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 Day Date 40 Presidential 228348RBR Yellow Gold Factory Diamond Dial Bezel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Day Date 40 Presidential 228348RBR Yellow Gold Factory Diamond Dial Bezel The Rolex Yellow Gold President Day Date 40 228348RBR is a wristwatch with an analog display. It has ...
Yellow Gold
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 Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Custom Orange Dial Engine Turned Bezel 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 41mm Length x...
Stainless Steel
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 Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 Mens Vintage Automatic 1960s RA675B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.1501 Men's automatic, c.1963, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silve...
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
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 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 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 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 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...
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 Cosmograph Daytona 40mm 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Watch 126508
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. It comes with an original box and papers.
Yellow Gold
Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 White Jubilee Reference# 126300, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126300-0006 is a masterful blend of timeless design and modern innovation, making it a standout in the world of luxury timepieces. Crafted entirely from Ro...
Stainless 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 Sea-Dweller 43mm Ref 126600 Anniversary Series Watch Full Set
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600 Anniversary Series, featuring a 43mm stainless steel case, 15.5mm thickness, and the signature red "Sea-Dweller" text, complete with original box and card....
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster perpetual Datejust 16233 18k SS Mens 1990s 36mm Automatic RA769B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 16233 Datejust automatic with 18k gold bezel, c.1991, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex 1665 Double Red Sea Dweller Stainless Steel 40mm 1972
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1665 Serial: 3066*** Year: 1972 Model: Sea Dweller Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Dial: Black DOUBLE RED SEA DWELLER...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex DateJust 36mm Black Dial 18K Gold Stainless Steel Jubilee Watch 16233
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Classic, elegant, and unmistakably Rolex, the Datejust Ref. 16233 is a timeless expression of refined luxury. This 36mm model features a striking black dial, beautifully contrasted b...
18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Yellow 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's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 126301 Sundust Dial 18K Rose Gold Stainless Box Paper 2021
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126301 Serial: 040M3*** Year: 2021 Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Rose Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: Factory Bezel Swap - 18K Rose ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Day-Date Octopus Diamond Set 18048
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A yellow gold 36mm rare vintage Day-Date Octopus by Rolex. Features a champagne dial set with 2 baguette cut and 8 round brilliant cut diamond hour markers. Complementing the dial is...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Custom Yellow Dial Oyster Men Watch 116000
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Aftermarket custom dial. Comes with the original box and papers. Shipping 3-4 weeks timeframe. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty ...
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
Vintage Ladies Rolex Precision 18K Ref. #2604 1950's Champagne Dial, Cal. # 1400
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Ladies Rolex Precision 18K Ref. # 2604, 1950's Champagne Dial, Cal. # 1400 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally ...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet
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 41mm x...
Rolex Day-Date President 40 Platinum Ice-Blue Roman Dial Men Watch 228236
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with the original box and papers. 5-year warranty. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes...
Platinum
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
Rolex Submariner 40mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 16803
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Submariner Steel 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Mens Watch 16803. Officially certified chronometer self-winding movement. Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold case 40.0 mm in diamet...
Yellow Gold, Steel
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 Daytona Cosmograph 116505 18K Rose Gold
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Daytona 116505 Mens Watch. 40mm 18K rose gold case with 18K rose gold bezel. Chocolate dial with luminous rose gold hands and Arabic numeral & ind...
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Royal with Custom Made Navy Blue Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Royal / Reference 6426 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length "Lug Tip to Lug...
Stainless Steel
Unisex Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Oyster Black Dial 15210 Circa 1999
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unisex Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Oyster Black Dial 15210 Circa 1999 This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are abs...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Lady's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex "Oyster Perpetual DateJust" lady's wristwatch, circa 1979 Automatic, circular red dial with dark burnt edges and applied aftermarket d...
