1940's Rolex Ladies Vintage Cocktail Watch - Platinum & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Platinum
Vintage ROLEX Oyster Watch. Rolex ref 4365. 1940s Gold Capped Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Mens Watch Just underwent Full Service - Ready To Go Stainless Steel Case that is Gold Filled Capped ref.4365 Circa 1946 Condition: Windup Movement. Runs we...
Stainless Steel
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
Rolex Ref 5030 Datejust 18k Gold Mens 1940s 36mm Rare Vintage Automatic RA700B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex 3372 Chronometre Rose Gold SS Men 1940s 32mm Automatic Bubbleback RA750B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare and historic Rolex Perpetual Ref.3372 with solid rose gold bezel, c.1947, unrestored dial, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Ro...
Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 5015 Oyster Perpetual 14k SS Mens 1940s 32mm Bubble Back Automatic RA690B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel
$7,920Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex perpetual 3372 Rose Gold SS Men Rare 1940s 32mm Bubbleback Automatic RA750
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare and historic Rolex Perpetual Ref.3372 with solid rose gold bezel, c.1947, unrestored dial, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Ro...
Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5015 14k SS Mens 1940s 32mm Bubble Back Automatic RA690
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Precision Ref 4431 18k Rose Gold Mens 1940s 33mm Manual Wind RA689
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex perpetual 4134 18k Rose Gold Rare Mens Jumbo 37mm Automatic 1940s RA691
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, vintage classic Rolex Perpetual Ref.4134 in luxurious solid 18k rose gold, c.1945, unrestored dial, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. G...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Oyster Ref 5030 18k Gold Mens 36mm 1940s Big Bubble Automatic Rare RA700
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 9ct Gold Rolex Watch, c.1940s
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1940s comes this beautiful Rolex watch The 9 carat yellow gold case is a rectangle shape measuring 24mm by 39mm. A manual winding movement makes up the heart of the wat...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Rolex Vintage Chronograph Stainless Steel 1940's
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Vintage Cosmograph Stainless Steel Rolex from 1930's with Rolex Service Papers. Rolex Service refinished this "Non Magnetic" Dial, Steel Blue Second's Hand. Ref # 3529. Typically wat...
Stainless Steel
ROLEX "Star Dial" Rare Vintage Yellow Gold 1940's Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
To find a 1940's Rolex of this importance in this condition is very exciting.
18k Gold
1940's ROLEX PRECISION Vintage Mens Rare Ref. 3923 18K Rose Gold & SS
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1st...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
1940's Oversized Stainless Steel Ref# 4498 Vintage Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
1940's Oversized Stainless Steel Vintage Rolex
-Like-new condition
-Special Lugs
Stainless Steel
Rolex Precision Ladies Vintage Wristwatch 9k Gold Mechanical 2Yr Wty 1930s-1940s
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
This is an authentic Rolex wristwatch. The watch has been professionally serviced and comes with a two-year warranty along with a generic black presentation box. The watch's black co...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940's Rolex Ladies Vintage Cocktail Watch - Platinum & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Platinum
Vintage 9ct Gold Rolex Watch, c.1940s
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1940s comes this beautiful Rolex watch The 9 carat yellow gold case is a rectangle shape measuring 24mm by 39mm. A manual winding movement makes up the heart of the wat...
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 1940's Vintage Ref 6552 Steel Self winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1945 Rolex Reference 6552 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster Case. Caliber 1030 Automatic, Self winding Movement. Recently Refinished Bubbleback "California" st...
Steel
Rolex Precision 1940's Vintage Platinum "Star Dial" ladies Watch Extremely Rare
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Precision 1940's Vintage Platinum "Star Dial" ladies Watch Extremely Rare Vintage Ladies Rolex Diamond & Platinum Watch - Mechanical movement.
Diamond, Platinum
1940's Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens 50mm Pocket Watch Nickel
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Other
1940's Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens 52mm Pocket Watch - Nick
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1st...
Other
Rolex Vintage Precision Yellow Gold Silver Dial Ladies Wristwatch 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Yellow Gold Precision Vintage Ladies Wristwatch, silver dial with applied hour markers, small seconds at 6 0'clock, a fixed yellow gold bezel, a yellow gold bracelet with a yellow ...
Yellow Gold
Midsize Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.3372 Bubble Back Automatic, c.1940s LV942
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, men's 14k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref.3372 bubble back automatic, c.1944. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous vintage Rolex ...
