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 Submariner Date, reference 16610, 40mm Case, Stainless Steel, Yr 1991
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Rolex Submariner Date, reference 16610, features a 40mm stainless steel case with stainless steel bracelet with flip lock. This example of the classic Submariner is prese...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Turn-o-graph, reference 6202. Coeval Patination, Yr 1953
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and very rare Rolex Oyster Perpetual Turn-o-graph, reference 6202 , features a 36mm steel case. Presented in very original condition, with coeval patination to the dial a...
Tudor Black Bay GMT "Pepsi", Ref 79830Rb. 41mm case, full set dated 2020.
By Tudor
Located in Canterbury, England
Our Tudor Black Bay GMT "Pepsi", reference 79830Rb, features a 41mm stainless steel case, red and blue rotating bezel, with stainless steel bracelet and folding clasp. Presented in v...
Rolex Day Date 118249RBR. 18ct White Gold, Diamonds, Bright Blue Sunray Dial
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very rare Rolex Day Date reference 118249RBR is an exceptionally attractive configuration with 18ct white gold 36mm case with factory diamond set bezel, 18ct white gold president...
Tudor Submariner Date ref 94110 (aka the Snowflake). Rolex Crown/Bracelet, 1982
By Tudor
Located in Canterbury, England
Our and rare vintage Tudor Submariner Date reference 94110 (aka the Snowflake, given the hour hand), is presented in outstanding condition and features a 39mm stainless steel case with Rolex crown, and Rolex folded 9315 (end link 380) bracelet with folding flip lock clasp, stamped F. The case has strong lugs, there is some stretch to the bracelet to be expected given the age. This Tudor Snowflake with 9*** serial number distinguishes itself by its completeness, it comprises inner box, photocopy of the original sales receipt dated 1982, alongside the open papers (same UK retailer, Highton's of Chorley), open papers, translation document, Highton's estimate for service 1989, Rolex receipt...
Rolex Datejust Turn-o-graph Wristwatch Ref 16253, Aka "Thunderbird". Year 1987
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and very rare Rolex Datejust Turn-o-graph reference 16253 aka the Thunderbird features a 36mm stainless steel case with rotating 18k yello...
Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi 16750, Stainless Steel, 1982, Swiss Made
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
This rare Rolex GMT features its iconic red and blue “Pepsi” bezel insert with a beautiful patina. Throughout the watch you will see a consistent patina with all original parts. The ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1990 Rolex GMT-Master 16700 Stainless Steel Pepsi Bezel Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of Its Name Rolex produced the reference 16700 from 1988 until 1999, and it was the final watch to carry the GMT-Master name on its own. It ran alongside the more complex G...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master Pepsi 16750 40mm PATINA MATTE Dial Red Blue Bezel Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16750 Serial: 627**** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex GMT-Master 'Pepsi' Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Pepsi - Blue & Red ...
Stainless Steel
1987 Rolex GMT Master Pepsi Vintage Watch 16700 Factory Original As Is
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1987 Rolex GMT Master Pepsi Automatic Watch 16700 Bracelet: 8.5 inch length including the case, thirteen links, clasp “M11”, "78360” see pictur...
Vintage 1979 Rolex GMT-Master 1675 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Original Professional's Tool Watch The GMT-Master was developed in direct collaboration with Pan American World Airways as a purpose-built instrument for their pilots. The refer...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master 1675 "Pepsi" Gilt Gloss Dial Rivet 6636 Bracelet Vintage Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex GMT Master 1675 steel case, year of production 1966, bidirectional steel bezel with Aluminium insert Pepsi colors, plastic glass with cyclo...
Stainless Steel
