Military WWI c1918 S/Silver Trench Rolex Officer's Watch w Hinged Stockwell Case
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
~ Timepiece is powered by the manually wound MOVEMENT, signed “Rolex Swiss Made” & “15 Jewels” reflecting a quality level above many contemporaneous military or civilian-i...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Heuer Bundeswehr Steel and Gun Metal Chronograph with Original Dial and Bezel
By Heuer
Located in Long Beach, CA
The movement was also used in other popular military watches, such as the Rolex Daytona and the Omega Speedmaster.
ROLEX ref. #6429 Rare US Military Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This manual wind, water proof model was sold exclusively at US military bases and was one of the least expensive Rolex watches for sale at the time.
18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date United Arab Emirates Military Watch, 1969
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Date United Arab Emirates Military emblem Watch c.1969 Composition: Stainless Steel Automatic Movement 35mm Original Black Dial with UAE Military Emblem Made in Switzerland
Stainless Steel
Rolex WW2 Military Pocket Watch, Rare Circa 1942, Superb Collectable
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and extremely rare pocket watch has a cal. 590 Rolex movement and case by Calcort. A late military request for these pocket watches, during WW2 led to a rush for precisio...
1969 Rolex OysterDate Stainless Steel Special UAE Military Model 6694
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Additional Information: Maker: Rolex Model: 6694 Year: 1969 Material: Stainless Steel Dial: Original Black Dial with United Arab Emirates Military Emblem Movement: Automatic Case Me...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 'no date' Ref 14060M, by Pro-Hunter 'Military Submariner
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our Rolex Submariner 'no date' reference 14060M is a limited edition of 100 pieces customised by Pro Hunter as a "Military Submariner".
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage 1016 Explorer Gilt Underline Dial 1963 With Military Inscription
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Vintage 1016 Explorer Gilt Underline Dial 1963 With Military Inscription - Automatic winding.
Rolex Vintage 1944 Steel Automatic with Bubble Back Style Military Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1944 Rolex Reference 6565 Wrist watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece Oyster case with Engine Turned Bezel, Caliber 1030 Automatic, self Winding movement, Rolex logo crown.
Steel
Rolex Sterling Silver Military Campain W.W. 1 Watch from 1915
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Military / Campaign Series METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver CIRCA / YEAR: 1915 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 45mm x 34mm MOVEMENT / CALI...
1941 ROLEX OYSTER NEPTUNE Vintage "Boys" Size WWII Military Style Watch
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers via other online sites wi...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 1.74 in W 1.38 in
1914 ROLEX Rare Vintage Mens World War I Era Military Trench - Sterling Silver
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
We believe these more than a century old Rolex are underappreciated: At a time when Rolex values are climbing finding an original one of these is very difficult, their military style...
Sterling Silver
Tudor Stainless Steel "Frogman" Military Submariner Wristwatch Ref 94010
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Tudor stainless steel "Frogman" military Submariner wristwatch, Ref. 94010, circa 1976. Important watches with a military history have long been of interest to vintage watch enthu...
Stainless Steel
ROLEX "UDT 11" "Meters First" ref #5513 Military Submariner
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This watch was made for the Underwater Demolition Team of the US navy, men who served as precursors to US Navy Seals of today. Literally battle tested at the height of the Vietnam Wa...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rose Gold Early Military Style Manual Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Campaign / Military METAL / MATERIAL: 9Ct.
Rolex Oyster Rayleigh WWII Military Wristwatch, 1940's
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Oyster Rayleigh WWII Military Wristwatch. Made in 1940s.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Military Style Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This is an early Rolex Pocket Watch, with an impressive original enamel dial.
Rolex Sterling Silver Military Campaign Style Watch with Enamel Dial from 1915
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Military Campaign Style METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver CIRCA / YEAR: 1915 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm x 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER...
Rolex 1960 Automatic Wrist Watch with Rare West Point Military Academy Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Rolex Wrist Watch for West Point Military Academy, 35 M.M 14k Gold Filled 2 piece case, Caliber 1530 Automatic, Self winding movement, Silver Satin dial with raised Gold s...
Gold-filled
Rolex Sterling Silver Military Campaign Style Watch circa 1915 with Enamel Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Military / Campaign METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver CIRCA / YEAR: 1915 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm x 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Ma...
Gold-filled
1940's Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens 52mm Pocket Watch - Nick
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
Among the most respected of these were Rolex’s military-issue watches, including wristwatches and pocket watches.
Other
1940's Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens 50mm Pocket Watch Nickel
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
Among the most respected of these were Rolex’s military-issue watches, including wristwatches and pocket watches.
Other
Military WWI c1916 Rolex Mens' Watch with Very Rare Gun Metal 30mm Hinged Case
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This very rare and characterful early Rolex Military Wristwatch dates back to WWI – circa 1916 It is housed in an unusual gun metal (rust-resistant) hinged CASE – a material seldom...
