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 Precision 4417 Tear Drop Lugs
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
This vintage Rolex Precision ref. 4417, is a standout vintage timepiece, featuring a stainless steel case with elegant 'Tear Drop' lugs. Its original silver dial, with Roman numerals...
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
Rolex Rare Oyster Shock Resisting 50m Dial 6484
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare vintage stainless steel Rolex Oyster Shock Resisting Ref 6484 manual wind movement wristwatch. Featuring the very rare 50 meters well aged silver dial with applied dagger styl...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Vintage Oyster Shock Resisting 50 Metres Dial 6484
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare vintage stainless steel Rolex Oyster Shock Resisting Ref 6484 manual wind movement wristwatch. Featuring the very rare 50 meters well aged silver dial with applied dagger styl...
Steel
Rolex Vintage Explorer Precision 6298
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 36mm stainless steel Explorer Precision by Rolex. Features a black refinished dial with applied hour markers, complemented by a smooth steel bezel. Fitted with plastic glas...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Oysterdate Precision Tessellated / Honeycomb Dial 34mm
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6294, an exceptional vintage timepiece featuring a tessellated / honeycomb style pattern dial, and a full red date wheel at 3 o'cl...
Steel
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6426 Rare Subseconds Dial 1960s Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Stainless Steel Case ref.6426 / 6427 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1960 New Leather Band. Beautiful Watch. 34 mm round Case
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1954 Rolex Small Second Manual Wind Watch Ref. 3882
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex’s early dress-watch craftsmanship is reflected in this vintage 1954 reference 3882, a manual wind watch with a refined small seconds layout. The design carries the understated ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking with Original Dial and Hands from 1947
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1947 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X Diameter 35m...
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 2280 SS 30mm 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Royal 2280 Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1939 Beautiful Watch. Generic Stainless Steel Bracelet (not original Rolex). 30mm round c...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial from 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6085 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1951 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Diameter 40mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 645 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Luminous Markers / Gilt Luminous Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 18mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This early Oyster Perpetual is fitted with its original "Super Oyster" crown. This model is also fitted with a rare dial with red "Officially" printed on it stating it was checked as an observatory watch...
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
