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 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 Mens Datejust 41mm Stainless Steel Fully Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Mens Datejust 41mm Stainless Steel Fully Diamond Watch with Roman Numerals Pave Dial 116300 There are few watches more reliable, versatile, and durable than the Iced Out Rolex Datejust...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Celebration" 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 42mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made Sage Green Dial 1960s or 70s
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 / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diame...
Rolex Datejust 18K Yellow Gold Steel Champagne Dial Automatic Men Watch 116233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. No original box or papers. Comes with a chronoste box. Recently serviced. The movement is calibrated and keeps time well. General Information Brand:...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex 116758SA GMT-Master II 18 Karat Diamond & Sapphire Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Experience luxury and elegance with the Rolex 116758SA GMT-Master II. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this exceptional timepiece showcases a captivating fusion of timeless design and exq...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Daytona 18K White Gold Black Diamond Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116509
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2022 card. Original box and papers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116509 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Model: Rolex Daytona...
White Gold
Rolex Daytona NOS White Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn NOS Daytona in Oystersteel by Rolex, featuring a white dial. With an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers; the Daytona was designed to be the ultimate tim...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 26mm Datejust Stainless Steel White Color Roman Numeral Dial Watch 69160
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Stainless Steel Custom Set White Color Roman Numeral Dial Deployment Buckle 69160
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 76080 24mm Blue Dial Diamond Bezel Steel Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 76080 Serial: Y39**** Year: 2002 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel Dial: Blue...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex 36mm Datejust Stainless Steel Metallic Pink Diamond Dial Deployment Buckle
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust Stainless Steel Metallic Pink Diamond Dial Deployment buckle 16014. This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced an...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1999 Rolex Lady Cellini 6631 18K YG White Roman Dial Quartz 24.5mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Different Side Of Rolex The Cellini line has always been Rolex’s quiet statement of artistry. Named for the Florentine goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini, these watches were a deliberate...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Steel 1.20 Carat Custom Teal Dial Men's 1983 Watch 16014
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
1 Cttw Custom Diamond Bezel and 0.20 Custom Diamond Teal Dial. Original Box and Papers are not included comes with a Chronostore presentation box and authenticity card. Covered by a ...
Rolex Daytona Custom Mother of Pearl Diamond Pave Dial Steel Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Rolex Daytona in steel ref. 116520 has Mother of Pearl Pave Diamond Dial. This watch features a custom Diamond dial of MOP, sapphire glass, chronograph function, solid case back...
Diamond, Pearl, Steel
New Rolex Daytona 126518LN 18K Yellow Gold Paul Newman Dial Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with original box and papers. Rolex Daytona — Model 126518LN (2024) Men’s Luxury Chronograph Yellow Gold Black Dial Oysterflex Rubber Strap 📌 General Information B...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare, Original Shaded Sunburst Red 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: 1974 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Original Factory Sunburst Red Dial...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer Rose Gold 40mm 126715CHNR
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rolex GMT-Master II reference 126715CHNR nicknamed “Root Beer”, featuring a black dial with applied luminous hour markers, matching Mercedes-style hands, a date aperture at 3 o’clo...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Submariner Date Sapphire/Diamond Stainless Steel Watch Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date Custom Diamond Stainless Steel Watch with Sapphire/Diamond Bezel Lugs and Blue Dial 116610. Watch has been professionally po...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Pearlmaster White Gold Diamond Set 29mm 80359
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A white gold Datejust Pearlmaster by Rolex reference 80359. A striking ladies watch distinguished by its silver dial set with 10 round brilliant-cut diamond hour markers, a bezel pav...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Submariner 18k Gold Steel Blue/Violet Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16803
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Rolex Submariner 16803 is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by an automatic movement which is cased in a stainless steel case. It has a collectible transitional blue/violet dial, round shape face, date dial and has hand sticks and dots style markers. It is completed with a stainless and solid gold band that opens and closes with a fold over. The bezel of this watch has micro scratches on the insert and some minor scratches and oxidation on the Hands . This watch was produced in 1988. This watch comes with a Chronostore presentation box and authenticity card. Details: Brand Rolex Department Men Model Number 16803 Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Model Rolex Submariner 16803 Style Luxury Movement Mechanical (Automatic) Band Color Gold, Steel Band Material Stainless Steel, 18k Yellow Gold Dial Color Blue Dial Pattern Sunburst Closure Fold-Over Clasp with Flip Lock Safety Case Material Stainless Steel Case Color Gray, Steel Display Analog Water Resistance 100 m (10 ATM) Year Manufactured 1988 Indices 12-Hour Dial, Non-Numeric Hour Marks, Round Indexes, Seconds Hand Customized No Band Type Bracelet Watch Shape Round Number of Jewels 27 Jewels Caseback Solid Vintage No Case Finish Polished Handedness Left Bezel Type Count-Up/Dive, Unidirectional Rotating Bezel Color Blue Case Size 40 mm Band Width 15.5 mm Lug Width 20 mm Case Thickness 13 mm Box Chronostore Giftbox Included Papers Chronostore Certificate With Papers No Seller Warranty Yes SKU 017294 Wrist Fit 7 Inches Movement Caliber Rolex Caliber 3035...
Rolex Submariner 18k Yellow Gold Blue Lapis Dial 16618 Automatic Watch, 1990
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 16618 Year: 1990 Serial number: E8xxxxx Reference: OT1673 Over its lifespan, numerous types of dials and bezels colours were introduced, including black ...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel with Machined Bezel and Black Alligator Strap from 1967
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1967 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diamet...
