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.
Ladies Rolex Datejust Vintage Diamond Bezel Two Tone Tahitian MOP Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Vintage Diamond Bezel Two Tone Tahitian MOP Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial 69173 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Black Roman Pave Diamond Dial Fully Iced Out
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel Black Roman Pave Diamond Dial Fully Iced Out Watch 116234 This watch comes with a LIFETIME di...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Original Charcoal Dial, Early 1970'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 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber. 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Original Metallic Blue / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Oyster Bracelet 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is one of Rolex's classic models, the Air King...
Rolex Day-Date Presidential Yellow Gold Watch Factory Champagne Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Day-Date Presidential Yellow Gold Watch Factory Champagne Diamond Dial 18238 Double Quick-Set Rolex President Day-Date 36mm Yellow Gold Diamon...
Yellow Gold
Rolex 31mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee White MOP Dial Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Women's Rolex 31mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee White MOP Dial Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs + Sapphire 68273
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Yellow 2022 Bart Simpson New box papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
ROLEX Oyster Perpetual 36 Spetial Edition 'Bart Simpson' Ref. 12600. Wrist watch. Stainless steel. Automatic-movement Mint condition, unworn. Box and papers enclosed, bought 12/20...
Steel
Rolex Submariner Non-Date Mark III Maxi Dial Lollipop 5513
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm stainless steel Submariner Non-Date by Rolex. Featuring a distinctive black Mark III maxi dial. The features of this particular dial include: • Large tritium hour plots that ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Grey Roman Dial Diamond/Sapphire Bezel Two Tone Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable condition, having undergone professional polishing and servicing to maintain its pristine appearance. The wat...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 126655 18K Rose Gold Black Dial Automatic Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with original box and papers. 🔹 Model Information Brand: Rolex Model: Yacht-Master 40 Reference Number: 126655 Department: Men Style: L...
Rose Gold
Rolex Submariner Date Red 1680, 40mm, stainless steel case, rotating bezel c1973
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and rare Rolex Submariner Date, reference 1680 features a 40mm stainless steel case with bi directional rotating bezel. The dial has red Submariner writing. Presented in ...
Rolex Submariner Two Tone Watch with Custom Diamond Bezel 16613
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Two Tone Watch With Custom Diamond Bezel 16613. This watch is in like new condition. It's been polished, serviced and ...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 68274 Fluted Bezel Diamond Lugs Cream Color Dial 2 Tone Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 31mm Datejust Fluted Bezel Diamond Lugs Cream Color Dial 2 Tone Women's Watch 68274
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 36mm Datejust S/S Grey Roman Dial Deployment Buckle Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust Stainless Steel Grey Roman Dial Deployment Buckle Steel Wrist Watch 16030.
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master 16750, Transitional Reference, Cal 3075 Movement, Year 1982
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our rare and very attractive Rolex GMT Master 16750 is a transitional reference. Offering the best of vintage and neo-vintage, reference 16750 f...
New Rolex Datejust 41 18K White Gold Steel Silver Dial Automatic Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Original Box and Paper are included. Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust 126334 Model Number: 126334 Type and Style: Type: Wristwatch Style: Luxury...
18k Gold, White Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
2025 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 134300 41mm Silver Dial Stainless Steel Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 134300 Serial: 6723Y*** Year: 2025 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 Hidden Clasp Watch Diamond Bezel Black Dial Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Rolex Series: Datejust Model: 116234 Case Diameter: 36 mm Bracelet: Jubilee band; stainless steel Bezel. and Lugs: Custom Diamond Set Dial: Black Roman Carat Weight: 2.30 car...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel with T. Blue Dial Rare Machined Bezel from Mid 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 3109 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Dia...
Rolex Steel Air King with Black Finish and Custom Made Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diam...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116505 18K Rose Gold
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Daytona 116505 Men's Watch. This watch features a 40mm case and bezel made of 18K rose gold. It has a chocolate dial with luminous rose gold hands...
18k Gold
Rolex Milgauss 40mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116400GV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. The original box and papers are included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year Rolex warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 Hidden Clasp Watch Diamond Bezel Silver Dial Jubilee Band
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: Silver Roman Carat Weight: 1.32 carats in to...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust II 116334 41mm Black Diamond Roman Numerals Diamond Bezel Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116334 Serial: V774*** Year: 2009 Model: Rolex Datejust II Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel ...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Yellow Dial, 1960s
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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Rolex DayDate Blue Vignette Roman Diamond Dial Custom Watch 18038
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm DayDate Blue Vignette Roman Diamond Dial Custom Watch 18038
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust with steel bracelet. From the 1960s.
By Rolex
Located in bronshoj, DK
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust with steel bracelet. From the 1960s. In excellent condition. The watch is in working order. Watch case diameter 33mm.
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 Steel and Rose Gold "Bubble Back" with Rare Original Dial from 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 2940 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / 14Kt. Solid Pink Gold Bezel ...
Rolex Yacht-Master 116622 Steel 40mm Rhodium Dial Automatic Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. The watch is in excellent condition. Box and papers. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. Rolex Yacht-Mas...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust Mens 1950s 36mm Automatic w Roulette Wheel RA625
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless treasure, rare 18k rose gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref.6605 Datejust automatic roulette date wheel, c.1958, in excellent working, original unrestored c...
