Rolex Sterling Silver Manual wind Purse Watch, Circa 1930s
View Similar Items
Rolex Sterling Silver Manual wind Purse Watch, Circa 1930s
About the Item
Rolex
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.
- American Watch Co. Yellow Gold Waltham Presentation Manual Pocket WatchBy American Waltham Watch Co.Located in Dallas, TXAmerican Watch Co. Waltham 14K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch - Manual winding; 17 jewels. 14K Yellow Gold solid case with an engraved R in the caseback....Category
20th Century American Art Deco Pocket Watches
- Hampden Yellow Gold Scalloped Case Manual Winding Pocket WatchBy ElginLocated in Dallas, TXHampden 14k Yellow Gold Scalloped Case Manual Winding Pocket Watch. Elaborately engraved yellow gold scalloped case. White enamel dial with black...Category
Antique Early 1900s Pocket Watches
Materials14k Gold
- Rolex Stainless Steel Pocket Watch Ref 3002By RolexLocated in Dallas, TXRolex Stainless Steel Pocket Watch Ref 3002 - Manual winding. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (42 mm ). Silver dial with raised hour markers and subdial at 6 o'clock. Pre-owned with a Rolex leather pouch.Category
20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
- Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Twenty Dollar Coin WatchBy RolexLocated in Dallas, TXRolex 18K Yellow Gold Twenty Dollar Coin Watch - Manual winding. 18K Yellow gold coin case ( 34mm). Champagne dial with Roman and Stick hour markers; Signed Rolex Geneve Cellini...Category
20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
MaterialsYellow Gold
- Hampden Yellow Gold Engraved Hunting Case Manual winding Pocket WristwatchLocated in Dallas, TXHampden Yellow Gold Hunting Case Pocket Watch - Manual winding. Solid yellow gold case, beautifully engraved (45mm). Enamel dial with black Arabic numerals; seconds subdial at 6 o'...Category
Antique Early 1900s Swiss Pocket Watches
Materials14k Gold
- Illinois Watch Co. Currier Gold Filled Pocket WatchBy Illinois Watch CompanyLocated in Dallas, TXIllinois Watch Co. Currier Gold Filled Pocket Watch - Manual winding; Key wind, Key set. Gold filed ornate engraving ( 54 mm ). White dial with Roman...Category
Antique 19th Century American Pocket Watches
- Rolex Chromium Marconi Hermetic Manual Wind Watch, circa 1930sBy RolexLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex / Marconi STYLE / REFERENCE: Hermetic METAL / MATERIAL: Chromium CIRCA: 1930's DIMENSIONS: Length 35mm X Diameter 29mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Silvered with Arabic Numerals / Blued Steel Breguet Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This very unique watch...Category
Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
- Rare Movado Early Maki-E Ermeto Manual Wind Purse Watch, circa 1929By MovadoLocated in London, GBMovado. A Rare and Early Maki-E Ermeto Manual Wind Purse or pocket Watch C1929 Dial: The original silvered dial fully signed Movado Chronometre Emerto with Breguet style numerals and Cathederal hands. Case: The case is made from silver which is fully numbered, Swiss Hallmarked and also having British import marks for 1929. The case is laquered with a special Japernese style called Make-E. Featured on this watch is a traditional Pagoda and a flowering cherry tree called Sakura. The back of the case has the initials JDS presented in 1932. Movement: The fully signed and jewelled manual wind movement with fast slow regulation. The movemnt is wound by opening and shutting the...Category
Vintage 1920s American Pocket Watches
MaterialsSilver
- Elgin 14k Yellow Gold Pocket Watch Manual WindBy ElginLocated in Surfside, FLElgin pocket watch in 14k yellow gold with floral design hunter case. 8 size (36mm case size). Manual wind with sub-seconds. Roman numeral dial. Fine Pre-owned Elgin Watch. Certified...Category
20th Century Pocket Watches
MaterialsYellow Gold
- Rolex 1930s Ladies Rose Gold and Steel Oyster Case Manual Wind Wrist WatchBy RolexLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1930s Rolex Oyster Wrist Watch, 24 M.M. Rose Gold top with Steel back oyster Case and curved down Lugs. mechanical, manual wind movement, ori...Category
Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold, Steel
- CH. F. Tissot Yellow Gold Pocket Watch circa 1930sLocated in Stamford, CTCH. F. Tissot & Fils 18k yellow gold pocket watch, circa 1930s. Art Deco. black and white enamel on front and back bezels. Beautiful highly detailed dial. 18k Yellow Gold Width:...Category
Vintage 1930s Swiss Pocket Watches
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Hampden 14K Yellow Gold Manual Hand Wind Elegant Unisex Pocket WatchBy Hampden Watch CompanyLocated in New York, NYThis pre-owned Hampden is a beautiful Unisex timepiece that is powered by mechanical (hand-winding) movement which is cased in a yellow gold case. It has a round shape face, small ...Category
Antique Early 1900s American Pocket Watches
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
Rolex Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know about Choosing the Right Watch
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.