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 GMT-Master Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold Steel Jubilee Watch Ref. 16753
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16753 from the 1980s showcases the enduring appeal of one of the brand’s most recognizable travel watches. Crafted in a combination of stainless steel and 1...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch 1675
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT-Master Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch 1675 - Automatic winding. GMT-Master. Stainless steel with original rotating bezel with black insert (40mm diameter).. ...
Rolex GMT Master 16758 NIPPLE DIAL 18K Yellow Gold Jubilee Band 40mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16758 Serial: 8370*** Year: 1984 Model: Rolex GMT Master Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Jubilee Band Bezel: Black Dial: Black Nipple Dial ...
18k Gold
Rolex GMT Master II Black Dial Yellow Gold Steel Mens Watch 16713 - 2008
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned, in excellent condition, Rolex GMT-Master II ref 16713 from 2008 is becoming more popular as newer GMT models gain attention. The attraction to it grows because it's getting harder to find discontinued models like the ref. 16713, which is admired for its vintage-style case and bracelet with tapered lugs, making it even more enticing. It has an aluminum bezel and smaller glowing dots on the dial, which adds to its classic look. If you want to impress even experienced watch collectors, this pre-owned Rolex 16713...
Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
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...
Vintage 1985 Rolex GMT-Master Two Tone Automatic Watch Ref 16753
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This 1985 Rolex GMT-Master reference 16753 is crafted in a combination of stainless steel and yellow gold, presenting the brand’s characteristic two-tone construction. The case is pa...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 18K Yellow Gold Steel Jubilee Automatic Watch 126713GRNR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Comes with original box and papers.
Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 116713LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A GMT-Master II in stainless steel and yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. The bidirectional rotatable bezel features...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 116718LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's GMT-Master II wristwatch crafted in 18k yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied hour markers, date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. Complementing...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$17,050
H 1.58 in W 1.58 in Dm 1.58 in
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 GMT Ref 16753 Vintage Gold and Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1985 Rolex GMT, Reference 16753, 40 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece Oyster Case with 14K 24 Hour Rotating Bezel, Original insert, Acrylic Crystal with Date Bubble. Caliber 3075, 2...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Vintage Ref 1038 Steel and 18k Zephyr Bezel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1967 Rolex Reference 1038 Wrist Watch, 35 M.M. 3 piece Stainless Steel case with 18k Zephyr Bezel and Gold crown. Caliber 1570 Automatic, Self winding movement, Original and Mi...
18k Gold, Steel
Rolex Vintage Steel and Gold Ref 6582 Zephyre Bezel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Oyster perpetual Reference 6582 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 piece stainless steel Oyster case with Yellow Gold Zephyre Bezel an...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Bubbleback 1949 Steel and Gold Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1949 Rolex Bubbleback Referance 5015, 32 M.M Stainless Steel 3 Piece case with Yellow Gold Engine turned Bezel and Gold Rolex Crown, Caliber 630 automatic, self winding movemen...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Vintage Yellow Gold Strap Model Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Rolex Wrist Watch, 33 M.M. 14K 2 piece case, 9 M.M. thick, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle lever movement, 2 tone Silver Satin Pie pan dial with raised Gold marke...
14k Gold
Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Automatic Coral dial Ladies Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1978 Rolex Reference 6719 Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 M.M. 14k Yellow Gold 3 piece Oyster case with Fluted bezel, Oyster Perpetual Automatic, self winding movement, Custom finished ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
