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.
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
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 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 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
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 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
Vintage 1989 Rolex Datejust 16220 Stainless Steel Grey Sunburst Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Definitive Modern Classic The reference 16220 represents a perfect moment in the Datejust's evolution. Introduced in the late 1980s, it combines the traditional 36mm proportions...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 18k SS 36mm Mens 1960s Linen Dial Automatic RA767B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless icon, Men's 18k and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 Linen Dial Datejust automatic, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watch...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
New 2025 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 126000 36mm Turquoise Dial Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new comes with original box and papers. 100% original dial.
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...
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 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
2002 Rolex Explorer 114270 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Essential Utility Watch The Explorer 114270 is the most concentrated version of the Rolex philosophy. It is a steel watch built to be readable and reliable in any environment, p...
Steel, 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
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
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 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 Men's Sea Dweller Deepsea (Deep Sea) Men's Watch 126660
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Men's Sea Dweller Deepsea (Deep Sea) Men's Watch 126660 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, sapphire crystal, waterproof to 12,800 feet. Sea Dweller Deep ...
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
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
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Panda Dial Men's Watch 116528
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Panda Dial Men's Watch 116528 - Automatic winding, chronograph, 44 jewels, sapphire crystal. Daytona. 18k yellow gold case and bezel ( 40 mm). White dial wit...
$6,080Sale Price|20% Off
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 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
Vintage 1970 Rolex Lady Datejust 6516 Steel Grey Sunburst Dial Automatic 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Ladies' Reference The reference 6516 represents the pure, original vision for the Lady-Datejust. Introduced in 1957, it took all the groundbreaking elements of the ...
Steel, Stainless 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 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
Vintage 1976 Rolex Cellini 5112 18K YG Blue Boiler Gauge Dial Manual 32mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Different Side Of The Crown The Cellini line has always been Rolex's canvas for pure dress watch design, a departure from the rugged tool watches that defined the brand. This refe...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Factory Original Silvered Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1003 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Dia...
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...
NEW Rolex Datejust 31 278384RBR Steel 18K White Gold MOP Dial Diamond Lady Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers
Steel
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...
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
Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K YG Champagne Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Perfect Transitional Day-Date The reference 18038 marks a pivotal moment for the Rolex Day-Date. Produced from 1977 to 1988, it was the first to feature a sapphire crystal and t...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond 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 X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Rose Gold Meteorite Dial Unworn 126515LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A luxurious Everose gold Cosmograph Daytona ref. 126515LN by Rolex, featuring a striking meteorite dial with applied luminous hour markers and contrasting black sub-dials. Powered b...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Oyester Perpetual Datejust 31mm steel and rose gold chocolate and diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Datejust 31, reference 278271, is a sophisticated expression of elegance, designed for those who appreciate a classic aesthetic in a more delicate, mid-size silhouette. Cra...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Steel
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
Rolex Oyester Perpetual Datejust 41mm steel and rose gold with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Datejust 41, reference 126331, is one of the most striking and luxurious expressions of the Datejust collection. This model features Everose Rolesor, Rolex's signature marr...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Steel, Rose Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116519 18K White Gold Black Dial Box & Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This watch features an officially certified chronometer with a self-winding movement. It includes a rhodium-plated mechanism, 44 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a monom...
18k 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
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
Rolex Yacht-Master II 44mm 18k White Gold & Platinum Oyster Mens Watch 116689
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Yacht-Master II White Gold Platinum Men's Watch 116689. Certified chronometer self-winding movement. 18K white gold Oyster case, 44.0 mm in diameter. Screw-down crown and caseb...
White Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Royal with Custom Made Navy Blue Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Royal / Reference 6426 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length "Lug Tip to Lug...
Stainless Steel
$5,920Sale Price|20% Off
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
Vintage 1987 Rolex Datejust Lady 69173 Two ToneAutomatic Champagne Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This Is The Classic Ladies Datejust Look This Ref. 69173 is the configuration most people picture when they think of a vintage Lady-Datejust. Champagne dial, diamond hour markers, f...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1988 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 67193 Two-Tone Automatic Champagne Dial 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Oyster Perpetual Before It Got Loud This Lady Datejust is a clean example of how Rolex approached smaller Oyster Perpetuals in the late 1980s. Two tone case, fluted gold bezel, ...
18k Gold, Yellow 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 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 18Kt Gold Ladies Modernist Style for Serpico & Laino Diamond Bezel 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 106 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold / Factory Diamond Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Dia...
18k Gold
Rolex Daytona Ghost White Gold Unworn 2026 126519LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 2026 Oysterflex Daytona "Ghost" in white gold by Rolex, available now from Watch Centre London. Designed to be the ultimate high-performance chronograph, this timepiece features ...
White Gold
2002 Rolex Day-Date 118209 18K White Gold Blue Wave Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Apex Predator In White Gold The Day-Date has been Rolex's definitive statement of prestige for nearly seventy years, a watch offered exclusively in precious metals. While most a...
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950 with Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold / Set with Vintage Rose Cut Stones .75Cts. CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZ...
18k Gold
Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 36 18038 18k Gold Automatic Champagne Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Old Money Energy In Watch Form This Rolex comes from a period when the Day Date was still treated as a daily watch, not a safe queen. Yellow gold case, fluted bezel, President brace...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2000 Rolex Sea Dweller 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of The Classic Sea-Dwellers The reference 16600 is widely regarded as the final evolution of the classic, pre-ceramic Sea Dweller. It represents the perfect bridge between ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1946 Rolex Reference 3130 "Bubbleback" 31 M.M Stainless Steel 2 piece Oyster case, caliber 630, 17 jewel Automatic Self winding movement, Quality Redone as original Black dial ...
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
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 Oyster Perpetual Date Blue Dial Yellow Gold Batons 34mm 15200
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
"A stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, reference 15200, featuring a blue dial with applied yellow gold baton hour markers and matching gold luminous hands. The 34mm stainle...
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
Rolex Steel Oyster with Custom Made Blue Dial and Diamond Baguette Markers
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6426 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel