$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Ref 6022 Oyster Precision Mens Vintage 1950s 34mm Manual Wind RA781
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision ref.6022 manual hand-wind dress watch, c.1952, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
Stainless Steel
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6564 All Original Mens 34mm Automatic 1950s RA794
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic with iconic Gay Frères bracelet! Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6564 automatic dress watch, c.1959, all original with Gay Freres bracelet, in excellent working conditi...
Stainless Steel
$43,200Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Rolex Pre Daytona Oyster Chronograph 6234 Watch 36mm Manual Wind
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Exciting pre-Daytona model 6234. This timepiece is in full working condition, with no servicing, or polishing done on the case. This piece has been kept in the original vintage condi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual from 1957 with Original Patinated Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamet...
Rolex Stanless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Dial from 1957
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual .Date / Reference 6534 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 36mm 18K Yellow Gold Ref 6105 Automatic Vintage 1952
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date – 18K Yellow Gold (Ref. 6105, Circa 1952) This exceptional vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date is a beautifully preserved example of early Rolex ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Engine Turned Bezel 1954 Red and Black Datewheel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6305 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...
Stainless Steel
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 6564 Oyster Perpetual 1950s Mens 34mm Gold-Capped Vintage Automatic RA789B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic vintage charm, rare Men's Rolex 6564 Oyster Perpetual gold-capped automatic dress watch, c.1956, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Go...
Gold, Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
$7,040Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6564 34mm Mens Gold-Capped Vintage Automatic 1950s RA789
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's rare Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6564 gold-capped automatic dress watch, c.1956, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous...
Stainless Steel, Gold, Gold Plate
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Factory Original "Deep Sea" Dial 1956
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Deep Sea" / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1956 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34...
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual with Rare Original Black Dial from 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 34...
Rolex Stainless Steel with Rare Original Dial and Bracelet from 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6298 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diamet...
Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial from 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6085 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1951 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Diamet...
$7,040Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 6580 Mens 34mm 1950s 14k Gold SS Vintage Automatic RA786
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oyster ref.6580 automatic dress watch, c.1954, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rol...
Stainless Steel, 14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6580 14k Gold SS 1950s Mens Vintage Automatic RA786B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster ref.6580 automatic dress watch, c.1954, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed whi...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
$11,920Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6107 Mens 1950s 34mm All Original w Box Paper RA847
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6107 bubble back automatic, c.1952, all original with original box and papers, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Precision 9k Gold Mens 1950s 32mm Vintage Manual Wind Dress Watch RA751
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage treasure, rare 9k solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision manual wind dress watch, c.1954, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex...
9k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Factory Original "Deep Sea" Dial 1956
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Deep Sea" / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1956 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34...
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet. circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SI...
Rolex 1950s Yellow Gold Honeycomb Precision Tear Drop Lugs Wristwatch 4514
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 34mm 18k Yellow Gold Tear Drop Lugs Gents Wristwatch, honeycomb dial with applied 18k yellow gold index batons and arabic numbers at 3, 6, 9 and 12 0'clock, blue steel centre secon...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Speed King with Rare Original Waffle Dial from 1954
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Speed King / Reference 6221 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm x Diam...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Original Oyster Bracelet and Sub Seconds from 1957
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6504 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 / 58 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 31mm X D...
Rolex Rare Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual from 1952 Oversized Bubble Back Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm...
$7,360Sale Price|20% Off
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
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Two Tone with Factory Original Dial From 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6105 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Stainless Steel & Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oysterdate with Rare Super Oyster Crown, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Super Oysterdate / Reference 6094 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 33mm CIRCA: 1951 MOVEM...
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Date from 1953 or 54
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SI...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Original Dial from 1958
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1958 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diameter 35mm...
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Very Rare Deepsea From 1954 / 55 Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6332 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 / 55 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diamet...
Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Factory Original "Deep Sea" Dial 1956
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Deep Sea" / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1956 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Rare Datejust Reference 6605 with Original Dial from 1957
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6605 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 / 58 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Small Crown Gilt Black Dial 6205 Steel Automatic Watch 1954
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 6205 Year: 1954 Serial number: 21xxx Reference: OT1504 Model 6204 as the first small crown submariner produced in 1953, guarantee depth rate 100 meters. ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$2,300
Tudor Watch Company
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Prince / Reference 7967 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 33mm MOVEMENT / ...
Eterna Matic Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Original Dial 1940's or 50's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Eterna Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Round METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940 / 50's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 33m...
Tudor Steel Advisor Alarm Watch with Original Riveted Link Bracelet from 1958
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tudor Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Advisor Alarm / Reference 7926 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1958 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x Diameter...
Tudor Stainless Steel From 1956 with Custom Finish on the Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tudor Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Reference 7813 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1956 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Diameter 31mm MOV...
Stainless Steel
Genuine 14k Tudor Watch. 14k WG Ladies 9823 Dainty 1950s Ladies Rolex
By Tudor
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
14k White Gold Tudor Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1950s 21mm round Case and Black cable adjustable Band. Tudor 17 Rubies Manual Windup Movement Beautiful Watch. C...
14k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Genuine 14k Tudor Watch. 14k WG Ladies 9823 Dainty 1950s Ladies Rolex
By Tudor
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
14k White Gold Tudor Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1950s 21mm round Case and Black cable adjustable Band. Tudor 17 Rubies Manual Windup Movement Beautiful Watch. ...
14k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Tudor Rolex ref 7966 Prince-OysterDate Rose Logo Automatic Mens' Watch, c1959.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This vintage Tudor Rolex ref 7966 Prince-Oysterdate is from 1959, yet it’s in a beautiful original condition & in excellent working order Featuring an iconic & instantly recogniza...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Original Oyster Bracelet and Sub Seconds circa 1957
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6504 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 / 58 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 31mm X D...
Stainless Steel
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.
Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.
Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.
Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.
Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.
Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.
A fresh palette of dial colors and technological advances have elevated this classic watch model.
The watch has transformed several times over, but it’s still undeniably a classic.
This is perhaps the least subtle version of the Submariner.
If you think this looks like the Rolex Kermit, you're correct.
This model was designed for lefties.
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.
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.
As the cache goes on display at London’s Design Museum, we speak to its enigmatic owner about some of his rarest acquisitions.