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.
Antique Swiss Silver & Guilloché Enamel Pendant/ Fob Watch, c.1890
Located in Portland, England
An exquisite antique Swiss guilloché enamel pendant/ fob watch with a ribbon brooch is dating to the late 19th century. The watch is made in a solid silver case (0.935 standard), bea...
Silver, Enamel
Antique Swiss Double-Sided Guilloché Enamel Pocket Watch / Pendant Watch.
Located in London, GB
Antique Swiss Double-Sided Guilloché Enamel Pocket Watch / Pendant Watch. Era : Belle Époque (1890–1914) Movement Setup: Pin-Set / Nail...
Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Pocket Watch French By Verger 18 Jewel Antique Guilloché Enamel
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Dearborn, MI
Tiffany & Co. Pocket Watch French By Verger 18 Jewel Antique Blue Guilloché Enamel Genuine Antique Tiffany & Co. Pocket Watch Made in France by Verger for Tiffany Verge...
Antique 1910s Edwardian Tiffany Co. Pocket Watch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and blue enamel. Signed by Tiffany & Co. Circa 1910s Watch 1 1/2 x 1 inches Chain 23 inches + 3 inch drop
18k Gold, Enamel
Movado Ladies and Enamel Pocket Watch, circa 1925, All In 18ct Gold
By Movado
Located in London, GB
A rare Movado 18ct yellow gold pocket watch, crafted circa 1925, showcasing exquisite green enamel detailing on a gold case. The watch is accompanied by a 22" matching chain, beautif...
Gold, Enamel
Victorian diamond enamel 18k yellow gold timepiece pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This ornate Victorian pendant blends vibrant enamel with 9 antique rose cut diamonds in rich 18k yellow gold, creating a timeless and expressive statement piece.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
A Rare Fine Gold & Enamel Half Hunter Fob Watch C1880
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare Fine 18ct Gold & Enamel Keyless Cylinder Half Hunter Fob Watch C1880. Dial: A white enamel dial with Roman numerals and outer minute track with interestingly red Arabic n...
Gold, Enamel
$1,898
H 0.52 in Dm 1.06 in
LAPEL WATCH 1915 Swiss Art Deco Guilloche Blue Enameled Silver And Gilt Brass.
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco enameled lapel watch. This is a very unusual and handsome lapel watch, created in Switzerland during the art deco period, back in the 1915. The rare watch was crafted wi...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Bronze, Enamel, 18k Gold, Gilt Metal
18 Karat Gold, Tiffany & Co Enamelled Pendant Watch on Chain
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This Art Nouveau pendant watch on chain was made for Tiffany & Co for retail in the United States. The watch hangs from a yellow gold filled curb link chain that has a swivel type cl...
Gold, 18k Gold, Gold-filled, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Verge Fusee Enamel Dial Keywind Porcelain Painted Back Pocket Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: French Made STYLE / REFERENCE: Pendant / Open Faced METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt / Enamel / Porcelain DIMENSIONS: Diameter 30mm CIRCA: 1790-1810 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Fusee Chain Driven / Keywind DIAL / HANDS: Original Enamel / Pierced Gold Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This Gold Fusee Pendant watch is in remarkable condition. The enamel dial shows no scratches or cracks and the porcelain back panel is also in the same condition. The keywind verge fusee...
Tiffany & Co. blue enamel watch pendant necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
An Edwardian blue, guilloché, enamel watch pendant necklace with arabic numerals and filagreed hands in a white enamel surround, suspended from a ...
14k Gold, Enamel
Antique Black enamel and diamond, locket necklace
Located in New York, NY
An Edwardian pendant necklace comprised of a matte, black enamel locket with a filagree surround and a diamond center, and suspended from a chain with black baton spacers, in 18k gol...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Van Cleef & Arpels "Domino" travel clock
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century, mahogany and gold inlay "Domino" trade clock with the original leather case, in 18k. Van Cleef et Arpels, France. The middle decades of the twentieth century witnesse...
18k Gold
Antique gold circular locket charm
Located in New York, NY
A Victorian small gold circular locket, in 14k * Free shipping * Includes letter of authenticity for insurance purposes * Please do not hesitate to request a video or additional pho...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier black and white enamel pendant/watch necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An Edwardian necklace comprised of a black and white striped enamel "Pékin" motif pendant watch with a central rose-cut diamond florette and surround, suspended by collet-set diamond...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Retro Flato gold, ruby, and diamond hand brooch watch
By Paul Flato
Located in New York, NY
A Retro gold, ruby, and diamond brooch in the form of a lady's hand holding a watch, and further embellished with a diamond eternity band and ruby bracelet with a diamond charm, in 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
