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 ref 16000 S/Steel 36mm Case, 18K Gold Rolex Bezel, Crystal, Crown
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Rolex DateJust ref 16000 Stainless Steel 36mm Case + Original 18K White Gold Fluted/ Bark Bezel Original Crystal Original Crown w Rolex logo Serial number 987XXXX, corresponding ...
Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel and Gold Datejust with Original Factory Gold Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two-Tone Stainless Steel & 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Factory Original Gold Dial with Gold Markers / Gold Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Mature styling and classic looks are the DNA of this Datejust. Rolex's reputation of being the leader in styling and reliability since their inception is present in this exceptional timepiece. You can rely wholeheartedly on this watch to get you from point A to B for any occasion while looking and feeling great. It is very versatile in styling, can be worn with formal attire for a more mature look and dressed down with a t-shirt and jeans for a more relaxed feel. This unisex Rolex...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
$16,500
H 1.42 in W 1.42 in D 1.42 in Dm 0.44 in L 1.42 in
Rolex Datejust 116233 36mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Silver Dial Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Full links. Comes with original box and papers. Recently serviced. The movement is calibrated and keeps time well.
Steel
1996 Men's Rolex 36mm DateJust Two Tone 18K Gold/ Stainless Steel Watch (Unworn)
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Year: 1996. Brand: Rolex. Gender: Men's. Dial: Diamonds. Model: DateJust. Dial Color: Black. Case Back: Screw. Condition: Unworn. Bracelet Size: Full Set. Model Number: 16233. Crystal: Sapphire Crystal. Case Dimensions: 36mm. Bezel Color: 18K Yellow Gold. Movement: Mechanical (Automatic). Metal Type: 18K Gold / Stainless Steel. Bracelet / Strap: 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel. Box / Certificate: Includes Rolex Box / Rolex Paper. Service Warranty: One (1) Year Limited Service Warranty. Additional Details: Men’s Rolex...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust 36mm in Steel & Gold, White Jubilee Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A refined vintage Rolex Datejust 36mm crafted in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, featuring the iconic fluted bezel and classic two-tone Jubilee bracelet. This example is disting...
Diamond, Gold, Steel
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
Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone White Arabic Dial Jubilee 16233 Circa 2000
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Model features quick-set movement. Authenticity guaranteed! The sale comes with a new style Rolex...
Gold, Stainless Steel
$10,697 / item
Dm 1.23 in
Rolex Datejust 68274 Fluted Bezel Diamond Lugs Cream Color Dial 2 Tone Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 31mm Datejust Fluted Bezel Diamond Lugs Cream Color Dial 2 Tone Women's Watch 68274
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Fluted Bezel with Diamond Lugs Two Tone Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust Fluted Bezel With Diamond Lugs White Arabic Dial Two Tone Watch 16013
Stainless Steel, Gold
Rolex Datejust 36 Gold & Steel 116233 Watch Champagne Index Dial Jubilee Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Authenticity guaranteed! The sale...
Gold, Steel
1985 Rolex Lady-Datejust Wristwatch in 18k Yellow Gold Ref: 69068
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This 1985 Rolex Datejust is a luxurious ladies’ timepiece crafted from 18k yellow gold with a 26mm case, a classic champagne dial, and a President bracelet. Adorned with factory-set ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 16233 Champagne 18K Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A classic Rolex Datejust (16233), featuring a self-winding automatic watch with a 36 mm stainless steel case and an 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. A Rolex jubilee of 18K yellow gold a...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Ref 116509 Panda Dial White Gold Chronograph Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Daytona Chronograph Reference 116509. This watch has become one of the most iconic watches Rolex has ever made and is sought after all over the world. At the heart of this 40 m...
18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Piaget Dancer Opal and Onyx Unisex Watch in 18K Yellow Gold
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite wristwatch created by Piaget, showcasing a gorgeous opal, onyx, and diamond dial. Finely made of 18K yellow gold and 8 inches in length. This timepiece has a quartz move...
Onyx, Opal, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe Round Crystal Dial Leather Strap Wristwatch in Yellow Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
A classic Patek Philippe wristwatch, featuring a round dial covered in crystal with hours and hands represented by yellow gold lines. Case and case back are made of 18K yellow gold. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay "SABI" Diamond and Gold Watch
By Henry Dunay
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful watch is encrusted with 216 brilliant round diamonds. Diamonds weighing 2.40 carats total, E-F color and VS clarity. Made in 18 karat yellow gold. Approximately 116 grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Over three generations, the Malakov family has built a business that extends from the Central Asian Silk Road to Europe, New York, and beyond. The name Roman Malakov is now synonymous with quality jewelry and watches. From engagement rings to wedding rings to estate pieces and high-end jewelry, the firm carefully handcrafts all its pieces, understanding that each one immortalizes a special relation or memorable experience in a client’s life. The stones used are sourced straight from the mines and inspected by experts to make sure they meet strict quality standards. In addition to customization, Roman Malakov offers alterations, to make sure a piece perfectly matches the customer’s tastes and desires, as well as restoration and repairs.
