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 Perpetual Date with White Dial and Oyster Band
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch with smooth bezel and even-numbered hour markers. An extravagant, yet sleek watch that echoes a sta...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 79160 Oyster Perpetual Date Stainless Steel White Semi-Arabic Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 79160 Oyster Perpetual Date Stainless Steel White Semi-Arabic Dial Watch This Rolex 79160 Oyster Perpetual Date Watch is in excellent condition and ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Datejust Silver Index Dial Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Datejust Silver Index Dial Stainless Steel Watch Diamond Bezel 16014
Diamond, Stainless Steel
$7,500
W 0.48 in D 1.42 in Dm 1.42 in L 1.42 in
Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel Silver Dial Automatic Watch 16030
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. It was produced in 1984. It shows nromal signs of wear. No original box and papers
Steel
$17,080
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Silver Dial Smooth Bezel Oyster Automatic Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. The original box and papers are included. Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Model Number: 126300-0003 Type and Style: Type: Wristwatch Sty...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 179160 Stainless Steel White Dial Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Pre-owned Rolex Ladies Datejust, Model 179160 - Ladies automatic winding wristwatch. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (26mm diameter). White dial with stick markers. Stainless ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 31 Midsize Silver Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch Oyster 78240
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Silver-tone stainless steel case with a silver-tone stainless steel oyster bracelet. Fixed silver-tone stainless steel bezel. Silver-tone dial with silver-tone hands and index hour m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady Datejust Stainless Steel Ladies Watch 179174
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Lady Datejust Stainless Steel Ladies Watch 179174 - Automatic winding; 31 jewel; sapphire crystal. Lady Datejust. Stainless steel case with fluted bezel (26mm diameter). Pink d...
Rolex Datejust 31 Silver Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Watch White Gold Bezel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 31mm Silver Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Watch White Gold Bezel, Circa 1990. This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Authenticity guaranteed! Dial has some discoloration due to sun exposure/age. The watch is covered by our in-house 1 year mechanical warranty. This model features quick-set movement. Comes with a jewelry box and appraisal certificate. “Discover our collection of carefully evaluated and inspected pre-owned watches, each meticulously assessed and authenticated by our in-house certified horologists. Every piece undergoes professional polishing and servicing adhering to Rolex standards...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 31 Silver Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Watch White Gold Bezel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 31mm Silver Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Watch White Gold Bezel, N Serial. This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition....
Stainless Steel
