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 Submariner Date Diamond Dial 116613LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm Submariner Date in stainless steel and yellow gold by Rolex. Features a black diamond set dial, complemented by a yellow gold uni-directional rotatable bezel which has a black...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Serti Dial 16618
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's 40mm Submariner in yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a champagne serti dial (please note, the original dial was replaced with this serti dial during the Rolex service) set with 8 round brilliant cut diamonds, 3 sapphires and a date display. Complementing the dial is a yellow gold uni-directional rotating bezel with a blue bezel insert. Fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and powered by a self-winding automatic movement. The watch is equipped with a yellow gold Oyster bracelet and an Oyster lock deployant clasp. The watch comes with our own presentation box, Rolex punched papers dated November 1992 and a Rolex service warranty card...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner Date Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold 116613LB
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm Submariner Date in stainless steel and yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a blue dial, complemented by a yellow gold uni-directional rotatable bezel which has a blue ceramic inse...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm Steel & Gold Unworn 2026 Black Dial 126613LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 41mm Submariner Date, in Oystersteel and yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial, this 126613LN also features a yellow gold uni-directional rotatable bezel with a black cerami...
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel
Rolex Submariner Date NOS Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold Blue Dial 16613
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Unworn Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date NOS Men's Wristwatch, blue dial with applied hour markers, date at 3 0'clock, an 18k yellow gold uni-dire...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 16623
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Yacht-Master in stainless steel and yellow gold by Rolex. Features a white dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture and a bidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 18K Yellow Gold Steel Champagne Dial Automatic Watch 16623
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. No original box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-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...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm Automatic Men's Watch, 18kt Gold & Steel, 2021
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Yacht-Master Oyster Perpetual Date 18kt pink gold and stainless steel men's wristwatch. Comes with a full set of box and papers. Place of origin: Switzerland Period: 2021 Ca...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB Ceramic Bezel Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Watch
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 watc...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 18k Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 116613
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with a Chronostore Presentation Box and Authenticity Card. Covered by a 2-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex De...
Rolex Submariner Date 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 126613LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. Box and paper included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify th...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Watch 126613LN Unworn
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Box and paper included. * 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...
Yellow Gold, Steel
