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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.

Average Sold Price
$7,974
Styles
Related Creators
Iconic Designs from Rolex
Explore timeless pieces that have earned their place in history.
Rolex Datejust Watch
Rolex Datejust Watch
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch
Rolex Submariner Watch
Rolex Submariner Watch
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Watch
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Watch
Rolex Datejust 16233 Black Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16233 Serial: E396*** Year: 1990 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold ...
Category

1990s Rolex

Rolex Datejust 6917 Light Blue Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in San Pedro, CA
Pre-Owned Rolex 6917 Ladies 26mm Two Tone Datejust Watch, Custom Light Blue Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial & Fluted Bezel on Rolex 14K Yellow Gold And Stainless Steel Jubilee Band. ...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Precision 9kt. gold men's manual winding wristwatch with Dennison case
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Precision 9kt. yellow gold men's manual winding wristwatch with Dennison case. Made in Switzerland, 1957 The case was made in England, Birmingham, 1957 by Denisson watch case c...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Rolex

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

2012 Rolex Watch is Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Austin, TX
Rolex Watch Stainless Steel This impressive Air King Rolex is in fantastic condition! With a smooth polish finish the stainless steel Rolex watch looks...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Rolex

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Classic Indexed Bezel, circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Custom Copper Dial...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

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. Red date wheel. Original ruby steel riveted oyster band. Unpolished, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Rolex

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King With Custom Purple Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 550 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diameter 34mm...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Cellini 18Kt. Solid Gold Ladies Watch with Original Strap and Buckle
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cellini METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 2000 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm X Diameter 26mm MOVEMENT /...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modernist Rolex

Materials

18k Gold

Browse all Jewelry from Rolex
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Creators Similar to Rolex

More Rolex Designs
Rolex Datejust Watch
Rolex Datejust Watch
Average Price
$12,406
Number Available
980
Rolex Datejust Watch
By Rolex
Styles
Modern
Shop All
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch
Average Price
$8,770
Number Available
160
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch
By Rolex
Styles
Modern
Shop All
Rolex Submariner Watch
Rolex Submariner Watch
Average Price
$36,370
Number Available
113
Rolex Submariner Watch
By Rolex
A watch that could survive 100 meters underwater? The concept was unthinkable in 1953, when Rolex introduced what would become the benchmark for a diver’s watch, the Submariner, at the international watch and jewelry fair in Basel, Switzerland. By this point, Rolex was well-versed in durable timepieces; it had released the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof watch, in 1926. The Submariner — full name: Oyster Perpetual Submariner — would go on to become not only a technical feat but also a de...
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Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Watch
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Watch
Average Price
$73,804
Number Available
100
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Watch
By Rolex
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Rolex jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Rolex jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Rolex jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Rolex diamond jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 1,212, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 5,364 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. Modern and Art Deco are among the most popular styles of Rolex jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Chopard, Roger Dubuis, and Jacob & Co.. Prices for Rolex jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $225 and tops out at $637,387, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $9,955.
Questions About Rolex
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To wind a Rolex Oyster, set the crown notch (located on the right hand side of the face) to position one. To set it to position one, turn the crown counterclockwise to unscrew the crown and pop the crown out one notch. From this position, start to wind the Rolex by turning the crown clockwise. You should feel a bit of tension and hear a soft clicking sound. Browse a selection of well-vetted Rolex Oyster watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Because platinum is denser than other metals, it is often more expensive to purchase platinum watches than gold. One of the most expensive watches sold was a Platinum Rolex worth $277,000.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Rolex Submariner bears an 18k stamp and the number “750,” which means that 75 percent of the watch is made out of pure gold model. The most luxurious of all timepieces, the Rolex Submariner has been continuously manufactured since 1951. Find vintage Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date watch is worth around $6,000. However, if it's encrusted with gems or vintage, it can cost as much as $50,000. 1stDibs has a great and vast selection of Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Rolex Daytonas are crafted from different materials, resulting in different weights for this watch depending on the model. The stainless steel design features a weight of 148 grams, while a white gold design weighs 195 grams and a platinum design weighs 283 grams. Browse an array of authentic Rolex Daytona watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The easiest way to adjust the time on the Rolex Oyster watch is by turning the crown. Turn it clockwise when you want increased hours or counter-clockwise for lower values, then push in until it clicks into place. On 1stDibs, you'll find a large collection of Rolex watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To adjust a Rolex's time, first unscrew the crown. Slide the crown to the second notch and wait for the second hand to stop moving before setting. The specific method varies from model to model. A user guide accompanies each Rolex watch sold and describes the correct time-setting process for that model in great detail. Find a large collection of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The new Submariner Rolex with a Black Bezel is worth around $8,100 with some of the more expensive new Submariners in yellow gold costing around $36,950.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Rolex recommends getting service on your watch every 7 to 10 years by an authorized Rolex watchmaker. Many Rolex watches will run far longer if you service them as recommended to prevent problems and help minimize wear. Find authentic vintage and modern timepieces from Rolex on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Ideally, to prevent damage to your watch, it’s best to visit a Rolex dealer to have your battery changed. If you need to change it yourself, loosen the screws, and carefully remove the old battery with a set of tweezers, install the new one, and tighten the screws. You'll find authentic vintage Rolex watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    An Oyster Perpetual on a Rolex watch refers to the watch's ability to run on the energy generated by the wearer's wrist movements rather than manual winding. At Baselworld in 2015, a variety of Rolex watches with a new-generation Oyster Perpetual movement were unveiled. Find a variety of vintage Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    While you may be able to buy Rolex watch parts online, you do run the risk of buying fake replacement pieces. In order to maintain the authenticity of your Rolex, you can return your watch to an official retailer for servicing. Find a retailer near you by using the ‘Service Center’ resource on Rolex’s website. You’ll also find a large collection of Rolex watches from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    You can buy a pre-owned Rolex from a variety of sources, including individual sellers, authorized dealers, auction houses and various online platforms, including 1stDibs. Buying from a reputable dealer or platform can help to ensure that you receive an authentic Rolex timepiece in good working order. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted Rolex watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Rolex sources their materials from Switzerland. There are four different sites in which the various watch components are crafted, from gold casting to finishing the watch’s movement. On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of authentic Rolex timepieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To find the Rolex serial number, turn your watch over and examine the back of the case. In most instances, the serial number appears in the 6 o'clock area of the case back. The engraved serial number will contain four to eight digits. Shop a wide range of expertly vetted Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The Rolex Datejust uses the Caliber 3235 movement developed in-house. It is a chronometer certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute to ensure exceptional accuracy. Browse on 1stDibs for a collection of expertly vetted Rolex watches from top boutiques around the world.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Many Rolex models may go up in value with time, but the Rolex Submariner is one of the watch models most proven to increase in value. It is highly durable and very popular, making it an iconic Rolex model. Shop on 1stDibs to find a collection of authentically vetted Rolex watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    You can buy a Rolex watch from any official retailer around the world. To find one near you, use the ‘Store Locator’ function on Rolex’s website. On 1stDibs, you can also shop a selection of expertly vetted Rolex watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Rolex watches are not battery-powered, except for the rare Rolex Oysterquartz model. This model is no longer in production, but you can still find it in the second-hand market. Shop a collection of Rolex watches, including the rare Oysterquartz, from reputable dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Rolex spoons are generally worth only a modest amount. Retailers once gave out these souvenir spoons along with the purchase of Rolex watches. Consult an experienced appraiser for specific information regarding the value of a particular spoon. You'll find a large collection of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.

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