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 Cellini Watch in 18K White Gold, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Cellini Reference manual wind in 18K white gold with a grey sunburst dial from the 70s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements include a 32mm c...
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Cellini 4084 Watch 18K White Gold, 1980s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Cellini reference 4084 with a silver dial in 18K yellow gold from the 80s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements include a 30mm tank case and ...
White Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex 14Kt Solid White Gold Modernist Style Ladies Watch circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 9060 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm "Lug Tip...
14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Rolex Precision Ref.2636 Ladies 18K White Gold Mesh Bracelet Watch B/P
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications Brand: Rolex Model: Precision Reference: 2636 Movement: Rolex Caliber 1400 Movement Type: Manual Wind Jewels: 17 Case Material: Solid 18K White Gold (0.750) Bracelet: Original Integrated Solid 18K White Gold Rolex Mesh Bracelet...
White Gold
1961 Rolex Oyster Royal 6427 Stainless Steel Patina White Dial Manual 34 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Mid-Century Oyster Foundation The reference 6427 represents a pure, unadorned expression of mid-century design language, originating from an era when utilitarian durability and ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
1960's Rolex Ladies Vintage Cocktail Watch - 18K White Gold & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1960's ROLEX Ladies Vintage...
White Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel with Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial and Bezel, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x Diameter 35...
Vintage 1989 Rolex Day-Date 18039 18K White Gold Silver Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Understated Power Play The reference 18039 represents a significant evolution for the Day-Date, introducing the single quickset function that modernized the ownership experience...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1966 Rolex Ladies Dress Watch, Silver Dial - 14K White Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
White Gold
Genuine Rolex Watch. Diamond Bezel 1975 Ladies Manual ROLEX 2611 Precision
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1975. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2611. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case and Brac...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Chameleon 2003 Carved Geometric Case 18k WG 1966
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 1946 Brand Rolex Model Chameleon Reference 2003 Year 1966 Dial White Dial Case Carved Geometric Case Bracelet Rolex Chameleon Strap Diameter 24 x 16mm Length N/A Movement Manual...
Rolex Mini Datejust 79174 26mm Silver Diamond Dial 18k WG Fluted Bezel Steel 200
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2128 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 79174 Year 2005 Dial Silver Diamond Dial Case Steel and 18k White Gold Fluted Bezel Bracelet Steel Diameter 26mm Length 16cm Movement ...
Rolex Datejust 1601 Silver Piepan Dial 18k WG Fluted Bezel 1973
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Datejust 1601 Silver Piepan Dial 18k WG Fluted Bezel 1973 SKU 1906 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 1601 Year 1973 Dial Silver Piepan Dial Case Steel and 18k White Gold ...
Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 69173 Anniversary Diamond Dial SS/YG 1995
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2110 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 69173 Year 1995 Dial Anniversary Diamond Dial Case Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Diameter 26mm Length 16...
Rolex Mini Datejust 79179G Silver Big Diamond Dial A0 Serial 1999 with 2021 RSC
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2236 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 79179G Year 1999 Dial Silver Big Diamond Dial Case Steel and 18k White Gold Fluted Bezel Bracelet Steel Diameter 26mm Length 15.3cm Mo...
Rolex Mini Datejust 26mm 79174G Black Diamond Dial 18k Fluted Bezel F9 Serial 20
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 1937 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 79174G Year 2005 Dial Black Diamond Dial Case Steel and 18k White Gold Fluted Bezel Bracelet Steel Diameter 26mm Length 16.3cm Movemen...
