Vintage Rolex Explorer Super Precision Underline Dial 5500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Explorer in stainless steel. Featuring a black gilt dial with arabic numbers, a distinctive 'super precision' underlined at 6 o'clock and a steel bezel. The watch is ...
Stainless Steel
1975 Rolex Air-King 5500 Stainless Steel Cream Dial Automatic 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Purest Form Of Rolex The reference 5500 Air-King is a direct link to the foundational principles of Rolex.
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1972 Rolex Air-King 5500 Stainless Steel Silver Dial Automatic 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Purest Expression Of The Crown The Air-King is one of the oldest and most elemental models in the Rolex catalog. Born from a series of aviation-themed watches created to honor R...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1965 Rolex Air-King 5500 Steel Silver Pool Intairdril Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Tool Watch With A Hidden Story The Rolex Air-King has always been the purest expression of the brand's tool watch philosophy.
Steel, Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel Air-King Rolex Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A true vintage classic, this 1967 Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 offers understated sophistication with a storied pedigree.
Stainless Steel, 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.
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Pink Dial, Circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm x Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / C...
Unavailable
Rolex 5500 Air-King Pink MOP Diamond
By Rolex
Located in San Fernando, CA
Brand - Rolex Gender - Unisex Model - 5500-AIR KING Condition - pre owned Metals - Stainless steel Case size - 34 mm Bezel - Steel Gold plated 1CT diamond Crystal - sapphire Movement...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 Stainless Steel Watch, 1981
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1981 Vintage Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with Applied Steel Beveled Stick/Bar/Baton Markers with Black Inlay.
Rolex Air King Oyster Perpetual SS Men's Automatic Watch 5500 1979
By Rolex
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Movement #1520 (26 Jewels) Case #5500 Serial #61608XX Year: 1979 Stainless Steel Case 34 mm in Diameter (37 mm w/ Crown) Lug-to-Lug Distance = 40 mm Lug-to-Lug Width = 19 mm Thicknes...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King '5 Serial' Stainless Steel Automatic Mid-Size Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Rolex Band Color: Stainless Steel Gender: Unisex Case Size: 32-35.5mm MPN: Does Not Apply Lug Width: 18mm Features: Diamond Bezel, Diamond Dial, Non-Numeric Hour Marks, Sap...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Calibre 1520 Wristwatch Ref 5500, circa 1977
By Rolex
Located in Epsom, Surrey
This Rolex has undergone a thorough inspection and service to ensure all aspects of the watch are as they should be to meet our high standards for sale.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Air-King Stainless Steel Watch, 1972
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1972 Vintage Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 Stainless Steel watch with Original RARE Unique Champagne Mildly Linen Textured Dial with Applied Gold Color Ridged Stick/Bar/Baton Markers with...
Rolex Unisex Date 1500 Two-Tone 34mm Malachite Diamond Roman jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Fernando, CA
(Watch Description) Brand - Rolex Gender - Unisex Model - 5500 Datejust Metals - Stainless steel / Yellow Gold Case size - 34mm Bezel -Yellow Gold diamond Crystal - Sapphire Moveme...
Diamond, Malachite, Gold, Stainless Steel
Unavailable
W 1.34 in
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Peach Dial Self-Winding Wristwatch, c1973
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A terrific looking tropical dial Rolex Airking ref 5500 serial # 3.5 million circa 1973.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 5500
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Watch: Rolex Air King 5500 Stock Number: CHW6231 We have just had this classic Rolex Air King 5500 Oyster Perpetual Precision put through a full service with auto wheel replacement.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King Reference 5500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Air-King reference 5500 from 1966 and remains a timeless classic suitable for both men and women.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Vintage Air-King 5500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 34mm Air-King by Rolex in stainless steel. Featuring an extremely rare silver dial with Arabic numerals throughout from 1 to 12.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Airking 5500 Complete collectors Set
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
If you are looking for a classic Rolex Air King 5500 then you would be hard pressed to find a full collectors set as good as this!
Steel
Vintage Rolex Air-King Pool Intairdril 5500 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens 34mm vintage Air King wristwatch by Rolex. Features a silver dial with applied hour markers and Pool Intairdril logo at 6 o'clock, known as an oil servicing company. The desig...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel California Dial Automatic Wristwatch Ref 5500
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1974 Rolex Reference 5500, 34 MM water proof 2 piece case.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch 5500
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Air-King Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual - Automatic winding, acrylic crystal.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch Ref 5500 circa 1985
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch, Ref. 5500, with a caliber 1520 Self-Winding Movement. 34mm Case with Original Riveted Oyster Bracelet.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King 5500 Super Precision – 1964 – RAF Provenance – Full Set
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
The untouched cream dial with its even patina, gold markers, and iconic 5500 reference elevate it as a piece of Rolex history.
