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.
$5,520Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 6426 34mm Mens 1950s Manual Wind All Original RA682
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Royal Precision Ref.6426 manual hand-wind, c.1976, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorge...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34mm MOP Diamond Dial & Diamond Bezel Watch 115200
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
A striking fusion of classic Rolex craftsmanship and bold luxury, this Rolex Oyster Date 34mm (Ref. 115200) is a refined timepiece that commands attention on the wrist. Featuring a s...
Diamond, Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 16613 Blue Dial Mens Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date 16613 Mens Watch. 40mm stainless steel case. Unidirectional rotating 18K yellow gold bezel with blue insert. Blue dial with Mercedes gold lumin...
Rolex Daytona 116523 Champagne Dial Two-Tone Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Daytona 116523 Mens Watch. 40mm stainless steel case. 18K yellow gold tachymeter bezel. Champagne dial with gold hands and index hour marker. Three black sub-d...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss 116400 Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss 116400 Mens Watch. 40mm stainless steel case and smooth bezel. Black dial with luminous silver-tone hands and index hour markers. Minute markers on th...
Rolex Mini Datejust 69173 Champagne Dial 9m Serial SS/YG 1986
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 1950 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 69173 Year 1986 Dial Champagne Dial Case Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Diameter 26mm Length 16.3cm Moveme...
Rolex Datejust 1601 Black Dial 18K Yellow Gold Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Datejust 1601 Mens Watch. 36mm 18K yellow gold case. 18k yellow gold fluted bezel. Black dial with gold hands and index hour markers. Minute markers on the outer dial. Date dis...
Rolex Ladies 18 Karat Gold & Stainless Steel Datejust Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A Rolex Datejust wristwatch crafted in stainless steel and 18k gold. The round case features a black dial with baton indexes, offering a sleek and m...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1990 Rolex Day-Date 18238 18K Yellow Gold Automatic White Carousel Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Watch Meant For A Vegas Night At a glance, it looks like a classic yellow gold Day-Date. Then the dial pulls you in. The white carousel diamond layout immediately separates this f...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner Date 16613 Black Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date 16613 Mens Watch. 40mm stainless steel case. Unidirectional rotating 18K yellow gold bezel with black insert. Black dial with gold luminous han...
Rolex 34MM 18 Karat Gold & Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A distinguished Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date watch. The round case is crafted from stainless steel, featuring a champagne sunburst dial with baton ind...
Stainless Steel
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
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Oyster Bracelet & Rare 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 41mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Steel Mint Green Dial Oyster Watch B&P 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Comes with original box and papers. Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126300 Green Dial Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 41 Reference Number: 126300 Dial: Green sunburst Year: 201...
Steel
Rolex Ladies Sodalite Platinum President 179166
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Platinum President 179166 - Automatic winding, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. Ladies President. Platinum case with smooth bezel (26mm). Sodalite Diamond dial. Platinum...
Rolex Milgauss 40mm Black Dial Green Crystal Stainless Steel Mens Watch 116400GV
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Milgauss Green Crystal 116400GV has Silver-tone stainless steel case with a silver-tone stainless steel Rolex oyster bracelet. Fixed domed silver-tone stainless steel bezel. Bl...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$10,320Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 34mm 14k Solid Gold Mens 1970s Automatic RA692
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 solid 14k gold automatic, c.1978, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
14k Gold
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 14Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 9168 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...
14k Gold
$4,720Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster perpetual Ref 76094 18k SS Ladies 26mm Automatic circa 2000s RA733
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious elegance, Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual 76094 18k white gold bezel automatic, c.2000s, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker...
18k Gold, 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
Unworn Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Reference# 134300, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Ref. 134300-0004 is a sophisticated blend of timeless design, modern engineering, and understated luxury. Presented in unworn condition, this 41mm timep...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 2280 SS 30mm 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Royal 2280 Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1939 Beautiful Watch. Generic Stainless Steel Bracelet (not original Rolex). 30mm round c...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies 14Kt Solid White Gold Mid Century Modern Watch circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Mid Century Modern / Reference 1656 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1956 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm ...
14k Gold
Rolex "Batgirl" GMT-Master II Men's Watch 126710BLNR - Stainless Steel Automatic
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: "Batgirl" GMT-Master II Model Number: 126710BLNR Movement: Automatic Warranty: Manufacturer Five-Year Year: 2023 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Black Metal Co...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Day-Date 40 18k Rose Gold Gold Olive Green Dial Men Watch 228345RBR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers.
Rose Gold
Rare Rolex Day-Date Oyster Quartz Pyramid Egyptian 19028 Original Land Dweller
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
This rare and stunning timepiece has only been seen physically by a seldom few, this luxurious Rolex Egyptian Oyster Quartz Day-Date wristwatch comes as a complete collectors set wit...
18k Gold
Antique c1915 Rolex W&D 9K 375 Rose Gold 28mm Hinged Round Case Ladies' Watch
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
TO U.S.A BUYERS: DON’T SWEAT ABOUT 15% TRUMP’S TARIFF - WE COVER IT BY GIVING YOU 15% DISCOUNT! This sophisticated ladies’ timepiece is an antique Rolex watch from circa 1915, y...
