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 Yacht-Master II Steel White Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116680
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Mint condition. The original box and papers are included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers ...
Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II Steel Command Bezel White Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116680
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned watch in good condition. Comes with the original box but no papers * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund....
Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II 18K Rose Gold Steel White Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116681
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. This watch comes with the original box and paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes...
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II Steel 18 Karat Rose Gold White Dial Men's Watch 116681WASO
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Free polishing upon request. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy.
Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master Steel Platinum Bezel Gray Dial Automatic Watch 116622
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The watch is pre-owned and in a good condition. Recently serviced. No original box and papers are included. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116622 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury/Sport Model: Rolex Yacht-Master 116622 Vintage: No Escapement Type: Anchor Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) Number of Jewels: 31 Jewels Dial Color: Gray Display: Analog Indices: 12-Hour Dial, Round Indexes, Stick Indexes Bezel Type: Bidirectional Rotating, Count-Up/Dive Bezel Color: Platinum Band Color: Gray Band Material: Stainless Steel Closure: Fold-Over Clasp with Flip Lock Safety Band Type: Bracelet Band Width: 20 mm Lug Width: 15.5 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Color: Gray Water Resistance: 100 m (10 ATM) Watch Shape: Round Caseback: Solid Case Finish: Polished Case Size: 40 mm Case Thickness: 12 mm Features: Date Indicator, Luminous Hands, Rotating Bezel, Sapphire Crystal, Screwdown Crown, Self-Winding, Swiss Made, Swiss Movement, Water-Resistant Year Manufactured: 2010-Now Customized: No Handedness: Right With Original Packaging: No With Booklet: No With Papers: No Seller Warranty: Yes Wrist Fit: 7.25 Inches Movement Caliber: Rolex Calibre 3135
Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm Steel Platinum Grey Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16622
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Original Box and Papers are Included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's...
Platinum, Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II Steel White Dial Automatic with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
*We can have it new or second hand You can request more info* Prices will vary- Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116680 Country/Region of Manufacture: S...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 Stainless Steel Watch Brand: Rolex MPN: 116680 Model: Yacht-Master II Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 44mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II 18KT W/G Automatic Mens Watch 116689 Complete
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Presenting the exquisite Rolex Yacht-Master II 116689 in impeccable condition. This timepiece epitomizes luxury and precision, featuring a stunning white dial and platinum bezel hous...
White Gold
Rolex Yacht-Master II PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch 116680
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Yacht-Master II PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch 116680 Watch has been professionally polished and then coated with PVD/DLC coating. It has never been worn after customiza...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm 126622
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm Yacht-Master in Oystersteel by Rolex. Features a blue dial with a red ticker and a platinum bi-directional rotatable bezel with 60-minute numerals and graduations. Fitted wit...
Platinum, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 40MM 126622
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm Yacht-Master in stainless steel by Rolex. Featuring a bright blue dial with a date aperture and a platinum bi-directional rotatable bezel, with raised 60-minute numerals and g...
Stainless Steel
