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1946 Rolex

Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Automatic Wrist Watch
Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Automatic Wrist Watch

Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Automatic Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1946 Rolex Reference 3130 "Bubbleback" 31 M.M Stainless Steel 2 piece Oyster case, caliber 630, 17 jewel Automatic Self winding movement, Quality Redone as original Black dial ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Two-Tone Rare Bubble Back circa 1946
Rolex Two-Tone Rare Bubble Back circa 1946

Rolex Two-Tone Rare Bubble Back circa 1946

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 3372 METAL / MATERIAL: Two-Tone Steel with 14Kt.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Precision Ref. 4579 Chronometer 18K Rose Gold Hooded Lugs c.1946
Rolex Precision Ref. 4579 Chronometer 18K Rose Gold Hooded Lugs c.1946

Rolex Precision Ref. 4579 Chronometer 18K Rose Gold Hooded Lugs c.1946

By Rolex

Located in PARIS, FR

Rolex Precision reference 4579, manufactured circa 1946, representing one of the finest examples of Rolex's elegant post-war dress watches.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

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 Geometric Case Bracelet Rolex Chameleon Strap Diameter 24 x 16mm Length N/A Movement Manual...

Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Recent Sales

1946 Rolex Precision Full Size Vintage Mens Handwound Dress Watch - SS
1946 Rolex Precision Full Size Vintage Mens Handwound Dress Watch - SS

1946 Rolex Precision Full Size Vintage Mens Handwound Dress Watch - SS

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 with a 5.0 star rating. ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch
Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch

Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1946 Rolex "Bubbleback" Wrist Watch, 32 M.M 2 piece Stainless Steel case, Automatic, self winding 17 Jewel Movement.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Vinatge Rolex Zephyr Ref 6582 18k Yellow Gold Automatic Wrist Watch
Vinatge Rolex Zephyr Ref 6582 18k Yellow Gold Automatic Wrist Watch

Vinatge Rolex Zephyr Ref 6582 18k Yellow Gold Automatic Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1946 Rolex Reference 6582 "Zephyr" Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 3 Piece Case with "Zephyr" bezel.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Speedking Precision Wristwatch Ref 4220, 1946

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Speedking Precision Wristwatch Ref 4220, 1946

By Rolex

Located in Firenze, IT

Circular signed silvered dial with alternate Arabic numerals and baton markers, centre seconds hand and outer scale 0-60. Fine, water-resistant, center seconds, stainless steel mid-...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 18 Karat Gold Early Ovetone Wristwatch from 1946 or 1947 with Rare Dial
Rolex 18 Karat Gold Early Ovetone Wristwatch from 1946 or 1947 with Rare Dial

Rolex 18 Karat Gold Early Ovetone Wristwatch from 1946 or 1947 with Rare Dial

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Ovesized "Ovetone" Big Egg / Ref. 6305 METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1946-47 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 41mm x 36mm M...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Certified, Tudor Prince 72033 with Band and Gold Dial
Certified, Tudor Prince 72033 with Band and Gold Dial

Certified, Tudor Prince 72033 with Band and Gold Dial

By Tudor

Located in Miami, FL

Tudor Prince Reference #:72033. On March 6, 1946, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf announced his intention to create ""a watch that our agents could sell at a more modest price than our R...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch
Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch

Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1946 Rolex "Bubbleback" Wrist Watch, 32 M.M 2 piece Stainless Steel case, Automatic, self winding 17 Jewel Movement.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex 1946 Steel Bubbleback Self Winding Wrist Watch
Rolex 1946 Steel Bubbleback Self Winding Wrist Watch

Rolex 1946 Steel Bubbleback Self Winding Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1946 Rolex Reference 2940 Bubbleback model Wrist Watch, 39 M.M. ( lug end to end ) X 32 M.M.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster with Rare Original Dial from 1946
Rolex Steel Oyster with Rare Original Dial from 1946

Rolex Steel Oyster with Rare Original Dial from 1946

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 4365 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1946 DIMENSIONS: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1946
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1946

Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1946

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 9488 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1946 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch
Rolex Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch

Rolex Yellow Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Miami Beach, FL

This solid 14kt yellow gold Rolex Bubbleback from 1946 is in excellent condition.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

ROLEX Stainless Steel Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 2940 circa 1946
ROLEX Stainless Steel Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 2940 circa 1946

ROLEX Stainless Steel Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 2940 circa 1946

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel Bubbleback wristwatch, Ref. 2940, 32mm diameter tonneau case with smooth bezel, circa 1946, with refinished antique salmon dial with Roman and Arabic luminous n...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Rectangular Dress Model Wristwatch circa 1946
Rolex Stainless Steel Rectangular Dress Model Wristwatch circa 1946

Rolex Stainless Steel Rectangular Dress Model Wristwatch circa 1946

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex stainless steel rectangular dress model wristwatch, Ref. 4513, circa 1946.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Rose Gold Bubbleback Original Black Dial Wristwatch Ref 3131 1946
Rolex Rose Gold Bubbleback Original Black Dial Wristwatch Ref 3131 1946

