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 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
Vintage Rolex 9ct Gold Watch. c.1949
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
This beautiful vintage Rolex watch dates to the 1949s. The 9 carat yellow gold case is 30mm in diameter. A manual winding Precision cal.700 movement makes up the heart of the watch. ...
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 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 Date Two Tone Watch with Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Pre-owned 34mm Rolex Date automatic watch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and steel with aftermarket white diamond dial and Oyster bracelet. Model 1500 circa 1970. Polished and servi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 116233 Two Tone 18k & Steel 36mm Champagne 10 Diamond Dial Minty
By Rolex
Located in Tustin, CA
We are pleased to present this 2009 Rolex 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Datejust, reference 116233 with most of the original protective stickers still intact. This timeless class...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel
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 ...
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 Date 15003 34mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15003 Serial: R76**** Year: 1988 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Ch...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1945 Rolex Precision Ref. 4360- White Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This Rolex Precision Ref. 4360, produced circa 1945, is a rare survivor from the early post-war period. The 22.5mm case combines stainless steel with a solid 14KT rose gold bezel and...
Stainless Steel
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 Date Men's Wristwatch 1505 Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Date Model Number: 1505 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Year: 1960 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Gold Metal Content: Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Gold...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Reference# 126000, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Ref. 126000-0015 is an unworn example of timeless design and exceptional engineering, embodying the purest expression of Rolex craftsmanship. Crafted fr...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Day-Date 36 18K Yellow Gold Green Hombre Diamond Dial Watch 128238
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Box and papers. Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date 36 Model Number: 128238 Department: Unisex Adult Style: Luxury Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzer...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116506 40mm Platinum Index Icy Blue Chestnut Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Full links. Box and papers. Free polishing upon request. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accu...
Platinum
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 Datejust 79173 Diamond Blue Dial Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Datejust 79173 Ladies Watch. 26mm stainless steel case with 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Blue dial with gold hands and factory diamond hour markers. Date display at the 3 o'cl...
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 Day-Date 18206 Platinum Blue Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Day-Date 18206 Mens Watch. 36mm platinum case. Platinum smooth bezel. Blue Wave dial with silver-tone hands and Arabic numeral hour marker. Minute markers on the outer dial. Da...
Rolex Midsize Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Watch 68278
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Midsize Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Watch 68278 - Automatic winding with date. Midsize President. 18k yellow gold case with Fluted bezel (31mm diameter). Black stick dial. 18k yel...
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s 34mm Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 manual wind, c.1967, unrestored, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gor...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date Men's 18K Gold Watch 19018
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date Men's 18K Gold Watch 19018 - Quartz; quick-set; sapphire crystal. President - Day-Date. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel (36mm diameter). Cream Roma...
$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 1930s Reference 3858 Steel 2 Register Chronograph Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa late 1930s Rolex Chronograph Wrist Watch, 32 M.M Stainless Steel 3 piece case, 17 Jewel Mechanical, manual wind movement, 2 register chronograph timing functions, center second...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 79173 Blue Dial Jubilee Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Datejust 79173 is an elegant ladies' watch featuring a 26mm stainless steel case with an 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Its blue dial boasts gold hands, index hour markers, and ...
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 President Day-Date 18078 36mm Bark Finish Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18078 Serial: 615**** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex President Day-Date Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Explorer I 114270 Stainless Automatic Black Dial Oyster Bracelet 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This is the Explorer people keep coming back to The 114270 sits in a very specific place in the Explorer timeline. It is the last of the 36mm Explorers before the model grew, and fo...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel 14000
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel 14000 - Automatic winding, 27 jewels, no-date, sapphire crystal. Air-King. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (33mm diameter). Silver dial. L...
Rolex Datejust 31 178341 18K Rose Gold Steel Diamond Chocolate Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent conditon. Box and papers. It shows light signs of wear. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. Ro...
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 26mm Steel Yellow Gold White Dial Jubilee Watch 179173
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Steel Yellow Gold White Dial Watch 179173. Officially certified chronometer, automatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel oyster case 26.0 mm in diameter. Rol...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex 31mm Datejust Watch
By Rolex
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Pre-Owned Rolex 31mm Datejust Automatic Watch Crafted in Stainless Steel with Polished Bezel, Acrylic Crystal, White Roman Dial, and Oyster Bracelet. Model ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Cellini Watch 1970s with Original Champagne Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cellini / Reference 4082 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 29mm "Lug Tip to Lug...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Finished Sage Green Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug Tip ...
