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 Perpetual Date with White Dial and Oyster Band
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch with smooth bezel and even-numbered hour markers. An extravagant, yet sleek watch that echoes a sta...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 Steel & White Gold Silver Dial Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This vintage men's Rolex Datejust 1601 features a stainless steel Oyster case with a 36.0 mm diameter, complemented by an 18k white gold fluted bezel. The watch is equipped with an a...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 34mm 114200 Stainless Steel Silver Dial Watch Mint Condition
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 sale...
Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex 6519 Watch. 18k and SS ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic Movement Ref. 6519 25mm Case Circa 1970 Beautiful Watch. Fully serviced- ready to go. Condition: Great condition for the age. Unfortunately...
18k Gold, 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 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 Date Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial Oyster Band Vintage 1501 1952
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial Oyster 1501, 1952 year. This watch has been professionally polished and is in perfect working condition. All parts are 100% Rolex. This ...
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
Genuine Rolex 6618 Watch. Ladies ROLEX Oyster Perpetual White Dial Wristwatch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6618. Beautiful Watch. White Dial Case is Stainless Steel. Original Role...
Stainless Steel
$7,500
W 0.48 in D 1.42 in Dm 1.42 in L 1.42 in
Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel Silver Dial Automatic Watch 16030
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. It was produced in 1984. It shows nromal signs of wear. No original box and papers
Steel
Certina DS Trust Silver Dial Ladies Watch C019.510.11.037.00
By Certina Watch Company
Located in Southampton, PA
The Certina DS Trust watch, reference number C0195101103700, comes with a 34 mm stainless steel case presented on a matching stainless steel bracelet. This ...
Stainless Steel
LB Exclusive 14k White Gold 0.25 Carat Diamond Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive ring is crafted from 14K white gold and weighs 1.9 grams. It boasts band thickness of 1 mm and top height of 4 mm, while top dimensions measure 5 by 5 mm. The ring ...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
18K White Gold 13.40ct Diamond Bracelet ALB-19299-1
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Add sparkle and sophistication to any ensemble with this exquisite bracelet. Round cut Diamonds with a total weight of 13.40 carats shine brightly from their place within the contemp...
Diamond
18K White Gold 9.0ct Diamond Bracelet ALB19674-1
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A series of bezel-set Diamonds totaling 9.0 carats make this luxury bracelet incredibly elegant. Crafted from 18K White Gold, a chic, contemporary in design makes it a stunning addit...
Diamond
Patek Philippe Aquanaut 18K White Gold Cufflinks PP05-040926
By Patek Philippe
Located in Southampton, PA
These Patek Philippe Aquanaut cufflinks mimic the dial patterns found on the brands iconic luxury timepieces. Simple, elegant, and perfectly understated, theyll elevate any suited lo...
18k Gold, White Gold
Hermes 18K White Gold 0.75ct Diamond Bracelet HE112-060326
By Hermès
Located in Southampton, PA
This Hermes cuff bracelet is designed to continually make a statement. Simple yet incredibly bold, it comes to life thanks to sparkling Diamond accents with a total weight of 0.75 ca...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
