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 Daytona Cosmograph White Gold MOP Diamond Bezel Watch 116589RBR
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
An Oyster Perpetual Daytona Gents Wristwatch, mother of pearl dial set with round brilliant cut diamond hour markers, a fixed 18k white gold bezel set with approximately 124 round cu...
Diamond, White Gold
$61,500Sale Price|20% Off
Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Daytona Mint Pink Dial 2020 Service Papers Rose Gold Box and Paper
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Daytona REFERENCE: 116505 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Rose Gold DIAL: Pink BEZEL: 18k Rose Gold BAND: 18k Rose Gold MOVEMENT: Automatic Mint condition 2020 Service card...
Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Daytona, White Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold case with a 18k yellow gold rolex oyster bracelet. Fixed 18k yellow gold tachymeter bezel. White Mother of Pearl Diamond dial with gold-tone hands and index hour mark...
Diamond, 18k Gold
2002 Rolex Daytona 116520 Stainless Steel White Arabic Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The First In-House Daytona The reference 116520 marks a critical turning point for the most important chronograph in the world. Introduced in 2000, it was the first Daytona to house...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Ref 116509 Racing Dial White Gold Chronograph Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Daytona Chronograph Reference 116509. This watch has become one of the most iconic watches Rolex has ever made and is sought after all over the world. At the heart of this 40 m...
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Stainless Steel White Dial Automatic Men Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-Owned. No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with a Chronostore Presentation Box and Chronostore Authenticity Card. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-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. Watch Details: Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116520 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury, Sport Model: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Vintage: No Year Manufactured: 2000-2009 Customized: No Handedness: Right Box and Papers: Box: Chronostore Giftbox Included Papers: Chronostore Certificate With Papers: No Seller Warranty: Yes SKU: 00621 Band and Closure: Band Color: Steel Band Material: Stainless Steel Closure: Fold-Over Clasp with Flip Lock Safety Band Type: Bracelet Band Width: 15.5 mm Lug Width: 20 mm Wrist Fit: 7.5 inches Movement: Movement Caliber: Rolex caliber 4130...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona 116520 Stainless Steel Cream Dial Box & Papers-2004
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Daytona 116520 Men's Watch. 40mm stainless steel case with stainless steel tachymeter bezel. Cream dial with luminous silver hands and index hour marker. Three...
Steel
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116505 18K Rose Gold
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Daytona 116505 Men's Watch. This watch features a 40mm case and bezel made of 18K rose gold. It has a chocolate dial with luminous rose gold hands...
18k Gold
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116505 18K Rose Gold
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Daytona 116505 Mens Watch. 40mm 18K rose gold case with 18K rose gold bezel. Chocolate dial with luminous rose gold hands and Arabic numeral & ind...
18k Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm White Dial Stainless Steel New Buckle 116520 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116520 is a masterful blend of precision and luxury. Crafted in stainless steel, this 40mm timepiece features a round case with a solid back, ensuri...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Rare Panna Cream Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's wristwatch in stainless steel, by Rolex. Featuring an extremely desirable yet rare Panna cream dial, found only in a fairly tight serial range. With an engraved tachymetric s...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona White Gold Black Diamond Dial 116509
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Cosmograph Daytona in white gold from Rolex, featuring a black diamond set dial with snailed counters. With an engraved tachymetric scale, the three counters and pushers, t...
Diamond, White Gold
Rolex Daytona NOS White Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn NOS Daytona in Oystersteel by Rolex, featuring a white dial. With an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers; the Daytona was designed to be the ultimate tim...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona APH White Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Daytona in Oystersteel by Rolex, featuring a unique APH error white dial. With an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers; the Daytona was designed to be the ultimat...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Zenith Daytona Patrizzi Dial 16520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare stainless steel Zenith Daytona by Rolex. Featuring an extremely divisive and unique patrizzi dial. The watch further features an engraved tachymetric scale, three chronograph counters and pushers, the Daytona was designed to be the ultimate timing tool for endurance racing drivers. The Oyster bracelet is equipped with a folding Oysterlock clasp. Fitted with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a self-winding automatic chronograph Zenith movement. This N serial Rolex...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona NOS APH Black Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The predecessor to the 116500LN, this unworn stainless steel Cosmograph Daytona NOS by Rolex. Featuring a unique APH error black dial, a tachymetric scale, three chronograph counters...
Stainless Steel
