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 39mm Day-Date Masterpiece Mother Of Pearl Diamond 18KYG Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex Day-Date Masterpiece wristwatch crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring an exquisite mother-of-pearl dial adorned with brilliant diamond hour markers and a factory diamond-set be...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies Datejust Vintage Diamond Bezel Two Tone White MOP Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Vintage Diamond Bezel Two Tone White MOP Mother of Pearl Dial with Diamond Accent 69173. This watch is in like new condition...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Pearlmaster 80298 Tricolor Diamond Bezel Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This luxury watch features an 18kt yellow gold case and an 18kt yellow, white, and rose gold Rolex Pearlmaster bracelet, complemented by a fixed diamond-set bezel. The gray dial show...
18k Gold
$17,495
H 1.3 in Dm 1.03 in
Rolex Ladies President Date Just Turntable Dial Diamond Dial Gold Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Lady's Rolex President Date Just turntable wristwatch model 179138. Factory Turntable dial with a diamond bezel in 18k yellow gold. 6.5 inches. The band oyster band has no visible stretch or wear. Circa 2001. Rolex box included. No papers. Length: 33mm Width: 26mm Band width at case: 13mm Case thickness: 11.80mm Band: 18k yellow gold ladies president...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies Pearlmaster 80298 29mm MOP Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 18K Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 80298 Serial: P904*** Year: 2000 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Pearlmaster Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Factory Di...
18k Gold
$8,189 / item
Dm 1.03 in
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Diamond Bezel & Lugs White MOP Dial 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 26mm Custom White Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial, Diamond Bezel and Diamond Lugs. Two Tone Watch with Jubilee Band 69173 This watch is in like new condition. It has bee...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 18948 Day-Date 18k Mother of Pearl Masterpiece Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Case Diameter: 39mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold bezel with Diamonds Dial: Mother of pearl Dial with yellow gold hands and Diamond...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1999 Rolex Lady Datejust 26 mm Diamond Bezel Two-Tone Jubilee Watch
By Rolex
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A timeless 1999 Rolex Lady Datejust featuring a 26mm stainless steel and 18K yellow gold Oyster case paired with the iconic Jubilee bracelet. This elegant timepiece showcases a white...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 14Kt. Solid Gold O.P Date Lady's Watch With Custom Diamond Dial and Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1503 METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X ...
Gold
Rolex Date Two Tone Watch with Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Pre-owned 34mm Rolex Date automatic watch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and steel with aftermarket white diamond dial and Oyster bracelet. Model 1500 circa 1970. Polished and servi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Van Cleef & Arels 18k Yellow Gold Manual Wind Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Case Size: 28.5mm (Width) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: .0 grams Watch Maker: Van Cleef & Arpels Movement Maker: Van Cleef & Arpels Hallmarks: F...
Yellow Gold
Estate Platinum Art Deco Royal Diamond Bracelet - VHK#475b
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Platinum Art Deco Royal Diamond Bracelet - VHK#475b Item Details: Year: 1930s Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 56.8 grams (All Items Total) Diamond Detail...
Platinum
14k Yellow Gold Round and Baguette Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 8.5 Metal Type: 14k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.1 grams Diamond Details: .75ct total weight, Natural Diamonds, G-H Color, VS & SI Clarity....
Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Wedding Band with Engraving
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 3.5 Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Diamond Details: .15ct, total weight. Round Brilliant Diamonds, G Color, VS Clarit...
Yellow Gold
1950s Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold and Diamond “Peek A Boo” Hidden Watch Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1950s Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 59.8 grams (All Items Total) Diamond Details: Natural, 2.00ct total weight, Round Brilliant, ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.00 Carat Total Weight Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.3 Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 3.4 grams Side Stone Details: Shape: Old Mine Cushion Total Carat Weight: 1.00 carat total weight Color: I Cl...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
