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 Steel Explorer II White Dial Ref. 16570
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Rolex Model: 16570 Year: 1996 Serial number: T4xxxxx Reference: C0_ Case: Show sign of wear w/ slight polishing from previous; inner case back stamped 16570. Dial: In excell...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II 1655 'Albino Freccione' Vintage Steel Mens Watch W/Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Explorer II 1655 'Albino Freccione' Vintage Steel Mens Watch. Officially certified chronometer self-winding movement. Straight-line lever ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II 16570 Panna Polar S Serial 1993
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Explorer II 16570 “Panna” Polar – S Serial (1993) – Rare Collectible Vintage An exceptional opportunity for the discerning collector: this Rolex Explorer II 16570, dating from...
1984 Rolex Explorer II 16550 Spider Rail Dial Men's Watch #23711
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1984 Rolex Explorer II Men's Watch Model: 16550 Serial: 8584581 This vintage Rolex Explorer II men's watch is a true collector's item. The watch features what is know as a "black s...
Steel
Vintage Rolex Explorer II Spider Rail Dial 16550
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A striking Explorer II by Rolex, featuring an extremely rare and sought-after "rail" dial with a glossy black dial that has attainted a unique spider web-like design located on the dial. The watch further features a red 24-hour hand and a fixed stainless steel bezel with an engraved 24-hour display. This one-of-a-kind timepiece is fitted with a sapphire glass, a automatic movement and a stainless steel oyster bracelet equipped with a deployant clasp. In excellent condition, this vintage timepiece...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel 42mm Mint Condition 216570
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Explorer II wristwatch in Oyster steel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture, and an orange 24 hour hand. Complimenting the dial is a fi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II 42mm Polar White Dial Automatic Oystersteel Men's Watch 226570
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Explorer II in Oystersteel with an Oyster bracelet features a white dial with an arrow-shaped 24-hour hand and hour markers with a Chromalight display. The Expl...
Steel
Rolex Vintage Explorer II Steve McQueen Albino Mark II Dial 1655
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Steve Mcqueen Rolex Explorer II labelled the albino. Hard to come by, the orange 24-hour hand the Explorer is iconically known for has fa...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steve McQueen Explorer II "Freccione" Ref. #1655 Straight Hand Watch, 1971
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: Explorer II * UNPOLISHED* Year: 1971 Serial number: 327xxxxx Reference: #1655 Case: Show normal sign of wear with no sign of polish from previous; inner ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Polar Explorar II NOS 16570
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn NOS Explorer II in stainless steel by Rolex. Featuring a white dial with a date aperture, a red 24 hour hand and a fixed bezel with a 24 hour display. An Oyster bracelet c...
Stainless Steel
