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 Yacht-Master 18K Everose Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 116621
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. Original box and paper included. 3-year seller warranty. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a fu...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 40 18k Rose Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126621
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Display Model Rolex Yacht-Master 40 18k Rose Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 126621. This Beautiful Timepiece Comes with a 2021 Card & is Powered by Mechanical (Automatic...
Rolex Yacht-Master 18k Rose Gold Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116655
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. General Information Brand: Rolex Model Number: 116655 Model: Yacht-Master...
Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm 18K Yellow Gold Steel White Dial Automatic Watch 16623
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. Light signs of wear or scratches * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify ...
Steel
Rolex Yacht Master 40mm Steel 18K Gold Chocolate Dial Automatic Men Watch 126621
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. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex...
Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 18K Yellow Gold Steel Champagne Dial Automatic Watch 16623
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good 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...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm Automatic Men's Watch, 18kt Gold & Steel, 2021
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Yacht-Master Oyster Perpetual Date 18kt pink gold and stainless steel men's wristwatch. Comes with a full set of box and papers. Place of origin: Switzerland Period: 2021 Ca...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Oyesterflex Rose Gold 116655
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens 40mm Yacht-Master in rose gold by Rolex. Featuring an intense black dial with the date and a matt black ceramic bidirectional rotatable bezel with raised 60-minute numerals an...
Rose Gold
Rolex Midsize Yacht-Master 35mm Steel & Gold Men's or Ladies Watch 168623
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Midsize Yacht-Master 35mm Steel & Gold Men's or Ladies Watch 168623 - Automatic winding; sapphire crystal. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold bezel ( 35 mm) . Champa...
Rolex Yacht-Master Steel Black Dial Black Dial SS/RG Oyster Bracelet 116621
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master symbolizes the privileged ties between Rolex and the world of sailing that stretch back to 1950. Though this updated design was introduced at Baselworld 2012. The Yacht-Master is revered for its casual yet purposeful allure. The large hour markers and broad hands are reserved for Professional models and remain extremely readable in all situations. The Yacht-Master is at home on deck on the open sea as well as on land in an elegant yacht club lounge. The Rolex 116621 is presented in a robust and masculine 40mm, 904L stainless steel/rose gold case. The Yacht-Master 116621 features a bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduate rose gold bezel. The polished numerals and graduations stand out clearly from the background. This particular bezel allows the user to calculate the time of sailing during a race, but most important is one of this model's distinctive identities. The 116221 black dials are characterized by Rolex 18ct gold...
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Men's Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Rootbeer Watch 126711CHN
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT-Master II Men's Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Rootbeer Watch 126711CHNR - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. GMT-Master II. Stainless steel case case...
Rolex Lady Yacht Master 29mm Two Tone 18K Gold & Steel Gray Dial Oyster Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
2004 Rolex Lady Yacht-Master ref. 169623 automatic wristwatch in two-tone stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, featuring a rotatable yellow gold graduated bezel, gray dial with gold ...
18k Gold
