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 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 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
1993 Rolex Datejust 36 16233 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Diamond Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Two Tone Standard With A Diamond Edge The reference 16233 is the definitive expression of the two-tone Datejust. While the champagne dial is a traditional choice, the factory-se...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1971 Rolex Day-Date 36 18K YG 1803 Auto Champagne Diamond Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Original President Formula The reference 1803 is the watch that established the Day-Date as the definitive luxury flagship. This 1971 example represents the model in its most ho...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 116243
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 116243 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with factory Rolex 52 diamond bez...
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 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 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 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...
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 Mens 1960s 35mm 14k SS Diamond Automatic RA742B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dazzling classic, Men's 14k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Go...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Blue Dial Fluted Bezel White Gold Steel Jubilee Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 white gold features a bright blue dial and a Jubilee bracelet. The Rolex fluted bezel is a mark of distinction. Originally, the fluting of the Oyste...
White Gold, 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 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 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
Rolex Lady Datejust 69173 26mm Mother Of Pearl Dial Diamond Bezel 18k Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69173 Serial: R43**** Year: 1988 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel with Diamond Encrusted Lugs Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
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
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 Ladies President 18k Yellow Gold Watch 179178
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies President 18k Yellow Gold Watch 179178 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. Ladies President. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel (26 mm )...
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 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
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
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 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
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 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 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 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
Vintage Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi 1675 40mm Red Blue Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1675 Serial: 316**** Year: 1973 Model: Rolex GMT-Master Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Pepsi - Blue and Red ...
Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex GMT-Master II 40 Reference# 126715chnr, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the unworn Rolex GMT-Master II “Rootbeer,” Ref. 126715CHNR-0001—an iconic blend of technical mastery and refined luxury. Crafted entirely from 18k Everose Gold, this 40mm...
Gold
Rolex Datejust 79163 MOP Diamond Dial W/Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Datejust 79163 Ladies Watch in Steel and Yellow Gold with Diamonds. This watch features an officially certified chronometer self-winding movement. It has a stainless steel oyst...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173
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 18K yellow gold bezel (26mm). Whit...
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
1984 Rolex Explorer II 16550 Spider Rail Dial Men's Watch #23711
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1984 Rolex Explorer II Men's Watch Model: 16550 Serial: 8584581 This vintage Rolex Explorer II men's watch is a true collector's item. The watch features what is know as a "black s...
Steel
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 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...
ROLEX Estate 18k Lady Datejust Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous Rolex wristwatch! Crafted in vibrant 18k yellow gold, this Lady-Datejust watch was created in the mid 1980s. The circular face of the watch features twelve gold dashes and...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 Estate 18k Lady Datejust Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous Rolex wristwatch! Crafted in vibrant 18k yellow gold, this Lady-Datejust watch was created in the mid 1980s. The circular face of the watch features twelve gold dashes and...
18k 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
2007 Rolex Cellini Cellissima 24MM 6693 18K White Gold Pave Diamond Quartz Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K White Gold Diameter: 24.00 mm Weight: 81.81 grams ROLEX Ladies 18K white gold diamond ROLEX Swiss made wristwatch with original box...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$10,900Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Datejust Custom Blue Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel Two Tone
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Datejust REFRENCE: 16233 SIZE: 36mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIAL: Custom Blue with Diamonds BEZEL: Custom Yellow Gold with Diamonds BAND: Jubile...
Diamond, White Diamond, Mixed Metal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainl...
Rolex 14Kt. Rare "Bubble Back" with Original Dial and Rolex Signed Bracelet 1948
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Bubble Back" / Reference 5011 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
14k Gold
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173
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 jubilee bezel (26mm). White di...
Rolex Datejust 79173 Champgane Dial 18K YG/SS A7 Serial 1999
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Datejust 79173 Champgane Dial 18K YG/SS A7 Serial 1999 SKU 1874 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 69173G Year 1999 Dial Champagne Dial Case Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Bracel...
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...
1981 Ladies Stainless Steel Rolex Datejust 26mm Oyster Bracelet Watch Ref. 6718
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous unisex Rolex Datejust is from 1981 and reference 6718. The automatic self-winding movement runs smoothly and keeps accurate time. The watch remains in excellent overall...
Stainless Steel
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
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 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 35m...
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 Oval Chameleon Precision 18k WG Fluted Case 1967
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Oval Chameleon – Precision – 18k White Gold – Fluted Case – 1967 Offered by Classic Time Club SKU 1944 Classic Time Club proudly presents this elegan...
Rolex Datejust 16233 Factory Champagne Diamond Dial 18K Yellow gold Steel 36mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16233 Serial: X36**** Year: 1991 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Flut...
Diamond, Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom M.O.P Pink Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
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
$7,280Sale Price|20% Off
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 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 Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 14k Gold SS Mens 1970s Vintage Automatic RA731
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's 14k gold & stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1601 Datejust automatic, c.1973, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a ma...
Stainless Steel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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