Steel
Vintage Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500 - Automatic winding, acrylic crystal.
Vintage Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500 - Automatic winding, acrylic crystal.
Vintage Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500 - Automatic winding, acrylic crystal.
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King Silver Dial Mens Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King 34mm Silver Dial Men's Watch 5500.
1981 Rolex Air King 5500 Silver Dial 34mm Watch Stainless #25018
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1981 Rolex Air King Model: 5500 Serial: 6559514 Stainless steel case - 34mm in diameter Silver dial with stick markers No Date Stainless steel oyster band - fits up to 7 3/4" br...
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King Automatic, 1970s Vintage RJC190
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster Precision Air-King Ref.5500 automatic, c.1978, all original.
Rolex Air-King Gents Stainless Steel Silver Dominos Pizza Dial 5500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 34 mm Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King Gents Wristwatch, silver dial with applied hour markers, Domino's Pizza logo at 6 0'clock, a fixed stainless steel smooth bezel, a s...
Silver, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Ref 5500 Custom Green Dial from 1973-1974
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Ref 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1973/1974 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm x 34mm MOVEMENT ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Air-King Gold Dial Model 5500 Stainless Steel c.1987
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex Air-King Model 5500 Stainless Steel Yellow/Gold Original Dial c.1987 Stephanie Windsor guarantees the proper functioning of this watch mechanism for ONE year from...
Stainless Steel
1983 Rolex Air-King Stainless Steel Model 5500 with Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: 5500 Air-King Year: 1983 Material: Stainless Steel Dial: Original Pale Yellow / Cream Movement: Automatic Case Measurement: 34mm Weight: 88 grams Length: Fits up ...
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Ref 5500 Oyster Precision Air King Automatic 1960s Swiss RJC191S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's Rolex Ref.5500 Oyster "Air-King" Precision automatic, c.1967, all original.
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1970s Vintage NA140G
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oyster "Air-King" Precision Ref.5500 automatic, c.1972, unpolished, in excellent running condition.
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1970s Vintage NA140
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster "Air-King" Precision Ref.5500 automatic, c.1972, all original, unpolished.
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1960s Vintage NA141B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic vintage, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision Ref.5500 "Air-King" automatic, c.1969, in excellent working condition.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King Ref 5500 Wristwatch, Silver Dial, Oyster Bracelet, B&P's, 1987
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Rolex Air-King reference 5500 features a 34mm stainless steel case with stainless steel Oyster bracelet and silver dial, making for a very classical combination.
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King Wristwatch Ref 5500 with Custom-Colored Dial
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Automatic winding, acrylic crystal. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (34mm diameter). Custom-colored blue dial with stick markers. Stainless steel Oyster bracelet. Circa 1970s,...
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1960s Vintage RA476B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Precision Ref.5500 "Air King" automatic, c.1968, in excellent working condition.
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1960s All Original RA476
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Precision Ref.5500 "Air King" automatic, c.1968, all original, in excellent working condition.
Rolex Air King Custom Gray Meteorite Diamond Dial Steel Men's 1969 Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Details: Model Number 5500 Brand Rolex Department Men Style Dress/Formal Model Air King Band Color Steel Dial Color Gray Case Color Steel Display Analog Year Manufactured 1969 Dial S...
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1960s All Original NA141
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster "Air-King" Precision Ref.5500 automatic, c.1969, all original, in excellent working condition.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer with Custom Made Replacement Dial from 1968
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Ref. 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1968 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm x 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Windi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 1940s Steel Case Automatic Self Winding Scarce Dial Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1946 Rolex Air King, Reference 5500 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case with Smooth Bezel and screw down Crown.
Steel
Mens Rolex Precision Ref.9659 18k White Gold Hand-Wind, c.1960s Swiss RA153
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, men's Rolex Oyster Precision ref.5500 "Air-King" automatic, c.1979.
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex, “Oyster Perpetual, Air-King, Precision, made 1973
Located in Firenze, IT
Ref. 5500, Air-King Rolex, “Oyster Perpetual, Air-King, Precision”, case No. 3346621, Ref. 5500.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 5552
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Rolex Stainless Steel Reference 5500 Oyster Perpetual Chronometer.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 5552
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Rolex Stainless Steel Reference 5500 Oyster Perpetual Chronometer.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex 5500 King Super Precision Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 5500 Serial: 869*** Model: Air King Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Custom Leather Band Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Silver Face: Acrylic Case Size: 34mm Incl...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King 5500 Men's Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Men's 34mm Rolex air king 5500. Stainless steel case and oyster band.
