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 Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69173 Ladies Watch. 26mm stainless steel case. 18k yellow gold fluted bezel. Champagne dial with yellow gold hands and original factory diamond set ho...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Black Dial circa, 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 43mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Date 69240 26mm Black Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69240 Serial: T66**** Year: 1996 Model: Rolex Ladies Date Case Material: 26mm Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel Dia...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Day-Date Platinum Omani Khanjar Dial 1804
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare and important Rolex Omani Day-Date 1804, available now at our Showroom, London. This exquisite timepiece, crafted from opulent platinum, is one of very few pieces which were ...
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex Watch Box, New Creme Empty Acs. Oyster L Perpetual Daytona Datejust
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand New Watch BOX by Rolex Rolex was purchased from show room in Manhattan in 2024 Watch was used for personal use and i am selling the box Oyster L SAP 39141 Large Brand New Ro...
Vintage Rolex Day Date 36MM 18038 Walnut Birch Wood Dial Bark 18K Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Men Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Diameter: 36.00 mm Weight: 123.56 grams ROLEX Gent's 18K yellow gold, ROLEX Swiss-made wristwatch. Engraved with "18K" and "750". The "ROLEX " trademark (or hallmark) can also be found on the item. Rare 1980 Rolex Day Date...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,960Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6634 34mm Gold Capped Mens 1950s Automatic RA673
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Rolex's "Golden Egg" Ref 6634 Oyster Perpetual gold-capped automatic, c.1959, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, Rolex signed dial, applied arrowhead index hour markers, gilt dauphine minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, hands and dial in excellent vintage condition, natural patinas and tropicalization on hands and dial. Acrylic crystal. Gold-capped smooth bezel on gold-capped case measures 34mm wide, in excellent condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1030 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is all original. Fitted on new, aftermarket leather strap and buckle. A vintage treasure, gold-capped Rolex Oyster perpetual 6634...
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6634 34mm Gold Capped Mens 1950s Automatic Original RA673
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6634 "Golden Egg" gold-capped automatic, c.1959, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker....
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
$13,520Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex President Day Date 1803 18k Solid Gold 1970s Mens Diamond Automatic RA659
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxury icon, Rolex 18k solid gold Day-Date ref.1803 "The President" with diamond hour set, c.1973, in excellent working condition! Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous...
Gold, 18k Gold
Unworn Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 Reference# 279135rbr, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Lady-Datejust Ref. 279135RBR-0001 is a captivating blend of elegance, luxury, and refined craftsmanship. Presented in unworn condition, this exquisite 28 mm timepiece is cr...
Gold
Rolex Datejust Pearlmaster 18KT Diamond MOP Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Vero Beach, FL
The most feminine watch from Rolex……………………………. 18KT, Diamonds and Mother-of-Pearl……………………………… Model: Rolex Datejust Pearlmaster Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Case #: 80298 Serial : P192872 Movement: Automatic Year Model was Manufactured: 2000-2009 Case Size: 32.00 mm. Strap measures 15.00 mm. to 12.00 mm. to the deployment buckle Dial: Mother-of Pearl Diamond Markers and Diamond Bracelet Display: Analog Movement: 31 Jewel Chronometer Bezel Type: Diamond Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Band Material: 18k Yellow Gold, Diamonds Features: Date Has been serviced. Original Rolex blue jewelry box...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$3,825
Rolex Oyster 6244 c1952
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex Oyster 6244 Circa 1952 Manual Wind Ivory Honeycomb Dial Vintage Collectors Piece A rare and historically significant vintage Rolex, this Oyster Ref. 6244 dates back to appr...
Stainless Steel
$6,792Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 36mm 18k W Gold SS 1970s Mens Vintage Automatic RA620
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless classic, Men's 18k white gold & stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1601 automatic, c.1973, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authent...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,720Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 6901 18k Solid Gold Lady Datejust 26mm Automatic 1970s RA630
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious elegance, a rare luxurious classic from Rolex, 18k solid gold Lady Datejust automatic with diamond set bezel, c.1978, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Daytona reference 11651, 18ct White Gold, Panda Dial, Full Set, 2002
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our iconic Rolex Daytona reference 116519 features an 18ct white gold 40mm case, Racing / Panda dial with Rolex leather strap and 18ct white gold folding clasp. This example is prese...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1550 34mm Champagne Dial 14k Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1550 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Case Material: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Steel Band: Custom Leather Strap Bezel: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Ste...
