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.
$32,000Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Yacht-Master 18K Yellow Gold – Complete Set – Mint Condition
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional example of the iconic Rolex Yacht-Master, crafted entirely in solid 18K yellow gold and offered in outstanding, investment-grade condition. This watch comes complete w...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Rolex Yacht-Master 18K Yellow Gold Steel Champagne Dial Automatic Watch 16623
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good 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...
Yellow Gold, Steel
$22,029Sale Price|20% Off
Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm Automatic Men's Watch, 18kt Gold & Steel, 2021
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Yacht-Master Oyster Perpetual Date 18kt pink gold and stainless steel men's wristwatch. Comes with a full set of box and papers. Place of origin: Switzerland Period: 2021 Ca...
18k Gold, 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...
$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 Sea-Dweller 126603
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 43mm Sea-Dweller in Oystersteel and yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied hour markers and a ceramic unidirectional rotatable bezel that has 60-minute graduatio...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 16623
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Yacht-Master in stainless steel and yellow gold by Rolex. Features a white dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture and a bidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$25,170
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Yacht-Master 18K Everose Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 116621
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. Original box and paper included. 3-year seller warranty. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a fu...
Gold, Steel
$35,292Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Yacht-Master 18k Rose Gold Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116655
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. General Information Brand: Rolex Model Number: 116655 Model: Yacht-Master...
FACTORY DISCOUNTINUED ROLEX Yacht-Master White Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Pre Owned Vintage Rolex Model Yacht-Master 169628 Serial/Year Pre-Owned Case Diameter 40 mm Dial White Automatic 2235 movement, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, waterproof, screw...
Yellow Gold
