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 Stainless Steel with Machined Bezel and Black Alligator Strap from 1967
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1967 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diamet...
Rolex Stainless Steel Rare Datejust Reference 6605 with Original Dial from 1957
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6605 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 / 58 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Factory Original Silvered Dial circa 1960'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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug Tip ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel with Machined Bezel and Original Dial and Dauphine Hands from 1961
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1961 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diame...
Rolex Classic Steel Datejust with Original Dial and Machined Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Baton Markers / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Jubilee Bracelet 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a classic example of their legendary Datejust model. The watch has just been serviced and comes with our extensive warranty and lifetime service commitment. You can wear this famous watch...
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust from 1967 with Original Dial and Dauphine Hands
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1967 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36mm ...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust with steel bracelet. From the 1960s.
By Rolex
Located in bronshoj, DK
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust with steel bracelet. From the 1960s. In excellent condition. The watch is in working order. Watch case diameter 33mm.
Steel
Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial Oyster Band Vintage 1501 1952
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Date Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial Oyster 1501, 1952 year. This watch has been professionally polished and is in perfect working condition. All parts are 100% Rolex. This ...
Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex 6519 Watch. 18k and SS ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic Movement Ref. 6519 25mm Case Circa 1970 Beautiful Watch. Fully serviced- ready to go. Condition: Great condition for the age. Unfortunately...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 Mens Automatic 1960s All Original RA675
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.1501 Men's automatic, c.1963, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 6426 Silver Dial Manual Wind Watch in Stainless Steel, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex reference 6426 manual wind with a silver dial from the 1970s. 34mm stainless steel case with smooth bezel and drilled lugs. Fitted on its rivet bracelet sized ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision 34mm Manual Wind Steel Oyster Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6694 manual-wind watch in a 34mm stainless steel case featuring a silver-tone dial with applied baton hour markers, date window at 3 o'cl...
Stainless Steel
