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 Daytona Black Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stainless steel Cosmograph Daytona by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers; the Daytona was designed to be the ultimate timi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Automatic Chronograph, Ref. 16520, Full Set, 1988
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rolex Daytona, Ref. 16520, U serial, Full Set from 1998 with Service Papers from 2008 and 2020, with original certificate. Model: 16520 Movement: Automatic Chronograph Zenith Cas...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Zenith Daytona Patrizzi Dial 16520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare stainless steel Zenith Daytona by Rolex. Featuring an extremely divisive and unique patrizzi dial. The watch further features an engraved tachymetric scale, three chronograph counters and pushers, the Daytona was designed to be the ultimate timing tool for endurance racing drivers. The Oyster bracelet is equipped with a folding Oysterlock clasp. Fitted with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a self-winding automatic chronograph Zenith movement. This N serial Rolex...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 6239 Daytona Stainless Steel Watch in Stock
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 6239 Daytona Stainless Steel Watch in Stock This is a super cool Rolex 6239 Daytona Stainless Steel Watch. The watch is vintage but still very modern...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Chronograph Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Daytona Chronograph Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116520 - Automatic winding, chronograph, 44 jewels, sapphire crystal. Daytona. Stainless steel case (40mm diameter). White dial....
Rolex Daytona 116520 Cream Dial SS P2 Serial 2001 Papers
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2274 Brand Rolex Model Cosmograph Daytona Reference 116520 Year 2001 Dial Cream Dial Case Steel Bracelet Steel Diameter 40mm Length N/A Movement Automatic Weight N/A Lug Width ...
Rolex Daytona NOS Black Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The predecessor to the 116500LN, this stainless steel unworn NOS Cosmograph Daytona by Rolex features a black dial. Featuring an engraved tachymetric scale, three chronograph counter...
Stainless Steel
2009 Rolex Daytona 116520 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The First In-House Daytona The reference 116520 is a landmark model. It represents the moment Rolex brought its legendary chronograph entirely in-house, replacing the modified Zenit...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1996 Rolex Daytona 16520 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Watch That Changed Everything The reference 16520 is the watch that transformed the Daytona from a respected chronograph into a global icon. Introduced in 1988, it was the first...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Steel Black Index Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned watch in good condition. Comes with an original box and papers. 2-year chronostore warranty. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Daytona 116520 Model Number: 116520 Co...
Steel