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel California Dial Wristwatch Ref 5500
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Rolex Reference 5500, Stainless Steel 34 MM water proof case with engine turned Bezel.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 5500 Stainless Steel Leather Band
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 5500 Serial: 6292*** Model: Air King Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Custom Leather Band Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Silver Face: Acry...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 5500
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer, Ref. 5500 in a 3 piece, 34 M.M. stainless steel waterproof case with a smooth bezel. 26 Jewel automatic, self winding caliber 1570 Mov...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 5500 Stainless Steel with Leather Band
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 5500 Serial: 970*** Model: Air King Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Custom Brown Leather Band Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Silver Fa...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 Vintage Steel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1972 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M.
Steel
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Ref 5500 Custom Green Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Ref 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 39mm x 34mm MOVEMENT / C...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King Vintage Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Air-King Vintage Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500 - Automatic winding, acrylic crystal.
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King Automatic 1960s Vintage RJC131
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision Air-King 5500 automatic, c.1969.
Vintage Rolex Air-King Men's Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Automatic winding, acrylic crystal. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (34mm diameter). Black dial with stick markers. Stainless steel Oyster bracelet. Pre-owned with custom box.
Stainless Steel
Men's Rolex Oyster Precision "Air-King" Ref.5500 Automatic, circa 1970s RA116BLU
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, men's Rolex Oyster Precision ref.5500 "Air-King" automatic, c.1972.
Mens Rolex Ref 5500 Oyster Precision Air King Automatic Swiss 1970s RJC190S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's steel Rolex Ref.5500 Oyster Precision Air-King automatic, c.1978.
Stainless Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 5500 Air King Automatic 1960s Swiss RA340
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision Ref.5500 Air King automatic, c.1962.
Cartier Audemars Piguet 1970s Yellow Gold Tank Mechanical mid size Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Cartier classic Tank Wrist Watch, 20 x 20 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown. 20 Jewel, Audemars Piguet Manual wind, Nickle Lever movement. White Enamel Dia...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 Vintage 5512 Gilt Underline Dial Pointed Crown Guard Submariner Full Set
By Rolex
Located in Boston, MA
A vintage Rolex Submariner, model 5512, with rare Underline gilt dial and pointed crown guard case. The round case measures 40mm in width, featuring the original black dial with gil...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Louis Cartier Classic Tank, Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Cartier, Louis Cartier, Classic Tank Wrist Watch, 24 X 18 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, quartz movement, white dial with Black Roman numerals, Sapphire crown. 1/2 in...
18k Gold
Rolex 116659SABR Submariner 18 Karat Sapphire & Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 116659SABR Submariner 18k Sapphire & Diamond Watch This Rolex 116659SABR Submariner Watch is in excellent condition and is ready to ship! Brand: Rolex Model: Submariner R...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Factory Original Charcoal Dial circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 34...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 mm 1501 Silver Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in istanbul, TR
Classic but at the same time suitable for any occasion, the Rolex Oyster Date ref. 1501 can be worn on a daily basis and despite being a vintage watch, it has an elegant and modern l...
Stainless Steel
Historical Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Big Red 6263 steel 1979
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
First launched in 1963 and created specifically for the world of automotive racing, the Rolex Daytona collection is arguably one of the most popular and universally respected lines o...
Steel
Cartier Vintage Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Cartier Mid Size Wrist Watch, 30 M.M. X 6 M.M thick 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, Cartier Inc. 17 jewel mechanical, Manual wind movement. Silver Satin Dial with raised Gol...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified 19.00 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From The Museum Vault at Emilio Jewelry Located on New York's iconic Fifth Avenue, Showcasing a very special and rare Gia certified natural fancy intense yellow radiant set in the ce...
Yellow Diamond
$82,220
H 1.58 in W 0.52 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Watch 126508
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. It comes with an original box and papers.
Yellow Gold
$26,574
H 1.54 in W 0.52 in Dm 1.54 in
Rare Rolex Cellini Time 18k Rose Gold Black Diamond Dial Men Watch 50605RBR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with the original box and papers. Very unique beautiful watch. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Cellini Time Model Number: 50605RBR Type: ...
Rose Gold
Rolex Vintage GMT-Master Pepsi Tropical Dial 1675
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage GMT-Master Pepsi in stainless steel by Rolex. Features a matte black gilt dial which over time has transformed into what is known as a Tropical dial. Complementing the case...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Glossy Gilt Explorer Dial 5513 Steel Automatic Watch, 1964
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 5513 Year: 1964 Serial number: 11xxxxx Reference: C03610 Many have seen Rolex signature design the 3,6,9 known to be the explorer dial as it is frequentl...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Silvered Dial and Gilt Markers
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 Daytona Blue Cosmograph Ref. #6239, Circa 1966
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Rolex Daytona Blue Cosmograph 6239 Circa 1966 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale. This ...
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.