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 40 mm Blue Dial Two Tone Diamond Men's Watch 116613LB
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Rolex Series: Submariner Model: 116613 Case Diameter: 40 mm Bracelet: Oyster band; 18k yellow gold & stainless steel with custom diamonds set Bezel: Blue Ceramic Dial: Blue d...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Sapphire/Diamond Stainless Steel Watch Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date Custom Diamond Stainless Steel Watch with Sapphire/Diamond Bezel Lugs and Blue Dial 116610. Watch has been professionally 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 White Gold 2022 Unworn 41mm 126619LB Discontinued
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A discontinued, unworn 41mm Submariner Date in white gold by Rolex, iconically known as the Blueberry. Featuring a black dial and a blue ceramic unidirectional rotatable bezel with 6...
White Gold
$21,645 / item
Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Submariner Date Blue Dial Black PVD/DLC Stainless Steel Watch 116610LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date Blue Dial Black PVD/DLC Stainless Steel Watch 116610LN Please note: This is never worn genuine Rolex watch that has b...
Stainless Steel
$16,440
H 1.58 in W 0.52 in Dm 1.58 in
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
1997 Rolex Submariner Date 16613 – Two-Tone Blue “Bluesy”
By Rolex
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
The 1997 Rolex Submariner 16613 in stainless steel and 18k yellow gold is one of the most iconic two-tone sports watches ever produced. Known affectionately by collectors as the “Blu...
18k Gold, Stainless 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...
Rolex Submariner 18K Gold Steel Ceramic Blue Dial Automatic Watch 116613LB
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Rolex Submariner 40mm 18K Gold Steel Ceramic Blue Dial Automatic Watch 116613LB. No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with Chronostore Presentation Box and Chrono...
18k Gold
$51,700
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Submariner 40mm Smurf 18K White Gold Ceramic Watch 116619LB
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. Comes with the original box but no papers. 🏷...
White Gold
