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 Datejust 41 Steel 18K White Gold White Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. 2023 card.Comes with the original box and papers. All our timepieces undergo thorough inspection and authentication, ensuring you receive a 100% aut...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel & 18K White Gold Black Index Dial Mens Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. This watch comes with the original box and paper. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 126334 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Lu...
White Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel 18k White Gold Wimbledon Dial Automatic Men Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Display Model 2021 Card Rolex Datejust 41 Steel 18k White Gold Wimbledon Dial Automatic Men Watch 126334. This Beautiful Timepiece Is Powered by a Mechanical (Automatic) Movement and...
NEW Rolex Datejust 41 Steel & 18K White Gold Black Index Dial Mens Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New watch. The original box and papers are included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the wa...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Oyster Band Rhodium Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. 2020 card. Comes with the original box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full r...
Steel
Rolex Datejust Steel 18K White Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 116334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. No original box and papers. * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at an...
White Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust 31 Silver Index Dial Stainless Steel Watch White Gold Bezel 68274
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Silver-tone stainless steel case with a silver-tone stainless steel jubilee bracelet. Fixed 18kt white gold bezel. Silver-tone dial with silver-tone hands and index hour markers. Min...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust II Men's 41mm Stainless Steel and White Gold Bezel Watch 116334
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust II Men's 41mm Stainless Steel Watch 116334 - Automatic movement, 31 jewels, Quickset, scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Stainless steel case with 18k white gold flut...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 Stainless Steel Quickset Watch Silver Roman Dial 16220
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Authenticity guaranteed! The watc...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 31 Midsize Silver Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch Oyster 78240
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Silver-tone stainless steel case with a silver-tone stainless steel oyster bracelet. Fixed silver-tone stainless steel bezel. Silver-tone dial with silver-tone hands and index hour m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 31 Silver Stick Dial Stainless Steel Watch White Gold Bezel 68274
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 31mm Silver Stick Dial Stainless Steel Watch White Gold Bezel, Circa 1984. This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Authenticity guaranteed! The watch is covered by our in-house 1 year mechanical warranty. This model features quick-set movement. Comes with a jewelry box and appraisal certificate. “Discover our collection of carefully evaluated and inspected pre-owned watches, each meticulously assessed and authenticated by our in-house certified horologists. Every piece undergoes professional polishing and servicing adhering to Rolex standards...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Men's 36mm Watch Ref. 16220
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This year 2000 Rolex Datejust Ref. 16220 is crafted in stainless steel with a classic 36mm case and distinctive fluted bezel. Presented as brand new old stock, the watch retains exce...
Stainless Steel
