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 Ladies Gold Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 179173
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex Ladies Gold Steel Datejust Wristwatch ref 179173 with solid links and hidden fold over clasp in 18k yellow gold and steel. Model 179173. 18k yellow gold and steel Length:...
18k Gold, Steel, Yellow Gold
$6,750
W 1.42 in D 0.44 in Dm 1.42 in L 1.74 in
Vintage Rolex Date Just Two-Tone Stainless Steel and 14K Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Ocala, FL
A timeless Rolex Date just wristwatch showcasing the brand’s iconic combination of refined styling and everyday versatility. Crafted in stainless steel and yellow gold, the watch fea...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.03 in
Rolex Lady Oyster Date Ref 6916 14k Gold SS Automatic 1970s Swiss Luxury RA783
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Rolex 14k gold and stainless steel Lady Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1978, all original, in excellent aesthetic and working condition. Verified authentic by a ...
Stainless Steel, 14k Gold
Rolex Lady-Datejust 179173 26mm Steel & Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
NICE CONDITION, NICE SHARP CASE, CRISPY BEZEL, TIGHT BAND. We are a premiere distributor of pre-owned and new watches, where we guarantee complete authenticity and corresponding aest...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Day-Date 18K Yellow Gold Silver Dial 1802
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date vintage wristwatch. Features a silver dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture, and a day display. Complementing the dial is a fix...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$25,500
W 1.42 in L 1.42 in
Vintage 1984 Rolex Day-Date 36 18038 18k Gold Automatic Champagne Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Old Money Energy In Watch Form This Rolex comes from a period when the Day Date was still treated as a daily watch, not a safe queen. Yellow gold case, fluted bezel, President brace...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Date 15003 34mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15003 Serial: R76**** Year: 1988 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Ch...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady's Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 179178, circa 2002
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex lady's 18k yellow gold Datejust wristwatch, Ref. 179178, circa 2002, cream-colored textured dial with gold Roman numerals. The dial has a pattern on it that is hard to photograph. the close up photo captures it accurately. 18k yellow gold Bracelet length: 6.5 inches Top to bottom: 32.77mm Width without crown: 26.4mm Width with crown: 28.78mm Bracelet width at case: 13mm Case thickness: 10.7mm Bracelet: Rolex President, 750, D711 83138 Crystal: Sapphire Outside case: 179178, Y165815 Inside case: Rolex 750...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1982 Ladies Rolex 6917 with Diamond Bezel 18k Yellow Gold Complete
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Complete with original box and papers. Vintage 6917 18k 1982 ladies Datejust with a diamond bezel. Crafted out of 18k yellow gold paired with a champagne dial and the iconic Presiden...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1987 Rolex Lady Datejust 69173 Two-Tone Silver Sunburst Dial Auto 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Definitive Ladies' Timepiece The Rolex Datejust is not just a watch, it is the foundational blueprint for the modern luxury timepiece. When Rolex introduced a smaller, 26mm vers...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1989 Rolex Datejust Two Tone Automatic Watch Ref 16233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex’s enduring Datejust design is presented here in a refined two tone configuration, pairing stainless steel with warm yellow gold for a classic and versatile wristwatch. This vin...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust Two Tone Men's Watch 16013
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 16013 is one of the most recognizable and enduring two-tone luxury watches ever made, combining the prestige of Rolex with the timeless appeal of sta...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1989 Rolex Two Tone Datejust Diamond Dial Automatic Ladies Watch Ref 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 1989 Rolex Datejust Ref. 69173 is a timeless and highly desirable ladies watch, combining the enduring prestige of Rolex with the classic elegance of a two-tone design. ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Thunderbird Datejust 36mm Turn-O-Graph Men's Watch Ref. 1625
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph Ref. 1625, often nicknamed the “Thunderbird,” is a highly collectible sports-dress watch combining the classic Datejust profile with a distin...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Two-Tone Stainless Automatic Men's Watch Ref 1505
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date wristwatch featuring a two-tone stainless steel and gold design with a fluted gold bezel, gold crown, and two-tone Oyster bracelet. The watch has a silver...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust Thunderbird Two Tone Diamond Dial Watch Ref. 16253
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex’s classic Datejust design is given a distinctive sport-luxury edge in this 1985 two tone Thunderbird reference 16253. The watch features the model’s recognizable rotating bezel...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
