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 Midsize Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Watch 68278
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Midsize Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Watch 68278 - Automatic winding with date. Midsize President. 18k yellow gold case with Fluted bezel (31mm diameter). Black stick dial. 18k yel...
Vintage Rolex Datejust President 26mm 18K Gold Champagne Dial Fluted Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1996 Rolex OP Datejust Presidential reference 69178 automatic watch in solid 18K yellow gold, featuring a champagne dial with applied gold index hour markers, tritium-lume ha...
18k Gold
Rolex Two Tone Datejust with Rare Polished Bezel circa, 1964
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1600 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Solid Gold & Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1964 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1989 Rolex Datejust Two Tone Automatic Watch Ref 16233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex’s enduring Datejust design is presented here in a refined two tone configuration, pairing stainless steel with warm yellow gold for a classic and versatile wristwatch. This vin...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel and Gold Datejust with Original Factory Gold Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two-Tone Stainless Steel & 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Factory Original Gold Dial with Gold Markers / Gold Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Mature styling and classic looks are the DNA of this Datejust. Rolex's reputation of being the leader in styling and reliability since their inception is present in this exceptional timepiece. You can rely wholeheartedly on this watch to get you from point A to B for any occasion while looking and feeling great. It is very versatile in styling, can be worn with formal attire for a more mature look and dressed down with a t-shirt and jeans for a more relaxed feel. This unisex Rolex...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Two Tone Datejust with Exceptional Factory Original Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Solid Gold & Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust 80s Ref 16233 Automatic Gold Two Tone Champagne
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16233 automatic two tone with a champagne roman numeral dial on a jubilee bracelet from the 1990s. Keeps great time and is fully functional....
Stainless Steel
$13,899
H 1.03 in W 0.4 in D 1.03 in Dm 1.03 in L 1.03 in
Rare Vintage Rolex President Datejust 26 Champagne Stick Dial Gold Watch 69178
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Recently serviced. The movement is calibrated and keeps time well. No original box and papers. Comes with a gift box. General Information Brand: Rolex M...
Gold
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 126203
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 126203 - Automatic winding, Quickset, Sapphire Crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold ( 36 mm ). Factory Black diamond ...
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 16203
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 16203 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel with 18k yellow gold smooth bezel (36mm dia...