14k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex Watch. Mens ROLEX 3411 Precision 34mm Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1973. 17j 1225 cal Rolex Movement Ref. 3411. Beautiful Watch. Manual mechanism. Case and Bracelet is Stainl...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's Wristwatch 16013 Stainless YellowGold 18k Automatic 1YrWnty
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 16013 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Year: 1986 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: White Roman Metal Content: Stainless Steel &...
Rolex Vintage Steel and Gold Ref 6582 Zephyre Bezel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Oyster perpetual Reference 6582 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 piece stainless steel Oyster case with Yellow Gold Zephyre Bezel an...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Steel Sea-Dweller w/ Oyster Bracelet Ref. 16600
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 16600 Year: 1991’s Serial number: N4XXXXX Reference: C04779 Case: Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case back stamped 16600 Dial...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust 80s Ref 16233 Automatic Gold Two Tone White Roman Numeral
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16233 automatic two tone with a white roman numeral dial on a jubilee bracelet from the 1990s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Mea...
Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40 Reference# 126505, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126505-0003 is an extraordinary fusion of motorsport performance, contemporary elegance, and masterful craftsmanship. Presented in unworn condition,...
Gold
Rolex Day Date President 118238 36mm Mother of Pearl Dial 18K Gold Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 118238 Serial: Y61**** Year: 2004 Model: Rolex Day-Date President Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold President Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Flu...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1972 18k Yellow Gold Rolex Day Date Men's Watch Ref. 1803
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 1972 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and exemplifies the timeless elegance of Rolex’s most iconic prestige model. Featuring the revered pie-...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 5500 / 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Dia...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Lavender 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 39mm X...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Day Date Ref 18038 80s Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold 36mm Case.
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Day Date reference 18038 automatic (single quick) with a champagne sunburst dial in 18K yellow gold from the 1980s. Measurements include a 36mm case, 20mm lug ...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Watch Champagne Dial 16233
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Watch 16233 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel with 18k yellow gold fluted bezel (36mm diameter). Champ...
Rolex Cellini Classic 18k white Gold Men's Watch 5115/9
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cellini Classic 18k white Gold Men's Watch 5115/9 - Manual winding. Classic. 18k white gold case (32 mm). Jubilee white dial with raised white gold Roman numerals. Green strap ...
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Precision Ref 8961 18k Solid Gold Mens Manual Wind Dress Watch 1950s RA634
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless treasure, rare 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision 8961 manual wind, c.1950s, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, applied dagger index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, hands and dial in excellent, vintage condition, natural patinas tropicalization due to age on hands and dial to give its unique vintage look. Acrylic crystal. 18k solid gold case measuring 34mm, case in excellent vintage condition. Note: serial number not visible due to wear and tear. Original Rolex crown. 17-jeweled Rolex cal...
Rolex Datejust 16233 Champagne Dial Mens Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Datejust 16233 Mens Watch. 36mm Stainless steel case. 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Champagne dial with gold hands and factory diamond hour markers. Minute markers on the outer...
$19,920Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 5030 18k Gold Mens 36mm 1940s Big Bubble Automatic Rare RA700
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, timeless treasure 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref 5030 Big Bubble automatic, c.1940s, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmak...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 278273 Olive Green Diamond Dial Jubilee Gold Steel Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with original box and papers. Rolex Lady-Datejust 31 Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Lady-Datejust 31 Model Number: 278273 Department: Women Style: Luxury Country/Region of Ma...
Steel
Rolex Daytona Steel White Sticks Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with the original box but no papers. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona – Reference 116520 Complete Specifications** General Information Brand: Rolex Mo...
Steel
$7,920Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex perpetual 3372 Rose Gold SS Men Rare 1940s 32mm Bubbleback Automatic RA750
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare and historic Rolex Perpetual Ref.3372 with solid rose gold bezel, c.1947, unrestored dial, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Ro...
Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Gray Roman Dial TT YG/SS 1996
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Mini Datejust 69173 – 26mm – Gray Roman Dial – Two-Tone Yellow Gold & Steel – 1996 SKU 1933 Available exclusively at Classic Time Club, Sydney — your trusted destination for ra...
Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Champagne Dial TT YG/SS 1987
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Mini Datejust 69173 – 26mm – Champagne Dial – Two-Tone Yellow Gold & Steel – 1987 SKU 1931 Available exclusively at Classic Time Club, Sydney — your trusted destination for rar...
Rolex Men's Blue Date Two-Tone 14K Gold Ref 15003 Quickset 34 mm All Factory
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This Rolex men's wristwatch is a luxury timepiece with a round silver case and a blue and gold bezel. The watch features baton indexes on a gold dial, with a quickset function and a ...
