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 Rose Gold Sundust Index Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126331
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with the original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 126331 Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Style: Luxury Vintage: No Country/Region of ...
Steel
$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
$35,300
H 1.62 in W 0.52 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust 18k Rose Gold Steel Sundust Dial Automatic Jubilee Watch 126331
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. The original Box and papers are included.
Rose Gold, Steel
$27,830
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust 41 18K Rose Gold Steel Chocolate Dial Mens Oyster Watch 126331
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Box and papers included. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust 126331 Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 126331 Country/Region of Manufactu...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Chocolate Index Dial Two-Tone Rose Gold Steel Watch 126331
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 in Oystersteel and Everose gold features a chocolate dial and a Jubilee bracelet. The Rolex fluted bezel is a mark of distinction. Originally, the f...
Steel, Stainless Steel, Rose Gold
$22,770
W 0.52 in Dm 1.42 in
NEW Rolex Datejust 36 18k Rose Gold Steel Slate Wimbledon Dial Mens Watch 126231
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New watch. Box and paper * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 126231 Type and Style: Type: Wristwatch Style: Luxury Department: Men Display: Analog Vintage: No Year Manufactured: 2010-Now Design and Aesthetics: Dial Color: Slate Dial Pattern: Sunburst Indices: 12-Hour Dial, Roman Numerals Bezel Type: Fixed, Fluted Bezel Color: Rose Gold Band Color: 18k Rose Gold, Steel Band Material: Rose Gold, Stainless Steel Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Color: Steel Watch Shape: Round Band Type: Bracelet Closure: Fold-Over Clasp Case Finish: Polished Mechanical Specifications: Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) Movement Caliber: Rolex Caliber 3235...
Rose Gold, Steel
$34,030
H 41 in W 12 in Dm 41 in
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel 18K Rose Gold Chocolate Diamond Dial Men’s Watch 126331
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. This watch comes with an original box and papers. Details: Model Number 126331 Brand Rolex Department Men Style Luxury Model Rolex Datejust 126331 Band Color Steel & Gold...
Steel
$24,200
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel 18K Rose Gold Chocolate Diamond Dial Mens Watch 126301
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Box and papers included. 🏷️ General Information Brand: Rolex Model Name: Datejust Model Number: 126301 Style: Luxury Type: Wristwatch Depart...
Rose Gold
$22,520
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
NEW Rolex Datejust 41 18k Rose Gold Steel Silver Motif Dial Men Watch 126301
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New 2023 card. Comes with a box and papers. 5 year Rolex warranty General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 126301 Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Year Manufactured: 2023 C...
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
Rolex Vintage Datejust Steel & 14k Rose Gold Grey Slate Dial 1601
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Datejust reference 1601 in stainless steel and 14k rose gold. Featuring a superb grey slate dial with a date display and a 14k rose gold fixed fluted bezel. Fitted ...
Rose Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel, 14k 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 Datejust 36mm Concentric Dial Roulette Date Wheel 116201
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm Rolex Datejust reference 116201 in stainless steel and rose gold, featuring a distinctive black concentric dial with luminous Arabic numerals and hands. One of its most desir...
Rose Gold, Steel
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 Datejust 36mm 116200
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm Datejust by Rolex in stainless steel. Features a blue jubilee dial with applied roman numerals and a smooth bezel. Fitted with sapphire crystal and self-winding automatic mov...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm 126333
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A steel and gold 41mm mens Datejust by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied hour markers and a smooth yellow gold bezel. Fitted with a sapphire crystal, a self-winding automati...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
