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 Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Factory Original Black Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Original Black Dial Mid 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 16030 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 4...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Factory Original Black Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Original Patinated Black Dial 1958
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 6605 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1958 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 25 Jewels / Caliber 1065 DIAL / HANDS: Factory Original Black Dial with Silver Baton Markers / Silver Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Factory Original Jubilee Bracelet, 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is an early example of the Datejust with an exceptionally fine Caliber 1065 Movement. This is the same movement used in the early Sub Mariner...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970 Rolex Datejust 1601 Stainless Steel Matte Black Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundation, In An Uncommon Form The Rolex Datejust is the benchmark. For over seventy-five years, it has defined what a practical and refined daily watch should be. While countl...
Stainless Steel
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 Datejust 31mm 68274 Black Index Dial Stainless Steel Watch W/G Bezel Circa
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has b...
Stainless Steel
1973 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Stainless Steel Automatic Men's Watch 1601
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This 1973 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1601 is a highly collectible example of one of the most iconic models in Rolex history, combining timeless design with the enduring app...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz Ref 17000 1980s Quartz Black Dial 36mm Case
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz reference 17000 with a black dial from the 80s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements include a 36mm oyster case and an ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Steel 1500 Auto Gilt Black 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Gilt Dial From The Mid-Century Gilt dials represent a specific moment in Rolex history, a method of production where text was printed in a warm, metallic finish. This Oyster Perpe...
Steel, Stainless Steel
