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 Ref 6564 Mens 34mm 1950s Vintage Automatic RA794B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6564 automatic, c.1957, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial,...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6564 All Original Mens 34mm Automatic 1950s RA794
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic with iconic Gay Frères bracelet! Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6564 automatic dress watch, c.1959, all original with Gay Freres bracelet, in excellent working conditi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1960s Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA774B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 manual wind, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, unrestored Rolex signe...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 6480 All Original Mens 34mm 1950s Manual Wind Vintage RA416S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Rolex ref.6480 Oyster manual hand-wind dress watch, c.1958, all original, unrefurbished, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchma...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Mens Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA575B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Men's Oysterdate Precision 6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1962, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signe...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s 34mm Mens Vintage Manual Wind RA670
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 manual wind, c.1967, unrestored, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gor...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Rolex Oyster Perpetual AirKing Stainless Mens Watch Ref. 6480
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Oyster Precision Ref. 6480 is a highly appealing mid-1950s example of classic Rolex design, offering the understated ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 1952-1961 Oyster 34 Perpetual Reference 1003 Two Tone Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in Providence, RI
This iconic two tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch blends luxury and functionality into a classic formal wrist watch. The exquisite dial features 14k yel...
Stainless Steel
Vintage ROLEX Oyster Watch. Rolex ref 4365. 1940s Gold Capped Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Mens Watch Just underwent Full Service - Ready To Go Stainless Steel Case that is Gold Filled Capped ref.4365 Circa 1946 Condition: Windup Movement. Runs we...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel "Bubble Back' with Original Dial from 1946 or 47
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 3372 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1946 / 47 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 32mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber "N.A." DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Gold Baton Markers / Dauphine Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 17mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic Rolex "Bubble Back" is fitted with the legendary Caliber N.A. Movement, their first Perpetual Winding caliber. The watch is entirely original and has the very desirable Thunderbird Machined Bezel. We have just serviced this rare watch and it comes with our 18 month warranty and our lifetime service commitment. If you are looking for a watch as a gift for someone born in 46 or 47 this might be just the watch for them. It is also supplied with an original "ladder" or "bamboo" bracelet. These bracelets were available as an option for all the Rolex...
Rolex Stainless Steel Classic Oysterdate with Original Dial, circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x Diameter ...
Rolex Stanless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Dial from 1957
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual .Date / Reference 6534 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
