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.
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1996 Rolex GMT-Master 16700 Steel Auto Black Bezel 40mm T-Serial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Final Evolution Of The Original GMT The reference 16700 marks the end of an era as the final iteration of the original GMT-Master line. Produced alongside the GMT-Master II, the...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1999 Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Original Pilot's Watch, Perfected The GMT-Master was born from a direct collaboration with Pan American World Airways, designed as a serious instrument for their transatlantic p...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1991 Rolex GMT Master II 16710 Stainless Steel Black Dial Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of The Aluminum Bezels The reference 16710 is a cornerstone of modern Rolex collecting. Produced for nearly two decades, it represents the final evolution of the classic GM...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1997 Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Steel Coke Bezel Black Dial Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of The Aluminum Tool Watches The reference 16710 represents the final evolution of the classic Rolex GMT. Produced for nearly two decades, it was the last GMT-Master II to ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1990 Rolex GMT-Master 16700 Stainless Steel Pepsi Bezel Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of Its Name Rolex produced the reference 16700 from 1988 until 1999, and it was the final watch to carry the GMT-Master name on its own. It ran alongside the more complex G...
Steel, Stainless Steel
1997 Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The No Cyclops Professional Standard The reference 16600 Sea-Dweller is widely considered the most balanced professional diver Rolex ever produced. While the Submariner is the more ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 116710LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens stainless steel GMT-Master II by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. The bi-directional rotatable bezel features a 24-hour di...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men watch 16710 B/P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Excellent condition. This was produced in 2000. Recently serviced. Comes with an original box and paper. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 16710 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Model: Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Vintage: No Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) Number of Jewels: 31 Jewels Dial Color: Black Display: Analog Indices: 12-Hour Dial, Round Indexes Bezel Type: 24-Hour, Bidirectional Rotating Bezel Color: Black Band Color: Steel Band Material: Stainless Steel Closure: Double-Locking Fold-Over Clasp Band Type: Bracelet Band Width: 15.5 mm Lug Width: 20 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Color: Steel Water Resistance: 100 m (10 ATM) Watch Shape: Round Caseback: Solid Case Finish: Brushed Case Size: 40 mm Case Thickness: 12 mm Features: Date Indicator, GMT, Luminous Dial...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16710
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Minor nicks and scratches on the bezel insert. Recently serviced. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 16710 Country/Region of Manufacture: Sw...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 116710LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens stainless steel GMT-Master II by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. The bi-directional rotatable bezel features a 24-hour di...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite Unworn 2026 Left Hand Wrist Watch 126720VTNR
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A left-handed GMT-Master II "Sprite" by Rolex, crafted in stainless steel. Featuring a black dial with a green GMT hand, this model is distinguished by its green and black bidirectio...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR Batman Steel Ceramic Automatic Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This is brand new watch. This watch comes with the original box and paper. Brand: Rolex Series: GMT-Master II Model Number: 116710BLNR Box: Yes Papers: Yes Movement: Automatic Self...
Steel
