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 Stainless Steel O.P Date with Rare Vignette Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1969 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel O.P Date with Rare Vignette Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1969 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Rare Datejust Reference 6605 with Original Dial from 1957
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6605 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 / 58 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1969 Rolex Date Stainless Steel Automatic Watch Ref. 1500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Vintage 1969 Rolex Date Ref. 1500 is a quintessential example of Rolex’s enduring mid-century design language, blending understated sophistication with ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1969 Rolex Date Stainless Steel Automatic Watch Ref. 1500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Vintage 1969 Rolex Date Ref. 1500 is a quintessential example of Rolex’s enduring mid-century design language, blending understated sophistication with ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1988 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Silvered Dial and Gilt Markers
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Classic Steel Datejust with Original Dial and Machined Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Baton Markers / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Jubilee Bracelet 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a classic example of their legendary Datejust model. The watch has just been serviced and comes with our extensive warranty and lifetime service commitment. You can wear this famous watch...
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust from 1967 with Original Dial and Dauphine Hands
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1967 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36mm ...
Rolex Steel Perpetual Datejust with Original Outstanding Silver Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Factory House STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Date Steel 1501 Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1973 Rolex Date Wrist watch, 35 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster case. Caliber 1570, 26 jewel Automatic, self winding movement. Custom Turquoise Blue Dial with Raised White...
Steel
Rolex 2000 Midsize Date Ref 15210 Stainless Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Rolex Date Model Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece case with Engine Turned Bezel, Caliber 3135 Automatic, self winding movement. Black Dial with Raised Silver B...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King Ref: 114200 Steel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2007 Rolex Air King, Reference 114200, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Water resistant Oyster Case with smooth bezel. Automatic self winding movement, Silver satin dial with ...
Steel
Rolex Vintage Steel Date Model 1501 Black Dial Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1957 Rolex Reference 1501 Date Model Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless Steel case with Engine Turned Bezel, Caliber 1560, 26 Jewel Automatic, Sel...
Steel
Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500. 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1520 Automatic, Self winding movement, excellent Mint conditi...
Steel
Rolex Ladies 176200 Steel Automatic Oyster Perpetual Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2020 Rolex Ladies Ref 176200 Wrist Watch, 26 M.M. Stainless Steel 26 M.M 3 piece Water Resistant Oyster case. Caliber 2231, 31 Jewel, Automatic, Self Winding Movement. Desirabl...
Steel
