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 Stainless Steel Air King with Original Silvered Dial from 1960
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diameter 34mm ...
Rolex Steel with Machined Bezel and Original Dial and Dauphine Hands from 1961
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1961 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diame...
Vintage 1969 Rolex Date Stainless Steel Automatic Watch Ref. 1500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Vintage 1969 Rolex Date Ref. 1500 is a quintessential example of Rolex’s enduring mid-century design language, blending understated sophistication with ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500. 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1520 Automatic, Self winding movement, excellent Mint conditi...
Steel
Vintage 1950s Rolex Oyster Perpetual AirKing Stainless Mens Watch Ref. 6480
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Oyster Precision Ref. 6480 is a highly appealing mid-1950s example of classic Rolex design, offering the understated ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1988 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Restored and Patinated Dial 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6085 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Diamet...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref 1002 Mens 34mm 1960s Vintage Automatic RA793B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 automatic, c.1960s, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, unrestored Rolex signed silver d...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Rare Super Oyster Model with Original Dial from the Mid 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Reference 6202 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 645 Full Size Bubble Back DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Triangle Markers / Original Luminous Blued Steel Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This rare model by the lengendary house of Rolex is fitted with its original experimental crown which was called the "Super Oyster." It does not screw down like their other models. They tried to design a crown that was waterproof but did not screw on. It was not a success and they abandoned the idea. This watch however, still has its original crown. The watch was just serviced by our team and keeps excellent time. It is also fitted with one of the last generations of the "Bubble Back" movement, the 645 caliber, an oversized example of the original caliber. This is a watch for a collector of unusual Rolex...
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King 34mm Ref. 5500 Men's Watch
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King reference 5500 is a classic 34mm men’s watch recognized for its clean design and enduring appeal. This vintage example reflects the understated st...
Stainless Steel
