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 Day-Date 36mm Automatic Roman Silver Dial Platinum Jubilee Watch 18206
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Day-Date President ref. 118206 exemplifies understated luxury with its 36mm platinum case and smooth bezel. The silver Roman numeral dial enhances its timeless appeal, while th...
Platinum
$180,895
W 1.58 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Day-Date President 40 Platinum Ice-Blue Roman Dial Men Watch 228236
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with the original box and papers. 5-year warranty. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year 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...
Platinum
Rolex Ladies Date 69190 26mm Blue Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69190 Serial: W73**** Year: 1995 Model: Rolex Ladies Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Stainless Steel ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1965 Rolex Air-King 5500 Steel Silver Pool Intairdril Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Tool Watch With A Hidden Story The Rolex Air-King has always been the purest expression of the brand's tool watch philosophy. It is simple, reliable, and built for a purpose. This...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King With Custom Blue Dial from Early 70's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1500's DIAL / HANDS: Custom Painted...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1969 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 Steel Blue Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Dial On A Foundational Reference The Oyster Perpetual Date is a cornerstone of the Rolex catalog, the purest expression of the brand's founding principles. This example from ...
Stainless Steel
2004 Rolex Datejust 16200 Stainless Steel Blue Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Modern Foundation The Rolex Datejust is the single most important reference in the brand's history, setting the standard for a daily wristwatch in 1945 and never relinquishing t...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Ref 1002, 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 40mm x Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Original Roman...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King Ref 1003 Custom Blue Dial, Early 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 1003 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial 16220
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial 16220 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with engine-turned bezel (36mm...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Platinum President Day-Date Men's Watch Mother of Pearl Oxford Diamond Dia
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Platinum President Day-Date Men's Watch Mother of Pearl Oxford Diamond Dial 118206 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. President. Platinum case with smo...
Rolex Datejust II Men's 41mm Silver Dial Stainless Steel Watch 116300
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust II Men's 41mm Silver Dial Stainless Steel Watch 116300 - Automatic winding, sapphire crystal,. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (41mm diameter). Silver dial with...
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision Stainless Steel Midsize Watch Ref 6266
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision Stainless Steel Midsize Watch Ref 6266 - Manual wind. Oysterdate Precision. Original stainless steel screw back Oyster case 30mm x 36mm; Triple sig...
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Automatic Winding Watch 16200
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Automatic Winding Watch 16200 - Automatic winding, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (36mm diameter). ...
Rolex Sky-Dweller Stainless Steel Blue Dial 326934
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Sky-Dweller Stainless Steel Blue Dial 326934 - Automatic, Quickset. Sky-Dweller. Stainless Steel with 18K White gold fluted bezel ( 42 mm ). Blue dial with index hour markers; ...
