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 Precision Ref 14000 All Original Mens Air King 34m Automatic RA795
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster "Air-King" Precision Ref.14000 automatic, c.1995, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signe...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15000 34mm 1980s Mens Automatic All Original RA771
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15000 all-stainless steel automatic, c.1981, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, Roman numeral and applied baton hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 position, hands and dial in excellent vintage condition, very minor show of age. Acrylic crystal. Smooth bezel on stainless steel case measures 34mm wide, case in excellent condition. 27-jeweled Rolex cal.3035 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. On original Rolex solid stainless steel Oyster bracelet, measures 20cm with the watch, in very good vintage condition. A classic icon, Men's Rolex 15000...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 34mm 1970s Mens Automatic All Original RA772
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 all-stainless steel Date automatic, c.1978, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmake...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15000 34mm 1980s Mens Automatic All Original RA776
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15000 all-stainless steel automatic, c.1983, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed black dial, applied baton hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 position, hands and dial in excellent vintage condition, very minor show of age. Acrylic crystal. Engine turned bezel on stainless steel case measures 34mm wide, case in excellent condition. 27-jeweled Rolex cal.3035 COSC automatic movement, quickset date function, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. On original stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, measures 19cm with the watch, in very good vintage condition. A classic icon, Men's Rolex 15000...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 Mens 1960s Automatic All Original RA763
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.1501 Men's automatic, c.1967, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1510 35mm Mens 1980s Automatic All Original RA753
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic luxury, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 15010 Date automatic, c.1983, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmak...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Rare Original Satin Grained Silver Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 34m...
Rolex Air King 34mm 114200 Stainless Steel Silver Dial Watch Mint Condition
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
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 mm 1501 Silver Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in istanbul, TR
Classic but at the same time suitable for any occasion, the Rolex Oyster Date ref. 1501 can be worn on a daily basis and despite being a vintage watch, it has an elegant and modern l...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 1966 Air King Men's Watch - Stainless Steel Automatic 1007
By Rolex
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Air King Model Number: 1007 Specific Year: 1966 Movement: Automatic Warranty: 1 yr Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Rare brown mirror dial Metal Content: Stainl...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Watch With Original Shantung Dial 1971
By Rolex
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A men's vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual stainless watch Ref # 1002, with a service box. This Rolex with a production year of 1971 based on serial # (2688482) features a 34mm stainless...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual With Factory Original Dial from 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diam...
Stainless Steel
