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.
$94,880
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm 18K Gold Diamond Sundust Dial Watch 116505
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2022-2023 Card. Comes with an original box and paper. 5-year Rolex warranty.
18k Gold
$78,430
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Rose Gold Sundust Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116505
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-Owned. Very rare Sundust Dial. Excellent condition. This watch comes with an original box and paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day retur...
Rose Gold
Rolex Daytona Rose Gold Black Dial Unworn 116505
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Cosmograph Daytona in rose gold from Rolex, featuring a black and pink dial with chronograph counters. With an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers, the D...
Rose Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40MM 18K Gold Diamond Dial Steel mens Watch 116523G
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Preowned. Good condition. Comes with a original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Name: Rolex Daytona 116523G Model Number: 116...
18k Gold, Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116503 Two Tone Oyster Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Daytona 116503 Two Tone Oyster When it comes to chronograph timepieces, it doesn't get much better than the Rolex Daytona. Sleek and cool, this mighty sports watch is highly s...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116505 18K Rose Gold
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Daytona 116505 Men's Watch. This watch features a 40mm case and bezel made of 18K rose gold. It has a chocolate dial with luminous rose gold hands...
18k Gold
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116505 18K Rose Gold
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Daytona 116505 Mens Watch. 40mm 18K rose gold case with 18K rose gold bezel. Chocolate dial with luminous rose gold hands and Arabic numeral & ind...
18k Gold
$75,270
H 0.4 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18k Gold Stick White Dial Automatic Watch 116508
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. 2022 Card. Comes with an original box and paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-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 or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116508...
18k Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Steel & Gold Watch 116523
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Steel & Gold Watch 116523 - Automatic winding, chronograph, 44 jewels, sapphire crystal. Daytona. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold beel (4...
$63,248
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm 18K Gold Stick White Dial Men Watch 116508
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Mint condition. Box and papers included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-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 or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116508...
18k Gold
