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 Datejust with Custom Finished Pink Dial, 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 44...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Purple 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 ...
Steel
Rolex Explorer 214270 Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Explorer 214270 Black PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Two Tone Diamond Bezel & Lugs White MOP String Dial Watch 68273
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Women's Rolex 31mm Datejust Two Tone Diamond Bezel & Lugs White MOP Mother of Pearl String Dial 68273
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 Diamond Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Automatic Watch 116233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Excellent condition. It's a rare white diamond dial. No original box and papers.
Steel
Rolex Day-Date 18K WG White Gold Ombre Blue Dial Diamond 18038 Auto Watch, 1982
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 18049 Year: 1982 Serial number: 76xxxxx Reference: C03782 Case: 18K White gold 36mm without crown; Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; in...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Datejust Custom Diamond 1.20cttw Pink Mother of Pearl Dial Watch 16014
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
1 Cttw Custom Diamond Bezel and 0.20 Custom Diamond Pink Dial. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust 16014 Model Number: 16014 Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Co...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 16200 Silver Dial Steel Automatic Mens Watch Papers 1999
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust 36 16200 Stainless Steel Silver Dial Automatic Men's Watch 36mm, 1999. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7.5 inches. Includes original papers; box is not included.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 Stainless Steel Men's White Dial Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust 41 Stainless Steel Men's White Dial Watch 126334 - Automatic winding, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k white gold fluted bezel (41mm...
Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 14000 All Original Mens Air King 34m Automatic RA795
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster "Air-King" Precision Ref.14000 automatic, c.1995, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signe...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Blue Dial 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 / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm White Roman Dial with Ruby & Diamond Bezel Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 36mm White Roman Dial with Ruby & Diamond Bezel Jubilee Band 16014
Diamond, Ruby, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Precision Veriflat Vintage Champagne Dial 6512
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster Veriflat Precision vintage gentleman’s wristwatch, reference 6512. Manufactured in the late 1950s, the Oyster Veriflat Precision was produced for onl...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Explorer II Black Dial 42mm 216570 Stainless Steel Mens Watch Complete
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has been inspected to verify authenticity. ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 118235 President Day Date Tahitian Mother Of Pearl 18K Rose Gold Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 118235 Serial: Z239*** Year: 2007 Model: President Day Date Case Material: 18K Rose Gold Band: 18K Rose Gold Bezel: 18K Rose Gold Dial: Factory Tahitian MOP ...
Pearl
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1005 14k Solid Gold 1960s Mens 34mm Automatic RA851
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster perpetual ref.1005 men's 34mm automatic, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, Rolex signed gold dial, applied index baton hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, hands in excellent vintage condition, very minor show of age, natural patinas due to age. Acrylic crystal. Solid 14k gold smooth bezel on 14k solid gold case measures 34mm wide, in pristine vintage condition. 2-jeweled Rolex chronometer-certified automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is all original. Fitted on new, aftermarket genuine croc strap and aftermarket buckle. Timeless luxury, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex 1005...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Ref 1603 Custom Red Diamond Dial, Dated 1977
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust /Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 43mm X Diameter 36mm CIRCA: 1977 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: 1570 / 26 Jewels / Perpetual Winding DIAL / HANDS: Custom Red Diamond Dial...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee White MOP 8+2 Diamond Accent Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee White MOP Mother Of Pearl 8 + 2 Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs + Rubies 69173. This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, ser...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Pink Mother of Pearl Dial Custom Set Diamond Bezel & Lugs Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust Pink Mother Of Pearl Dial Custom Set Diamond Bezel & Lugs Jubilee Bracelet 16014. This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has no v...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer Precision Vintage Steel 6352
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 36mm stainless steel Explorer Precision by Rolex. Features a black dial with applied hour markers, complemented by a smooth steel bezel. Fitted with plastic glass and a sel...