Diamond
Rolex Daytona Blue Cosmograph Ref. #6239, Circa 1966
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Rolex Daytona Blue Cosmograph 6239 Circa 1966 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale. This model is referred to as the Daytona Blue due to the slight blue color of (Daytona) on the dial is a rare occurrence in similar year models. Currently this watch is shown with a more current Rolex band to provide a more comfortable fit. However, included with your purchase, is the original riveted Rolex watch band. Please see the last 2 photos. Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Rolex Daytona Cosmograph: Serial number: 1'417'XX8 Year of Production: Circa 1966 Gender: Men's Dial: Black / white Crystal: Acrylic Caliber: cal. 727 mechanical, 17 Jewels Movement: Valjoux Case: Stainless Steel – Screw down case back Case Size: 37mm Strap / Band: Original stainless steel Rolex riveted bracelet with folding clasp included. Newer Rolex...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Oyster Perpetual Date Model Ref. 1501 circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date/ Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DI...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust II Roman Numeral Dial Aftermarket Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
ROLEX DATEJUST II ROMAN NUMERAL DIAL DIAMOND WATCH -Condition: Like-new, Mint -Case size: 41mm -Metal: Stainless Steel -Movement: Automatic -Afterm...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer Rose Gold & Steel Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer Rose Gold & Steel Men's Watch
Rose Gold, 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
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Exceptional Custom Red Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diamet...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Blued 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: 1960's / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length...
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Air-King With Black Dial Box & Papers 2005
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air-King / Reference 2140 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 2005 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm Length...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Date Gilt Dial w/ Leather Strap Ref. 6694
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 6694 Year: 1965 Serial number: 12XXXXX Reference: C0_ Case: 34mm diameter without crown; show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case b...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Datejust 28 Dark Grey Diamond Stainless Steel Jubilee 279160 Unworn
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Rolex Datejust 28 wristwatch is a true masterpiece of Swiss craftsmanship and luxury design. With a sleek, stainless steel case and jubilee bracelet, this timepiece bo...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Day-Date 36mm 18k Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Automatic Watch 18038
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-Owned. Factory Diamond dial. Comes with an original box, No papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buye...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date President 118238 Champagne Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Day-Date President 118238 Mens Watch. 36mm 18K yellow gold case with 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Champagne dial with gold hands and gold index hour markers. Minute markers ar...
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Mother of Pearl Diamond 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 41mm...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Dial circa Late 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / Jewels DIAL / HANDS: ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Oyster Bracelet, 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic Oyster Perpetual Date is fitted with its original and rare smoky brown dial. We seldom see this model. The watch is entirely original and still has its original factory rating on it. It is also fitted with its original Rolex Oyster bracelet...
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 Day-Date President 228238 40MM 8K Gold Black Diagonal-Motif Men Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Box and papers. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. * Free Shipping within the U...
Gold
Rolex Ladies Datejust 79160 Mother of Pearl Diamond Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Providence, RI
Apart of the Oyster Perpetual Date collection, this stunning ladies Rolex is a perfect addition to your jewelry box. This Ladies Rolex Datejust features a mother of pearl 12-hour dia...
Diamond, Pearl, Stainless Steel
Rolex Link in 18K Yellow Gold 10mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Link 18K Yellow Gold Dimension 10mm Condition New
18k Gold, Yellow 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
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm 18K Gold Diamond Sundust Dial Watch 116505
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2022-2023 Card. Comes with an original box and paper. 5-year Rolex warranty.
18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 36 New Style Watch Diamond Bezel Pink Dial Jubilee Band 116234
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Rolex Series: Datejust Model: 116234 Case Diameter: 36 mm Bracelet: Jubilee band; stainless steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Set Dial: Aftermarket Carat Weight: 1.62 carats in tota...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Mid 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 7008 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SI...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust 2-Tone Steel & Gold Ladies Watch 79173
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust 2-tone Steel & Gold Ladies Watch 79173 - Automatic winding, 29 jewels, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. Stainless steel case with custom diamond bezel (26mm diameter...
Rolex Day Date President 40 18K Gold Index Black Dial Diamond Watch 228349RBR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2023 Card. Comes with the manufacturer's box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can ...
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Made Mother of Pearl Diamond 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 CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Custom Pink Mother of Pearl Dial with Diamond Markers / Silver Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Jubilee Bracelet, 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This custom Rolex...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K White Gold Steel Pink Roman Dial Watch 179174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in Excellent condition. Comes with an original box but no paper. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Lady-Datejust Model Number: 179174 Type: Wristwatch Department...
Steel