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 2000 Midsize Date Ref 15210 Stainless Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Rolex Date Model Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece case with Engine Turned Bezel, Caliber 3135 Automatic, self winding movement. Black Dial with Raised Silver B...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Steel Date Model 1501 Black Dial Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1957 Rolex Reference 1501 Date Model Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless Steel case with Engine Turned Bezel, Caliber 1560, 26 Jewel Automatic, Sel...
Steel
Vintage 1969 Rolex Date Stainless Steel Automatic Watch Ref. 1500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Vintage 1969 Rolex Date Ref. 1500 is a quintessential example of Rolex’s enduring mid-century design language, blending understated sophistication with ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II Steel No Holes Case GMT Automatic Mens Watch 16570
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Rolex Explorer II 16570 is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by a mechanical (automatic) movement which is cased in a stainless steel case. It has a round shape face, date indicator, dual time dial, and has hand sticks & dots style markers. It is completed with a stainless steel band that opens and closes with a fold-over clasp with safety. This watch was produced in 2004. No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with Chronostore Presentation Box and Chronostore Authenticity Card. Covered by 1-year Chronostore Warranty. Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 16570 Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Style Luxury Model Rolex Explorer 16570...
Rolex Explorer II Steel No Holes Case GMT Automatic Mens Watch 16570
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned very good condition. Box and paper full set. Covered by a 2-year Chronostore Warranty. Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 16570 Country/Region of Man...
Vintage 1969 Rolex Date Stainless Steel Automatic Watch Ref. 1500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Vintage 1969 Rolex Date Ref. 1500 is a quintessential example of Rolex’s enduring mid-century design language, blending understated sophistication with ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Explorer 5504 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm Explorer crafted in stainless steel by Rolex. Features a matte black dial with arabic numbers and a steel bezel. Fitted with a plastic glass, a self-winding automatic movement and a stainless steel Oyster bracelet equipped with a deployant clasp. This vintage timepiece...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Explorer Super Precision Underline Dial 5500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Explorer in stainless steel. Featuring a black gilt dial with arabic numbers, a distinctive 'super precision' underlined at 6 o'clock and a steel bezel. The watch is ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer I NOS 114270
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn NOS 36mm Explorer I in Oystersteel by Rolex. Features a black dial and the iconic smooth bezel. The Oyster bracelet comes equipped with a folding ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer 36mm 114270
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens 36mm Explorer in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied arabic numbers smooth steel bezel. Fitted with a scratch-resistant sap...
Stainless Steel
