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 President Datejust 69178 Ladies 26mm Ruby Diamond Dial 18K Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex President Oyster Perpetual Datejust 69178 factory ruby and diamond dial in 18k yellow gold. Fluted bezel with string diamond and ruby ho...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 16233 Two Tone Steel-18K Gold Ruby Diamond Bezel Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust two-tone stainless steel and 18K yellow gold automatic wristwatch featuring an aftermarket diamond and ruby bezel, a white dial with black Roman numerals and diamond hour markers, date display, gold Dauphine hands, and a two-tone Jubilee bracelet. Bracelet fits 6.5 inches with one extra link included; original box included; 9/10 condition. Product Specifications: Item Type: Mens Automatic Wristwatch Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Datejust Movement: Automatic (Rolex Oyster Perpetual) Case Material: Stainless steel with 18K yellow gold bezel, crown, and Jubilee center links Case Size: 36mm Reference Number: 16233 Year: 1990 Dial: White with black Roman numerals and diamond hour markers Indices: Diamond hour markers with black Roman numerals Hands: Gold-tone Dauphine Bezel Type: Fixed aftermarket diamond and ruby set bezel Bezel Color: 18K yellow gold with round brilliant diamonds and baguette ruby accents at cardinal points Band Material: Two-tone Jubilee bracelet, stainless steel with 18K yellow gold center links Band Color: Two-tone silver and yellow gold Clasp: Rolex signed folding deployant with embossed crown Features: Date display with cyclops magnifying lens at 3 o'clock, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, Swiss Made Style: Luxury dress watch Condition: 9/10 excellent Box: Original box included Extra Link: One extra bracelet link included Bracelet Length: 6.5 inches About the Watch: This circa 1990 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust...
Ruby, Diamond, Stainless Steel, Gold
Rolex Lady Datejust 26mm 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Pave Dial President Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1988 Rolex Lady Datejust 26mm in solid 18K yellow gold featuring a fully diamond and ruby paved dial with round brilliant diamond bezel totaling approximately 3.00 carats, ru...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Rolex 18K Gold DateJust 28mm Diamond Bezel & Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Perpetual DateJust with Aftermarket Diamond Wrist Watch. 28mm dial Rolex all 18k gold with vintage manual movement and the vint...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 6917 26mm 18K Gold President Diamond Bezel Black Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Lady Datejust 6917 18K Yellow Gold President Diamond Bezel Watch with Original Dial and Hands Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust “...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 41mm 18K Two-Tone 20 Carat Diamond Bust Down MOP Dial Iced Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Men's Wristwatch 18KWY-139.52G 18K ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST 41mm "GOLD & DIAMOND" BUST DOWN Purple Mother of Pearl Dial and Diamond B...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust Diamond/Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable condition, having undergone professional polishing and servicing to maintain its pristine appearance. The wa...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Champagne Index Dial Two Tone Watch with Rubies/Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable condition, having undergone professional polishing and servicing to maintain its pristine appearance. The wa...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Cream Index Dial Diamond/Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable condition, having undergone professional polishing and servicing to maintain its pristine appearance. The wa...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Diamond + Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch 69173 Cream Arabic Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Diamond+Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch Cream Arabic Dial 69173
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1988 Rolex Lady Datejust 69158 YG Diamond Guilloche Dial Automatic 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Masterclass In Factory Gem Setting This is not a standard Datejust. The "Crown Collection" represents a special, off-catalog tier of Rolex production where the brand's jewelers an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial with Diamond Lugs & Diamond/Ruby Bezel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust White Roman Dial with Diamond Lugs & Diamond/Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch 16013
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Stainless Steel
