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.
$91,146
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Day-Date 40 President 18K Rose Gold Olive Dial Automatic Watch 228235
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with the original box and papers. 3-year warranty. General Information Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 22...
Rose Gold
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 116243
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 116243 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with factory Rolex 52 diamond bez...
Rolex Day-Date 40 Rose Gold 228235
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning unworn Day-Date, crafted in 18k rose gold by Rolex. Featuring a sun dust stripe motif dial with applied hour markers. Complementing the dial is a fixed rose gold fluted be...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
$164,450
W 1.58 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Day-Date 40 18k Everrose Gold Diamond Eisenkiesel Dial M228345RBR Unworn
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Factory Diamonds. Comes with the original box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-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...
Rose Gold
Rolex Day-Date II 218238
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A yellow gold Day-Date II by Rolex. Featuring a white dial with roman applied numerals and a fluted yellow gold bezel. Fitted with a sapphire glass, a self-winding automatic movement...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date II 218238 Yellow Gold Watch Silver Roman Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Day-Date II Yellow Gold Watch Silver Roman Dial Absolutely Never Worn/ Factory Stickers 218238 18k yellow gold case with a 18k yellow gold Rolex President...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 126203
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 126203 - Automatic winding, Quickset, Sapphire Crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold ( 36 mm ). Factory Black diamond ...
$36,680
H 1.42 in W 0.44 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Day-Date President 18K Everose Gold Black Dial Mens Watch 118235
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. The watch comes with a box but no paper. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. General In...
Rose Gold
Rolex Day-Date NOS Diamond Dial 18038
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A yellow gold NOS Day-Date by Rolex. Featuring a champagne dial set with 8 round brilliant cut diamond hour markers, 2 baguette cut diamond hour markers and a fixed yellow gold flute...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1996 Men's Rolex 36mm DateJust Two Tone 18K Gold/ Stainless Steel Watch (Unworn)
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Year: 1996. Brand: Rolex. Gender: Men's. Dial: Diamonds. Model: DateJust. Dial Color: Black. Case Back: Screw. Condition: Unworn. Bracelet Size: Full Set. Model Number: 16233. Crystal: Sapphire Crystal. Case Dimensions: 36mm. Bezel Color: 18K Yellow Gold. Movement: Mechanical (Automatic). Metal Type: 18K Gold / Stainless Steel. Bracelet / Strap: 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel. Box / Certificate: Includes Rolex Box / Rolex Paper. Service Warranty: One (1) Year Limited Service Warranty. Additional Details: Men’s Rolex...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
