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 Rare Vintage Precision Yellow Gold 36mm 8896
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 36mm Rolex Precision crafted in 18k yellow gold. Featuring a silver dial with applied dagger style hour markers and a polished yellow gold bezel. Fitted with a plexiglass, ...
18k Gold
Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual 18K Yellow Gold 34mm 6564 Circa 1956
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6564, an exceptional yellow gold timepiece featuring a rare hobnail-patterned dial with applied gold faceted baton indices and a raise...
Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Day-Date 18K Yellow Gold Silver Dial 1802
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date vintage wristwatch. Features a silver dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture, and a day display. Complementing the dial is a fix...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$11,920Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.23 in
Rolex Oyster 6551 14k Solid Gold 1960s Midsize 31mm Automatic All Original Ra756
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, 14k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6551 Oyster Perpetual automatic, c.1962, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmak...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Rolex Day Date Ref 18038 80s Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold 36mm Case.
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Day Date reference 18038 automatic (single quick) with a champagne sunburst dial in 18K yellow gold from the 1980s. Measurements include a 36mm case, 20mm lug ...
Yellow Gold
$25,500
W 1.42 in L 1.42 in
Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 36 18038 18k Gold Automatic Champagne Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Old Money Energy In Watch Form This Rolex comes from a period when the Day Date was still treated as a daily watch, not a safe queen. Yellow gold case, fluted bezel, President brace...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage Date Yellow Gold Blue Dial 34mm 1503
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 34mm Rolex Date in yellow gold, reference 1503, dating to approximately 1979. Featuring a blue dial that has lightly faded to a purple hue. Fitted with a plastic crystal, ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Date 15238 34mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Box Paper 2002
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15238 Serial: P28**** Year: 2002 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Fluted ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990 Rolex Day-Date President 18248 18K Yellow Gold Watch 36mm Box #23235
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1990 Rolex Day-Date President Watch Model: 18248 Serial: E840743 This classic Rolex Day-Date President watch is set in solid 18K yellow gold. 36mm case Champagne Dial with Day Date indicators and diamond markers Gold bark finish center band - fits up to 8" bracelet size - no additional links available - very slight stretch to band / very good condition Authentic Rolex bezel...
18k Gold
Rolex Ladies 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Precision Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A vintage ladies Rolex Precision, crafted in 1950, showcasing timeless elegance and Swiss craftsmanship. The round case measures 20mm in width, featu...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
