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 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
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
Vintage Rolex Cellini Ref 6623 2000s 18K Gold Quartz White Arabic Numeral Dial 3
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Cellini reference 6623 quartz with a white Arabic numeral dial in 18K white gold from the 2000s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements includ...
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Cellini Ref 4233 2000s Manual Wind Black Arabic Numeral Dial 34mm
Located in New York, NY
Here's a Rolex Cellini reference 4233 in 18k white gold two tone (rose gold bezel) manual wind with a black dial and applied Arabic numerals from the early 2000s. Measurements includ...
Steel
Vintage Rolex Cellini Ref 4233 2000s Manual Wind Black Arabic Numeral Dial 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a Rolex Cellini reference 4233 in 18k white gold two tone (rose gold bezel) manual wind with a black dial and applied Arabic numerals from the early 2000s. Comes with a copy o...
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Cellini Series Ladies Watch in Original Condition 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cellini / Reference 4081 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 29mm X Diamet...
18k Gold
Rolex Cellini 18k Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A refined expression of classic Swiss watchmaking, this Rolex Cellini 18k Yellow Gold Watch captures understated elegance through its balanced proportions and meticulous detailing. C...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1974 Rolex Cellini 18 Karat White Gold Model 3807
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: Cellini 3807 Year: 1974 Material: 18 Karat White Gold Dial: Blue Vignette Case Measurement: 27mm x 36.5mm Strap: Blue Aftermarket Strap with Rolex Tang Buckle Mov...
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Cellini 4082 Cushion Engine Turned Bezel Ladies Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Cellini Ref. 4082 lady’s wristwatch from 1980, featuring a cushion-shaped 18k yellow gold case with a polished and brushed finish, a graduated bezel, and an integrated textured Rolex Cellini bracelet...
18k 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 Datejust 36mm Black Sunbeam Dial 116231
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm Datejust in stainless steel and rose gold by Rolex. Featuring a black sunbeam dial with Roman numerals and a fluted rose gold bezel. The watch is presented on a Jubilee bracel...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
Rolex Cellini Blue Mirror Dial White Gold 22mm 4014
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage rectangular Rolex Cellini, reference 4014, featuring a striking blue mirror dial with frosted textured hands, protected by mineral glass. Powered by a manual movement cali...
Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
Rolex Rare Vintage Precision Yellow Gold 36mm 8896
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 36mm Rolex Precision crafted in 18k yellow gold. Featuring a silver dial with applied dagger style hour markers and a polished yellow gold bezel. Fitted with a plexiglass, ...
18k Gold
Rare 1950s Rolex Rose Gold Chronometer Champagne Dial Precision Vintage 4134
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 37mm 18k Rose Gold Vintage Precision Gents Wristwatch, a rare original chronometer champagne dial with applied 18k rose gold index batons and roman...
Rose Gold, 18k Gold
