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.
Rolex Orchid 2673 18K Gold 22mm Diamond Bezel 1989 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Rolex Orchid reference 2673 is crafted entirely in 18K yellow gold and set throughout with approximately 2 carats of round brilliant F-G color VS clarity diamonds, measuring 22m...
Diamond, Gold
$11,920Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.42 in
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 14k Gold Automatic Diamond Bezel 1960s RA412
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning classic, Men's solid 14k gold Rolex 1601 Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic with diamond dial and bezel, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed black dial, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 position, luxurious aftermarket diamond set hour markers, hands and dial in excellent, vintage condition, very minor show of age if any. Acrylic crystal. Stunning diamond set in 14k solid gold bezel, 14k solid gold case measures 36mm wide, in excellent condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Fitted on new, aftermarket leather strap and buckle. A timeless classic, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Datejust...
14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1601 14k Gold Mens 1960s Diamonds Automatic RA412C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning iconic classic, Men's solid 14k gold Rolex 1601 Oyster Perpetual Datejust diamond automatic, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchma...
14k Gold
Vintage Rolex 6917 Datejust Presidential 26mm Brown Diamond Dial Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Datejust reference 6917 features a brown dial with factory-set round diamond hour markers and gold hands within a fluted 18K yellow gold bezel, on an 18K yellow gold Pr...
Brown Diamond, Gold
$6,240Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.99 in
Rolex 6700 Lady Datejust 18k Solid Gold Diamond Dial 25mm 1960s Automatic RA688B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dazzling luxury, 18k solid gold Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual 6700 Datejust diamond dial automatic, c.1966, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. G...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Presidential 18kt Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 68278
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 31mm Presidential 18kt Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 68278 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced an...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$13,504Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.42 in
Rolex 1803 Oyster Day Date 18k Gold Mens 1970s 36mm Diamond Automatic RA659B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic luxury, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Day-Date ref.1803 "The President" with diamond hour set, c.1973, in excellent working condition! Verified authentic by a master watchmaker....
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 Mens 1960s 14k Solid Gold Diamonds Automatic RA412D
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning luxurious classic, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex 1601 Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic with diamond set, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a ma...
14k Gold
Rolex 14Kt. Rare "Bubble Back" with Original Dial and Rolex Signed Bracelet 1948
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Bubble Back" / Reference 5011 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
14k Gold
Vintage Rolex Datejust Thunderbird Two Tone Diamond Dial Watch Ref. 16253
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex’s classic Datejust design is given a distinctive sport-luxury edge in this 1985 two tone Thunderbird reference 16253. The watch features the model’s recognizable rotating bezel...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
1940s Retro Swirl Ring with Diamonds
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Fanciful retro style is celebrated with this playful, yet sophisticated design. The swirling golden top is adorned with three rows of brilliant white diamonds that weigh approximatel...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Diamond Gold Locket Bracelet
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This very fine Victorian locket-bracelet is adorned with a whimsical Rose Cut diamond floral accent. The long tubular links of the bracelet are very flexible and graduate in size, sm...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold
1970's SouthSea Pearl and Diamond Ring signed Van Cleef & Arpels 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
One 14mm South Sea pearl "Ballerina" ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1970. The ring is adorned with 2.55 carats F-G/VS1 of diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Rare Antique "Regard Ring" 12ct Yellow Gold English C/1868
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A fun and beautifully handmade ring fashioned in the "R.E.G.A.R.D." motif. The ring is set with ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby, and a diamond. In this sequence when you take t...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Midcentury Diamond Swirl Cocktail Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Twisted stands of 18 karat yellow gold alternate with polished strokes of 18 karat white gold to create a diamond swirl. The ring offers a lively aesthetic and will be both a fun and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
16.40 Carat Art Deco Diamond Bracelet
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An important example of art deco craftsmanship and design, this platinum masterpiece is comprised of three major sections connected by diamond-encrusted links and double row diamond ...
Diamond, Platinum
