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 Datejust with Original Navy Blue Dial and Thunderbird Bezel 1979
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 16250 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1979 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter 37mm...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Stainless Steel Watch, Blue Motif Dial 126334
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stainless steel Datejust 41 by Rolex. Features the discontinued blue fluted motif dial with applied hour markers, complemented by a white gold fluted bezel. The watch is fitted wit...
Stainless Steel, White Gold
Rolex Datejust Blue Dial Roulette Date Wheel 36mm 116200
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm Datejust 116200 by Rolex, available at our Showroom in London. Meticulously crafted from stainless steel, this sophisticated timepiece showcases a rich deep blue dial with ap...
Stainless Steel
$23,400
H 1.42 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.42 in
NEW Rolex Datejust 36mm Jubilee Steel Blue Motif Dial Automatic Watch 126234
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. 2024 card. The original box and papers are included. Brand Information: Brand: Rolex Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Watch Type: Type: Wristwatch Department:...
Steel
$12,020
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust II Oyster Stainless Steel Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned excellent condition. No original box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-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 and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust 116300...
Stainless Steel
2004 Rolex Datejust 16200 Stainless Steel Blue Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Modern Foundation The Rolex Datejust is the single most important reference in the brand's history, setting the standard for a daily wristwatch in 1945 and never relinquishing t...
Stainless Steel
$15,810
H 1.42 in W 0.4 in Dm 1.42 in
NEW Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel 18k White Gold Blue Dial Fluted Watch 126234
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Comes with box and paper full set.
Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel Domed Bezel Oyster Blue Dial Watch 126200
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Steel Datejust 36 Watch - Domed Bezel - Blue Index Dial - Oyster Bracelet 36mm Oystersteel case, screw-down steel back, screw-down crown with twinlock double waterproofness sys...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Blue Dial Fluted Bezel White Gold Steel Jubilee Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 white gold features a bright blue dial and a Jubilee bracelet. The Rolex fluted bezel is a mark of distinction. Originally, the fluting of the Oyste...
White Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust Blue Dial 16220
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm Datejust in stainless steel by Rolex. Features a blue dial and a fixed stainless steel fluted bezel. The Jubilee bracelet comes with an Oyster deployant clasp. Fitted with sa...
Stainless Steel
2009 Rolex Datejust 31 178344 Purple Roman Dial Diamond Bezel Oyster Bracelet Bo
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are present this 2009 Rolex Datejust 31, reference 178344, featuring a striking Purple Roman dial accented with a diamond marker at 6 o’clock. Crafted in stainless steel, this ele...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 116233 Two Tone 18k & Steel 36mm Champagne 10 Diamond Dial Minty
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this 2009 Rolex 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Datejust, reference 116233 with most of the original protective stickers still intact. This timeless class...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel
1987 Rolex Air-King 5500 Black Diamond Dial Stainless Steel 34mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this 1987 Rolex Air-King reference 5500 featuring a 34mm stainless steel case, smooth stainless steel bezel, and black aftermarket diamond dial. The classic...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
2025 Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” 126720VTNR Stainless Steel Jubilee BNP
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are present this 2025 Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” 126720VTNR in Stainless Steel. This highly desirable left-handed model features a 40mm Oystersteel case, Rolex’s black Maxi dial...
Stainless Steel
2001 Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Full Set Original Box & Papers + Service Card
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to offer this 2001 Rolex Submariner Date ref. 16610, widely considered one of the most iconic modern-vintage luxury dive watches ever produced. This reference represen...
Stainless Steel
2026 Rolex Submariner 126610LV “Starbucks” Green Bezel Unworn Full Set 41mm
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this 2026 Rolex Submariner reference 126610LV, widely known among collectors as the “Starbucks,” distinguished by its vibrant green Cerachrom bezel and classic black dial. The watch is brand new and unworn and was dated into service March of 2026. It remains covered under Rolex’s 5-year international warranty through 2031, providing both confidence and long-term reliability. The watch features a 41mm stainless steel case paired with a unidirectional green ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal with Cyclops date magnification, and Chromalight luminous markers for excellent legibility. It is powered by Rolex’s in-house automatic caliber 3235 movement, offering precision timekeeping and a robust power reserve. The Oyster bracelet is complete with all original links and will comfortably fit up to an 8-inch wrist. It is equipped with Rolex’s Oysterlock clasp...
Stainless Steel
