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 Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Watch With Exceptional Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1025 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell / Diamond Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 18 Karat Gold With Diamond Bezel President circa 1996 with Original Box
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: President / Reference 18236 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1996 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 43mm Length X 36mm Diamet...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel and Gold Datejust with Original Factory Gold Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two-Tone Stainless Steel & 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Factory Original Gold Dial with Gold Markers / Gold Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Mature styling and classic looks are the DNA of this Datejust. Rolex's reputation of being the leader in styling and reliability since their inception is present in this exceptional timepiece. You can rely wholeheartedly on this watch to get you from point A to B for any occasion while looking and feeling great. It is very versatile in styling, can be worn with formal attire for a more mature look and dressed down with a t-shirt and jeans for a more relaxed feel. This unisex Rolex...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Datejust with Gold Filled Clasp and Diamond Markers
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6900 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1978 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm X Diameter 26mm ...
18k Gold
Rolex 18 Karat Gold With Diamond Bezel President circa 1980's with Original Box
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: President / Reference 18000 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 43mm Length X 36mm Diam...
18k Gold
Rolex 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Rare "Bubble Back" with Factory Original Dial 1948
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Bubble Back" / Reference 5011 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
14k Gold
Rolex Date Two Tone Watch with Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Pre-owned 34mm Rolex Date automatic watch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and steel with aftermarket white diamond dial and Oyster bracelet. Model 1500 circa 1970. Polished and servi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Date 15053 34mm Champagne Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 18k Yellow Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15053 Serial: R98**** Year: 1988 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Custom Diamond...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ref 6719 Oyster Perpetual 14k Gold Diamond 1970s Ladies Automatic RA806
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless elegance, 14k solid gold Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual 6719 automatic with diamond bezel, c.1977, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Go...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Day-Date NOS Diamond Dial 18038
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A yellow gold NOS Day-Date by Rolex. Featuring a champagne dial set with 8 round brilliant cut diamond hour markers, 2 baguette cut diamond hour markers and a fixed yellow gold flute...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Lady-Datejust 18k Gold & Steel Watch with Gold Dial & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a round case crafted from 18k gold and stainless steel, showcasing a luxurious gold dial. The design is accentuat...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 18k Gold & Steel Watch with Gold Dial & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a round case crafted from 18k gold and stainless steel, showcasing a luxurious gold dial. The design is accentuat...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
