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.
$26,574
H 1.54 in W 0.52 in Dm 1.54 in
Rare Rolex Cellini Time 18k Rose Gold Black Diamond Dial Men Watch 50605RBR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with the original box and papers. Very unique beautiful watch. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Cellini Time Model Number: 50605RBR Type: ...
Rose Gold
Rolex Vintage Precision Rose Gold 9522
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm vintage Rolex "Flying Saucer" Precision in rose gold. Features a rose champagne dial with a small seconds display. The piece is fitted with plastic glass, a manual wind moveme...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Day-Date 40 Rose Gold 228235
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning unworn Day-Date, crafted in 18k rose gold by Rolex. Featuring a sun dust stripe motif dial with applied hour markers. Complementing the dial is a fixed rose gold fluted be...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
$36,680
H 1.42 in W 0.44 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Day-Date President 18K Everose Gold Black Dial Mens Watch 118235
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. The watch comes with a box but no paper. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. General In...
Rose Gold
Vintage 18k Rose Gold Rolex Bubbleback Automatic Watch Ref 6011
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Classic vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback wrist watch crafted in 18k rose gold. This reference 6011 features the distinctive early automatic Rolex case with screw-down Oyster...
18k Gold
Rolex Rose Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Watch, circa 1956
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6305/1 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel w/ Rose Gold Bezel DIMENSIONS: Length 42mm X Diameter 34mm CIRCA: 1956/57 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: 20 Jewels / Caliber 745 DIAL / HANDS: Original w/ Red Datejust / Rose Gold Dauphine Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: All Steel Jubilee Bracelet/ 20mm / Full Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is the Classic, Early Datejust with a rare original pink bezel...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini 18K Gold 37mm 6623 On Leather Watch Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Cellini 37mm in 18k gold case and ostrich leather strap. 1990 year with the original Cellini anniversary box and papers. Details: Brand: Rolex Model: Cellini 18K Gold...
18k Gold
$38,460
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust 18k Rose Gold Steel Sundust Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126331
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2022-2023 Card. Comes with the original box and papers. Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 126331 Movement: Mechanical (Au...
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel 18K Rose Gold Wimbledon Roman Dial Mens Watch 126301
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with the original box and papers. Brand Information: Brand: Rolex Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Watch Type: Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Style: Dres...
Steel
Vintage Rolex Cellini Danaos 18K Rose Gold Black Dial Ladies Quartz Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Cellini Danaos ladies quartz watch in 18K rose gold, reference 6229, featuring a cushion-shaped case with a black graduated dial, white Arabic numerals, rose gold leaf hands, and "Cellini" script signature, with original Rolex buckle on an aftermarket black leather strap. 26mm case, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Product Specifications: Item Type: Vintage Ladies Luxury Dress Watch Brand: Rolex Model: Cellini Danaos Reference: 6229 Metal: 18K Rose Gold Case Size: 26mm cushion-shaped Movement: Quartz Dial: Black graduated with white Arabic numerals Indices: Arabic numerals 1–12 in white Bezel Type: Smooth, polished Bezel Color: Rose gold Crown: Rose gold fluted at 3 o'clock Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire Band Material: Aftermarket black leather strap Band Color: Black Clasp: Original Rolex buckle (rose gold) Features: Sapphire crystal, original Rolex buckle Style: Vintage, ladies dress watch Period: 1990 About the Rolex Cellini: The Rolex Cellini collection...
18k Gold
Rolex Milgauss 116400GV Black Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Milgauss 116400GV Mens Watch. 40mm stainless steel case and smooth bezel. Black dial with luminous silver-tone hands and index hour markers. Minute markers around the outer dia...
Rolex Datejust 6917 Diamond Blue Vignette Dial 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69178 Ladies Watch. 26mm 18K yellow gold case. 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Blue Vignette dial with gold hands and factory diamond hour markers. Minu...
Cartier Tank Louis W1529756 18K Yellow Gold Mens Watch Box Papers
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck, NY
Cartier Tank Louis W1529756 / 2441 Mens Watch. 25.5mm 18K yellow gold case. Off-White dial with blue hands and black Roman numeral hour markers. Minute markers on the inner dial. Bro...
Patek Philippe Grand Complications 5236P Perpetual Calendar Mens Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Great Neck, NY
Patek Philippe Complications 5236P-001 Mens Watch. 41.3mm platinum case. Platinum bezel. Blue dial with silver-tone hands and index hour markers. Perpetual calendar displays with a m...
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5146J Cream Dial Mens Watch With Box Papers
By Patek Philippe
Located in Great Neck, NY
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5146J-001 Mens Watch. 39mm 18K yellow gold case and 18K yellow gold bezel. Cream dial with luminous gold hands and gold index & Arabic numeral hour...
