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.
$6,304Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.42 in
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 36mm 18k Gold SS 1970s Automatic Vintage RA535
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k yellow gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster ref.1601 Datejust automatic, c.1971, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 68273 Midsize 2-Tone Red Vignette Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Midsize 2-Tone Red Vignette Dial Watch 68273 - Automatic winding, 29 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold fluted be...
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust 18k Gold 36mm Mens 1960s Date Automatic RA701C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref.6605 Datejust automatic, c.1960, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex ...
18k Gold
$6,560Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.42 in
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1601 Datejust 18k yellow gold bezel, c.1963, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signe...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust 18k Gold 36mm Mens 1960s Date Automatic RA701B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare timeless treasure, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref.6605 Datejust automatic, c.1960, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 o'clock position, hands and dial in excellent, vintage condition, very minor show of age on hands and dial. Acrylic crystal. 18k solid gold fluted bezel on 18k solid gold case measuring 36mm, case in immaculate vintage condition. Original Rolex crown. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1066 COSC automatic movement, with butterfly rotor, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is all original. Fitted on new aftermarket genuine alligator strap and buckle. Luxurious classic, Rolex 6605...
18k Gold
$6,640Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.42 in
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Rolex 18k gold and stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Ref.1601, c.1963, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gor...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS 1970s Mens Vintage Automatic RA787B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold & stainless steel Rolex 1601 Oyster Datejust automatic wideboy, c.1973, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorge...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
18 Kt Rolex Big Bubble Back Ovettone, Ref 6030 Automatic Wrist Watch, Collectors
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt full Gold Rolex Ref. 6031 Big Bubble Back Ovettone, First Datejust Automatic Wrist Watch Movement : Mechanical with Automatic Winding Case & Strap : 18 Kt Yellow Gold Rolex Ref. 6030 / 6031 Big Bubble Back Ovettone Extremely rare model in 18kt gold It was the first Date...
18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 Mens 36mm 18k SS 1970s Vintage Automatic RA615
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16013 automatic, c.1978, in excellent working condition, with original Rolex tag. Verified authe...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1601 36mm 18k SS Mens 1970s Vintage Automatic RA591B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An iconic classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 the Datejust in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel automatic, c.1970, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a ma...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
