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 Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King with Custom Pink Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air-King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40...
Rolex Submariner 16613 Champagne Serti Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel 2006
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16613 Serial: Z884*** Year: 2006 Model: Submariner Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bez...
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
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 14k Gold Diamond Dial Automatic 1960s RA412B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Striking luxurious classic, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex 1601 Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic diamond dial and bezel, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed black dial, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 position, luxurious aftermarket diamond set hour markers, hands and dial in excellent, vintage condition, very minor show of age if any. Acrylic crystal. Stunning diamond set in 14k gold bezel, 14k solid gold case measures 36mm wide, in pristine condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Fitted on new, aftermarket leather strap and buckle. Iconic classic, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Datejust...
14k Gold
Rolex Steel Datejust with Exceptional Factory Original Silvered Dial circa 1970s
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 X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Finished Pink Dial 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Original Black Dial from 1995
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 15200 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1995 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm ...
Rolex Datejust 41 126334 Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial Steel 18K Gold Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126334 Serial: 4275T*** Year: 2020 Model: Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Mother of Pearl Diamond D...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies DateJust 31mm Stainless Steel Jubilee Bracelet White Dial 178274
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Classic, elegant, and unmistakably Rolex — this Rolex Ladies Datejust 31mm (Ref. 178274) is a refined timepiece that embodies timeless sophistication. Crafted from stainless steel an...
18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 Reference# 279171, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 Ref. 279171-0021 embodies timeless sophistication, combining classic design with modern refinement. Crafted from Rolex’s signature Everose Rolesor — a harm...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Light Champagne Dial, 1960s
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 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...
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 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond MOP Dial Automatic 1980s RA552
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dazzling 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. Verifie...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Daytona 40mm Steel Ceramic White Dial Panda Oyster Watch 116500LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2023 card. Box and papers included. General Information: Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Name: Rolex Daytona 116500LN Model Number: 116500LN Country/Reg...
Steel
Rolex President Brown Dial Diamond 18K Day Date Watch Ref 18038
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Handsome, hardly ever worn Gentlemen’s Rolex President Day Date watch, Ref 18038 dated late 1986.It is crafted in 18k yellow gold. Featuring All Original scratch resistant Sapphire Crystal, rare specialty brown with original factory Diamond Dial, gold hands, day and cyclops lens date boxes...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Submariner 40mm Smurf 18K White Gold Ceramic Watch 116619LB
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. Comes with the original box but no papers. 🏷...
White Gold
2024 Rolex Datejust 41 126333 Black Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126333 Serial: OU166*** Year: 2024 Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yel...
Rolex Vintage Gents President Day Date 18K Diamond Dial and Bezel 118348
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
This Exquisite 36mm Collectible Gentlemen's Rolex is cast in 18K yellow gold and remains in Pristine Condition. Reference number 118348. Features ALL ORIGINAL Scratch resistant mineral crystal, black enamel diamond dial, gold markers, day and magnified cyclops lens date windows, and gold hands. Original Rolex Automatic Winding...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Ceramic Bezel Crocodile Strap Rose Gold Watch 116515LN
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Rose Gold Mens Watch 116515. Officially certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement. 18K rose gold oyster case 40.0 mm in diameter. Special screw-d...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Datejust 36MM Ref. 16233 White Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned 1995 Rolex Datejust Ref. 16233 exemplifies the timeless elegance and versatility that has made the Datejust one of Rolex’s most iconic models. The watch features a 36M...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Thunderbird Bezel Custom Blue Dial, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller 40mm Ref. 16600 Watch With Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
The robust Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600, featuring a 40mm stainless steel case built for 4,000 feet of deep-sea diving, complete with its original box, card, and full set of accessories. ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Yellow Gold Steel No Holes Champagne Dial Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. signs of wear. No original box and paper. Comes with a chronostore box and 2 year warranty. Brand & Model Details: Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 69173 Mode...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II Steel White Dial Automatic with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
*We can have it new or second hand You can request more info* Prices will vary- Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116680 Country/Region of Manufacture: S...
Stainless Steel
Rolex datejust 36 oyster steel and yellow gold black diamond-set dial 126233
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex unisex Oyster Datejust 36, Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold, Reference 126233 This gorgeous unisex rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold features...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex President Day-Date Diamond String & Log Dial Bezel Watch18388
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
ROLEX President Day-Date Diamond String Diamond Log Dial Bezel Watch reference 18388 This Watch Say It. Hardly worn in original condition!! A Rare 36...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Blue Oyster Reference# 126300, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126300-0001 exemplifies the brand's commitment to timeless design and modern innovation. Crafted entirely from Oystersteel, a proprietary 904L stainless st...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Custom Orange Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel & White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SI...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Rare Lapis Pyramid Dial Diamond Set 69138
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 26mm yellow gold Datejust by Rolex. Features an exceptionally rare lapis pyramid dial with diamond set hour markers, complemented by the bezel, set with 40 round brilliant cut diam...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Day-Date Rose Gold 40mm Olive green with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
*We can have it new or second hand You can request more info* Prices will vary- Instantly recognizable, its unique design has forged its identity. At its launch, the Day-Date was t...
Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Gold Ceramic Steel Black Dial Men Watch 116519LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2022 card. Comes with the original box and papers. Brand and Model Brand: Rolex Model: Cosmograph Daytona Model Number: 116519LN Design and Style Style: Luxury Watch Shape: ...
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Dial, Bezel and Hand Made Vuitton Strap 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Custom Made Yellow Dial with Baton Markers / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Hand Made Louis Vuitton Strap 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex has a custom finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous specifications. However, it did not originally come on this watch. All the other mechanical parts on this watch are original, in fact it still has its original factory rating. You can only get this rating when all the mechanical parts are original. The diamond bezel is hand made to our specifications and watch meets all the rigorous standards of a Rolex. We had these straps hand made in France using an original vintage Louis Vuitton Suit Case...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 18K Yellow Gold Steel Custom Champagne Diamond Dial Watch 16013
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Custom diamond bezel and band/buckle.
Steel
Rolex President Day Date II 218349 41mm Diamond Dial Bezel 18K White Gold 2013
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 218349 Serial: Q7906*** Year: 2013 Model: President Day Date II Case Material: 18K White Gold Band: 18K White Gold Bezel: Factory Diamond Bezel Dial: Factory Diamond ...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 Black Jubilee Reference# 126333, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126333-0006 represents the perfect balance of sophistication, performance, and timeless appeal. Crafted from Yellow Rolesor — Rolex’s distinguished combina...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Sky-Dweller 326235 Rose Gold 42mm Chocolate Dial Automatic Watch B&P 2021
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Excellent pre-owned condition. Box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model Name: Sky-Dweller Model Number: 326235 Type: Wristwatch Style: Dress/Formal, Luxury Department...
Rose Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Oysterdate with Original Dial from 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...
Rolex Datejust 16030 White Roman Dial Watch in Steel case, 1980s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16030 (steel bezel) automatic with a white Roman numeral dial on a jubilee bracelet from the 80s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. ...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Blue Dial 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 34m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 69178 Ladies President Datejust Diamond String Dial 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69178 Serial: E312*** Year: 1990 Model: Ladies President Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: F...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 126000
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with a box and papers. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. Rolex Oyster Perpet...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Orange Dial 1970s
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...
Rolex Day Date 18078 Red Degrade Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Day-Date 18038 Men's Watch. This timepiece features a 36mm case made of 18K yellow gold, complemented by an 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. The dial showcases a striking red degr...
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Quickset Datejust with Exceptional Original Silver Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 16014 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 4...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Oyster Bracelet & Rare Black Dial, 1979
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 1200 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1979 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Mens Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA575
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Rolex all-stainless steel Men's Oysterdate Precision 6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1962, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Mens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1972 36 mm Preowned Reference: 1600 18kt yellow and stainless steel
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1989 Rolex Day Date Pavee Dial With Sapphires Ref. 18388
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
Diamonds & Sapphires - Here's a very glamorous Day Date 18388 in yellow gold. With factory diamond setting on the bezel as well as on the lugs. The watch features a beautiful Pavee d...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Two Tone Diamond Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Mens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1978 34 mm Preowned Diamond Dial Reference: 1500 18kt yellow gold and stainless steel
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Perpetual Datejust with Original Outstanding Silver Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Factory House STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Batgirl 126710BLNR
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A GMT-Master II Batgirl in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with the date and a blue second time zone hand. The ceramic blue and black bidirectional rotatable bezel featu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold Strap Model Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Rolex Wrist Watch, 33 M.M. 14K 2 piece case, 9 M.M. thick, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle lever movement, 2 tone Silver Satin Pie pan dial with raised Gold marke...
14k Gold
2022 Rolex Yacht Master II 116688 44mm Blue Ceramic 18k Yellow Gold Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116688 Serial: 8Y0H**** Year: 2022 Model: Rolex Yacht Master II Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Blue Ceramic Bezel ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Brushed Dial & Solid Link Bracelet 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: Mid-1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diame...
Rolex Day-Date 40 Yellow Gold Black Diamond Dial Automatic Mens Watch 228238
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with the original box and papers.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 114200 34mm Black Roman Dial Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 114200 Serial: 695Q4*** Year: 2009 - 2014 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel Dial: Custom Black Dial with Diamo...
Rolex Daytona 116528 White Dial Chrono 18k Yellow Gold 40mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex Daytona 116528 White Dial Chrono 18k Yellow Gold 40mm Watch is a symbol of unparalleled luxury and precision. Featuring a striking white...
Yellow Gold
New Oyster Perpetual Rolex Submariner Kermit 40mm
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
New Oyster Perpetual Rolex Submariner Kermit this piece comes with a Rolex box, papers , two year warranty and guaranteed authenticity. Rf. Number 126610LV Just over a decade after the introduction of the Submariner diving watch, Rolex launched...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual from 1952 Oversized Bubble Back Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm...