Rolex Pocket Watches
While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to classic pocket watches and 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.
1940s Swiss Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
Steel
20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Swiss Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
Gold Plate
Late 20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
1970s Swiss Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
Stainless Steel
20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches
Stainless Steel
1930s Swiss Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches
Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches
1970s Swiss Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Platinum
20th Century Rolex Pocket Watches
20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Rolex Pocket Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
20th Century Swiss Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century Scottish Antique Rolex Pocket Watches
Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Early 20th Century Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Rolex Pocket Watches
14k Gold
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Rolex Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Retro Rolex Pocket Watches
Gold Plate
20th Century French Rolex Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
Stainless Steel
1910s American Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century Unknown Modern Antique Rolex Pocket Watches
Stainless Steel
Late 19th Century Unknown Modern Antique Rolex Pocket Watches
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
Stainless Steel
1950s Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
Rhodium, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Distinctive Antique and Vintage Pocket Watches for Sale on 1stDibs
Can you pull off a vintage pocket watch? Of course you can. With a suit and a waistcoat, a pocket watch can be a refreshing alternative to a wristwatch.
The earliest pocket watches were luxury items, and, owing to cost, they weren’t commonplace until the 19th century. Artfully crafted pocket watches were a symbol of wealth, and manufacturers such as Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe became known for theirs. (Today, they’re among the most sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.)
At the onset, pocket watches resembled small round table clocks, and pulling your small round table clock — perhaps of the silver variety — out of your breast pocket in front of someone else demonstrated unequivocally that you cared about punctuality. For collectors, pocket watches are big, and that means a larger canvas provided for functions without crowding the dial. For example, the Marius Lecoultre pocket watch — made circa 1890 — does everything but uncork your wine.
In the late 1800s, the open-face pocket watch became a staple on the American railroad. It was a requirement for railway workers to wear a pocket watch, as the timepieces were responsible for keeping conductors on schedule. This was a boon to the watchmaking industry, with companies like Elgin National Watch Company and the Waltham Watch Company producing high-grade and workingman’s watches.
By the 1930s, wristwatches comprised the bulk of watch manufacturing in America, superseding the pocket watch. Suddenly, if you wanted to know the time, you merely glanced at your wrist. But given their vintage charm and our general appetite for good design, pocket watches are a piece of statement-making jewelry and today can prove complementary to your formal attire in a manner that is stylish and unconventional.
Let time take its course — browse a vast selection of antique and vintage pocket watches available on 1stDibs designed by legendary brands such as IWC, Cartier and more.
Creators Similar to Rolex
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021While choosing a watch can depend on the wearer's style, there are a few consistent favorites. Some of the top Rolex watches for women include the Rolex Datejust, the Rolex Day-Date, and the Rolex Oyster Perpetual.
- Where can I buy a Rolex watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can buy a Rolex watch through an official Rolex dealer. To meet the demands of customers worldwide, Rolex partners with brick-and-mortar dealers in more than 100 countries. In addition, you can buy Rolex on numerous online platforms, including 1stDibs. To ensure that you receive an authentic Rolex, only buy from a reputable dealer or platform. Find a collection of expertly vetted Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Before you buy your Rolex, a couple things to consider are the style you want, whether you want new or vintage and which size would best compliment your wrist. Shop a collection of properly vetted vintage and new Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Which Rolex is best?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The best Rolex really comes down to a matter of preference. From fit and style to functionality, the best Rolex watch is the one that suits you and your needs perfectly. Shop a range of expertly vetted Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rolex watches are special because they are crafted with 904L stainless steel which ensures durability and longevity. The stainless steel also polishes exquisitely well. You can shop a collection of Rolex timepieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Rolex movement is called ‘oyster perpetual movement’ and refers to the timepiece’s ability to run on the energy of the wearer’s movement instead of having to be wound. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Rolex timepieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rolex is renowned as a luxury brand that creates exceptionally high-quality products using the best materials and expertly hand-crafted detail. Its timepieces feature landmark design and expertise in the manufacturing process that gives each watch its value. Shop a range of Rolex watches from top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are several famous faces who wear the Rolex Explorer — its well-known enthusiasts range from Prince Harry to Tom Hanks. Roger Federer was also named as the face of the Explorer II, a larger version of the Explorer. On 1stDibs, you can find a range of authentic Rolex Explorer watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Why is my Rolex running slow?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022If you find that your Rolex watch is running slow, it could be time to send it in for servicing. A certified technician will disassemble your watch, regulate and lubricate it. Often a quick cleaning will do the trick! When looking for a qualified technician near you, simply use the ‘Service Center’ resource on Rolex’s website. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of authentic Rolex watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Purchasing a Rolex can be a good investment as Rolex is one of the world’s most famous luxury watch brands, and certain Rolex models have been known to increase in value over time. This is down to the inner workings of each piece, the style and certain technical upgrades. You’ll find a variety of Rolex watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Can I wear a Rolex every day?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, you can wear a Rolex every day. This durable and high-quality timepiece is meant to withstand everyday use and wear. Shop a large collection of authentic Rolex watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Did Rolex make a quartz watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Rolex made the Oysterquartz watch starting in the 1970s. Not many were made, with around an estimated 25,000 models making it to market. Shop a range of expertly vetted Rolex watches from top boutiques worldwide on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Rolex joined the quartz movement popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The first Rolex quartz watch was the Date 5100. The company then released the Oysterquartz Datejust and the Oysterquartz Date-Date models. Very few Date 5100s were released, and the Oysterquartz models were only produced for 25 years. Find a collection of expertly vetted Rolex watches, including rare Oysterquartz models, from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, all Rolex products have a serial number. You can find it engraved along the side closest to the six o’clock mark. If your Rolex is missing a serial number, it is likely not authentic. On 1stDibs you can shop a wide range of expertly vetted Rolex products from some of the best boutiques around the world.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a great entry-level Rolex to purchase. The perpetual refers to the ability of the watch to use the energy of the wearer's wrist motion to run. It is a popular starter Rolex.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Most Rolex watches use a Perpetual rotor which means that they do not need winding if worn regularly. If you have not worn your watch in some time, you can manually wind it by unscrewing the crown to the winding position and turning it clockwise about 20 times. Make sure to screw the crown back into place after winding to reestablish its waterproof qualities. Shop a collection of authentic Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Most Rolex watches need 650 turns per day to stay wound. Turns per day (TPD) refers to the number of turns the internal rotor needs to make each day to keep the watch wound and tell time accurately. For the majority of Rolex watches a Perpetual rotor uses your body’s movements to set the TPD, meaning the wearer doesn’t have to worry about winding the watch as long as it’s worn regularly. Shop a collection of expertly vetted vintage and new Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rolex does not use the term “waiting list,” instead they refer to it as the allocation of watches. How long you’ll have to wait to get your Rolex depends on the model you want. You may be able to find a Rolex you like in stock at a retail store or you may wait up to three years for certain models. Shop a collection of Rolex watches today from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- How do I clean a Rolex watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To clean a Rolex watch, wipe it all over periodically with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. For deeper cleaning, you can wash their metal bracelets and cases with warm water and mild dish or hand soap. Use a leather cleaner product to clean leather straps on Rolex watches. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Rolex watches.
- How old are Rolex watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rolex made its mark on the world in 1910, and in the 100-plus years since, the Bienne, Switzerland-based brand has focused on making some of the highest quality watches in the world, with trademark chronometric precision. Find authentic vintage and new Rolex watches on 1stDibs.