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 Ref 6624 Oyster Date 18k Solid Gold Midsize 30mm 1960s Automatic RA456C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious elegance, 18k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6624 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1962, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Go...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 35mm 14k Solid Gold Mens 1970s Automatic RA741
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 14k solid gold automatic, c.1978, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker....
Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1007 18k Solid Gold 1970s Mens 34mm Automatic RA797
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster perpetual ref.1007 men's 34mm automatic, c.1978, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, Rolex signed gold dial, applied index short baton hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, hands in excellent vintage condition, very minor show of age, natural patinas and discoloration due to age. Acrylic crystal. Solid gold fluted bezel on 18k solid gold case measures 34mm wide, in pristine vintage condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 chronometer-certified automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is all original. Fitted on new, aftermarket genuine croc strap and buckle. Timeless luxury, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex 1007...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Ref 6580 Mens 34mm 1950s 14k Gold SS Vintage Automatic RA786
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oyster ref.6580 automatic dress watch, c.1954, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rol...
Stainless Steel, 14k Gold
Rolex Oyster 6827 Datejust 18k Solid Gold 1980s Midsize 30mm Automatic RA732
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage luxury, 18k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6827 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1981, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeo...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 6827 Oyster Datejust 18k Solid Gold 30mm 1980s Midsize Automatic RA732B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, 18k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6827 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1981, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gor...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual 18K Yellow Gold 34mm 6564 Circa 1956
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6564, an exceptional yellow gold timepiece featuring a rare hobnail-patterned dial with applied gold faceted baton indices and a raise...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Date 15238 34mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Box Paper 2002
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15238 Serial: P28**** Year: 2002 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Fluted ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26mm 18k Yellow Gold Ref. 6718
By Rolex
Located in Media, PA
Up for sale is a beautiful vintage Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual crafted in solid 18k yellow gold. This timeless, time-only dress watch features a classic smooth bezel, an elegant ch...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster 1005 Champagne Dial Gold Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34mm reference 1005 champagne dial, fluted bezel, and set in 14k yellow gold. Fitted with a vintage Rolex jubilee bracelet made in Mexico. Made with a...
18k Gold
Rolex 126333 18k Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Factory Mother of Pearl Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 126333 18k Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Factory Mother of Pearl Dial Watch Brand: Rolex MPN: 126333 Model: Datejust Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold a...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold
Rolex 4431A Chronometer 18K Yellow Gold Fancy Lug Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Rolex Precision “Fancy Lugs” Ref. 4431A is a striking example of 1960s watchmaking, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and a unique design. Crafted from 18K yellow gold, this w...
18k Gold
