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...
Rolex Steel Late Series Bubble Back Movement with Original Dial from 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6285 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1951 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Diame...
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 Oyster Perpetual with Original Patinated Dial from 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6285 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1951 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 4mm X Diamet...
Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century all original, 1951 Rolex stainless steel oyster date precision wristwatch.
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Date Custom Color Automatic Wristwatch, 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1951 Rolex Reference 1501, Date Model Wrist Watch, 34 M.M.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Royal manual Wristwatch Ref 6144, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Rolex Oyster Royal, Ref:6144, Serial No.809892 1951 Jewelled manual wind movement, silvered dial with applied alternating gilt dart and Arabic numeral hour markers, black outer 1...
Rolex Rose Gold Chronograph Wristwatch with Black Dial Ref 4062 circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Firenze, IT
Rolex 18k rose gold chronograph wristwatch with black dial, Ref. 4062, Case Number 845132, circa 1951, cal. 13''' manual-wind movement with 17 jewels, black matte dial with Arabic an...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Steel Rare Model with Machined Bezel Super Oyster, circa 1951 or 1952
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Ref. 6107 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1951 / 1952 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm X 35mm MOVEME...
Rolex 1951 Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch with Cali Bubbleback Style Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1951 Rolex Reference 6558 Wrist Watch, 36 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster case.
Steel
Rolex Oyster Date Precision Vintage Steel Mechanical Custom Dial Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1951 Rolex Reference 6694 Oyster Date Precision Wrist Watch. 34 M.M. 3 piece Stainless Steel Oyster Case, Caliber 1225 Manual Wind Mechanical Movement.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Two Tone Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial from 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6084 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel & 14Kt.
Rolex Stainless Steel Sub Seconds Bubble Back Watch, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / "Bubble Back" METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: 39mm X 32mm CIRCA: 1951 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: ...
Rolex Stainless Steel with Rare Full Size Bubble Back Movement from 1951 or 1952
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Super Oyster / 6084 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1951 / 1952 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm X 34...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wristwatch Ref 6084
By Rolex
Located in Milano, IT
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Wristwatch Ref 6084 circa 1951 A very nice clean Rolex in excellent condition !
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Precision Ref. 6022 Watch, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1951 Vintage Rolex Oyster Precision Ref. 6022 10k Yellow Gold watch with Original Silver Dial with Applied Gold Color Elongated Arrow Markers. 34mm x 38mm lug to lug (1.34 in. x 1.5 ...
Rolex Oyster Ref 6022 Original Dial, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex Oyster ref # 6022 in stainless steel, case serial # 761,xxx circa 1951.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 Stainless Steel Watch, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1951 Vintage Rolex Early Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6084 Semi-Bubbleback Stainless Steel watch with Silver Dial with Applied Steel Beveled Triangle Markers. 34mm x 38mm lug to lug (1.34 i...
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Zephyr Wristwatch circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brand Name: Rolex Style Number: 1008 Series: Oyster Perpetual Gender: Men's Case Material: Yellow Gold Dial Color: Champagne Zephyr Movement: Automatic - 1560 Cal. Crystal Ma...
Rolex Yellow Gold Bombe Red Officially self winding wristwatch, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare example Rolex 18K YG Bombe ref # 6090 serial# 759,xxx circa 1951 with red printed OFFICIALLY.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel and Rose Gold Viceroy Wristwatch circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
With rare and original stainless steel rose gold grain-of-rice Gays Freres bracelet with signed Rolex inner clasp. Caseback personalized and dated 1951.
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1951 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Big Semi Bubbleback Ref. 6084 14k Yellow Gold watch with Original Silver Dial with Recessed Gold Color Arabic 3, 6, 9, and 12 with Elongated Bevel...
Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking Wristwatch circa 1951 with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Speedking wristwatch, Ref. 6420, circa 1951, complete with original box and papers. 31mm case with screw down crown, original matte silvered dial with raised ta...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1951
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1951 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6084. 18K Yellow Gold case.
Rolex Perpetual Automatic 18 Carat Gold, circa 1951
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A rare and very well preserved vintage Automatic Perpetual wristwatch by Rolex Circa 1951. 18ct gold square cushion shaped case marked with Rolex and the “Rolex Crown” lozenge.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel 26mm Just Date Women's Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date display watch is a classic example of Rolex's timeless elegance and durability. With it's versatile satin 26mm stainless steel case, this water resis...
Stainless Steel, Steel
18 Kt Rainer Brand Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Wrist Watch, Collectors
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Rainer Brand Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Wrist Watch, Brand New In Box With all Warranty Papers, Rare Collectors Watch Case : 18 Kt Solid Gold, Diameter 39.5 mm Strap :...
18k Gold
Rolex Ref 6426 Classic 1950s Steel Manual wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1959 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster Case, 17 Jewel Caliber 1210 Manual Wind Nickle Lever Movement, Beautiful Original Mint Condition S...
Steel
Omega Vintage Stainless Steel Manual Wind Wrist Watch
By Omega
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Omega Wrist Watch, 35 MM Stainless Steel 3 piece Water Proof case, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind movement, Excellent, mint condition, Silver Satin dial with raised and...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Raleigh with Original Patinated Dial 1930's Oyster
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Tudor STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Raleigh / Reference 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diameter 29mm M...
Rolex Rare 1942 Bubble Back Ladies Steel Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1942 Rolex Ladies Reference 3869 Bubble Back Wrist Watch, 24 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece Oyster case, original and unpolished, original Oyster Crown. Automatic, self winding ...
Steel
$7,499Sale Price|25% Off
Rolex Explorer 36mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 14270
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre Owned Rolex Explorer 36mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 14270. The minor patina on the dial near the center of the hands around canon pinion. This Timepiece wa...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Oyster Perpetual REFRENCE: 15200 SIZE: 34mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Grey BAND: Jubilee Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic WRTIST SIZE: Apx. 7.75 Very Good c...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Mid 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 7008 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SI...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500. 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1520 Automatic, Self winding movement, excellent Mint condition Silver Satin "Sunburst"...
Steel
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
$6,500
H 1.74 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Early Datejust Perpetual Wind Watch, 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6105 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm CIRC...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex vintage Oysterdate Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1967 Rolex Oyster Date Reference 6694 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1225 17 Jewel manual Wind, Nickle Lever movement. Custom Refinished "Cal...
Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Champagne 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 41mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Pink Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble Back Rare Roman Dial Perpetual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 32mm CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perp...
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.