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.
Vintage Rolex Datejust Two Tone Men's Watch 16013
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 16013 is one of the most recognizable and enduring two-tone luxury watches ever made, combining the prestige of Rolex with the timeless appeal of sta...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Milgauss Steel Black Dial Orange Hand Automatic Mens Watch 116400
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre Owned. Original Box and Papers are Included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch'...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Coral Red Dial 124300 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn 41mm Oyster Perpetual from Rolex in Oystersteel. Features a coral red dial and a smooth domed bezel. The Oyster bracelet comes with a folding Oyster...
Coral, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 Serpico y Laino Dial Circa 1962
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional vintage circa 1962 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 is a highly collectible example distinguished by its rare double-signed Serpico y Lain...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Milgauss Steel Black Dial Orange Hand Automatic Men Watch 116400
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Good condition. No original box and paper. Comes with a Chronostore box and an authenticity card. Covered by 2-year seller warranty * Free shipping within the USA * 24-month 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 or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116400 BKO Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Dress/Formal,Luxury Model: Rolex Milgauss...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 1603 Sunburst Gray Non Lume Dial 2.7m Serial 1971
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 1272 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 1603 Year 1971 Dial Gray Non Lume Case Steel and 18k White Gold Fluted Bezel Bracelet Leather Strap Diameter 36mm Length N/A Movement Au...
Vintage 1975 Rolex Datejust 1603 Stainless Steel Silver Sunburst Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Steel Rolex Every Datejust decision comes down to the bezel, and the 1603 picks the quiet one. Where the fluted bezel throws light and announces the gold, the engin...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1972 Rolex Datejust 1601 Stainless Steel Silver Sunburst Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Rolex The Datejust is the watch that defined the modern dress watch. When it was introduced in 1945, it was the first automatic wristwatch with a date that changed ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1967 Rolex Datejust 1603 Stainless Steel Silver Linen Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A More Considered Vintage Datejust The Reference 1603 is a standout in the vintage Datejust family for one key reason: its engine-turned steel bezel. Unlike the more common fluted w...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex 6305 RED Datejust Rare TROPICAL DIAL Stainless Steel 36mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6305 Vintage Rolex Serial: 572** Year: 1960 Model: Rolex Datejust ("Red" Datejust) Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: S...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Orange Dial circa, circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm "Lug Ti...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Orange Dial, circa 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diameter 34m...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Custom Orange Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel & White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SI...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: 1960's DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm x Diameter...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Orange Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: 1970's DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm x Diameter...
Stainless Steel
