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.
Genuine Rolex 6516 Watch. 18k and SS ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k and Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6516. Beautiful Watch. Case is Stainless Steel. 18k Yellow gold b...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Very Rare Deepsea From 1954 / 55 Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6332 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 / 55 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diamet...
Gold
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Mid 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 7008 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SI...
Gold, Steel
$6,500
H 1.74 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Early Datejust Perpetual Wind Watch, 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6105 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm CIRC...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer 14K Yellow Gold Ref. # 1002 1974 "Mint Shape"
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Silver Dial Index #s 14K Y.G., Ref. 1002 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being off...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Rare Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual from 1952 Oversized Bubble Back Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm...
Rolex 24mm Oyster Perpetual 6619 18K Gold Vintage 1978 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual, reference 6619, in 18K yellow gold with a fluted bezel and a champagne dial featuring the Rolex crown logo and baton hour markers. Dated 1978, Jubilee bracele...
18k Gold
Rolex 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Rare "Bubble Back" with Factory Original Dial 1948
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Bubble Back" / Reference 5011 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Two Tone with Factory Original Dial From 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6105 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Stainless Steel & Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Gold, Stainless Steel
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
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1550 34mm 1970s Mens Gold-Capped Automatic RA779
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's Rolex ref 1550 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1970, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, Rolex signed dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 position, hands and dial in excellent vintage condition, natural patinas and tanning on hands and dial to give its unique vintage look. Acrylic crystal. Smooth bezel on gold-capped stainless steel case measures 34mm wide, case in excellent condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is all original. Fitted on new, aftermarket genuine croc strap and aftermarket buckle. A timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1550...
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1550 34mm 1970s Mens Gold-Capped Automatic RA779
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's Rolex ref 1550 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1970, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, Rolex signed dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 position, hands and dial in excellent vintage condition, natural patinas and tanning on hands and dial to give its unique vintage look. Acrylic crystal. Smooth bezel on gold-capped stainless steel case measures 34mm wide, case in excellent condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is all original. Fitted on new, aftermarket genuine croc strap and aftermarket buckle. A timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1550...
Stainless Steel, Gold Plate
Rolex 1002 Oyster Perpetual 14k Gold Mens 1960s 34mm Vintage Automatic RA785B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision ref.1002 automatic, c.1968, in immaculate working and aesthetic condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gor...
Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1007 18k Solid Gold 1970s Mens 34mm Automatic RA797
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster perpetual ref.1007 men's 34mm automatic, c.1978, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, Rolex signed gold dial, applied index short baton hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, hands in excellent vintage condition, very minor show of age, natural patinas and discoloration due to age. Acrylic crystal. Solid gold fluted bezel on 18k solid gold case measures 34mm wide, in pristine vintage condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 chronometer-certified automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is all original. Fitted on new, aftermarket genuine croc strap and buckle. Timeless luxury, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex 1007...
Gold, 18k Gold
Mens Rolex Ref 1503 Oyster Perpetual Date 18k Gold Automatic 1960s Rjc156r
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 automatic, c.1960s. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied g...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Ref 6580 Mens 34mm 1950s 14k Gold SS Vintage Automatic RA786
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oyster ref.6580 automatic dress watch, c.1954, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rol...
Stainless Steel, 14k Gold
