Rare Antique Rolex Chronographe Stainless Steel
About the Item
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Strap Material:Leather
- Case Shape:Round
- Movement:
- Case Dimensions:Diameter: 1.42 in (36 mm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1946
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Rolex Zenith Movement Daytona Stainless Steel & Gold Rare Mark I Dial B&P 16523By RolexLocated in London, GBA Rare Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Zenith Movement Cosmograph Daytona Men's Wristwatch, rare Mark I floating champagne dial with applied hour markers, 30 min...Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
- Rare Vintage Rolex Submariner James Bond Big Crown Stainless Steel AutomaticBy RolexLocated in London, GBA Very Rare Stainless Steel Submariner Vintage Gents Wristwatch, original tropical gilt dial with hour markers, a stainless steel bi-directional bezel with a black bezel insert, a st...Category
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Explorer II 16570 Stainless SteelBy RolexLocated in London, GBA 40mm Explorer II by Rolex in stainless steel. Features a white dial with the date, a red 24-hour hand and a fixed bezel featuring a 24-hour display. Fitted with sapphire crystal, a...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Rare Submariner Date Red Writing Vintage Stainless Steel Mark VI 1680By RolexLocated in London, GBAn Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date Red Writing men's wristwatch, in stainless steel. This rare vintage wristwatch is a Submariner 1680; a watch that is incredibly sought after and...Category
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel 116244By RolexLocated in London, GBA mens 36mm Datejust by Rolex. Featuring a stunning silver floral dial and a stainless steel bezel set with 52 round brilliant cut diamonds. Fitted with sapphire crystal and a self-w...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Stainless Steel
- Rolex Submariner Date Nos Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold Blue Dial 16613By RolexLocated in London, GBAn Unworn Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date NOS Men's Wristwatch, blue dial with applied hour markers, date at 3 0'clock, an 18k yellow gold uni-dire...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
- Richard Chronographe Men's Stainless Steel Manual Watch w/ Leather BandLocated in Sherman Oaks, CARichard Chronographe Men's Stainless Steel Manual Watch w/ Leather Band Case #46.78456 Stainless Steel Chronograph Case 35 mm in Diamete...Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Black Dial 1970'sBy RolexLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 3...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Stainless Steel Early and Rare Datejust "Big Bubble" from 1953By RolexLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Early Datejust / Reference 6305 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Stainless Steel Early and Rare "Big Bubble" Datejust from 1953By RolexLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 6305 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SI...Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsWhite Gold, Stainless Steel
- Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual With Rare Engine Turned Bezel 1970'sBy RolexLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm Length X 34mm...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Stainless Steel with Original Rare Charcoal Dial, circa Mid 1960'sBy RolexLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
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.