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2003 Rolex

Rolex Chameleon 2003 Carved Geometric Case 18k WG 1966
Rolex Chameleon 2003 Carved Geometric Case 18k WG 1966

Rolex Chameleon 2003 Carved Geometric Case 18k WG 1966

By Rolex

Located in SYDNEY, AU

SKU 1946 Brand Rolex Model Chameleon Reference 2003 Year 1966 Dial White Dial Case Carved

Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Recent Sales

Lady Rolex Datejust Ref 79160 Stainless Steel, circa 2003
Lady Rolex Datejust Ref 79160 Stainless Steel, circa 2003

Lady Rolex Datejust Ref 79160 Stainless Steel, circa 2003

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Lady Rolex Datejust ref 179160 stainless steel 26mm diameter case with smooth domed bezel and

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 16570 circa 2003
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 16570 circa 2003

Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer II Wristwatch Ref 16570 circa 2003

By Rolex

Located in Buffalo Grove, IL

Brand: Rolex Movement: Automatic Model: Explorer II Model number: 16570 Serial number: F582515

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 179179; Certified and Warranty
Rolex Datejust 179179; Certified and Warranty

Rolex Datejust 179179; Certified and Warranty

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

. With box and papers. 26 mm case size. Ref 179179. Circa 2003. Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Certified Authentic Rolex Datejust 18720, Black Dial
Certified Authentic Rolex Datejust 18720, Black Dial

Certified Authentic Rolex Datejust 18720, Black Dial

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

. With box and papers. Ref 179179. Circa 2003. Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Rolex

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

2003 Rolex Explorer II Polar White 16570 Stainless Steel 40mm
2003 Rolex Explorer II Polar White 16570 Stainless Steel 40mm

2003 Rolex Explorer II Polar White 16570 Stainless Steel 40mm

By Rolex

Located in Newport Beach, CA

We are pleased to offer this 2003 Rolex Explorer II Polar White 16570. This watch features a 40mm

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Diamond Dial Datejust 116233
Rolex Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Diamond Dial Datejust 116233

Rolex Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Diamond Dial Datejust 116233

By Rolex

Located in Newport Beach, CA

We are pleased to offer this 2003 Rolex Two Tone 18k Gold & Stainless Steel 36mm Datejust 116233

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 40mm Stainless Steel Sport 4000ft No Holes
Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 40mm Stainless Steel Sport 4000ft No Holes

Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 40mm Stainless Steel Sport 4000ft No Holes

By Rolex

Located in Newport Beach, CA

We are pleased to offer this 2003 Rolex Stainless Steel 4000ft Sea-Dweller 16600. This classic and

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 36 Jubilee 2003
Rolex Datejust 36 Jubilee 2003

Rolex Datejust 36 Jubilee 2003

By Rolex

Located in PARIS, FR

Discover this stunning Rolex Datejust 116203 in two-tone yellow gold and stainless steel, a

Category

Early 2000s European Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex Daytona Stainless Steel Gents 116520, 2003
Rolex Daytona Stainless Steel Gents 116520, 2003

Rolex Daytona Stainless Steel Gents 116520, 2003

By Rolex

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

: Gents Age: 2003 Case Diameter: 40 mm Case Size: 40mm Box and Papers: Box & Manuals Only Movement

Category

Early 2000s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ladies Rolex Datejust Two Tone Wristwatch 2003
Ladies Rolex Datejust Two Tone Wristwatch 2003

Ladies Rolex Datejust Two Tone Wristwatch 2003

By Rolex

Located in South Pasadena, CA

Ladies Rolex Datejust Two-Tone Wristwatch from 2003. This Rolex Datejust Ladies' watch, was

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Air-King Stainless Steel Black Dial 34mm Watch Circa 2003 Box
Rolex Air-King Stainless Steel Black Dial 34mm Watch Circa 2003 Box

Rolex Air-King Stainless Steel Black Dial 34mm Watch Circa 2003 Box

By Rolex

Located in Boca Raton, FL

to circa 2003, a testament to Rolex's enduring quality and craftsmanship. The timepiece is

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 2003 Full Set Mint Condition Midsize Datejust Blue Dial Watch
Rolex 2003 Full Set Mint Condition Midsize Datejust Blue Dial Watch

Rolex 2003 Full Set Mint Condition Midsize Datejust Blue Dial Watch

By Rolex

Located in Bal Harbour, FL

The perfect gift for an 18 year old, as the watch turns 18 years old in 2021. Including the original box, tags and the guarantee, these "Full Sets" are increasingly rare. This mids...