Stainless Steel
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 Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173 Ivory Dial
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173 - Automatic winding, 29 jewels, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with fluted bezel (26mm). Ivory dial py...
Vintage Rolex Cellini 3833 31mm Midsize Bronze Dial 18k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 3833 Serial: 339**** Year: 1973 Model: Rolex Cellini Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: Custom Black Leather Strap Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Bronze Crystal...
Yellow Gold
1985 Rolex Lady-Datejust Wristwatch in 18k Yellow Gold Ref: 69068
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This 1985 Rolex Datejust is a luxurious ladies’ timepiece crafted from 18k yellow gold with a 26mm case, a classic champagne dial, and a President bracelet. Adorned with factory-set ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 15223 34mm Blue Dial 18k Gold Stainless Steel Jubilee Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15223 Serial: S12**** Year: 1995 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 18k Yel...
18k Gold, Stainless 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 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
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...
$5,520Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Cellini 3643 18k Gold 23mm 1960s Ladies Manual Wind Dress Watch RA637
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Rolex Lady Cellini Ref.3643 J Manual Wind dress watch, c.1966, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gol...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Daytona White Gold Black Diamond Dial 116509
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Cosmograph Daytona in white gold from Rolex, featuring a black diamond set dial with snailed counters. With an engraved tachymetric scale, the three counters and pushers, t...
Diamond, White Gold
Rolex Two Tone Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Dress Watch, circa 1930's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / Reference 3893 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone 14Kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm "Lu...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 1958 Lady-Datejust Watch 6517 - Yellow Gold 18k Automatic One Year
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Lady-Datejust Model Number: 6517 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Year: 1958 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Champagne Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Ma...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116523 40mm Black Dial 18k Yellow Gold Steel Box
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116523 Serial: 6025**** Year: 2010 - 2016 Model: Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel ...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Vintage Rolex Cellini Ref 4233 2000s Manual Wind Black Arabic Numeral Dial 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a Rolex Cellini reference 4233 in 18k white gold two tone (rose gold bezel) manual wind with a black dial and applied Arabic numerals from the early 2000s. Comes with a copy o...
Rolex Datejust 16233 36mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16233 Serial: L88**** Year: 1989 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 18...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Ladies Rolex w/ Diamond Sapphire & Emerald in 18K w/ Clips
By Rolex
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A rare vintage ladies Rolex 18 karat yellow gold watch with Diamond, Sapphire and Emerald accents. The Diamonds, Sapphires and Emeralds are all round cut stones accenting a white ce...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pre-owned Rolex Day-Date 40 Reference# 228239, Complete set, 2023+
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Day-Date 40 Ref. 228239-0007 is an exquisite expression of refinement and horological excellence. Crafted entirely from solid 18ct white gold, this 40mm masterpiece reflect...
Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Model 179234 18 Karat White Gold Bezel & Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual 179234 Year: 2014 Material: Stainless Steel and 18k White Gold Bezel Dial: Silver Arabic Numerals Case Measurement: 26mm Movement: Automatic Move...
18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made M.O.P Pink Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm "Lug Tip ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust 2-Tone Diamond Watch 179313 Gold Champagne Mother of Pearl
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Datejust 2-Tone Diamond Watch 179313 Gold Champagne Mother of Pearl Dial - Automatic winding, Quickset, 31 jewels, sapphire crystal. Lady Datejust. Stainless steel case ...
Rolex Link in 18K Yellow Gold 10mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Link 18K Yellow Gold Dimension 10mm Condition New
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex DateJust Model 69178 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rare Chevrolet Dial Box
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex Model 69178 DateJust 18k Yellow Gold, 26mm Rare Chevrolet Dial made for Jubilee Anniversary, Automatic Movement, Made in Switzerland with Original Box and Booklet c.198...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 41 Sundust Pink Diamond Dial Rose Gold Smooth Bezel Watch 126301
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 in Oystersteel and Everose gold features a Sundust, diamond-set dial and an Oyster bracelet. This dial features diamonds in 18ct gold settings. The ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Rare Day-Date Platinum Diamond Set 18046
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Day-Date in platinum by Rolex with a single-quick movement. Only a few of these were in production before the introduction of the 18346. Featuring a silver dial set with 2 ba...
Diamond, Platinum
Unworn Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40 Reference# 126519ln, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126519LN-0006 represents the pinnacle of sporty sophistication. Crafted from solid 18 k white gold, the 40 mm Oyster case radiates understated elega...
Gold