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.
$7,500
W 0.48 in D 1.42 in Dm 1.42 in L 1.42 in
Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel Silver Dial Automatic Watch 16030
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. It was produced in 1984. It shows nromal signs of wear. No original box and papers
Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust Men's Watch Ref 1601
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1601 is crafted in stainless steel and features a 34mm case, embodying the timeless elegance and durability that define the Datejust...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 Steel & White Gold Silver Dial Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This vintage men's Rolex Datejust 1601 features a stainless steel Oyster case with a 36.0 mm diameter, complemented by an 18k white gold fluted bezel. The watch is equipped with an a...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Classic Steel Datejust with Original Dial and Machined Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Baton Markers / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Jubilee Bracelet 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a classic example of their legendary Datejust model. The watch has just been serviced and comes with our extensive warranty and lifetime service commitment. You can wear this famous watch...
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust from 1967 with Original Dial and Dauphine Hands
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1967 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36mm ...
Rolex Stainless Steel Rare Datejust Reference 6605 with Original Dial from 1957
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6605 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 / 58 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Rhodium Index Dial Smooth Jubilee Automatic Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 126300-RHOSJ is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by mechanical (automatic) movement which is cased in a stainless steel case. It has a round ...
Vintage Rolex Two Tone Datejust Tiffany & Co Dial Men's Watch Ref. 16013
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A timeless collaboration piece, this Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 16013 features a coveted co-signed dial by Tiffany & Co., pairing classic Rolex design with iconic Tiffany proven...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Ref 1603 with Original Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Date Steel 1501 Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1973 Rolex Date Wrist watch, 35 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster case. Caliber 1570, 26 jewel Automatic, self winding movement. Custom Turquoise Blue Dial with Raised White...
Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Automatic Winding Watch 16200
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Automatic Winding Watch 16200 - Automatic winding, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (36mm diameter). ...
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16234
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16234 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with fluted bezel (36mm diameter). Silver...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case (36mm diameter) with 18k white gold flute...
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k white gold fluted bezel. Black d...
Rolex Lady Datejust Stainless Steel Factory Diamond Dial Watch 179174
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Lady Datejust Stainless Steel Factory Diamond Dial Watch 179174 - Automatic winding; 31 jewel; sapphire crystal. Lady Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k white gold fluted ...
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial 16220
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial 16220 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with engine-turned bezel (36mm...
Stainless Steel
