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 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 Day-Date 40 Blue Ombre Dial White Gold Unworn 2025 228239
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rolex Day-Date crafted in 18k white gold. Featuring a distinctive blue ombre dial with applied roman numerals and a fixed white gold fluted bezel. Equipped with a white gold presid...
White Gold
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual with Rare Original Black Dial from 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 34...
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
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 Datejust Men's White Stick Dial 2-Tone Watch 16233
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's White Stick Dial 2-Tone Watch 16233 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel with 18k yellow gold fluted bezel. Whit...
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 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
Rolex Rare Day-Date Platinum Diamond Set 18046
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Day-Date in platinum by Rolex with a single-quick movement. Only a few of these were in production before the introduction of the 18346. Featuring a silver dial set with 2 ba...
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Black 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 43mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Pink Dial 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 276200 Blue Dial Steel Ladies Watch & Card
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 276200 Ladies Watch with a Blue Dial & a card dated 2020. This timepiece features an officially certified automatic chronometer with a self-winding movement. T...
Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16234
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16234 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with fluted bezel (36mm diameter). Silver...
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...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond 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 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with A Custom Finished Mint Green Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1500's METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Di...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Navy Dial Ladies Custom Diamond Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. Custom dial and bezel. No original box and papers. High-quality natural diamond dial and bezel. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Mo...
Steel
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 collectors’ imaginations like the Mo...
Rolex Rare Oyster Athlete 32mm Gay Frères Military Bracelet 4127
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare vintage Rolex Oyster Athlete reference 4127, featuring a patinated salmon dial with Arabic numerals, original luminous Mercedes blue hands ...
Steel
1996 Rolex GMT-Master 16700 Steel Auto Black Bezel 40mm T-Serial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Final Evolution Of The Original GMT The reference 16700 marks the end of an era as the final iteration of the original GMT-Master line. Produced alongside the GMT-Master II, the...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Precision 34mm Two-Tone Rose Gold Steel Rare Dial 1978 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Precision Oyster Date 34mm on two tone rose gold and stainless steel on Oyster bracelet. The dial features a rare brown and cream white pattern, complemented by a seldom seen mix of arabic and roman numeral hour markers. The combination of rose gold and stainless steel offers an elegant yet rugged look. Fixed textured bezel and automatic mechanical movement. Everything about this watch is unique and rare. The perfect watch for those in search of a Rolex that stands out from the traditional models and no one else has. Details: Item Type: Rolex Precision Watch...
Stainless Steel
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. 🕰 Rolex Datejust 126233 Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 126233 Model Number: 126233 Department: Men Style: Dress/Formal Cou...
Steel
$4,250 / set
Vintage Rolex Royalite Watch 2280 Circa 1939
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Rolex Royalite Watch 2280 Circa 1939 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale. This model was made with stainless steel...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26 Steel 18K Gold Custom Green Turquoise Diamond Dial Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. No original box and papers. Custom Diamond Dial. Comes with a seller box. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69173 Type:...
18k Gold, Steel
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
$7,360Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Precision 14k Solid Gold Mens Manual Wind Dress Watch 1950s Vintage RA709
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage treasure, rare 14k solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision manual wind dress watch, c.1958, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
14k Gold
Rolex Datejust 116234 Roman White Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 116234 Watch features a 36mm stainless steel case with an 18K white gold fluted bezel. It has a white dial with steel hands, Roman numeral hour marker...
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 Submariner Date 41mm Oystersteel with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm Oystersteel An authentic collectors piece New or in excellent estate we can offer you your dream watch. In the pictures two brand new watches sold from 20...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26 Steel 18K Gold Custom Red MOP Dial And Bezel Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Custom Diamond Dial and bezel. No original box and no paper. It comes with a seller box. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model N...
