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 Sea-Dweller 16600
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm Sea-Dweller crafted in steel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied hour markers, a date indicator and a black unidirectional rotatable bezel set with 60 minute graduat...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Sea-Dweller REFRENCE: 16600 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black Ceramic BAND: Oyster Steel LINKS: 11 MOVEMENT: Automatic Re-polished, mark ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller Mint Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Sea-Dweller REFRENCE: 16600 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black Ceramic BAND: Oyster Steel LINKS: 12 MOVEMENT: Automatic Mint condition, re...
Stainless Steel
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 Deepsea Sea-Dweller 126660
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 44mm Deepsea Sea-Dweller by Rolex in Oystersteel. Featuring a black dial with a date display and a uni-directional rotatable bezel with a ceramic black insert. Equipped with an Oy...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller 126660
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Deepsea Sea-Dweller in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial covered by a domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The black ceramic unidirectional rotatable bezel has 60 m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller Mark I Great White Dial 1665
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens vintage Sea-Dweller in stainless steel by Rolex. Featuring a unique mark I matte black dial with a great white dial feature. Complimenting the dial is a bi-directional rotatin...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller 116660
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 44mm Deepsea 116660 Sea-Dweller in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial concealed by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, complemented by a black ceramic unidirectional rota...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller 116660 Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet, Box & Papers
By Rolex
Located in Providence, RI
Designed to withstand the pressure of water while deep-sea diving, the Rolex Sea-Dweller model 116660 is an ideal companion for experienced divers exploring the greatest depths of ou...
Stainless Steel
NEW Rolex Sea Dweller 16600 Y Series 2002 Wristwatch Full Set
By Rolex
Located in Switzerland, CH
A collector's dream! One of the most demanded Rolex watches, this model has been discontinued and will only go up in value! Brandnew and complete Plastic cover on dial still attached...
Stainless Steel
