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 II PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch 116680
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Yacht-Master II PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel Watch 116680 Watch has been professionally polished and then coated with PVD/DLC coating. It has never been worn after customiza...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Stainless Steel Watch 'Rhodium Index' 116622
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We are a premiere distributor of pre-owned and new watches, where we guarantee complete authenticity and corresponding aesthetic to all of our timepieces.The watch is fully polished, expertly serviced, and comes with an official in house One Year warranty. We guarantee the watch you receive corresponds 100% to the model when viewed in person. We can confidently say, you will not be disappointed. But if for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase and feel as though the watch did not meet your expectations, we will REFUND you fully. Silver-tone rolesium (combination steel and platinum) case with a silver-tone stainless steel rolex oyster bracelet. Bi-directional rotating silver-tone platinum bezel. Dark rhodium dial with silver-tone hands and dot hour markers. Minute markers around the outer rim. Dial Type: Analog. Model 116622 Luminescent hands and markers. Date display at the 3 o’clock position. Rolex Calibre 3135...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master PVD / DLC Coated Stainless Steel and Platinum Watch 116622
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm PVD/DLC Coated Stainless Steel and Platinum Watch 116622. This watch has been professionally polished. Coating has been applied to a clean watch. After PVD/DL...
Platinum, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Sky-Dweller 326934WHSO Stainless Steel Fully Iced Out Watch, 'White Dial'
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Sky-Dweller WHSO Stainless Steel Fully Iced Out Watch (White Dial) 326934 Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with cyclops lens over the date and double anti-reflective coating, white dial, index hour markers, Rolex calibre 9001...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Yacht-Master Titanium Black Ceramic 42mm 226627 Complete 2023
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This year, Rolex launched its commercial version of the Yacht-Master 42 Titanium. It isn’t just a titanium attire; it is a standalone model with its specificities and unique features. The case measures 42mm in diameter with a fairly contained 11.60mm thickness. Measuring 50.3mm from lug-to-lug, it’s not the smallest watch...
Titanium
Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm 126600 Stainless Steel Watch Black Dial UNWORN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm Stainless Steel Watch Black Dial 126600 We are a premiere distributor of pre-owned and new watches, where we guarantee complete authenticity and corresponding aesthetic to all of our timepieces. We guarantee the watch you receive corresponds 100% to the model when viewed in person. We can confidently say, you will not be disappointed. But if for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase and feel as though the watch did not meet your expectations, we will REFUND you fully. Stainless steel case with a stainless steel Rolex oyster bracelet. Uni-directional rotating stainless steel bezel with a black ceramic ring. Black dial with silver-tone Mercedes-logo, sword, and Berget-style hands and dot hour markers. Minute markers around the outer rim. Luminescent hands and markers. Date display at the 3 o'clock position. Rolex caliber 3235...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II Steel White Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116680
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Mint condition. The original box and papers are included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers ...
Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II Steel White Dial Automatic with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
*We can have it new or second hand You can request more info* Prices will vary- Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116680 Country/Region of Manufacture: S...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II Steel Command Bezel White Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116680
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned watch in good condition. Comes with the original box but no papers * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund....
Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 Stainless Steel Watch Brand: Rolex MPN: 116680 Model: Yacht-Master II Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 44mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel...
Stainless Steel, Steel
NEW Rolex Yacht-Master II 44mm Ceramic Steel White Dial Automatic Watch 116680
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Comes with an original box and papers included. Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Yacht-Master 116680 Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Style: Luxury Vintage: No Movement: Type: M...
Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II Steel 18 Karat Rose Gold White Dial Men's Watch 116681WASO
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Free polishing upon request. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy.
Steel
