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 Sea Dweller Red Line Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Watch 126600
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This Display model Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600 is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by a mechanical (automatic) movement and is cased in a stainless steel case. It has a round...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller Red Writing 126600
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 43mm Red Writing Sea-Dweller by Rolex in stainless steel. Featuring a black dial with a date display and a steel uni-directional rotatable bezel with a ceramic black insert as well...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1997 Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Steel Coke Bezel Black Dial Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of The Aluminum Tool Watches The reference 16710 represents the final evolution of the classic Rolex GMT. Produced for nearly two decades, it was the last GMT-Master II to ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Red Dial and Engine Turned Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex GMT-Master 1675 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage stainless steel GMT-Master by Rolex. Featuring a matte black dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture and a stainless steel bi-directional rotating bezel with a blac...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Red Dial Black PVD/DLC Stainless Steel Watch 116610LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date Red Dial Black PVD/DLC Stainless Steel Watch 116610LN Please note: This is never worn genuine Rolex watch that has been cu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 116710LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens stainless steel GMT-Master II by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. The bi-directional rotatable bezel features a 24-hour di...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1991 Rolex GMT Master II 16710 Stainless Steel Black Dial Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of The Aluminum Bezels The reference 16710 is a cornerstone of modern Rolex collecting. Produced for nearly two decades, it represents the final evolution of the classic GM...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex 126720VTNR "Sprite" GMT-Master II on Jubilee Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 126720VTNR "Sprite" GMT-Master II on Jubilee Bracelet Watch Brand: Rolex MPN: 126720VTNR Model: GMT-Master II Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 40mm Crystal: Scrat...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men watch 16710 B/P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Excellent condition. This was produced in 2000. Recently serviced. Comes with an original box and paper. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 16710 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Model: Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Vintage: No Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) Number of Jewels: 31 Jewels Dial Color: Black Display: Analog Indices: 12-Hour Dial, Round Indexes Bezel Type: 24-Hour, Bidirectional Rotating Bezel Color: Black Band Color: Steel Band Material: Stainless Steel Closure: Double-Locking Fold-Over Clasp Band Type: Bracelet Band Width: 15.5 mm Lug Width: 20 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Color: Steel Water Resistance: 100 m (10 ATM) Watch Shape: Round Caseback: Solid Case Finish: Brushed Case Size: 40 mm Case Thickness: 12 mm Features: Date Indicator, GMT, Luminous Dial...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 2-Tone Men's Watch 16713 with Ruby Serti Dial
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT-Master II 2-Tone Men's Watch 16713 with Ruby Serti Dial - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. GMT-Master II. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold...
Rolex GMT-Master II Stainless Steel Black Dial Watch 126710
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT - Master II 126710 BLRO Stainless Steel Men's Watch " Pepsi " - Automatic winding; 31 Jewels. GMT-Master II. Stainless steel case with 24-Hour Rotatable, Red and Blue Cerac...
Men's Rolex GMT-Master II Men's 2-Time Zone Watch 16713
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Men's Rolex GMT-Master II Men's 2-Time Zone Watch 16713 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. GMT-Master II. Stainless steel with...
Rolex GMT - Master II 126710 BLNR Stainless Steel Men's Watch "Batman"
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT - Master II 126710 BLNR Stainless Steel Men's Watch "Batman" - Automatic winding; 31 Jewels. GMT-Master II. Stainless steel case with 24-Hour Rotatable, Black and Blue Cera...
Rolex GMT-Master II Men's Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Rootbeer Watch 126711CHN
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT-Master II Men's Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Rootbeer Watch 126711CHNR - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. GMT-Master II. Stainless steel case case...
Rolex Explorer II Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16570
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Explorer II Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16570 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal, dual time. Explorer II. Stainless steel case (40mm diameter) with 24 h...