Stainless Steel
1998 26mm Rolex Presidential 18K Gold Watch with Champagne Dial and Fluted Bezel
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
SN# U80**** Brand: Rolex. Crystal: Sapphire. Gender: Women's. Bezel: Fluted Bezel. Condition: Unworn. Dial Color: Champagne. Case Dimensions: 26mm. Metal Type: 18K Solid Yellow Gold....
18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6558 18k Solid Gold 1950s Mens 35mm Automatic RA852
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Very rare 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster perpetual ref.6558 men's 35mm automatic, c.1956, in excellent working condition. One of the rarest, most mechanically unique,...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Champagne Roman Dial Ladies Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. It was produced between 1980-1990. No original box and papers. Comes with a gift box. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day...
18k Gold, Steel
Rolex Daytona Rose Gold Bright Black Dial 2025 Unworn 126505
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Cosmograph Daytona in rose gold from Rolex, featuring a bright black and sundust dial with chronograph counters. With an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and push...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Watch Box, New Creme Empty Acs. Oyster Perpetual Daytona GMT Datejust
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand New Watch from Rolex showroom was purchased and watch was used for personal use and i am selling the box Complete box Extra Large Brand New Rolex Box Complete and new Rolex box...
Rolex Daytona 40mm Yellow Rolesor Automatic Watch, Champagne Dial
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Daytona 40, reference 116523, is a legendary and sophisticated expression of high-precision sports watchmaking, designed for those who value exceptional performance and tim...
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Coca Cola Dial 1003 14k Yellow Gold Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1003 Serial: 965*** Year: 1963 Model: Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Case Material: 14k Yellow Gold Band: 14k Yellow Gold Jubilee Bezel: 14k Yellow Gold ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Yacht Master Two Tone 168623 Gray Dial 35mm Full Set Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A 1999 Rolex Yacht-Master mid-size ref. 168623 automatic wristwatch in two-tone stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, featuring a bidirectional rotatable yellow gold graduated bezel, ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 126283RBR 36mm Green Roman Dial Diamond Bezel 18k Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126283RBR Serial: 83W6**** Year: 2019 Model: Rolex Datejust 36 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Fac...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 40 18k Rose Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126621
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Display Model Rolex Yacht-Master 40 18k Rose Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 126621. This Beautiful Timepiece Comes with a 2021 Card & is Powered by Mechanical (Automatic...
Rolex Daytona Black Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A predecessor to the 116500LN, this stainless steel Cosmograph Daytona by Rolex features a black dial. Also, featuring an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers, the ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Kermit NOS 16610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn NOS Submariner Date by Rolex in stainless steel, known as a Kermit. Features a black dial and a green unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations. The Oyster ...
Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Yacht-Master 42mm White Gold Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 226659
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with the original Box and papers.
White Gold
Rolex Datejust 179160 Stainless Steel White Dial Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Pre-owned Rolex Ladies Datejust, Model 179160 - Ladies automatic winding wristwatch. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (26mm diameter). White dial with stick markers. Stainless ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16220 Rose Salmon Pink Roman Dial Engine Turn Steel Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16220 Serial: U889*** Year: 2000 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Engine Turn Dial: Ros...
Stainless Steel
Women's Rolex Datejust White Stick Dial Diamond & Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Women's Rolex 31mm Datejust White Stick Dial Diamond & Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable condition, having undergone...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Diamond Dial 126333
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 41mm Datejust in Oystersteel and yellow gold by Rolex. Features a champagne diamond-set dial, complemented by a yellow gold fluted bezel. Fitted with a sapphire crystal and a self-...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 115234 Diamond Steel 18k White Gold Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 115234 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 34mm, circa 2011. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7 inches. Original box and papers are no...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 34 14010 White Roman Dial Steel Mens Watch Papers 1999
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Air King 34 14010 Stainless Steel White Dial Automatic Men's Watch 34mm, 1999. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7.25 inches. Includes original papers; box is not included.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Steel Custom Diamond Red MOP Dial Automatic Men’s Watch 16014
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
1 Cttw Custom Diamond Bezel and 0.20 Cttw Custom Diamond Red MOP Dial. The original Box and Papers are not included. Come with a Chronostore presentation box and an authenticity card. Covered by a one-year Chronostore warranty.Details: Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust...
Steel
Antique Art Deco Rolex 9k Rose Gold Square 15j Mechanical Hand Wound Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Rolex - Mechanical - Hand Wound - 15 Jewels - Swiss Made Gross Weight: 23.3 Grams (Includes Strap) Case Material: Solid 9k Rose Gold Case Width: 25mm (w/o...
Rose Gold
Rolex Day-Date 36mm 18238 18K Yellow Gold Watch Fluted Bezel Champagne Diamond
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. Leather strap and gold plated buckle are custom aftermarket. The watch its...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Finished Orange Dial circa, 1960s
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 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm x 35mm M...
Stainless Steel
2024 Rolex GMT Master II Batman 126710BLNR Black Blue Bezel Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126710BLNR Year: 2024 Model: Rolex GMT Master II "BATMAN" Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Blue & Black Ceramic Dial: Black ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 Red Arabic Numerals SS & YG Fully Iced Out Watch 126303
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 41 126303 Red Arabic Numerals Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Fully Iced Out Custom Watch
Diamond, 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 41mm 126331 Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Fully Iced Out Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Rolex Series: Datejust Model: 126331 Case Diameter: 41 mm Bracelet: Jubilee band; stainless steel & 18k Rose Gold Bezel: Custom Diamond Set / 18k gold plated Dial: Chocola...
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS 1970s Mens Vintage Automatic RA850
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A world's icon, Men's 18k white gold & stainless steel Rolex Oyster Ref. 1601 Datejust automatic in black, c.1973, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master ...
18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Explorer Honeycomb Dial 6298
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 36mm stainless steel Rolex Explorer. Features a refinished silver "honeycomb" dial with applied hour markers and Arabic numerals 3, 6, and 9. Fitted with plastic glass and ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Diamond Dial 116613LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm Submariner Date in stainless steel and yellow gold by Rolex. Features a black diamond set dial, complemented by a yellow gold uni-directional rotatable bezel which has a black...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
2024 Rolex Sky Dweller 336934 42mm White Dial 18k White Gold Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 336934 Year: 2024 Model: Rolex Sky Dweller Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: 18k White Gold Fluted Dial: White Crystal: Sapphire...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date With Rare Engine Turned Bezel and Black Dial 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 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm Length X 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel 18K White Gold White Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. 2023 card.Comes with the original box and papers. All our timepieces undergo thorough inspection and authentication, ensuring you receive a 100% aut...
Steel
Rolex 2 Tone Ladies Dress Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch / Reference 4575 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Steel & Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm ...
Rolex Ladies Datejust SS Pink MOP Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 26mm Custom Pink Mother of Pearl RT Diamond Dial.Stainless Steel Watch with Jubilee Band 69174. This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced an...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 16600 40mm Black Steel Aluminum Mens Watch Papers 1999
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 40mm, 1999. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7.75 inches. Includes original papers; box is not inclu...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Day-Date 18K Yellow Gold Silver Dial 1802
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date vintage wristwatch. Features a silver dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture, and a day display. Complementing the dial is a fix...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 1988 Rolex Datejust 16233 Two-Tone Champagne Arabic Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Evolution Of The Modern Arabic Dial The reference 16233 represents a pivotal moment in the Datejust's long history. As a five-digit model, it belongs to the transitional series ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1961 Rolex Oyster Royal 6427 Stainless Steel Patina White Dial Manual 34 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Mid-Century Oyster Foundation The reference 6427 represents a pure, unadorned expression of mid-century design language, originating from an era when utilitarian durability and ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 31 Midsize Red Vignette Yellow Gold Watch 78278
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust 31 Midsize Yellow Gold Watch 78278 - Automatic winding; 31 jewel; sapphire crystal. Midsize Datejust. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel (31mm diameter). Red Vigne...