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 Precision Ref. 3400 Openface, Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare collectors Watch. Original Condition. Watch needs an overhaul. Including certificate of authenticity.
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Pocket Watch 9165. Antique Rolex Precision 9165 Circa 1952
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Pocket Watch. Precision Ref: 9165 Circa 1952 Please refer to pictures to see the movement. Condition: Winds up and ticks. Second hand moves smoothly. Details: 45....
Stainless Steel
Rolex Pocket Watch. Antique Rolex Precision Lever 7 World's Records
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Antique Rolex Pocket Watch. Precision Lever 7 World's Records Circa 1940s Ref 408 Please refer to pictures to see the movement. Condition: Winds up and ticks. Second hand moves s...
Stainless Steel
$2,768
H 2 in W 0.3 in L 1.6 in
Rolex Case Material : Stainless Steel Case Size : 42.2mm Gender : U96r630s
By Rolex
Located in Dix hills, NY
Measurements: Length: 1.6" Width: .3" Height: 2" OVERALL GOOD- CONDITION ( 6.75/10 or B- ) Signs of Wear: Exterior: Very Minor Scratches Hardware: Minor Scratches, Minor Rubbing, Very Minor Tarnish Case Material : Stainless Steel Case Size : 42mm Gender : Unisex Watch Shape...
Rolex Ref 3408 18mm Square Watch 84ro711s
By Rolex
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 1340810 Measurements: Length: 7.75" Width: .1" Height: 7.75" Circumference: 5"-6.5" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Accessories: Tag, Care Booklet S...
Vintage Rolex Precision Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's vintage 1938 33mm Rolex Precision in stainless steel. Featuring a silver dial with applied arabic numbers, a small seconds subdial and a steel ...
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6426. Stainless Steel Tastefully Customized.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Stainless Steel Case ref.6426 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1974 Customized with the COMMANDO Dial. Back cover with changed with an open back sapphi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex. A Rare Yellow Gold Pendant Pocket Watch C1964
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Dress Watch With Original Presentation Box C1964. Dial: The simplistic silver dial with quadrant lines fully signed Rolex Geneve with Rolex Crown at t...
1966 Rolex Ladies Dress Watch, Silver Dial - 14K White Gold
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...
White Gold
Antique Rare Rolex Prince 9CT Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, C1930s
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Prince. A very rare 9ct yellow gold dress pocket watch C1930s Dial: The excellent silver rare bow tie dial with Arabic twelve and black enamel batons, outer minute track and separate seconds dial with bow tie dial in the seconds dial. A rare combination indeed, complimented by original matching blued steel hands and seconds hand. Case: The Rhombus designed 9ct yellow gold case with a plain polished back. The case fully signed Rolex ,numbered and Swiss hallmarked. Movement: The Rhombus keyless lever movement is of exceptional high quality Nickel finished fully jewelled, signed Rolex with Rolex Patent Cap protecting escapement. One of the best pocket watch movements produced by Rolex. This is indeed a rare pocket watch...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case (36mm diameter) with 18k white gold flute...
Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Midsize Men's or Ladies Steel Watch 68274 - Automatic winding, 29 jewels, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. Datejust Midsize. Stainless steel case (31 mm ). White Roman...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116000
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116000 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, sapphire crystal. Oyster Perpetual. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (36mm diameter). ...
Rolex President Day-Date Men's Watch 18238
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex President Day-Date Men's Watch 18238 - Automatic winding,31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. President Day-Date. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel. Rare factory Red Vig...
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k white gold fluted bezel. Black d...
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision Stainless Steel Midsize Watch Ref 6266
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision Stainless Steel Midsize Watch Ref 6266 - Manual wind. Oysterdate Precision. Original stainless steel screw back Oyster case 30mm x 36mm; Triple sig...
