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.
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 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
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 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 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
Vintage 1986 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone Mocha Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Enduring Two-Tone Standard The two-tone Datejust is a foundational piece in the Rolex catalog, and the reference 16013 is the quintessential version from the 1980s. It represent...
18k Gold, Stainless 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 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
Vintage 1982 Rolex Datejust 16014 Steel Grey Tapestry Dial White Gold Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Foundational Classic With Added Texture The Rolex Datejust is the benchmark. For decades, it has defined what a versatile, everyday luxury watch should be. This reference 16014 fr...
White Gold, 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
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
Vintage 1979 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone Champagne Roman Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Two-Tone Rolex The Datejust is the watch that defined the modern dress watch, and the reference 16013 is a cornerstone of its history. Produced from the late 1970s ...
18k 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 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 1990 Rolex Datejust 16233 Two-Tone Black Tapestry Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Foundational Classic With A Textured Twist The two-tone Datejust is a cornerstone of the Rolex catalog, but certain dial configurations elevate a watch from a classic to something...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rare Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date UAE Champagne Dial 19018
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Oysterquartz Day-Date 36mm 19018, by Rolex. As well as applied hour markers and the iconic weekday and date apertures, the champagne dial features an image of the former nati...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
New Rolex Oyster Perpetual 126000 36mm Turquoise Dial Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with original box and papers. 5 year rolex warranty
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
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 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
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 GMT-Master II Root Beer Steel & Rose Gold Unworn
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A GMT-Master II Root Beer 126711CHNR in Oystersteel and Rose Gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with the date and second time zone hand. The black and brown ceramic bi-directiona...
Rose Gold, Steel
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 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
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
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
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 “Orchid” Diamond Integral Bracelet Wristwatch in 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in Tysons, VA
A classic example of the Rolex Orchid, reference 267501, crafted in 18K yellow gold. The cushion-shaped case is framed by a diamond-set halo of approximately 1.00 carat, complementin...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Rolex Jubilee 6311 14k Yellow Gold Bracelet 19 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Elegance In 14K Gold The Jubilee bracelet is a cornerstone of the Rolex aesthetic, originally introduced in 1945 to celebrate the brand's 40th anniversary. This specific...
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
1996 Men's Rolex 36mm DateJust Two Tone 18K Gold/ Stainless Steel Watch (Unworn)
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Year: 1996. Brand: Rolex. Gender: Men's. Dial: Diamonds. Model: DateJust. Dial Color: Black. Case Back: Screw. Condition: Unworn. Bracelet Size: Full Set. Model Number: 16233. Crystal: Sapphire Crystal. Case Dimensions: 36mm. Bezel Color: 18K Yellow Gold. Movement: Mechanical (Automatic). Metal Type: 18K Gold / Stainless Steel. Bracelet / Strap: 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel. Box / Certificate: Includes Rolex Box / Rolex Paper. Service Warranty: One (1) Year Limited Service Warranty. Additional Details: Men’s Rolex...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel, 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
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 Ref 1501 Mens Automatic 1960s All Original RA675
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.1501 Men's automatic, c.1963, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Watch Box, New Creme Empty Acs. ROLEX watch case box CELLINI Brand New
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
ROLEX watch case box CELLINI Brand New Watch BOX Rolex was purchased from show room in Manhattan Watch was used for personal use and i am selling the box Large Brand New Rolex Box...
Rolex GMT-Master Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch 1675
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT-Master Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch 1675 - Automatic winding. GMT-Master. Stainless steel with original rotating bezel with black insert (40mm diameter).. ...
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
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 Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch, Champagne Dial, Swiss Made
By Rolex
Located in Queens, NY
Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Watch, featuring champagne dial with baton indexes and 18K Rolex Crown logo at 12 0'clock, powered by 19 jewel mechanical wind-up movement, worn on wris...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$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 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...
Rolex Vintage Steel and Gold Ref 6582 Zephyre Bezel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Oyster perpetual Reference 6582 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 piece stainless steel Oyster case with Yellow Gold Zephyre Bezel an...
Gold, 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 5500 / 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Dia...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Date 15238 34mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Box Paper 2002
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15238 Serial: P28**** Year: 2002 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Fluted ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Lavender 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 39mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini Ladies, Diamond Case, 18K MOP Dial and Box and Papers Croco Band
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description: ROLEX CELLINI CELLINI, REFERENCE # 6621 A YELLOW GOLD AND DIAMOND-SET WRISTWATCH, CIRCA 1990 Dial: Mother of Pearl Dial Caliber: Quartz, jeweled Rolex Movement...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel After Market Diamond Bezel & Aftermarket Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial. Jubilee Band
Diamond
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 Datejust 36mm Champagne Diamond Dial Steel Gold Jubilee Watch 126233
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in Oystersteel and yellow gold features a champagne colour, diamond-set dial and a Jubilee bracelet. This dial features diamonds in 18 ct gold setti...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, 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...
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 Oysterdate Precision 6694 Roulette Date (Two Colour Date Display)
By Rolex
Located in istanbul, TR
Condition Good Seller Notes “for vintage condition excellent” Bezel Color Silver Movement Mechanical (Manual) Closure Fliplock Clasp Number of Jewels 17 Jewels Dial Pattern Sunburst...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Cellini 6621 18K Yellow Gold White Dial Quartz Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Cellini 6621 quartz watch in 18K yellow gold featuring 26mm case with white dial and integrated brick-link bracelet. Bracelet measures 13mm wide, 7 inches length, made ...
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
Vintage 1976 Rolex Cellini 4121 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Manual 23mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Beyond The Oyster Case The Cellini line has always been Rolex’s platform for pure dress watch design. Freed from the constraints of the waterproof Oyster case, these watches f...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 mm 1501 Silver Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in istanbul, TR
Classic but at the same time suitable for any occasion, the Rolex Oyster Date ref. 1501 can be worn on a daily basis and despite being a vintage watch, it has an elegant and modern l...
Stainless Steel