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 Date Ref 1510 35mm Mens 1980s Vintage Automatic RA753B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster 15010 Date automatic, c.1983, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, applied ba...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Roman Ivory Dial Two-Tone Automatic Men's Watch Ref 16233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 16233, crafted in timeless two-tone stainless steel and 18k yellow gold. This automatic men’s watch features a warm champagne dial acce...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1999 Rolex Submariner 14060 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Unadulterated Dive Watch The Submariner defined the luxury dive watch category upon its introduction in 1953, setting the standard for water resistance and introducing the rotat...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Two Tone Datejust with Exceptional Factory Original Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Solid Gold & Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Bubbleback 1949 Steel and Gold Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1949 Rolex Bubbleback Referance 5015, 32 M.M Stainless Steel 3 Piece case with Yellow Gold Engine turned Bezel and Gold Rolex Crown, Caliber 630 automatic, self winding movemen...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Rolex Wrist Watch, 31 M.M x 4.5 M.M thick 2 piece 14k Yellow Gold case, 17 jewel, caliber 1600 mechanical, manual wind nickle lever movement. Silver Satin sunburst dial w...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Pistachio Dial Unworn 2025
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Oyster Perpetual REFERENCE: 124300 SIZE: 41mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Pistachio Green BAND: Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic Unworn Accommodated with an ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Charcoal Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960/70 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length "Lug Tip t...
Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch. Ladies ROLEX 6623 Automatic Wristwatch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1969. 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6623. Beautiful Watch. 25mm case New Leather Black Band. Condition: ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Midsize Yacht-Master 35mm Steel & Gold Men's or Ladies Watch 168623
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Midsize Yacht-Master 35mm Steel & Gold Men's or Ladies Watch 168623 - Automatic winding; sapphire crystal. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold bezel ( 35 mm) . Champa...
Rolex Datejust Men's Watch - Stainless Steel Yellow Gold 18k Automatic 16233
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 16233 Specific Year: 2002 Movement: Automatic Warranty: 1 Year Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Grey Roman Metal Content: Stainless Steel...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Pearlmaster 80298 29mm MOP Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 18K Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 80298 Serial: P904*** Year: 2000 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Pearlmaster Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Factory Di...
18k Gold
Rolex Day Date 18038 36mm Factory Diamond Dial and Leather Strap 18k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18038 Serial: 962**** Year: 1987 Model: Rolex Day Date Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: Factory Rolex Leather Strap & Clasp Bezel: 18k Ye...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Stainless Steel with Custom White Dial circa 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 "...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm 126508 Yellow Gold Paul Newman Dial Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned excellent condition. Comes with original box and papers.
Yellow Gold
1996 Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Stainless Steel Tritium Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Definitive Modern Diver Silhouette The reference 16610 is the bridge between the vintage tool watch era and modern luxury Rolex. Produced for over twenty years, it represents th...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Ladies Rolex 26mm Presidential 18K Yellow Gold Watch with White Dial and Diamond
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Brand: Rolex. Bezel: Diamond. Model: DateJust. Series: President. Crystal: Sapphire. Numeral: Roman. Dial Color: White. Gender: Women's. Dial: Diamond Dial. Condition: Very Good. Mod...
Diamond, Yellow 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 Day Date 18238 Myriad Diamond Dial 18k YG
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2275 Brand Rolex Model Day Date Reference 18238 Dial Myriad Diamond Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Diameter 36mm Movement Automatic Serviced Yes Box No Paper...
Rolex 1966 Air King Men's Watch - Stainless Steel Automatic 1007
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Air King Model Number: 1007 Specific Year: 1966 Movement: Automatic Warranty: 1 yr Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Rare brown mirror dial Metal Content: Stainl...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80'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: 1988 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm ...
Stainless Steel
1990 Rolex Lady-Datejust 69173 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Dial 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Well Preserved Icon With Original Papers The Lady Datejust 69173 is the definitive version of the most successful luxury watch ever made. By 1990, this reference had reached a poi...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond and Emerald 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: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamete...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Sage Green 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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X...
Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex 6516 Watch. 18k and SS ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k and Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6516. Beautiful Watch. Case is Stainless Steel. 18k Yellow gold b...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Navy Blue 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 42mm X...
Stainless 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
2000 Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Steel Auto Black Dial 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Final Peak Of The Classic Submariner The reference 16610 represents the final evolution of the traditional Submariner case before the shift toward the bulkier Super Case designs...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day Date in 18KYellow Gold Black Mather of Pearl Diamond
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand Rolex Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Condition: Pre-Owned Bracelet: 18K Yellow Gold Model: President Day Date Diamond: 1.85ctw Clarity: VS1 Color: F Movement: Automatic Case Di...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Rolex 18k gold and stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Ref.1601, c.1963, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gor...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm 126610LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn 41mm Submariner Date in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial, complemented by a black ceramic uni-directional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations coated in p...
Stainless Steel
1997 Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The No Cyclops Professional Standard The reference 16600 Sea-Dweller is widely considered the most balanced professional diver Rolex ever produced. While the Submariner is the more ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Woman's Datejust Pearlmaster Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Rolex Pearlmaster that is as stylish as it is beautiful! Style 80318, the mother-of-pearl dial, 12 diamond bezel, Pearlmaster bracelet with aftermarket diamonds, synthetic sapphire...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1999 26mm Rolex Presidential 18K Gold with Champagne Dial and Fluted Bezel.