Rose Gold
Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 34mm Mens 1980s Hand Wind All Original RA683
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 manual wind, c.1984, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Day Date 18946 Diamond MOP Dial Platinum Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Day Date 18946 Mens Watch. 36mm Platinum case. Platinum bezel with factory diamond. Mother of pearl dial with silver-tone hands and factory diamond hour markers. Date display a...
Rolex Milgauss 40mm 116400 Steel White Dial Automatic Men Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with original box and paper.
Steel
$12,720Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Day Date 1803 President 18k Solid Gold 1970s Mens Vintage Automatic RA699
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless icon, Rolex 18k solid gold Oyster Day-Date ref.1803 "The President", c.1976, in excellent working condition! Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex sign...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Silvered Dial and Gilt Markers
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 Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial 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 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Date 15238 34mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Box Paper 2002
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15238 Serial: P28**** Year: 2002 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Fluted ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 18Kt Gold Ladies Modernist Style for Serpico & Laino Diamond Bezel 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 106 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold / Factory Diamond Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Dia...
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made Rolex Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Ladies Datejust 6905 26mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6905 Serial: 359**** Year: 1974 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Flute...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Tiffany Turquoise Blue Dial Steel Men's Watch 126000
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
The Oyster Perpetual 36 with a turquoise blue dial and an Oyster bracelet. The colours created for the Oyster Perpetual range start life as a lacquer, which must be meticulously appl...
Steel, 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 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950 with Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold / Set with Vintage Rose Cut Stones .75Cts. CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZ...
18k Gold
16233J Rolex Diamond Studded Watch
By Rolex
Located in kOWLOON, HK
1990’s Model Datejust 36 In Stainless Steel And 18ct Yellow Gold Factory Champagne Jubilee Big Stone Diamond Dial 16233 Model complete With The Original Rolex Box, Invoice And 12 M...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1948 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Watch Ref 6050
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual dates to 1948 and is crafted in stainless steel, bearing the reference number 6050. An early example of Rolex’s automatic, waterproof wristwatches...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona 116523 Diamond White Dial Two-Tone Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Daytona 116523 Mens Watch. 40mm stainless steel case. 18K yellow gold tachymeter bezel. White dial with gold hands and factory diamond hour marker. Three sub-d...
Rolex Ladies Datejust 179173 26mm Champagne Jubilee Diamond Dial 18k Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 179173 Serial: D38**** Year: 2005 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date President Model Number: 1803 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Date: 1964 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Aftermarket Champagne Diamond Metal Con...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Double Red Sea Dweller 1665 RARE MK 3 Dial with PATINA 40mm Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1665 Serial: 354**** Year: 1974 Model: Vintage Rolex Double Red Sea Dweller Case Material: Stainless Steel ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 35mm 14k Gold SS Mens 1970s Automatic RA624B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's 14k and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1974, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeou...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Platinum President 179166
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Platinum President 179166 - Automatic winding, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. Ladies President. Platinum case with smooth bezel (26mm). Silver dial. Platinum President...
Rolex President Day-Date Men's 18k Gold Watch 18038
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex President Day-Date Men's 18k Gold Watch 18038 - Automatic winding; quick-set; sapphire crystal. President - Day-Date. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel ( 36 mm). Champagne...
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1946
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 9488 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1946 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...
18k Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Steel & Gold Watch 116523
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Steel & Gold Watch 116523 - Automatic winding, chronograph, 44 jewels, sapphire crystal. Daytona. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold beel (4...
Rolex Datejust 16014 Siver Linen Dial Steel Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 16014 Mens Watch. 36mm stainless steel case. 18K white gold fluted bezel. Silver linen dial with luminous steel hands and index hour markers. Minute m...
Rolex Datejust 69173 Diamond Champagne Dial Ladies Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Champagne dial with gold hands and factory diamond hour markers. Minute markers on the out...
Rolex Submariner 116613LN Steel 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Box and papers included. 🕰️ Basic Information Brand: Rolex Model: Submariner Date Model Number: 116613LN Department: Men Style: Luxury Count...
Steel
$8,320Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 35mm 14k Solid Gold Mens 1970s Automatic RA674
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 solid 14k gold automatic, c.1970s, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rol...
14k Gold
Rolex 14Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Tank Style Watch circa 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 4391 Ladies Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 27mm "...
14k Gold
Rolex Datejust 69178 Diamond Lapis Dial 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69178 Ladies Watch. 26mm 18K yellow gold case with a fluted bezel. Blue Lapis lazuli dial with gold hands and factory diamond hour markers. Minute mar...
Vintage Rolex Datejust 80s Ref 16233 Automatic Gold Two Tone Champagne
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16233 automatic two tone with a champagne roman numeral dial on a jubilee bracelet from the 1990s. Keeps great time and is fully functional....
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Green Wave Diamond Dial Watch 116233
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Green Wave Diamond Dial Watch 116233 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold flute...