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 Datejust 116233 Two Tone 18k & Steel 36mm Champagne 10 Diamond Dial Minty
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this 2009 Rolex 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Datejust, reference 116233 with most of the original protective stickers still intact. This timeless class...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel
1987 Rolex Air-King 5500 Black Diamond Dial Stainless Steel 34mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this 1987 Rolex Air-King reference 5500 featuring a 34mm stainless steel case, smooth stainless steel bezel, and black aftermarket diamond dial. The classic...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
2025 Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” 126720VTNR Stainless Steel Jubilee BNP
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are present this 2025 Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” 126720VTNR in Stainless Steel. This highly desirable left-handed model features a 40mm Oystersteel case, Rolex’s black Maxi dial...
Stainless Steel
2026 Rolex Submariner 126610LV “Starbucks” Green Bezel Unworn Full Set 41mm
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this 2026 Rolex Submariner reference 126610LV, widely known among collectors as the “Starbucks,” distinguished by its vibrant green Cerachrom bezel and classic black dial. The watch is brand new and unworn and was dated into service March of 2026. It remains covered under Rolex’s 5-year international warranty through 2031, providing both confidence and long-term reliability. The watch features a 41mm stainless steel case paired with a unidirectional green ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal with Cyclops date magnification, and Chromalight luminous markers for excellent legibility. It is powered by Rolex’s in-house automatic caliber 3235 movement, offering precision timekeeping and a robust power reserve. The Oyster bracelet is complete with all original links and will comfortably fit up to an 8-inch wrist. It is equipped with Rolex’s Oysterlock clasp...
Stainless Steel
Chanel J12 Diamond Dial 33mm Black Ceramic Quartz Watch H1625
By Chanel
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this Chanel J12 reference H1625, crafted in black high-tech ceramic with a stainless steel and black ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel. This timepiece features a glossy black dial set with 12 round brilliant cut diamond hour markers, along with a date aperture positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock. The contrasting inner minute track and signature J12 styling offer a sporty yet refined aesthetic that has made this model a staple in Chanel’s lineup. The 33mm case is paired with a matching black ceramic bracelet, known for its durability, scratch resistance, and lasting high-gloss finish. The watch will fit up to a 7.5-inch wrist. Powered by a precise quartz movement, this piece offers reliable and low-maintenance timekeeping, ideal for everyday wear. The watch is in excellent condition with very few signs of wear throughout the case and bracelet. This example comes complete with its original Chanel travel case...
Diamond
Cartier Tank Francaise 18k White Gold Diamond Watch WE1018S3 2491 Box & Papers
By Cartier
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to offer this elegant Cartier Tank Française Reference WE1018S3, also known as reference 2491, crafted in luxurious 18k white gold and accented with a factory diamond ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Datejust 31 18K White Gold Steel Purple Diamond Dial Watch 178274
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with an original box and papers. 🏷️ General Information Brand: Rolex Model Name: Datejust Model Number: 178274 Style: Classic Type: Wri...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 68274 with Custom Diamond Bezel Ss Purple Color Dial Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 31mm Datejust With custom Diamond bezel SS Purple Color Dial Bezel and Lugs with Diamond Accent Deployment buckle 68274 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polish...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26mm Steel Custom Purple Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 69174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. Custom Diamond dial and bezel. No original box and papers. Comes with a chronostore box. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Numb...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 68274 SS Oyster Bracelet & Diamond Bezel Black Stick Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 31mm Datejust SS Oyster Bracelet & Diamond Bezel Black Stick Dial 68274
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Aubergine Roman VI IX Diamond Dial Bezel Watch 126284RBR
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in Oystersteel and white gold features an aubergine, diamond-set dial and an Oyster bracelet. This dial features Roman VI and IX in 18 ct gold, set ...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Black Diamond Dial Oyster Bracelet B&P 126334
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Rolex Datejust 41 reference 126334, featuring a black dial with diamond-set hour markers and a white gold fluted bezel. The self-winding automatic movement calibre 3235 is ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