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
SN# U80**** Year: 1999. Brand: Rolex. Crystal: Sapphire. Gender: Women's. Bezel: Fluted Bezel. Dial Color: Champagne. Case Dimensions: 26mm. Condition: Mint Condition. Metal Type: 1...
18k Gold
1988 Rolex Datejust 36 16013 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Diamond Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
An essential Golden Era Datejust This is a classic Datejust with all of the hallmarks of when someone thinks of Datejust, and it just so happens to be in immaculate condition. Produ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Date Steel 1501 Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1973 Rolex Date Wrist watch, 35 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster case. Caliber 1570, 26 jewel Automatic, self winding movement. Custom Turquoise Blue Dial with Raised White...
Steel
Rolex Oyester Perpetual Datejust 41mm steel with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Datejust 41, reference 126300, represents the modern evolution of the brand’s most versatile timepiece. Introduced to satisfy the demand for a larger, more contemporary pre...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra 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 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
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 jubilee bezel (26mm). White di...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Blue Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36...
Stainless Steel
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. 18k YG Rolex CELLINI 4109 Round Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k Yellow Gold Rolex Cellini Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1976 Rolex 1601 Movement Ref. 4109 Round Cellini Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is 18k ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 3408 Mechanical Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1960s. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 3408. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is Stai...
Stainless Steel
$7,360Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Precision 14k Solid Gold Mens Manual Wind Dress Watch 1950s Vintage RA709
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage treasure, rare 14k solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision manual wind dress watch, c.1958, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
14k Gold
Vintage 1970s Rolex Jubilee 14K Yellow Gold Bracelet 19mm Lug
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Distinction Of 14K Gold Luxury A solid 14k yellow gold Rolex bracelet occupies a unique and highly sought-after space within vintage watch collecting. Primarily produced during ...
Rolex Datejust 126300 Blue Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Datejust 41 Model 126300 Men's Watch. This watch features a 41mm stainless steel case with a smooth stainless steel bezel. It has a blue dial, luminous steel hands, and luminou...
Steel
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1960s Automatic RA767
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 Datejust automatic with 18k gold bezel, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Iconi...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" 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 "Lug Tip to Lug T...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 1908 Platinum 52506 Ice Blue Guilloche Rice Motif Dial Watch 2026 B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2026. With a box and Papers.
Platinum
Rolex Lady-Datejust 26mm Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Jubilee Watch 179173
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust Steel Yellow Gold Black Dial Ladies Watch 179173. Certified chronometer self-winding movement. Stainless steel oyster case 26.0 mm in diameter. Rolex logo on an 18K ye...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini Blue Mirror Dial White Gold 22mm 4014
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage rectangular Rolex Cellini, reference 4014, featuring a striking blue mirror dial with frosted textured hands, protected by mineral glass. Powered by a manual movement cali...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Rolex Ladies Datejust 6905 26mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6905 Serial: 359**** Year: 1974 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Flute...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Lady Oyster Date Ref 6916 14k Gold SS Automatic 1970s Swiss Luxury RA783
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Rolex 14k gold and stainless steel Lady Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1978, all original, in excellent aesthetic and working condition. Verified authentic by a ...
Stainless Steel, 14k Gold
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6294 Rare Black Honeycomb Dial 1950s Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Stainless Steel Case ref.6294 Rare Black Honeycomb Dial. Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1953 New Leather Band. Beautiful Watch. 34 mm round Case
Stainless Steel
NOS Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116523 Two-Tone Watch Box Booklets
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Daytona Steel and Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Men's Watch (Model 116523). This watch features an officially certified chronometer with an automatic self-winding movement. It has...
18k Gold
Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 18K YG 18238 Auto Champagne Diamond 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Old money energy in watch form This 1984 Day-Date comes from a time when these were purchased for daily wear, not tucked away. Solid 18k yellow gold case, fluted bezel, President br...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona White Gold Watch 116519
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona White Gold Watch 116519 - Automatic winding, chronograph, 44 jewels, sapphire crystal. Daytona. 18k white gold case with white gold bezel (40mm diameter). Wh...
Vintage Rolex Precision 12325 Gold Manual Wind Sub Dial On Leather Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Precision 12325 manual-wind watch in yellow gold featuring calibre 710 movement with off-white dial and subsidiary seconds. Black leather aftermarket strap, unsigned cr...
Gold
Vintage 1992 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15210 Steel Black Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Purest Form Of Rolex The Oyster Perpetual Date is a foundational reference. It represents the core of what makes a Rolex a Rolex: a water-resistant case, a self-winding movement...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 2280 SS 30mm 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Royal 2280 Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1939 Beautiful Watch. Generic Stainless Steel Bracelet (not original Rolex). 30mm round c...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1974 Rolex Datejust 1601 Two-Tone Champagne Linen Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Rolex The Datejust is the watch that defined the modern wristwatch. Introduced in 1945, it was the first automatic chronometer to feature a date window that changed...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel