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.
Rare Rolex Prince Jump Hour Doctor's Watch Steel 1491
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare vintage Rolex Prince reference 149, produced circa 1939, known as “Doctor’s Watch” from the late Art Deco period, characterised by its elon...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 9Ct. Prince in Nearly New Condition Silver Enamel Dial from 1935 or 36
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince Model METAL / MATERIAL: 9KT Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1935 / 36 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Width 20mm MOVEMENT: ...
Rolex Prince 1490 9k Yellow and White Gold
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 9k yellow and white gold Rolex Prince ref: 1490, another fine example of a rare Rolex creation. Featuring it's original silver dial with gilt borders, applied gilt baton h...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Steel Early Speedking with Original Dial from 1941 or 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 3373 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 36mm X Diameter 30mm CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 / 1942...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble Back Rare Roman Dial Perpetual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 32mm CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 18 Jewels / Caliber N.A. DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered / Roman Numerals / Steel Leaf Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 17mm / Medium Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is the classic Rolex Bubble Back...
Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century all original, 1951 Rolex stainless steel oyster date precision wristwatch. Red date wheel. Original ruby steel riveted oyster band. Unpolished, ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Date 15200 Automatic Watch Stainless Steel Silver Dial Strap
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15200 automatic watch in stainless steel featuring a 34mm case with clean silver dial, applied baton hour markers, three-hand configuration, and d...
Stainless Steel
$1,820
H 0.71 in W 0.63 in
Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 2653 Vintage Genuine Manual Windup Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1973. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2653. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case is Stain...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6144 1950s Stainless Steel Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Just underwent Full Service - New mainspring. Ready To go. Stainless Steel Gold plated. Some is wearing off. ref.6144 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Precision Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's vintage 1938 33mm Rolex Precision in stainless steel. Featuring a silver dial with applied arabic numbers, a small seconds subdial and a steel ...
Stainless Steel
