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 Royal Vintage Rose Gold and Steel Manual Wind Mid Size Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940 Rolex Reference 4302 Oyster Royal Wrist Watch, 29 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless steel case with Oyster Water Resistant back and a Rose Gold bezel, 17 jewel mechanical, manual win...
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Oyster Precision 34mm Two-Tone Rose Gold Steel Rare Dial 1978 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Precision Oyster Date 34mm on two tone rose gold and stainless steel on Oyster bracelet. The dial features a rare brown and cream white pattern, complemented by a seldom seen mix of arabic and roman numeral hour markers. The combination of rose gold and stainless steel offers an elegant yet rugged look. Fixed textured bezel and automatic mechanical movement. Everything about this watch is unique and rare. The perfect watch for those in search of a Rolex that stands out from the traditional models and no one else has. Details: Item Type: Rolex Precision Watch...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 18k Rose Gold Rolex Bubbleback Automatic Watch Ref 6011
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Classic vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback wrist watch crafted in 18k rose gold. This reference 6011 features the distinctive early automatic Rolex case with screw-down Oyster...
18k Gold
Rolex Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938 From a time before formal reference numbers and when a 26mm case was considered suitable for any wrist, this vintage Rolex fr...
Rose Gold
Rare 1950s Rolex Rose Gold Chronometer Champagne Dial Precision Vintage 4134
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 37mm 18k Rose Gold Vintage Precision Gents Wristwatch, a rare original chronometer champagne dial with applied 18k rose gold index batons and roman...
Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex 3372 Chronometre Rose Gold SS Men 1940s 32mm Automatic Bubbleback RA750B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare and historic Rolex Perpetual Ref.3372 with solid rose gold bezel, c.1947, unrestored dial, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Ro...
Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Precision Ref 4431 18k Rose Gold Mens 1940s 33mm Manual Wind RA689
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, timeless treasure 18k solid rose gold Rolex Precision ref 4431 fancy lugs manual wind dress watch, c.1946, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchm...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex perpetual 4134 18k Rose Gold Rare Mens Jumbo 37mm Automatic 1940s RA691
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, vintage classic Rolex Perpetual Ref.4134 in luxurious solid 18k rose gold, c.1945, unrestored dial, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. G...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Steel and Rose Gold "Bubble Back" with Rare Original Dial from 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back / Reference 2940 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / 14Kt. Solid Pink Gold Bezel ...
Rolex Rose Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Watch, circa 1956
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6305/1 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel w/ Rose Gold Bezel DIMENSIONS: Length 42mm X Diameter 34mm CIRCA: 1956/57 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: 20 Jewels / Caliber 745 DIAL / HANDS: Original w/ Red Datejust / Rose Gold Dauphine Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: All Steel Jubilee Bracelet/ 20mm / Full Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is the Classic, Early Datejust with a rare original pink bezel...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Gold Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 179173
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex Ladies Gold Steel Datejust Wristwatch ref 179173 with solid links and hidden fold over clasp in 18k yellow gold and steel. Model 179173. 18k yellow gold and steel Length:...
18k Gold, Steel, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century all original, 1951 Rolex stainless steel oyster date precision wristwatch. Red date wheel. Original ruby steel riveted oyster band. Unpolished, ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 179178, circa 2002
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex lady's 18k yellow gold Datejust wristwatch, Ref. 179178, circa 2002, cream-colored textured dial with gold Roman numerals. The dial has a pattern on it that is hard to photograph. the close up photo captures it accurately. 18k yellow gold Bracelet length: 6.5 inches Top to bottom: 32.77mm Width without crown: 26.4mm Width with crown: 28.78mm Bracelet width at case: 13mm Case thickness: 10.7mm Bracelet: Rolex President, 750, D711 83138 Crystal: Sapphire Outside case: 179178, Y165815 Inside case: Rolex 750...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies President Date Just Turntable Dial Diamond Dial Gold Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Lady's Rolex President Date Just turntable wristwatch model 179138. Factory Turntable dial with a diamond bezel in 18k yellow gold. 6.5 inches. The band oyster band has no visible stretch or wear. Circa 2001. Rolex box included. No papers. Length: 33mm Width: 26mm Band width at case: 13mm Case thickness: 11.80mm Band: 18k yellow gold ladies president...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 1.20 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold President Mens Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Mens Rolex President 18k gold. Minimal stretch to band. Worn for special occasions only. White dial with Roman numerals and after market diamond bezel. Circa 1985. Serviced and warr...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany Rolex Geneve Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch
By Rolex for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1970's Rolex Geneve ladies wristwatch. Hand textured solid 14k yellow gold band. Tiffany & Co Rolex dial. Length: 22.41mm Width: 25.2mm Band width at case: 15.72mm Case thickness: 5.75mm Band: 14k yellow gold textured band Dial: white Rolex Geneve Tiffany Outside case: 14k 3652 Movement: Rolex 1600...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
