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 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
Antique c1915 Rolex W&D 9K 375 Rose Gold 28mm Hinged Round Case Ladies' Watch
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
TO U.S.A BUYERS: DON’T SWEAT ABOUT 15% TRUMP’S TARIFF - WE COVER IT BY GIVING YOU 15% DISCOUNT! This sophisticated ladies’ timepiece is an antique Rolex watch from circa 1915, y...
Rose Gold
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 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 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 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 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
2005 Rolex Datejust 36 116233 Two-Tone Auto Champagne Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Modern Evolution Of The Datejust The reference 116233 marks the point where Rolex updated the classic 36mm silhouette with contemporary engineering. While it retains the proport...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm steel with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Datejust 36, reference 126200, is the definitive archetype of the classic watch. Crafted from high-performance Oystersteel, this model features a refined 36mm case that bal...
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel
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 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 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
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 Cosmograph Daytona 18k Rose Gold Black Dial Men Watch 126515LN Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with box and papers. 2025 card.
Rose Gold
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 Platinum President Day-Date Men's Watch Mother of Pearl Oxford Diamond Dia
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Platinum President Day-Date Men's Watch Mother of Pearl Oxford Diamond Dial 118206 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. President. Platinum case with smo...
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173 - Automatic winding. Datejust. Stainless steel case with Fluted bezel (26mm). Blue Arabic Jubilee dial. Stainless steel and 18k yel...
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
$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...
Vintage Rolex Datejust 80s Ref 16233 Automatic Gold Two Tone Champagne
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16233 automatic two tone with a champagne roman numeral dial on a jubilee bracelet from the 1990s. Keeps great time and is fully functional....
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust Diamond Champagne Dial 26mm 69173
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A timeless 26mm steel and gold Lady-Datejust wristwatch, by Rolex. Featuring a champagne dial with diamond hour markers, a date aperture and the iconic fluted bezel, in yellow gold. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31 Reference# 277200, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31 Ref. 277200-0006 embodies pure elegance, contemporary style, and the timeless spirit of Rolex engineering. Presented in unworn condition, this refined 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Grey Dial Gold Steel Jubilee Bracelet Men's Watch 16233
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel with a gray Roman numeral dial on a jubilee band. 36 mm case size Ref 16233. Certified Classic Rolex Datejust 16233 watch is mad...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
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
$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 Ladies Oyster Perpetual Date Watch 69240
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual Date Watch 69240 - Automatic winding, 29 jewels, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. Stainless steel case with fluted bezel ( 26 mm). Silver stick . Stainl...
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Pink Dial with Diamond Markers 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 36...
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 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 Datejust 41 126334 White Gold Steel Rhodium Dial Jubilee Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with original Box and paper.
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 16013 36mm MOP Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16013 Serial: 590**** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamo...
Diamond, 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 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 Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1980'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: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...
Stainless Steel
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 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...
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...
Ladies Rolex President 18k Gold Diamond Watch 69138
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Ladies Rolex President 18k Gold Diamond Watch 69138 - Automatic winding, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. President. 18k yellow gold case and factory diamond bezel (26mm diameter). V...
Rolex Datejust 116233 Two Tone 18k & Steel 36mm Champagne 10 Diamond Dial Minty
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, 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 vintage Oysterdate Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1967 Rolex Oyster Date Reference 6694 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1225 17 Jewel manual Wind, Nickle Lever movement. Custom Refinished "Cal...
Steel
Rolex Day-Date 40 18k Rose Gold Gold Olive Green Dial Men Watch 228345RBR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers.
Rose 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 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 Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Dial and Diamond Markers circa 1970'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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
1995 Rolex Explorer II 16570 Stainless Steel Polar White Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rational GMT Choice The 16570 Explorer II is the understated alternative to the GMT-Master. While its sibling focuses on the flash of a rotating bezel, the Explorer II stays gro...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Antique 1920s Rolex 9ct Pink Gold Cushion Watch – Hand-Wound – 28mm x 22mm
By Rolex
Located in Media, PA
A rare and elegant example of early 20th-century horology, this 1920s Rolex Cushion watch is crafted from solid 9ct pink gold (rose gold). This timepiece r...
Gold, 9k Gold
Rolex Datejust 116233 Tahitian Diamond Dial Diamond Band 18K Yellow Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116233 Serial: Z189*** Year: 2006 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel with Custom Diamonds Band: 18K Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Jubilee B...
Rolex Precision Vintage Manual wind Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1954 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case, screw down crown, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle Lever movement, acrylic crystal, "...
Steel
Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel 1975 Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1975. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2611. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case and Brac...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 14000 Blue Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel 34mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 14000 Serial: U832*** Year: 1997 Model: Rolex Air King Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel Dial: Custom Blue Diamond...
Stainless 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
$10,240Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 1503 Oyster Perpetual Date 14k Solid Gold Mens 1970s 34mm Automatic RA692B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 solid 14k gold automatic, c.1978, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Ro...
14k Gold
Rolex President Day-Date Men's 18k White Gold Watch 118239
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex President Day-Date Men's 18k White Gold Watch 118239 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. President Day-Date. 18k white gold case with fluted bezel (36 m...
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 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 Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Persian Numbers 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 / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diame...
Stainless Steel
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 35mm Mens Vintage Automatic 1970s RA602
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1970, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applie...
Stainless Steel
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
NEW Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Steel Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126000 B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. The Original box and papers are included. A classic that shines in every moment. Rolex OP 36 with blue dial. The perfect gift this season. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Reference...
Steel