14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 126000 Pink Dial Ladies Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 126000 Ladies Watch. 36mm stainless steel case with stainless steel smoothed bezel. Pink dial with steel hands and index hour markers. Minute marker around the...
Rolex Day-Date 36 President Yellow Gold Green Ombre Dial 128238
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers. 5-year Rolex warranty.
Yellow Gold
Rolex Daytona 16519 'Zenith' 18K White Gold MOP Diamond W/Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Daytona White Gold Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Mens Watch 16519. Officially certified chronometer self-winding movement. 18K white gold case, 40.0 mm in diameter. Special scre...
18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 16233 Diamond Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Datejust 16233 Mens Watch. 36mm stainless steel case. 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Champagne dial with gold hands and original factory diamond set hour markers. Minute markers...
Rolex Datejust 16233 Diamond Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Datejust 16233 Mens Watch. 36mm stainless steel case. 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Champagne dial with gold hands and factory diamond set hour markers. Minute markers on the o...
Vintage Rolex OP Date 34mm 14k Gold Champagne Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1986 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date in 14K yellow gold featuring 34mm case with a champagne dial, fluted bezel, and Jubilee bracelet. ...
Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Datejust 1601 Silver Piepan Dial 18k WG Fluted Bezel 1973
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Datejust 1601 Silver Piepan Dial 18k WG Fluted Bezel 1973 SKU 1906 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 1601 Year 1973 Dial Silver Piepan Dial Case Steel and 18k White Gold ...
Unworn Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40 Reference# 126509, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126509-0001 is a superb expression of technical mastery, motorsport heritage, and refined luxury. Presented in unworn condition, this 40mm timepiece...
White Gold
Rolex 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1954
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 965 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug Tip t...
14k Gold
Vintage Rolex Cellini 6621 18K Yellow Gold White Dial Quartz Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Cellini 6621 quartz watch in 18K yellow gold featuring 26mm case with white dial and integrated brick-link bracelet. Bracelet measures 13mm wide, 7 inches length, made ...
18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 31 Gold Steel Mother of Pearl VI Diamond Dial Bezel Watch 178384
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust Steel White Gold Mother of Pearl Diamond Ladies Watch 178384. Officially certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel oyster case 31.0 mm in ...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm 126613LB Unworn 2025
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 41mm Submariner Date 126613LB by Rolex, available now at our Showroom in London. Crafted from oystersteel and 18k yellow gold, this timepiece features a royal blue dial with lumin...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16000 36mm Blue Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16000 Serial: R50**** Year: 1988 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Custom B...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1978 Rolex Date Men's Watch JB Champion Rolex Bracelet Ref 1505
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A classic example of late-1970s Rolex design, this Rolex Date Ref. 1505 embodies understated luxury with its timeless two-tone construction and enduring precision. Crafted in stainle...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady Date 69240 26mm White Roman Dial Steel Service Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69240 Serial: T34*** Year: 1996 Model: Rolex Ladies Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Stainless Steel ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Day Date 40 228238 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Baguette Champagne Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. It comes with a Box and papers. Free polishing upon request. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and ...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner Hulk Unworn 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Submariner Hulk 116610LV by Rolex, available now at our Showroom in London. Crafted from Oyster steel, this discontinued timepiece features a green dial and a green unidir...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN Steel Ceramic Black Dial Watch Full Kit
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The watch is pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with the original and papers.
Steel
Rolex Sky-Dweller Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Men's Watch 326933
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Sky-Dweller Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Men's Watch 326933 - Automatic, Quickset. Sky-Dweller. Stainless Steel and 18K Yellow gold with 18K gold fluted bezel ( 42 mm ). Sil...
Rolex Submariner Date 40mm Steel Yellow Gold Blue Dial Oyster Mens Watch 16613
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Submariner Steel Yellow Gold Blue Dial Mens Watch 16613. Certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold oyster case 40.0 mm in diame...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Automatic Watch
By Rolex
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Pre-Owned Rolex 36mm Stainless Steel Datejust Featuring A Black Stick Dial & Polished Bezel On Oyster Bracelet. Model 16200, K Serial Number circa 2000. Polished and Serviced August ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini 18K Gold 4129 Manual Champagne 25mm Dial Leather Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1995 Rolex Cellini manual-wind in 18K yellow gold featuring a 25mm round case with champagne sunburst dial and applied baton hour markers. Complete with black crocodile-embos...
18k Gold