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 Submariner Men's Stainless Steel Watch 114060LN
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Submariner Men's Stainless Steel Watch 114060LN - Automatic winding, 31 jewels. Submariner. Stainless steel case with black ceramic bezel insert (40mm diameter). Black dial wit...
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm 126610LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 41mm Submariner Date in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial, complemented by a black ceramic unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations coated in platinum. ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Submariner Date in stainless steel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial, a date aperture and a uni-directional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations. Fitted with an Oyster bracele...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm Submariner Date in steel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a black 60-minute graduation bezel insert. ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Men's Stainless Steel Watch 126610LN
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Submariner Date Men's Stainless Steel Watch 126610LN - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, pressure proof to 1,000 feet. Submariner. Stainless steel case with time-lapse Cerachrom bl...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Non-Date 41mm 124060
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn 41mm Submariner Non-Date in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial and a black ceramic unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations coated in platinum. ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 16610
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner Date REFERENCE: 16610 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oyster Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic WRIST SIZE: 8.25 Good...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm 126610LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn 41mm Submariner Date in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial, complemented by a black ceramic uni-directional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations coated in p...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Submariner Date in stainless steel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial, a date aperture and a uni-directional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations. Fitted with an Oyster bracele...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner (No Date) Certified 14060M
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner No Date REFRENCE: 14060M SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oyster Steel WRIST SIZE: 8 MOVEMENT: Automatic Has been re-po...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 18K White Gold Black Dial Mens Automatic Watch 126619LB
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn Rolex Submariner Date Oyster Perpetual 41mm 18k White Gold Black Dial Mens Automatic Watch 126619LB. The watch comes with a 2021 card. T...
Rolex Submariner Date No Holes None Ceramic Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 16610
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Wrist Fit: 7.5 inches. Recently Serviced. Brand: Rolex Department: Women Model Number: 16610 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Model: Rolex Submariner 16610 ...
Steel
Rolex Submariner No Date Steel Ceramic Bezel Black Dial Mens Watch 114060
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. No original box and papers. This watch comes with a Chronostore presentation box and an authenticity card. Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 114060 Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Style Sport Model Rolex Submariner 114060 Vintage No Band Color Stainless Steel Band Material Stainless Steel Closure Fold-Over Clasp with Flip Lock Safety Band Type Bracelet Band Width 16 mm Lug Width 20 mm Wrist Fit 7.5 Inches Bezel Type Unidirectional Rotating Bezel Color Black Movement Mechanical (Automatic) Number of Jewels 31 Jewels Movement Caliber Rolex caliber 3130...
Steel
Rolex Submariner 18K Gold Steel No Holes Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16613
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. Gold Through Buckle. No holes case. No original box and box. Comes with chronostore box and appraisal. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty ...
Steel
Rolex Submariner No Date Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 114060
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. This watch comes with an original box, and papers. Covered by a 3-year warranty. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 114060 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Model: Rolex Submariner 114060 Vintage: No Band Details: Band Color: Steel Band Material: Stainless Steel Closure: Fold-Over Clasp with Flip Lock Safety Band Type: Bracelet/Link Band Band Width: 20 mm Lug Width: 15.5 mm Wrist Fit: 7.5 Inches Bezel & Movement Details: Bezel Type: Count-Up/Dive, Unidirectional Rotating Bezel Color: Black Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) Number of Jewels: 31 Jewels Movement Caliber: Rolex Caliber 3130...
Steel
Rolex Submariner 18k Gold Steel Ceramic Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116613LB
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
2020 White card. Pre-owned Rolex Submariner 18k Gold Steel Ceramic Blue Dial Automatic Men's Watch 116613LB. This Beautiful Timepiece Features: Stainless Steel Case and Oyster Bracelet with 18k Gold Center Links, Uni-Directional Rotating Coin Edge 18k Gold Bezel with Blue Ceramic Top Ting, Blue Dial with Luminous Grey Hands, And Dot Hour Markers. The bezel has tiny scratches on the ceramic insert. Comes with Original Boxes and Papers. Covered By 1 Year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 116613LB Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Style Luxury, Sport Model Rolex Submariner 116613LB...
