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 Oyster Stainless Steel with Custom Made Silvered Brushed Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6427 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Stainless Steel with Custom Made Silvered Brushed Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6427 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Rolex Oyster Perpetual AirKing Stainless Mens Watch Ref. 6480
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Oyster Precision Ref. 6480 is a highly appealing mid-1950s example of classic Rolex design, offering the understated ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Restored and Patinated Dial 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6085 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Diamet...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Factory Original "Deep Sea" Dial 1956
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Deep Sea" / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1956 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Diameter 40mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 25 Jewels / Caliber: 1030 DIAL / HANDS: Original Waffle Finish with Gold Markers / Gold Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Oyster Bracelet, 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is one of the only examples of the Deep Sea model we have seen. It doesn't get any more rare and vintage than this Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Champagne Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Original Patinated Dial from 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6285 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1951 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 4mm X Diamet...
Vintage 1969 Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 Steel Silver Dial Manual Wind 34 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundation Of Everything The Rolex Oyster is the watch that built the brand. Its foundational patent, the waterproof Oyster case, transformed the wristwatch from a fragile acces...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1969 Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 Steel Silver Dial Manual Wind 34 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundation Of Everything The Rolex Oyster is the watch that built the brand. Its foundational patent, the waterproof Oyster case, transformed the wristwatch from a fragile acces...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Patinated Dial 1960's
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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
