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 GMT-Master II Sprite 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 time zone hand. The green and black bidirectional rotatable bezel features...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master Stainless Steel Blue Red Bezel, Ref 1675
By Rolex
Located in Queens, NY
Rolex GMT Master Stainless Steel Blue Red Bezel, reference no. 1675 with black dial, luminous indexes, date window at 3 o'clock, powered by automatic self winding movement, calibre 1...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 116710LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens stainless steel GMT-Master II by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. The bi-directional rotatable bezel features a 24-hour di...
Stainless Steel
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 II 116710LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens stainless steel GMT-Master II by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. The bi-directional rotatable bezel features a 24-hour di...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi 16750, Stainless Steel, 1982, Swiss Made
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
This rare Rolex GMT features its original iconic red and blue “Pepsi” bezel insert with a beautiful patina. Throughout the watch you will see a consistent patina with all original pa...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi 18k White Gold 2014 B&P 116719BLRO
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A GMT-Master II Pepsi by Rolex crafted from 18k white gold. Featuring a black dial, date aperture and a red time zone hand. The blue and red bi-directional rotatable bezel features ...
18k Gold, White Gold
$23,573
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
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 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...
2025 Rolex GMT-Master II SPRITE Green Ceramic 40mm Jubilee Steel 126720VTNR
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite Ref. 126720VTNR is a modern embodiment of precision and luxury. Crafted in stainless steel, this 40mm timepiece features a robust round case and a stri...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV Kermit MK2 41mm Black Dial Green Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex Submariner 126610LV is a masterful blend of luxury and functionality. This 41mm timepiece showcases a striking black dial, accentuated by luminous round indexes and hands, ensu...
Stainless Steel
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
Cartier Tank 2300 Stainless Steel Watch with Roman Numerals
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Cartier Tank 2300 is a distinguished timepiece that embodies elegance and precision. Featuring a rectangular 20mm case, this watch is crafted from stainless steel, offering a sle...
Stainless Steel
Ulysse Nardin Marine 43mm Watch with Brown Sunburst Dial and Leather Strap
By Ulysse Nardin
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Ulysse Nardin Marine 265-67-3/45 is a sophisticated blend of luxury and precision. This 43mm timepiece features a captivating brown sunburst dial, elegantly adorned with Roman numera...
Stainless Steel
18k White Gold Round Diamond Cluster Openwork Wave Statement Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This exquisite cocktail ring showcases a bold design with a luxurious dome shape, crafted in 18k white gold. The ring is adorned with round-cut white diamonds, totaling 3.15 carats, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