Rolex Rose Gold Bubbleback Original Black Dial Wristwatch Ref 3131 1946

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Great looking man’s Rolex Bubbleback 14K Rose Gold ref 3131 case serial # 444,xxx circa 1946 with very desirable original black luminous dial.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

ROLEX Steel Bubbleback California Dial circa 1946
ROLEX Steel Bubbleback California Dial circa 1946

ROLEX Steel Bubbleback California Dial circa 1946

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex SS Bubbleback ref # 2940 31 x 38mm tonneau shaped case with smooth bezel circa 1946 with very pleasing original black California dial with luminous indexes and luminous Merced...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Bubbleback ref# 2940 circa 1946
Rolex Steel Bubbleback ref# 2940 circa 1946

Rolex Steel Bubbleback ref# 2940 circa 1946

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex SS Bubbleback ref # 2940 31 x 38mm tonneau shaped case with smooth bezel circa 1946 with very pleasing original salmon dial with luminous indexes and luminous pencil style hands.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Rose Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 3131 1946
Rolex Rose Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 3131 1946

Rolex Rose Gold Bubbleback Wristwatch Ref 3131 1946

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Great looking 14K rose gold Rolex Bubbleback ref 3131 circa 1946. Featuring 32mm diameter Oyster case with screw down caseback, screw down crown, smooth dome bezel, acrylic crystal, ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14K PG Bubbleback ref #3130 c.1946
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14K PG Bubbleback ref #3130 c.1946

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14K PG Bubbleback ref #3130 c.1946

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14K PG Bubbleback ref #3130, 32mm diameter case with smooth bezel and screw down period crown serial #400,XXX circa 1946.

Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Rose Gold Square Dress Wristwatch Ref 4470
Rolex Rose Gold Square Dress Wristwatch Ref 4470

Rolex Rose Gold Square Dress Wristwatch Ref 4470

By Rolex

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This beautiful rare Rolex watch from 1946 has a square case that measures approximately 28 mm.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

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1946 Rolex For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 1946 rolex you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Stainless Steel, Gold and 14k Gold — can elevate any look. There aren’t many items for women if you’re seeking a 1946 rolex, as most of the options available are for men and unisex.

How Much is a 1946 Rolex?

Prices for a 1946 rolex can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $2,600 and can go as high as $17,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,100.

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.

Questions About Rolex

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Rolex does not officially make sunglasses that are available for sale. They do however occasionally create promotional products, which have included sunglasses for sponsored events in the past. Browse a range of Rolex products that have been expertly authenticated on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To wind a Rolex Datejust, 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 wide selection of Rolex Datejust watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The lowest priced Rolex model is the Oyster Perpetual. This watch retails for roughly $5,000. On 1stDibs, you can can find a variety of Rolex watches for sale.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    While choosing a watch can depend on the wearer's style, there are a few consistent favorites. Some of the top Rolex watches for women include the Rolex Datejust, the Rolex Day-Date, and the Rolex Oyster Perpetual.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The most expensive Rolex ever sold is the Paul Newman Daytona. This Rolex was purchased for $17.8 million in 2017. On 1stDibs, there are expensive Rolex watches but there is a wide variety available, so it should be easy to find a good fit for your tastes as well as your budget.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Rolex uses only the highest quality diamonds in their watches and compares these stones against certified master stones. They are the most colorless, so in ranges D to G.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    One of the cheapest Rolex watches is the Oyster Perpetual, which usually costs around $5,000. This model is made of oystersteel, an affordable type of steel.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A contemporary Rolex Yacht Master costs around $11,000. However, a vintage model can cost up to $30,000.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a great entry-level Rolex to purchase. The perpetual refers to the ability of the watch to use the energy of the wearer's wrist motion to run. It is a popular starter Rolex.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    There is no single rarest Rolex face, as the availability of the luxury watchmaker's timepieces does vary in response to changes in collecting trends. However, some faces are generally rarer than others due to limited production, age and other factors. Examples of such dials include those made of meteorite, onyx, malachite, bloodstone, tiger's eye, coral, wood and lapis lazuli. Find a wide range of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    What is the cheapest Rolex ever made may vary over time as the luxury maker introduces new models. However, some watches made by Rolex are generally considered entry-level models based on their price points. These include the Oyster Perpetual, the DateJust 36mm, the Explorer 36mm, the Air King and the Milgaus. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of Rolex watches.
  • 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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The popular Rolex Oyster Perpetual is usually between $5,900 and $6,600 in price.
  • 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 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 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 ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To wind a Rolex watch, first fully unscrew the winding crown. Once it is in a raised position, carefully turn the crown clockwise. Most watches require 25 turns for enough winding to begin powering the watch. The instructions included with Rolex watches provide more information about how to wind specific models. Shop a large collection of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Depending on what kind of watch you're looking for, one may be better than the other. For instance, if you want a highly functional sport watch, some of Rolex's models may be better for you. That said, the brands' watches are very similar quality-wise. The main difference is their appearances: While Rolex designs more traditional timepieces, Panerai is more contemporary and bold.
  • 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
    Rolex uses only the highest quality melee diamonds with between D and G in color and IF in clarity. Every diamond is tested individually to make sure it is real.