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 Oyster Perpetual 34mm 114200 Stainless Steel Watch Silver Index Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Authenticity guaranteed! The sale...
Stainless Steel
$9,623
H 1.42 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Steel Black Concentric Dial Automatic Watch 116000
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Comes with the original box and paper. General Information: Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Name: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 116000 Model Number: 116000 ...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116000
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116000 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, sapphire crystal. Oyster Perpetual. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (36mm diameter). ...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm 277200
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Oyster Perpetual 31 in Oystersteel from Rolex. Features a black dial with applied hour markers and a smooth fixed bezel. The Oyster bracelet comes with the folding Oysterclasp. Fi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Factory Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Black Dial Domed Oyster Automatic Watch 124300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2023 Card. Original Box and Papers are Included. * Free Shipping within the USA * five-year Rolex warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Type...
Steel
Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial Oyster Band Vintage 1501 1952
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial Oyster 1501, 1952 year. This watch has been professionally polished and is in perfect working condition. All parts are 100% Rolex. This ...
Stainless Steel
$9,990
H 1.42 in W 0.4 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Steel Silver Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116000
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Comes with the original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Model Number: 116000 Style: Luxury Department: Men Year Manufacture...
Steel
Rolex Ladies 176200 Steel Automatic Oyster Perpetual Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2020 Rolex Ladies Ref 176200 Wrist Watch, 26 M.M. Stainless Steel 26 M.M 3 piece Water Resistant Oyster case. Caliber 2231, 31 Jewel, Automatic, Self Winding Movement. Desirabl...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet and Rare Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1969 / 70 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41m...
Stainless Steel