14k Gold
Mens Rolex Precision Ref 4282 14ct Solid Gold Manual Wind 1940s Swiss RA234
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Rolex 14K Rose Gold Boy's Size circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Rolex 14K Rose Gold manual wind boy’s size (31mm) Oyster case with screw down case back and rose gold screw down bubble back era crown circa 1940’s. With very pleasing origin...
Vintage Rolex Oyster Everest Observatory Ref# 4647, circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Scarce model vintage Rolex Oyster Everest Observatory model ref 4647 circa 1940’s. Featuring a 30 x 35mm thick cushion shaped Oyster case with side flat bezel with sloped sides, hea...
Stainless Steel
$2,369
W 1.42 in L 1.66 in
Personally Owned & Worn By Don McLean with Two COAs - Daniel Steiger Generation
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Swiss Made Jaeger-LeCoultre Ladies' 18K Gold & Diamonds Cocktail watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Swiss Made Jaeger-LeCoultre Ladies' 18K Gold & Diamonds Cocktail watch Swiss Made Jaeger-LeCoultre Ladies' cocktail watch which can be dated back to the 1950's. The watch f...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Omega Seamaster De Ville Automatic Day-Date Vintage Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in London, GB
A classic vintage Omega Seamaster De Ville wristwatch, featuring an automatic movement with day-date display. The watch is housed in an elegant gold-plated case, showcasing the refin...
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Hermès 1960s Sac Kelly 32 Bandouliere Black Box Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly bag, size 32, in black box leather and gold-tone hardware. The interior is lined in black leather with two slip pockets and one large slip pocket (not zippered). It incl...
Hermes Birkin Bag 50cm in Barenia Crinoline
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Do not miss out on this rare Hermès Birkin Bag 50cm in Barenia Crinoline—an extraordinary and rare piece that epitomizes luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. The generous 50...
Christian Dior by John Galliano Lace Up Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior. The body of the dress is made of fine black stretch silk with functional adjustable lacing at the center front and b...
Baume & Mercier Montre Mecanique Or Malachite 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Watch
By Baume & Mercier
Located in PARIS, FR
Baume & Mercier watch circa 1970 in 18k yellow gold (750/1000), oval case, signed malachite dial, mechanical movement (manual winding), signed green leather strap, signed gold-tone m...
Yellow Gold
$1,780Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Large
1960s Jean Patou Vintage Wool Jacket + Skirt Suit Ensemble with Faux Fur Trim
By Jean Patou
Located in Sparks, NV
Completely amazing vintage 1960s Jean Patou black wool jacket and skirt ensemble with faux fur trim and gold studs. Incredible tailoring and construction and chic enamel buttons. Ful...
Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Rolex Wrist Watch, 31 M.M x 4.5 M.M thick 2 piece 14k Yellow Gold case, 17 jewel, caliber 1600 mechanical, manual wind nickle lever movement. Silver Satin sunburst dial w...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alexander McQueen New Cashmere "DANTE" A/W 1996 Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black cashmere blend mini dress with a dramatic stand up collar from Alexander McQueen. It is double breasted with a stand up lapel collar which frames the face beautifull...
Alexander McQueen New Silk Dress with Ruffle Hem 'NO. 13' S/S 1999
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk dress from an early collection of Alexander McQueen. It skims the body has a scoop neckline and 3 rows of ruffles beginning at knee level in the front and 8 sta...
Vintage 1960's Ivory Organza and cream rayon evening dress UK 8 US 4
Located in Nashville, TN
A classic silhouette rendered in a cream rayon and ivory organza detailed collar, embellished with iridescent faceted glass beads, lace and clear glass bugle beads, this vintage 1960...
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 3408 Mechanical Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1960s. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 3408. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is Stai...
Stainless Steel
$8,792Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.91 in D 6.3 in L 10.83 in
Auth. Hermès Clutch Bag Pallonnier Black Porosus Crocodile Vintage Collector
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermès Pallonnier Clutch Bag – Black Porosus Crocodile – EXVC – 2410121651 Brand: Hermès Type/Model: Pallonnier Clutch Bag Color: Black Material: Porosus Crocodile (Exterior), Calf ...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Trailer Trash Mini Dress Spring Summer 2001
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano for Christian Dior Spring Summer 2001 TRAILER TRASH collection . Asymmetrical short evening dress of black taffeta, cotton twill and tulle with functioning metal zipp...
Hermès 1999 Sac Reteint Noir Birkin 35 Dyed Black Epsom Leather Hand Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Birkin bag, size 35, in beige Epsom leather re-dyed in black and gold metal, keys, padlock, zipper, bell, dust bag, year 1999. Width 35 cm x height 25 cm x depth 18 cm, handle...
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.