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 Datejust 41mm Steel Blue Index Dial Jubilee Smooth Automatic Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Original Box and Papers are Included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's aut...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Steel Blue Index Dial Jubilee Smooth Automatic Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new Rolex Datejust 41mm Steel Blue Index Dial Jubilee Bracelet Smooth Bezel Automatic Mens Watch. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by ...
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Blue Dial Oyster Band Automatic Mens Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Like New. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by 1-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 126300 Country/Reg...
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Blue Stick Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex Department Men Model Number 126300 Country/Region of Manufacture Swit...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 Blue Dial 126300
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Datejust crafted in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a stunning blue dial with applied roman numerals and a fixed stainless steel bezel. Fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 126300 Blue Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Datejust 41 Model 126300 Men's Watch. This watch features a 41mm stainless steel case with a smooth stainless steel bezel. It has a blue dial, luminous steel hands, and luminou...
Steel
$12,020
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust II Oyster Stainless Steel Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned excellent 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 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 Datejust 116300...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Blue Dial Smooth Bezel Oyster Bracelet Steel Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 in Oystersteel features a bright blue dial and an Oyster bracelet. The sunray finish creates delicate light reflections on many dials in the Oyster ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
2004 Rolex Datejust 16200 Stainless Steel Blue Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Modern Foundation The Rolex Datejust is the single most important reference in the brand's history, setting the standard for a daily wristwatch in 1945 and never relinquishing t...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Stainless Steel Watch, Blue Motif Dial 126334
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stainless steel Datejust 41 by Rolex. Features the discontinued blue fluted motif dial with applied hour markers, complemented by a white gold fluted bezel. The watch is fitted wit...
Stainless Steel, White Gold
