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 Air-King 14000 Steel Watch with 34mm Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Air-King 14000 Watch. This Rolex Air-King features a round case crafted from stainless steel. The watch showcases a sleek black dial, complementing the silver case. The automat...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King 14010M Stainless Steel Watch with Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Classic Rolex Air-King Automatic Watch. This distinguished timepiece features a stainless steel case with a sleek black dial. The round watch face is adorned with precise hour marker...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King Precision 14010M 14010 34mm Black Dial Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 14010M Serial: K83**** Year: 2001 Model: Rolex Air King Precision Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Black...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King 14000 Stainless Steel Watch with Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Classic Rolex Air-King Automatic Watch. This distinguished timepiece features a stainless steel case with a sleek black dial. The design is minimalist, with precise hour markers and ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Steel Date Model 1501 Black Dial Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1957 Rolex Reference 1501 Date Model Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless Steel case with Engine Turned Bezel, Caliber 1560, 26 Jewel Automatic, Sel...
Steel
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6022 Rare Black Dial 1960s Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Mens Watch Underwent Full Service. Ready to go. ref.6022 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1963 Beautiful Watch. 34 mm round Case Stainless Steel Case and ...
Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex Watch. 14k SS Ladies ROLEX 6619 Black Dial Automatic Wristwatch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex with 14k White gold Bezel Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6619. Circa 1969 Case and Bracelet is Stainless Steel. Beze...
14k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Date 15200 Black Dial Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15200 Serial: A184*** Year: 1999 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel Dial: Black Face: Sapphire C...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Black Dial Domed Oyster Automatic Watch 124300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2023 Card. Original Box and Papers are Included. * Free Shipping within the USA * five-year Rolex warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Type...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Steel Watch with Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece showcases a stainless steel case with a striking black dial. The design is refined, featuring precise hour markers and ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Olyster Perpetual 24 67180 Black Dial Steel Automatic Ladies Watch Papers
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Olyster Perpetual 24 67180 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Women's Watch 24mm, 1999. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7.25 inches. Includes original papers; box is not...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 15200 Black Index Steel Mens Watch Papers 2001
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 15200 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 34mm, 2001. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7.5 inches. Includes original papers; box is no...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Date 115234 SS Black Arabic Dial Auto Unisex Watch 34mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Date 115234 Stainless Steel Black Arabic Dial Automatic Unisex Watch. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 6.75 inches. Original box and papers are not included.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 67480 SS Black Stick Dial Auto Unisex Watch 31mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 67480 Stainless Steel Black Stick Dial Automatic Unisex Watch. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 6.5 inches. Original box and papers are not included.
Stainless Steel
Rolex 126000 SS Black Stick Dial Auto Unisex Watch 36mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex 126000 Stainless Steel Black Stick Dial Automatic Unisex Watch, 2021. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 6.25 inches. Includes original papers; bo...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air King 34 114234 Black Roman Diamond Steel Oyster Mens Watch 2007
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Air King 34 114234 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 34mm, circa 2007. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 6.75 inches. Original box and papers are not included.
Stainless Steel