Rolex Datejust 69173 Two Tone White Roman Numeral Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Vintage Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone White Roman Numeral Dial 69173
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Two-Tone Datejust with Custom Made Blue Dial and Diamond Markers 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two-tone CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm MOVE...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Rare Panna Cream Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's wristwatch in stainless steel, by Rolex. Featuring an extremely desirable yet rare Panna cream dial, found only in a fairly tight serial range. With an engraved tachymetric s...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1979 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 14K YG Grey Texture Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Classic Rolex In Precious Metal The reference 1503 takes the foundational design of the Oyster Perpetual Date and renders it in solid 14K yellow gold. This was a common execution ...
14k 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 Datejust 16233 Gold & Steel Watch with 36mm Fluted Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust 16233 Watch. This Rolex Datejust features a round case crafted in a combination of 18k gold and stainless steel. The watch showcases a fluted bezel in gold, complement...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 18 Karat Gold With Diamond Bezel President circa 1980's with Original Box
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: President / Reference 18000 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 43mm Length X 36mm Diam...
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 40 18k Everrose Gold Diamond Eisenkiesel Dial M228345RBR Unworn
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Factory Diamonds. Comes with the original box and papers. * 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...
Rose Gold
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Metallic Pink Diamond Dial 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Metallic Pink Diamond Dial Bezel + Lugs + Rubies 69173 This watch is in like new condition. It has been ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Stainless Steel
$35,292Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Yacht-Master 18k Rose Gold Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116655
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. General Information Brand: Rolex Model Number: 116655 Model: Yacht-Master...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Celebration Dial Automatic Watch 124300SSO
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn 2023 Card. Comes with an original box and paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the...
Steel
Ladies Rolex White Track Datejust S/S Oyster Perpetual Diamond Watch 69160
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex White Track 26mm Datejust S/S Oyster Perpetual Diamond Side + Bezel & Lugs 69160 This watch is in like new condition. It has been poli...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
$6,368Sale Price|20% Off
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 36mm 18k SS Automatic 1980s Vintage NA106G
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16013 automatic, c.1986, in excellent aesthetic and working condition. Verified authentic by a m...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Black PVD/DLC Coated Watch 116523
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Black PVD/DLC Coated Watch 116523.
PVD-Coated, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 69173 Two Tone Blue Color Dial with Baguette Diamond Accent Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Vintage Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Blue Color Dial with Baguette Diamond Accent 69173 This watch is in like new condition. It has been p...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Blue Dial 1970'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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II 40mm White Polar Dial Stainless Steel Oyster Mens Watch 16570
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Explorer Ii in Oystersteel with an Oyster Bracelet Features a White Dial with Arrow-Shaped 24-Hour Hand and Hour Markers. Its Highly Legible Dial, Extremely Res...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Submariner Date Hulk in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a green dial and green uni-directional rotatable ceramic bezel with 60 minute ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Black Dial with Diamonds 16014 Stainless Steel Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust Black Dial with Diamonds 16014 Stainless Steel Jubilee Band This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has no visible scratches or bl...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 Gold & Steel 116233 Watch Champagne Dial Jubilee Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 36 Gold & Steel 116233 Watch Factory Champagne Diamond Dial Custom Diamond Bezel Jubilee Bracelet Two Tone Watch This watch has been p...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Black 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 39mm X Diameter 3...
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 Datejust 36mm Baby Blue MOP Dial with Diamond Numbers & Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 36mm Baby Blue Mother Of Pearl Dial with Diamond Numbers & Diamond Bezel 16013
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King With Custom Blue Dial from Early 70's
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: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1500's DIAL / HANDS: Custom Painted...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust Vintage Diamond Bezel Two Tone White MOP String Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Vintage Diamond Bezel Two Tone White MOP Mother of Pearl String Diamond Dial 69173. This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced an...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1974 Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual Date 6916 Steel Blue Dial Manual 28mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundation In A Vibrant Hue The Oyster Perpetual Date is a direct descendant of the watches that built the Rolex legend. It combines the original waterproof Oyster case with a r...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18 Karat Gold With Diamond Bezel President circa 1996 with Original Box
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: President / Reference 18236 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1996 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 43mm Length X 36mm Diamet...
18k Gold
Genuine 18k Rolex 6517 Oyster Perpetual Watch. Ladies ROLEX 18k Yellow Gold.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady DateJust Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1960. 18k Yellow Gold Case. 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6517. Condition: Excellent Condition fo...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 15200 Black Index Steel Mens Watch Papers 2001
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 15200 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 34mm, 2001. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7.5 inches. Includes original papers; box is no...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Factory Original Charcoal Dial 1970
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...
Rolex Day Date 18K Rose Gold Diamond Baguette Chocolate Dial Watch 228235
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn Rolex Day Date 40 18K Rose Gold Diamond Baguette Chocolate Dial Watch 228235. 2022 card. Comes with manufacturers box and papers. Com...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Lady-Datejust 69174 Steel Watch with White Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a stainless steel case, accentuating a pristine white dial. The design is refined, with Roman numeral hour marker...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Green Dial with Emeralds & Diamonds Two Tone Jubilee Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust Green Dial with Emeralds & Diamonds Two Tone Watch Jubilee Band 16013
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 31mm Midsize Blue Roman Dial Steel Jubilee Ladies Watch 78240
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust 31 Midsize Blue Roman Dial Steel Ladies Watch 78240. Officially certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel Jubilee case 31 mm in diameter. ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 79174G Steel Watch with Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece showcases a stainless steel case with a refined silver dial. The design features diamond hour markers, adding a touch of l...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 36mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Blue Color Dial Baguette Diamond Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Men's Rolex 36mm Datejust 16013 Two Tone Jubilee Blue Color Dial 8+2 Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs + Sapphire. This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and h...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Factory Original Black Dial, 1970s
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 41...