch is crafted in stainless steel. The watch features a gray pinstripe dial with baton indexes housed within a 26mm round case. A smooth silver bezel fram...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Automatic Chronograph, Ref. 16520, Full Set, 1988
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rolex Daytona, Ref. 16520, U serial, Full Set from 1998 with Service Papers from 2008 and 2020, with original certificate. Model: 16520 Movement: Automatic Chronograph Zenith Cas...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA551
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust diamond dial automatic, c.1987, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Blue Submariner Date Two-Tone Watch 116613LB
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
ROLEX SUBMARINER DATE -Condition: Pristine, like-new -Material: 18k Gold and Stainless Steel -Movement: Swiss Automatic -Ref: 116613LB -Case Diameter: 41mm -Dial: Blue -Crown: Scre...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 116613LN Steel 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Box and papers included. š°ļø Basic Information Brand: Rolex Model: Submariner Date Model Number: 116613LN Department: Men Style: Luxury Count...
Steel
Rare Rolex Prince Jump Hour Doctor's Watch Steel 1491
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare vintage Rolex Prince reference 149, produced circa 1939, known as āDoctorās Watchā from the late Art Deco period, characterised by its elon...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Day-Date 36mm 18K Rose Gold Eisenkiesel Diamond Dial Watch 128235
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers. š° Rolex Day-Date 128235-0041 Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date Model Number: 128235-0041 Department: Unisex Adult Style: Luxury Country/Regi...
Rose Gold
Rolex Day Date 40 228238 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Baguette Champagne Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. It comes with a Box and papers. Free polishing upon request. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and ...
Yellow Gold