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 II Diamond & Sapphire Set Watch 116759SANR
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A white gold GMT-Master II by Rolex. The black dial dial has applied hour markers and features the date and the arrow-tipped GMT second time zone hand. The bidirectional rotatable bezel features 34 baguette cut diamonds, 11 baguette cut sapphires and a single trillion cut sapphire...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex 116758SA GMT-Master II 18 Karat Diamond & Sapphire Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Experience luxury and elegance with the Rolex 116758SA GMT-Master II. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this exceptional timepiece showcases a captivating fusion of timeless design and exq...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Datejust Presidential Diamond Ruby 18K Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1988 Rolex Datejust Presidential automatic watch in 18K yellow gold featuring a fully paved diamond and ruby dial, diamond-set beze...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Rolex GMT-MASTER II Everose Gold 40mm with box and papers 2023
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II in 18 ct Everose gold with a black dial and an Oyster bracelet. *We can have it new or second hand You can request more info* Prices will vary- ...
Rose Gold, Gold
Rolex Datejust Cream Index Dial Diamond/Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable condition, having undergone professional polishing and servicing to maintain its pristine appearance. The wa...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Silver Dial Diamond Bezel / Lugs Two Tone Ruby Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust Silver Dial Diamond Bezel/Lugs Two Tone Ruby Watch We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impec...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 18K Yellow Gold Steel Jubilee Automatic Watch 126713GRNR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Comes with original box and papers.
Steel
Rolex Lady Datejust 26mm 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Pave Dial President Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1988 Rolex Lady Datejust 26mm in solid 18K yellow gold featuring a fully diamond and ruby paved dial with round brilliant diamond bezel totaling approximately 3.00 carats, ru...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 16233 Two Tone Steel-18K Gold Ruby Diamond Bezel Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust two-tone stainless steel and 18K yellow gold automatic wristwatch featuring an aftermarket diamond and ruby bezel, a white dial with black Roman numerals and diamond hour markers, date display, gold Dauphine hands, and a two-tone Jubilee bracelet. Bracelet fits 6.5 inches with one extra link included; original box included; 9/10 condition. Product Specifications: Item Type: Mens Automatic Wristwatch Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Datejust Movement: Automatic (Rolex Oyster Perpetual) Case Material: Stainless steel with 18K yellow gold bezel, crown, and Jubilee center links Case Size: 36mm Reference Number: 16233 Year: 1990 Dial: White with black Roman numerals and diamond hour markers Indices: Diamond hour markers with black Roman numerals Hands: Gold-tone Dauphine Bezel Type: Fixed aftermarket diamond and ruby set bezel Bezel Color: 18K yellow gold with round brilliant diamonds and baguette ruby accents at cardinal points Band Material: Two-tone Jubilee bracelet, stainless steel with 18K yellow gold center links Band Color: Two-tone silver and yellow gold Clasp: Rolex signed folding deployant with embossed crown Features: Date display with cyclops magnifying lens at 3 o'clock, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, Swiss Made Style: Luxury dress watch Condition: 9/10 excellent Box: Original box included Extra Link: One extra bracelet link included Bracelet Length: 6.5 inches About the Watch: This circa 1990 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust...
Ruby, Diamond, Stainless Steel, Gold
Rolex GMT-Master II 116718LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's GMT-Master II wristwatch crafted in 18k yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied hour markers, date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. Complementing...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex GMT-Master II 2-Tone Men's Watch 16713 with Ruby Serti Dial
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT-Master II 2-Tone Men's Watch 16713 with Ruby Serti Dial - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. GMT-Master II. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold...
Men's Rolex GMT-Master II Men's 2-Time Zone Watch 16713
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Men's Rolex GMT-Master II Men's 2-Time Zone Watch 16713 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. GMT-Master II. Stainless steel with...
Rolex GMT-Master II Men's Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Rootbeer Watch 126711CHN
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT-Master II Men's Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Rootbeer Watch 126711CHNR - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. GMT-Master II. Stainless steel case case...
Rolex GMT-Master Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch 1675
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT-Master Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch 1675 - Automatic winding. GMT-Master. Stainless steel with original rotating bezel with black insert (40mm diameter).. ...
Rolex GMT-Master II 2-Tone Men's Watch 116713 with Green GMT hand
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT-Master II 2-Tone Men's Watch 116713 with Green GMT hand - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold bezel (40mm di...
Ladies Rolex President 18k Gold Diamond Watch 69138
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Ladies Rolex President 18k Gold Diamond Watch 69138 - Automatic winding, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. President. 18k yellow gold case and factory diamond bezel (26mm diameter). V...