Metal
Rolex British Military Broad Arrow Porcelain Dial Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rolex British Military pocket watch in stainless steel with porcelain dial with luminescence Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds.
Rolex Stainless Steel Military Submariner Wristwatch Ref 5513 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is an excellent example of the highly sought-after Rolex Military Submariner, Ref. 5513, produced for the British military from the mid 1970s.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel British Military Submariner "Mil Sub" Ref 5513 circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is an excellent example of the highly sought-after Rolex Submariner, Ref. 5513, produced for the British Military from the mid 1970s.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Open Face British Military Pocket Watch with Black Dial circa 1920s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex open face British military 16 size pocket watch, circa 1920s.
ROLEX Stainless Steel Explorer Ref 1016 circa 1968
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
With original perforated serial number "Rolex Oyster" Guarantee dated 1968 from U.S. Military store and Rolex service papers dated 2003.
Stainless Steel
Universal Geneve Stainless Steel Uni Compax Chronograph circa 1940s
By Universal Genève
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Universal Geneve Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Uni Compax 2 Register Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Stainless Steel
$38,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex x Loree Rodkin Watch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date crafted in 18k yellow gold, customised by jewellery designer Loree Rodkin. The watch features a champagne dial with baton hour markers, day aperture...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Longines Présence Heritage 34MM l4.767.8 White Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch
By Longines
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Longines Gender: Men's Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Length: 8.75 mm Diameter: 34.00 mm Weight: 43.64 grams Men's 18K yellow gold, LONGINES Swiss made wristwatch. The meta...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Bubbleback Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14k Gold 32mm Watch Ref. 3372
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case Material: Solid 14k Rosy Yellow Gold Weight: 48.1 Grams (case and strap) Case Size (Diameter): 32mm (not includ...
14k Gold
Tag Heuer Carrera CAR5A8Y.FC6377 Men's Watch in Ceramic/Titanium
By TAG Heuer
Located in New York, NY
Tag Heuer Carrera CAR5A8Y.FC6377 Men's Watch in Ceramic/Titanium SKU: 134580 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Tag Heuer Model: Carrera Country of Origin: Switzerland Movement Type: Mechanic...
Titanium
$6,280Sale Price|20% Off
Omega Speedmaster Chronograph Vintage First Watch Worn on the Moon
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
EXTREMELY RARE, FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON VINTAGE OMEGA SPEEDMASTER CHRONOGRAPH AUTOMATIC This is a unique piece, cherished for many years. Omega's space qualified pre-owned wat...
Stainless Steel
$7,500
W 1.46 in L 1.82 in
Gubelin Stainless Steel Valjoux 72 Chronograph Doctors Pulsation Watch, 1940s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gubelin Switzerland STYLE / REFERENCE: Round Screw Back Case Style Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm X Diameter 38mm CIRCA: 1...
Stainless Steel
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.5 in L 1.5 in
Girard Perregaux Vintage 1966 18K White Gold 38 mm Case With Diamonds Bezel.
By Girard Perregaux
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
Girard Perregaux Vintage 1966 gent's watch, Model # 49525D53A1A1-BK6A. 18kt white gold 38mm case with 18k white gold crown. 18k white gold bezel set with diamonds in a single row. Si...
Diamond, White Gold
Rolex Precision Vintage Manual wind Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1954 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case, screw down crown, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle Lever movement, acrylic crystal, "...
Steel
Steel Omega Speedmaster Vintage 1970 's Chronograph Wrist Watch Ref. ST145.022
By Omega
Located in Antwerp, BE
Steel Omega Speedmaster Vintage 1970 's Chronograph Wrist Watch Ref. ST145.022 With Omega Extract from The Archives
Stainless Steel, Steel
French Army Watch Type 21 by Dodane, 1955
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Dodane type 21 montre de l'armée de l'air française acier/bracelet cuir mécanique fonction flyback (retour en vol) 40mm diamètre rare version cadran noir muet (sans marque) fins de g...
Steel
$1,485Sale Price|78% Off
Very Rare Vintage 1944 Omega Chronometer Watch US Navy Issued
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
Rare Vintage 1944 Omega Chronometer Watch US Navy Issued What is amazing about this watch is that it is in perfect working condition and also looks amazing to its age. This is a piec...
Rolex Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938 From a time before formal reference numbers and when a 26mm case was considered suitable for any wrist, this vintage Rolex fr...
Rose Gold
Cartier 32mm Pasha 18k White Gold Diamond Markers Ladies Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Pasha watch crafted in 18K white gold, showcasing the collection’s instantly recognizable round case measuring 32mm in diameter. The dial is enhanced with brilliant diamond h...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angelus Stainless Steel Two Register Chronograph Manual Watch, 1940s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Angelus Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Rectangle Button Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 42mm X Diameter 35mm CIRCA: 1940'...
Stainless Steel
Girard Perregaux Stainless Steel Chronograph from 1950's
By Girard Perragaux
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Girard Perregaux Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Chronograph / Reference 22209 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39m...
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.