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 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Datejust with Gold Filled Clasp and Diamond Markers
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6900 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1978 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm X Diameter 26mm ...
18k Gold
Rolex Diamond White Gold 18K Wristwatch 1950S
By Rolex
Located in Geneva, CH
Rolex Diamond round and baguette cut on white gold 18K wristwatch. Circa 1950. Rolex. Numbered. Rolex Precisions. Total gross weight: 22.12 grams. We do not guarantee the functi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Datejust 16013 Champagne Dial Watch in 18K Yellow Gold & Steel, 1980s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16013 automatic two tone with a champagne dial on a jubilee bracelet from the 80s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements in...
Yellow Gold, Steel, 18k Gold
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 35mm Mens Vintage Automatic 1970s RA602
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1970, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applie...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26mm Steel Custom Turquoise Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 69174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. No original box and papers. Custom aftermarket dial. 1 year seller warranty. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69174...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 35mm 14k Solid Gold Mens 1970s Automatic RA741
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 14k solid gold automatic, c.1978, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker....
Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex 34mm Oyster Perpetual Factory Olive Green Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Perpetual Oyster Perpetual 34 Watch of Stainless Steel. Olive green dial with index hour markers. Screw-down solid crown with twin lock double waterproo...
Rolex Steel Datejust With Custom Made Green Dial and Diamond Bezel 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 X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Reference# 126000, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn and impeccably designed, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36, ref. 126000-0003, is a timeless expression of Rolex’s philosophy of elegance, durability, and precision. Featuring a 36...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16234 Watch with Silver Dial in Steel, 1990s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here’s a Rolex Datejust Reference 16234 automatic with a salmon Roman numeral dial from the late 1990s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements include a 36mm Oyster c...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 1603 'Ghost' Gray Dial 3.5m Serial 1979 Full Set
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Datejust 1603 “Ghost Dial” — 3.5M Serial, 1979 (Full Set) A perfect blend of subtle patina and vintage soul, this 1979 Rolex Datejust 1603 stands out with its mesmerizing matt...
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Air King with Original Factory Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970'S DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Rolex Datejust 26mm Steel Custom Purple Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 69174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. Custom Diamond dial and bezel. No original box and papers. Comes with a chronostore box. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Numb...
Steel
Unworn Rolex Lady-Datejust Reference# 279383rbr, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Lady-Datejust 279383RBR-0019 – Yellow Rolesor Radiance with Mother-of-Pearl Dial and Diamond Bezel The Rolex Lady-Datejust 279383RBR-0019 is a luminous embodiment of classic e...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Submariner Date Starbucks Reference# 126610LV, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
**Rolex Submariner Date “Starbucks” 126610LV – Modern Icon with a Bold Green Bezel** The Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV, affectionately nicknamed the “Starbucks,” is a standout time...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Blue Dial Ladies Custom Diamond Watch 69173G
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. Custom dial and bezel. No original box and papers. High-quality diamond dial and bezel. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Numb...
Steel, 18k Gold
Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500. 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1520 Automatic, Self winding movement, excellent Mint conditi...
Steel
$7,112Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA549B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dazzling iconic classic, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust diamond dial automatic, c.1986, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic b...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1982 Rolex Datejust 31MM 18KT Yellow Gold Ref. 6827
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A refined vintage example from the early 1980s, this 1982 Rolex Datejust Ref. 6827 features a 31mm case crafted in solid 18KT yellow gold. The clean white dial is detailed with black...
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Orange Dial Diamond Markers 1970's
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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Green Dial And Diamond Bezel
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 36mm Jubilee 18K Gold Steel Champagne Dial Mens Watch 16233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-Owned. Good condition. No original box and papers. Comes with a chronostore box. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model Name: Datejust 16233 Model Number: 16233 Style: Luxury T...
18k Gold, Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Green Dial And Diamond Bezel
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
$7,280Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6084 Mens 1950s 34mm Automatic Bubble Back RA715B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 bubble back automatic watch, c.1952, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, unrestore...
Stainless Steel
$62,700Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Daytona MINT Rose Black Dial Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Daytona REFERENCE: 116505 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Rose Gold DIAL: Black BEZEL: 18k Rose Gold BAND: 18k Rose Gold MOVEMENT: Automatic Mint condition, like new Box & ...
Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26mm Grey Dial Gold Steel Jubilee Bracelet Watch 67193
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 67193 with a grey 3-6-9 dial is a direct descendant of the first waterproof wristwatch that debuted in 1926. The Oy...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust 26 Steel 18K Gold Custom Green Turquoise Diamond Dial Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Custom diamond dial and bezel. No orgiinal box and papers. It comes with a seller box. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69173 Type: W...
18k Gold, Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust 80s Ref 16013 Automatic Gold Two Tone Blue Buckley Dial 3
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16013 automatic two tone with a blue "Buckley" roman numeral dial on a jubilee bracelet from the 80s. Keeps great time and is fully function...
Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 Reference# 279160, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Lady-Datejust 28, reference 279160-0013, is a timeless expression of elegance, precision, and modern sophistication. Crafted from Oystersteel, a material celebrated for its...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 mm Diamond Iced Out 25 Carats Arabic two tone Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 41 mm Diamond Iced Out 25 Carats Arabic two tone Watch For more details leave us a message Model Date Just Reference Number Gender Unisex Metal 18K Yell...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona 18k Gold With Black Face & Diamond Dot Dial
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex Daytona 18k Gold Diamond Dot Dial 1999 Model - Solid 18k Yellow gold Daytona watch with chronograph black face and diamond dot dial. Solid gold bracelet with folding clasp cl...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust II 18K White Gold Automatic Blue Roman Numeral Dial 41mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The caseback is the story At a glance, this is a familiar Datejust II. Blue Roman dial, fluted white gold bezel, Oyster bracelet. Then you turn it over. The Saudi Khanjar...
18k Gold, White Gold
Unworn Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer Reference# 126711CHNR, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR – “Root Beer” Everose Rolesor GMT with Brown & Black Bezel The Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR, affectionately known as the “Root Beer,” is a masterful...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18k Yellow Gold Custom Diamond Dial Bezel Ladies Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Custom Diamond dial and bezel. Comes with the gift box. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69173 Type: Wristwatch Department: Women Sty...
Yellow Gold
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
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Blue "Vignette" Dial 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 43mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Date 69190 26mm Blue Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69190 Serial: W73**** Year: 1995 Model: Rolex Ladies Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Stainless Steel ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Datejust 36 Green Oyster Reference# 126200, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 126200-0024 – Classic Oystersteel Elegance, Swiss Precision, Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet Timelessly chic and unmistakably Rolex, the Datejust 126200-0024 marries ...
Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex GMT-Master II Batgirl Reference# 126710BLNR, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR – “Batgirl” Jubilee Bracelet Steel GMT The Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR, known to collectors as the “Batgirl,” merges professional functionality wit...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1603 Silver Sigma Dial Watch, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 1603 automatic with a clean silver sigma dial on a jubilee bracelet from the 70s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements inc...
Silver
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Blue Dial 1970's
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: 1970 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X D...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 34mm Oysterdate Precision 6294 Two Tone Honeycomb Bowtie Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
This Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6294 features a striking Honeycomb Bowtie two-tone dial, paired with a classic gold-tone case. The watch was produced in the 1950's,specifically betwe...
Gold Plate
Rolex Datejust 36mm Jubilee Stainless Steel Silver Dial Men Watch 16234
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. Clean dial. No original box and papers. Comes with a chronostore box. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy wi...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Gold 34mm Bark Finish Watch in 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
ROLEX 1950'S VINTAGE GOLD WATCH *Good condition with Rolex box, no papers. -Brand: Rolex -Reference: 1503 -Year: 1954 -Wrist Size: 7" -Material: 18...
18k Gold, Gold
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 69174 Linen Dial Ladies Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Datejust 69174 Ladies Watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18K white gold fluted bezel. Silver linen dial with steel hands and hour markers. Minute markers on the outer dial. Date...
Rolex Day-Date 36 18038; 18 Karat
By Rolex
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the world of timeless elegance with this exquisite Rolex Day-Date 36 – a masterpiece of Swiss watchmaking from 1984–1985, renowned for both its luxurious presence...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Green Dial And Diamond Bezel
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
Vintage 1970 Rolex Day-Date 1803 18K YG Brown Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Tobacco And Gold Statement The reference 1803 is the anchor of the Day-Date lineage. While the gold-on-gold configuration is the standard, this brown dial execution moves the wa...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 114300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. No original box and papers. Comes with chronostore bo...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Champagne Diamond Dial Steel Gold Jubilee Watch 126233
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in Oystersteel and yellow gold features a champagne colour, diamond-set dial and a Jubilee bracelet. This dial features diamonds in 18 ct gold setti...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz 19018 18K Yellow Gold Box & Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oysterquartz President Day-Date 19018 men's watch. 36MM 18K yellow gold case with 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Champagne dial with gold hands and factory diamond set hour mark...
18k Gold
Unworn Rolex Submariner Date Starbucks Reference# 126610lv, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV-0002 – “Starbucks” Green Bezel Icon in 41mm Oystersteel The Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV-0002, affectionately dubbed the “Starbucks,” delivers a bol...
Stainless Steel
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 18k WG/SS Turn-o-graph Watch Thunderbird 16264
By Rolex
Located in Richmond, CA
A fine and collectible Gent's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Turn-o-graph "Thunderbird" watch, with a rotation 18K WG second time zone bezel, on a stainle...
18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Orange Dial 1960s
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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Green Roman Dial And Diamond Bezel ca 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 39m X Diameter...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6724 14k Gold SS 25mm Ladies 1970s Automatic RA740
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Charming luxury, 14k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ladies automatic, c.1974, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rol...
Gold, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rare Antique Rolex 1920s Manual Winding 26MM 15K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 15K and 14K Yellow Gold Diameter: 26.00 mm Weight: 19.19 grams One ladies 15K yellow gold ROLEX Swiss-made watch. The case metal was te...
Gold, 14k Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Lady Datejust 26mm 18K White Gold Steel Silver Stick Dial Watch 69174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. No original box and papers. Comes with chronostore ...
Steel
Rolex President Day-Date 18238 36mm 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The epitome of prestige and timeless elegance, the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18238 is a true icon in the world of luxury timepieces. Crafted entirely from solid 18K yellow gold, this 36mm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold