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 Daytona White Gold Racing Dial 116509
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Cosmograph Daytona crafted in white gold by Rolex. Featuring a silver racing dial with red detailing. Like all Daytona's this model features a tachymetric scale, three counters and...
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Platinum Cosmograph Daytona Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New Orleans, LA
Model: Cosmograph Daytona Movement: Self-Winding Caliber 4130 Circa: 2010s Case: 40mm Case Material: Platinum Dial Color: Ice Blue Complications: Chronograph, Tachymeter Scale Delivery Contents: Original Box, Papers, Hang Tag This platinum Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona...
Platinum
Rolex Daytona Ghost White Gold Unworn 2026 126519LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 2026 Oysterflex Daytona "Ghost" in white gold by Rolex, available now from Watch Centre London. Designed to be the ultimate high-performance chronograph, this timepiece features ...
White Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116519 18KT White Gold, Black Racing Dial, Box
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 116519 in 18KT white gold with the black Racing dial, on its rubber strap with the 18KT white gold folding clasp, with box, manuals and a 2023 serv...
White Gold
Rolex Daytona Ref 116509 Racing 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
Rolex Daytona 18K White Gold Black Diamond Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116509
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2022 card. Original box and papers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116509 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Model: Rolex Daytona...
White Gold
Rolex Zenith Daytona Patrizzi Dial 16520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare stainless steel Zenith Daytona by Rolex. Featuring an extremely divisive and unique patrizzi dial. The watch further features an engraved tachymetric scale, three chronograph counters and pushers, the Daytona was designed to be the ultimate timing tool for endurance racing drivers. The Oyster bracelet is equipped with a folding Oysterlock clasp. Fitted with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a self-winding automatic chronograph Zenith movement. This N serial Rolex...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Stainless Steel White Dial Automatic Men Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-Owned. No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with a Chronostore Presentation Box and Chronostore Authenticity Card. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. * 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 or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Watch Details: Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116520 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury, Sport Model: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Vintage: No Year Manufactured: 2000-2009 Customized: No Handedness: Right Box and Papers: Box: Chronostore Giftbox Included Papers: Chronostore Certificate With Papers: No Seller Warranty: Yes SKU: 00621 Band and Closure: Band Color: Steel Band Material: Stainless Steel Closure: Fold-Over Clasp with Flip Lock Safety Band Type: Bracelet Band Width: 15.5 mm Lug Width: 20 mm Wrist Fit: 7.5 inches Movement: Movement Caliber: Rolex caliber 4130...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$42,380
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Daytona White Panda Dial Steel Ceramic Automatic Mens Watch 116500LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Mint condition. This watch comes with an original box and paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund....
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona NOS White Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn NOS Daytona in Oystersteel by Rolex, featuring a white dial. With an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers; the Daytona was designed to be the ultimate tim...
Stainless Steel
Mika Pear Diamond Pendant on Cuff Necklace in White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A continuation of the Mika collection, this pear-shaped diamond necklace is crafted with sculptural intention and thoughtful detail. The Mika bezel pendant wraps gently around the collarbone, forming a sleek, polished arc that feels both architectural and effortlessly wearable. At its center, a single pear diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Celestia Diamond Double Drop Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designed to reflect light with every movement, the Celestia Drop Ring evokes the energy of constellations in modern form. At its center, a marquise diamond is grounded in 14K white g...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Mika Pear Shaped Diamond Bracelet in White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the latest addition to our beloved Mika collection: a pear-shaped diamond bracelet in 18k white gold, featuring five bezel-set diamonds, each hand-selected for its lumino...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Original Mika Pinky Ring in White Gold with Pear Diamond, Left
Located in New York, NY
Launched in late 2024, the Mika Ring became an instant hit amongst fashion insiders, adorned for its elegant and sculptural silhouette. Everyone needs an excuse to raise their glass,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Small Mika Pinky Ring in White Gold with Pear Diamond, Left
Located in New York, NY
Launched in late 2024, the Mika Ring became an instant hit amongst fashion insiders, adorned for its elegant and sculptural silhouette. Everyone needs an excuse to raise their glass,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Floating Diamond Trio Tennis Necklace in White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Diamond trios set on a delicate 18-karat white gold chain emit an ethereal energy in the Floating Diamond Trio Tennis Necklace. Round diamonds are expertly laser-drilled to perfectly...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
