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 6700 Lady Datejust 18k Solid Gold Diamond Dial 25mm 1960s Automatic RA688B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dazzling luxury, 18k solid gold Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual 6700 Datejust diamond dial automatic, c.1966, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. G...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 18k SS 36mm Mens 1960s Linen Dial Automatic RA767B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless icon, Men's 18k and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 Linen Dial Datejust automatic, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watch...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust 18k Gold 36mm Mens 1960s Date Automatic RA701C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref.6605 Datejust automatic, c.1960, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex ...
18k Gold
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1960s Automatic RA767
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 Datejust automatic with 18k gold bezel, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Iconi...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust 18k Gold 36mm Mens 1960s Date Automatic RA701B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare timeless treasure, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref.6605 Datejust automatic, c.1960, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied baton index hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 o'clock position, hands and dial in excellent, vintage condition, very minor show of age on hands and dial. Acrylic crystal. 18k solid gold fluted bezel on 18k solid gold case measuring 36mm, case in immaculate vintage condition. Original Rolex crown. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1066 COSC automatic movement, with butterfly rotor, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is all original. Fitted on new aftermarket genuine alligator strap and buckle. Luxurious classic, Rolex 6605...
18k Gold
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA768B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An icon, Rolex 1601 Oyster Datejust automatic Linen dial, c.1973, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Iconic Rolex linen dial, applied baton in...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rare Vintage Rolex Datejust 31mm 6827 14K Gold Champagne Dial Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Super rare model. Free polishing upon request. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. It s...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel and Gold Datejust with Original Factory Gold Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two-Tone Stainless Steel & 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Factory Original Gold Dial with Gold Markers / Gold Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Mature styling and classic looks are the DNA of this Datejust. Rolex's reputation of being the leader in styling and reliability since their inception is present in this exceptional timepiece. You can rely wholeheartedly on this watch to get you from point A to B for any occasion while looking and feeling great. It is very versatile in styling, can be worn with formal attire for a more mature look and dressed down with a t-shirt and jeans for a more relaxed feel. This unisex Rolex...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
1960's Rolex Ladies Datejust 18K Pink Gold Watch 6517 Champagne Dial #24698
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1960's Rolex Ladies Datejust Watch Model: 6517 Serial: 1xxx13 ( numbers have been worn over time so full serial is not visible) This vintage Rolex ladies watch is set in 18K pink g...
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref 16013 1980s Champagne Linen Dial 36mm Two Tone Case.
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16013 automatic two tone with a champagne linen dial on a jubilee bracelet from the 19780s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measur...
Gold
Rolex Two Tone Datejust with Exceptional Factory Original Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Solid Gold & Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 68273 Midsize Champagne Dial Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Datejust 68273 Ladies Watch. This timepiece features a 31mm stainless steel case and an 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. The champagne dial is accentuated by gold hands and index ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