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex White Gold Day-Date Automatic wristwatch ref 118239, 2003
Rolex White Gold Day-Date Automatic wristwatch ref 118239, 2003

Rolex White Gold Day-Date Automatic wristwatch ref 118239, 2003

By Rolex

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

January 2003 Case Diameter: 36 mm Case Size: 36mm Box and Papers: Box, Manuals, and Guarantee Movement

Category

Early 2000s British Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Ladies Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel 79174 with Box
Ladies Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel 79174 with Box

Ladies Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel 79174 with Box

By Rolex

Located in Newport Beach, CA

We are pleased to offer this 2003 Stainless Steel 26mm Ladies Rolex Datejust 79174. It is all

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Daytona Ref 116534, Complete Set, Superb Example
Rolex Daytona Ref 116534, Complete Set, Superb Example

Rolex Daytona Ref 116534, Complete Set, Superb Example

By Rolex

Located in Canterbury, England

instructions, original warranty papers dated 2003 (retailed by a recognised Rolex authorise dealer), as well as

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Beautiful Men's Gold Rolex Submariner 16618
Beautiful Men's Gold Rolex Submariner 16618

Beautiful Men's Gold Rolex Submariner 16618

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Rolex Submariner 18k Gold Men's Watch 16618 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire

Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex GMT Master II 'Bamford & Sons', Ref 16710, Excellent Condition
Rolex GMT Master II 'Bamford & Sons', Ref 16710, Excellent Condition

Rolex GMT Master II 'Bamford & Sons', Ref 16710, Excellent Condition

By Rolex

Located in Canterbury, England

original production by Rolex to 2003/ 2004. Of note, Bamford was the first company to cover and customise

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Cellini Ref 5116 White Gold Quartz Wristwatch
Rolex Cellini Ref 5116 White Gold Quartz Wristwatch

Rolex Cellini Ref 5116 White Gold Quartz Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 2003 Rolex Cellini Reference 5116, 32 M.M. 18K White Gold 2 piece case, Quartz Movement

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Quartz, 18k Gold

2003 Rolex Datejust White Gold 179179 Wristwatch
2003 Rolex Datejust White Gold 179179 Wristwatch

2003 Rolex Datejust White Gold 179179 Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

Contemporary 2003 Rolex Datejust White Gold 179179 Wristwatch * *Complete with: Box, Manuals

Category

Early 2000s Argentine Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

2003 Rolex Datejust Steel and Yellow Gold 179173 Wristwatch
2003 Rolex Datejust Steel and Yellow Gold 179173 Wristwatch

2003 Rolex Datejust Steel and Yellow Gold 179173 Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

Contemporary 2003 Rolex Datejust Steel & Yellow Gold 179173 Wristwatch * *Complete with: Box Only

Category

Early 2000s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Anniversary Submariner Wristwatch ref 16610T
Rolex Stainless Steel Anniversary Submariner Wristwatch ref 16610T

Rolex Stainless Steel Anniversary Submariner Wristwatch ref 16610T

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

2003. Made in honor of 50 years production of the Rolex Submariner. 40mm diameter case with sapphire

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Daytona ref. 116520 circa 2003
Rolex Steel Daytona ref. 116520 circa 2003

Rolex Steel Daytona ref. 116520 circa 2003

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex Daytona SS ref 116520 preowned, recent production with Rolex in house self winding movement

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch circa 2003

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch circa 2003

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Datejust wristwatch, Ref. 16200, serial number Y7, circa 2003, complete with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Midsize Datejust Wristwatch, circa 2003
Rolex Stainless Steel Midsize Datejust Wristwatch, circa 2003

Rolex Stainless Steel Midsize Datejust Wristwatch, circa 2003

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex SS Midsize Datejust ref #78240 31mm diameter Oyster case with smooth bezel and sapphire

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch, circa 2003
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch, circa 2003

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch, circa 2003

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex Man’s SS/18K YG Oyster Perpetual ref# 14203 serial# D5 circa 2003. Featuring a 34mm case

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel and Gold  Datejust Wristwatch circa 2003
Rolex Stainless Steel and Gold  Datejust Wristwatch circa 2003

Rolex Stainless Steel and Gold Datejust Wristwatch circa 2003

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

2003 with Rolex stainless steel 18k yellow gold heavy Oyster bracelet with deployant clasp. Very

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer 1 Wristwatch Ref 114270 2003
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer 1 Wristwatch Ref 114270 2003

Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer 1 Wristwatch Ref 114270 2003

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer 1 ref 114270 circa 2003. 36mm full size man’s model with smooth

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex yellow gold Stainless Steel Slate Dial Datejust Wristwatch, circa 2003
Rolex yellow gold Stainless Steel Slate Dial Datejust Wristwatch, circa 2003

Rolex yellow gold Stainless Steel Slate Dial Datejust Wristwatch, circa 2003

By Rolex

Located in New Orleans, LA

style bracelet. Circa 2003. This timepiece has been fully serviced by a Rolex Certified Watchmaker.

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies White Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Automatic Wristwatch circa 2003
Rolex Ladies White Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Automatic Wristwatch circa 2003

Rolex Ladies White Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Automatic Wristwatch circa 2003

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Lady Rolex Datejust ref 79174 stainless steel 26mm diameter case with 18K WG fluted bezel

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 16200 2003
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 16200 2003

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Self Winding Wristwatch Ref 16200 2003

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Wristwatch ref 16200 serial no F0 circa 2003. Featuring 36mm

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Cellini 5240
Rolex Cellini 5240

Rolex Cellini 5240

Sold

W 1.38 in L 1.38 in

Rolex Cellini 5240

By Rolex

Located in Surfside, FL

2003, Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Classic Rolex Cellini 5240 watch is made out of

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

Rolex Datejust 79163
Rolex Datejust 79163

Rolex Datejust 79163

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H 1.03 in W 1.03 in

Rolex Datejust 79163

By Rolex

Located in Surfside, FL

and tag. **Bank wire only at this price** Ref 79163. Circa 2003. Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer II 16570
Rolex Explorer II 16570

Rolex Explorer II 16570

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W 1.58 in L 1.58 in

Rolex Explorer II 16570

By Rolex

Located in Surfside, FL

Rolex Explorer II with custom Mother of Pearl diamond dial and custom diamond bezel. Auto w/ sweep

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yacht-Master 169623
Rolex Yacht-Master 169623

Rolex Yacht-Master 169623

Sold

W 1.15 in L 1.15 in

Rolex Yacht-Master 169623

By Rolex

Located in Surfside, FL

Rolex Yacht-Master in stainless steel & 18k yellow gold. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. 29 mm case

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Day-Date 36mm 118238
Rolex Day-Date 36mm 118238

Rolex Day-Date 36mm 118238

Sold

H 1.42 in W 1.42 in

Rolex Day-Date 36mm 118238

By Rolex

Located in Surfside, FL

. **Bank wire only at this price** Ref 118238. Circa 2003. Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Date Pink Dial Wristwatch Ref 15210
Rolex Stainless Steel Date Pink Dial Wristwatch Ref 15210

Rolex Stainless Steel Date Pink Dial Wristwatch Ref 15210

By Rolex

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rolex Date stainless steel wristwatch, reference 15210. This Rolex watch from 2003 features a

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Day-Date 18k Gold Auto Wristwatch Ref 118238
Rolex Day-Date 18k Gold Auto Wristwatch Ref 118238

Rolex Day-Date 18k Gold Auto Wristwatch Ref 118238

By Rolex

Located in Surfside, FL

. **Bank wire only at this price** Ref 118238. Circa 2003. Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 26 79173 Ladies Stainless Steel Diamond Onyx Watch
Rolex Datejust 26 79173 Ladies Stainless Steel Diamond Onyx Watch

Rolex Datejust 26 79173 Ladies Stainless Steel Diamond Onyx Watch

By Rolex

Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

Age: 30-03-2003 Gender: Ladies Complete With: Rolex Box, Cleaning Cloth, Purchase Receipts, Guarantee

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Day-Date Yellow Gold Automatic Wristwatch with Date and Day Ref 118238
Rolex Day-Date Yellow Gold Automatic Wristwatch with Date and Day Ref 118238

Rolex Day-Date Yellow Gold Automatic Wristwatch with Date and Day Ref 118238

By Rolex

Located in Surfside, FL

. **Bank wire only at this price** Ref 118238. Circa 2003. Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950 with Original Dial
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950 with Original Dial

Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950 with Original Dial

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold / Set with Vintage Rose Cut Stones .75Cts. CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hour White Gold Baguette HPI0 Gem Set.
Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hour White Gold Baguette HPI0 Gem Set.

Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hour White Gold Baguette HPI0 Gem Set.

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

The Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hour White Gold / Baguette, variant reference ID: HPI00890, is a masterpiece in Cartier's Rotonde collection. Featuring the innovative 'Mysterious H...

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Cartier Vintage 18k Gold Square Roman Watch - '70S
Cartier Vintage 18k Gold Square Roman Watch - '70S

Cartier Vintage 18k Gold Square Roman Watch - '70S

By Cartier

Located in Milano, Lombardia

An exquisite vintage Cartier timepiece, masterfully crafted in 18k yellow gold. Featuring a sleek square case, minimalist dial with Roman numerals, and a finely textured integrated b...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Harry Winston Platinum Diamond Cocktail Watch with Audemars Piguet Movement
Harry Winston Platinum Diamond Cocktail Watch with Audemars Piguet Movement

Harry Winston Platinum Diamond Cocktail Watch with Audemars Piguet Movement

By Harry Winston

Located in New York, NY

Harry Winston Platinum Diamond Cocktail Watch with Audemars Piguet Movement Description: An exceptional vintage diamond cocktail watch by Harry Winston, featuring refined Art Deco s...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Genuine 18k Rolex Precision Watch. 18k YG Ladies 9127 Dainty 1940s Ladies Rolex
Genuine 18k Rolex Precision Watch. 18k YG Ladies 9127 Dainty 1940s Ladies Rolex

Genuine 18k Rolex Precision Watch. 18k YG Ladies 9127 Dainty 1940s Ladies Rolex

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

18k Yellow Gold Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1941 Dainty 16mm Case. Rolex Movement Ref. 9127. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism.  Case is 1...

Category

Vintage 1940s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex 18Kt Gold Ladies Modernist Style for Serpico & Laino Diamond Bezel 1960's
Rolex 18Kt Gold Ladies Modernist Style for Serpico & Laino Diamond Bezel 1960's

Rolex 18Kt Gold Ladies Modernist Style for Serpico & Laino Diamond Bezel 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 106 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold / Factory Diamond Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Dia...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Mini Chameleon Precision 8789 18k YG Florentine Engraving Manual Winding 1
Rolex Mini Chameleon Precision 8789 18k YG Florentine Engraving Manual Winding 1

Rolex Mini Chameleon Precision 8789 18k YG Florentine Engraving Manual Winding 1

By Rolex

Located in SYDNEY, AU

SKU 1964 Brand Rolex Model Mini Chameleon Precision Reference 8789 Year 1979 Dial Florentine Engraving Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Rolex Chameleon Leather Strap Diameter 17mm Leng...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Mini Chameleon Precision 2028 Bark Finish 18k YG Manual Winding 1972
Mini Chameleon Precision 2028 Bark Finish 18k YG Manual Winding 1972

Mini Chameleon Precision 2028 Bark Finish 18k YG Manual Winding 1972

By Rolex

Located in SYDNEY, AU

SKU 1963 Brand Rolex Model Mini Chameleon Precision Reference 2028 Year 1972 Dial Bark Finish Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Rolex Chameleon Leather Strap Diameter 17mm Length N/A Mo...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

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2003 Rolex For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate 2003 rolex for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Stainless Steel, Gold and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Making the right choice when shopping for a 2003 rolex may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. A 2003 rolex can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 1, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes alternatives. There aren’t many items for women if you’re seeking a 2003 rolex, as most of the options available are for men and unisex.

How Much is a 2003 Rolex?

On average, a 2003 rolex at 1stDibs sells for $6,250, while they’re typically $4,250 on the low end and $28,875 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Rolex for sale on 1stDibs

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.

Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You

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.