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 GMT-Master 40mm PEPSI Black Stainless Steel Watch Blue/Red 16700 Year 1995
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Produced from 1988-1999, the Rolex GMT-Master ref. 16700 was the first steel GMT with sapphire crystal glass. Fitted to the correct '78360' all matte pre fliplock Oyster bracelet, an...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master 16713 Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Watch with Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Our company is a premiere distributor of pre-owned and new watches, where we guarantee complete authenticity and corresponding aesthetic to all of our timepieces. The watch is fully ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm 126600 Stainless Steel Watch Black Dial UNWORN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm Stainless Steel Watch Black Dial 126600 We are a premiere distributor of pre-owned and new watches, where we guarantee complete authenticity and corresponding aesthetic to all of our timepieces. We guarantee the watch you receive corresponds 100% to the model when viewed in person. We can confidently say, you will not be disappointed. But if for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase and feel as though the watch did not meet your expectations, we will REFUND you fully. Stainless steel case with a stainless steel Rolex oyster bracelet. Uni-directional rotating stainless steel bezel with a black ceramic ring. Black dial with silver-tone Mercedes-logo, sword, and Berget-style hands and dot hour markers. Minute markers around the outer rim. Luminescent hands and markers. Date display at the 3 o'clock position. Rolex caliber 3235...
Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Yacht-Master Titanium Black Ceramic 42mm 226627 Complete 2023
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This year, Rolex launched its commercial version of the Yacht-Master 42 Titanium. It isn’t just a titanium attire; it is a standalone model with its specificities and unique features. The case measures 42mm in diameter with a fairly contained 11.60mm thickness. Measuring 50.3mm from lug-to-lug, it’s not the smallest watch...
Titanium
Rolex Submariner Date Blue Dial Black PVD/DLC Stainless Steel Watch 116610LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date Blue Dial Black PVD/DLC Stainless Steel Watch 116610LN Please note: This is never worn genuine Rolex watch that has b...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master II Black Dial Yellow Gold Steel Mens Watch 16713 - 2008
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned, in excellent condition, Rolex GMT-Master II ref 16713 from 2008 is becoming more popular as newer GMT models gain attention. The attraction to it grows because it's getting harder to find discontinued models like the ref. 16713, which is admired for its vintage-style case and bracelet with tapered lugs, making it even more enticing. It has an aluminum bezel and smaller glowing dots on the dial, which adds to its classic look. If you want to impress even experienced watch collectors, this pre-owned Rolex 16713...
Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Batman Oyster Steel Ceramic Automatic Men Watch 126710BLNR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. 2022 card. Comes with the original box and paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify...
Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 40mm Batgirl Black Blue Bezel Steel Men's Watch 126710BLNR
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex GMT Master II Steel Batgirl Bezel Mens Watch 126710. Certified chronometer, automatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel oyster case 40.0 mm in diameter. Pointed crown guar...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Steel Batman Ceramic Mens Watch 116710BLNR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Comes with an original box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch'...
Steel
Rolex GMT - Master II 126710 BLNR Stainless Steel Men's Watch "Batman"
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT - Master II 126710 BLNR Stainless Steel Men's Watch "Batman" - Automatic winding; 31 Jewels. GMT-Master II. Stainless steel case with 24-Hour Rotatable, Black and Blue Cera...
Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR Batman Steel Ceramic Automatic Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This is brand new watch. This watch comes with the original box and paper. Brand: Rolex Series: GMT-Master II Model Number: 116710BLNR Box: Yes Papers: Yes Movement: Automatic Self...
Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite Unworn 2026 Left Hand Wrist Watch 126720VTNR
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A left-handed GMT-Master II "Sprite" by Rolex, crafted in stainless steel. Featuring a black dial with a green GMT hand, this model is distinguished by its green and black bidirectio...
Stainless Steel
