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.
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Rolex Explorer II 216570
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Explorer II wristwatch in Oystersteel by Rolex. Features a black dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture, an orange 24-hour hand and a fixe...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II 16570
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm Explorer II by Rolex in stainless steel. Features a black dial with a date aperture, a red 24-hour hand and a stainless steel fixed bezel set with a...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel 42mm Mint Condition 216570
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Explorer II wristwatch in Oyster steel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture, and an orange 24 hour hand. Complimenting the dial is a fi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II Black Dial 216570
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Explorer II wristwatch in Oyster steel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture, and an orange 24-hour hand. Complimenting the dial is a fi...
Steel
Rolex Explorer II 16570
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm Explorer II by Rolex. Featuring a white dial with a date aperture, a red 24 hour hand and a stainless steel fixed bezel set with a 24 hour display. ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer 36mm 114270
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens 36mm Explorer wristwatch in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied arabic numbers and a fixed smooth bezel. Fitted with a scra...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16570
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Explorer II Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16570 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal, dual time. Explorer II. Stainless steel case (40mm diameter) with 24 h...
Rolex Explorer II Steel No Holes Case GMT Automatic Mens Watch 16570
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Rolex Explorer II 16570 is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by a mechanical (automatic) movement which is cased in a stainless steel case. It has a round shape face, date indicator, dual time dial, and has hand sticks & dots style markers. It is completed with a stainless steel band that opens and closes with a fold-over clasp with safety. This watch was produced in 2004. No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with Chronostore Presentation Box and Chronostore Authenticity Card. Covered by 1-year Chronostore Warranty. Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 16570 Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Style Luxury Model Rolex Explorer 16570...
Rolex Explorer II Steel No Holes Case GMT Automatic Mens Watch 16570
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned very good condition. Box and paper full set. Covered by a 2-year Chronostore Warranty. Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 16570 Country/Region of Man...
Rolex Explorer II 42mm Black Dial Box and Card
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Explorer II REFERENCE: 216570 SIZE: 42mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BAND: Oyster Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic Very Good condition Box & Card Accom...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II Men's Stainless Steel Watch 216570 Black Dial with Date
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Explorer II Men's Stainless Steel Watch 216570 Black Dial with Date - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal, dual time. Explorer II. Stainless steel case (42...
Rolex Explorer II Black Dial Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Can be accommodated with an appraisal upon request, after return period. Has been re-polished BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Explorer II REFERENCE: 16570 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL...
Stainless Steel