Vintage 1974 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 18K YG 1503 Auto Champagne 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundation In Solid Gold The Oyster Perpetual Date is a foundational reference, representing a pure expression of Rolex's core technologies. For decades, it served as the elegan...
Gold
Rolex Submariner Kermit Starbucks MK2 126610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn 41mm Submariner Date known as both a Kermit or Starbucks, from Rolex in Oystersteel. Features a black dial with the date display and a green ceramic unidirectional rotatabl...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 126303 Custom Green Arabic Dial SS & 18k YG Fully Iced Out Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 41 126303 Custom Green Arabic Script Dial Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Fully Iced Out Watch
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Made Dial and Original Bracelet, circa 1970s
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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller 126660
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 44mm Deepsea Sea-Dweller by Rolex in Oystersteel. Featuring a black dial with a date display and a uni-directional rotatable bezel with a ceramic black insert. Equipped with an Oy...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Mens Datejust II 41mm 116300 Stainless Steel White Index Pave Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Mens Datejust II 41mm Stainless Steel White Index Pave Diamond Dial Fully Iced Out Watch 116300 There are few watches more reliable, versatil...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust SS Pink MOP Diamond Dial Watch Deployment Buckle 68274
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Women's Rolex 31mm Datejust SS Pink MOP Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial Deployment buckle 68274
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady Datejust 26mm 18K White Gold Steel Black Dial Ladies Watch 179174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. Comes with the original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model Number: 179174 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Department: ...
Steel
Rolex Datejust Custom Red Arabic Dial SS and 18k YG Fully Iced Out Watch 126303
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 41 126303 Custom Red Arabic Script Dial Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Fully Iced Out Watch
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 18k Yellow Gold Steel Diamond Black Dial Mens Watch 126333
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with original box and papers. Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 41 Reference Number: 126333 Year: 2019 Country of Manufacture: Switzerland De...
Steel
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA549
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust diamond dial automatic, c.1986, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116610LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Original box and papers are included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buy...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold 179173
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A ladies stainless steel and yellow gold 26mm Datejust by Rolex. Featuring a black dial and a yellow gold fluted bezel. Fitted with sapphire crystal and a self-winding automatic move...
Stainless Steel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies Datejust Stainless Steel Black String Diamond Accent Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust 69160 Stainless Steel Black Color String Diamond Accent Dial Deployment buckle. This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced, and h...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
NEW Rolex Sky-Dweller Jubilee Steel 18K White Gold Blue Dial Watch 336934
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Box and papers. Comes with 5 year Rolex warranty.
Steel
$57,500Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Sky-Dweller Yellow Gold White Dial Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Sky-Dweller REFERENCE: 326938 SIZE: 42mm CASE: Yellow Gold DIAL: White BEZEL: Yellow Gold BAND: Oyster Yellow Gold MOVEMENT: Automatic Blemishes through out, no ...
Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original Charcoal Dial from, 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 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel White Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 36mm Diamond Bezel White Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial Jubilee Bracelet 16014
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1978 Rolex Date 1503 14K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Automatic 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Datejust you may not have heard of before The reference 1503 occupies a unique space in the Rolex archive that many collectors overlook. While the 18K gold Day-Date and Datejus...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made Diamond Bezel and Original 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 "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex DateJust ref 16000 S/Steel 36mm Case, 18K Gold Rolex Bezel, Crystal, Crown
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! Rolex DateJust ref 16000 Stainless Steel 36mm Case + Original 18K White Gold Flut...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex 14K Yellow Gold 19mm Bracelet Ref 1503 15037
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Original Rolex yellow gold bracelet with 19mm lug width, correct for select vintage Rolex models. Bracelet reference 1503 / 15037, made in solid yellow gold with the classic Rolex fit and finish. A strong period-correct option for completing a watch or replacing a damaged or incorrect bracelet. Shows the warm look and substantial feel expected from vintage Rolex gold...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Sea-Dweller Black Dial 16600
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Oystersteel 40mm Sea-Dweller by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with the date display at 3 o'clock and a black unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60 minute graduations. The Oyster...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Steel 18k Yellow Gold Wimbledon Dial Automatic Watch 126233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 126233 Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Style Dress/Formal, Luxury Model Rolex Datejust 126233...
Rolex Datejust 18K White Gold Steel Black Diamond Dial Watch 116234
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with original box and card, Rolex service card is also included. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 116234 Style:...
Steel
NEW Rolex Sky-Dweller 326934 18k Gold Steel White Dial Mens Automatic Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with a original box and papers.
Steel
$6,720Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Cellini Ref 4014 18k Gold 1970s Mens Midsize 23mm x 30mm Dress Watch RA730
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant luxury, 18k solid gold Rolex Cellini Ref.4014 Manual Wind Dress Watch, c.1976, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signe...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet, late 1960'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: 1Late 1960's DIMENSIONS: Length 42mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
$48,618
Rolex GMT-Master II 116718LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's GMT-Master II wristwatch crafted in 18k yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied hour markers, date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. Complementing...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18k Gold Steel Jubilee Dial Automatic Ladies Watch 179173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. 6 inches wrist size. Comes with an original box but no papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a f...
18k Gold, Steel