18k Gold, Steel
Vintage 1995 Rolex Datejust Lady Two-Tone Automatic Champagne Tapestry Dial 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This Is The Classic Ladies Datejust Look This Ref. 69173 is the configuration most people picture when they think of a vintage Lady-Datejust. Champagne dial, diamond hour markers, f...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 in Oystersteel and Everose gold
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41mm in Oystersteel and Everose gold features a slate dial and an Oyster bracelet. Model 126331 Spetial Edition *We can have it new or second hand You can r...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel, Gold
18 Kt Rolex Big Bubble Back Ovettone, Ref 6030 Automatic Wrist Watch, Collectors
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt full Gold Rolex Ref. 6031 Big Bubble Back Ovettone, First Datejust Automatic Wrist Watch Movement : Mechanical with Automatic Winding Case & Strap : 18 Kt Yellow Gold Rolex Ref. 6030 / 6031 Big Bubble Back Ovettone Extremely rare model in 18kt gold It was the first Date...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Sage Green Dial 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel with White Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Vintage 1999 Rolex Submariner 14060 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Unadulterated Dive Watch The Submariner defined the luxury dive watch category upon its introduction in 1953, setting the standard for water resistance and introducing the rotat...
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 Two Tone Zephyr with Original Bracelet from 1968
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Zephyr / Reference 1038 / 1008 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone 14Kt. & Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1968 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: ...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Date Model with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's with Custom Made Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / Custom Diamond Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSION...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 36mm Ref 16014 Rare Jubilee dial anniversary dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Reference Number: 16014 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic 3035 Case Material: Stainless steel Measurements : 36mm (without cr...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k white gold fluted bezel. Mother ...
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 Air King 34mm Winn-Dixie Dial Stainless Steel Watch 5500 Rare Vintage 1982
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Air King 34mm Winn-Dixie Logo Dial Stainless Steel Watch #5500 Oyster Bracelet Rare Vintage Year 1982 Offered here is a highly collectible Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500, dating t...
Stainless Steel
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).. ...
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 Datejust 36mm No Holes Steel Silver Dial Automatic Watch 16220
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. No holes case. Clean dial and hands. 🕰️ General Information Brand: Rolex Model Name: Datejust 16220 Model Number: 16220 Type: Wristwatch Department...
Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Blue Dial Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diam...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea 44mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Oyster Watch 136660
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Steel Black Dial Men's Watch 136660. Chronometer, automatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel Oyster case 44.0 mm in diameter. Rolex logo on the crown....
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Day Date 40mm 18K Rose Gold Diamond Baguette Chocolate Dial Watch 228235
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. Comes with the original box and papers. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. 👑 Gen...
Rose Gold
Rolex President Blue Vignette Diamond Dial & Bezel Ladies Watch Ref 69138
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Ladies Rolex 28 mm ref 69138 Ant condition 18k yellow gold case Rare Rolex Blue Dial with Factory set Diamond bezel with diamond dial with lumino...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Made Light Green Dial circa 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 42mm x...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Dial and 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
18 Karat Yellow Gold Rolex President Lady Datejust, Automatic, Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt Yellow Gold Rolex President Lady Oyster Datejust, Set with Diamonds Movement: Automatic Functions: Hours, minutes, sweep seconds, date Case: 18 kt. yellow gold, diameter 26 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Precision 2644 Vintage 1971 Silver Dial 18K White Gold Mesh Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Precision ref. 2644 in 18K white gold and silver , circa 1971, featuring a silver dial, baton hour markers, manual-wind movement, and integrated textured 18K white gold...
White 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 Green Mirror Display 9 x 11
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Green Mirror Display 9 x 11 - Beautiful adjustable mirror. 9 x 11 inches. The mirror can adjust backwards or straight forward .
Rolex 18Kt. Gold President with Custom Blue Diamond Marker Dial, 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: President / Reference 18000 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter...
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra Dial circa 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 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Historical Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Big Red 6263 steel 1979
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
First launched in 1963 and created specifically for the world of automotive racing, the Rolex Daytona collection is arguably one of the most popular and universally respected lines of timepieces from the brand’s entire catalog. And among the numerous references that make up this iconic collection of chronograph watches, the “Big Red” Rolex...
Steel
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 Submariner Hulk Ceramic Steel Green Dial Watch 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. No original box and papers.
Steel