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.
$15,187Sale Price|25% Off
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Vintage Rolex Cellini Manual Gold Frosted Integral Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1970 Rolex Cellini manual-wind dress watch in an 18K yellow gold cushion-shaped case with a silver-tone textured dial, gold baton indices, Rolex crown logo, and "Cellini" scr...
Gold
Rolex Rare Vintage Precision Yellow Gold 36mm 8896
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 36mm Rolex Precision crafted in 18k yellow gold. Featuring a silver dial with applied dagger style hour markers and a polished yellow gold bezel. Fitted with a plexiglass, ...
18k Gold
Rolex Date 1503 34mm Champagne Dial Yellow Gold Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1503 Serial: 328**** Year: 1973 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: 14k Yellow Gold Band: Custom 14k Yellow Gold Jubilee Bracelet Bezel: 14k Yellow Gold Flute...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Date 1503 14K Yellow Gold Jubilee Band 34mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1503 Serial: 6089*** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: 14K Yellow Gold Band: 14K Yellow Gold Bezel: 14K Yellow Gold Dial: Champagne Face: Acry...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Geneve 22961 18k YG champagne Index Dial Manual Unisex Watch 28mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Geneve 22961 Yellow Gold champagne Index Dial Manual Winding Unisex Watch. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7.75 inches. Original box and papers are not included.
Yellow Gold
$13,455Sale Price|25% Off
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Vintage Rolex Cellini 6621 18K Yellow Gold White Dial Quartz Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Cellini 6621 quartz watch in 18K yellow gold featuring 26mm case with white dial and integrated brick-link bracelet. Bracelet measures 13mm wide, 7 inches length, made ...
18k Gold
Tiffany Rolex Geneve Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch
By Rolex for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1970's Rolex Geneve ladies wristwatch. Hand textured solid 14k yellow gold band. Tiffany & Co Rolex dial. Length: 22.41mm Width: 25.2mm Band width at case: 15.72mm Case thickness: 5.75mm Band: 14k yellow gold textured band Dial: white Rolex Geneve Tiffany Outside case: 14k 3652 Movement: Rolex 1600...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Cellini 3807 Champagne Dial 18K Gold Manual Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Cellini manual-wind dress watch in 18K yellow gold featuring a tonneau-shaped case with a champagne dial, applied gold indices, Cellini script signature, and an integra...
18k Gold
Vintage 1969 18k Yellow Gold Rolex Cellini Vignette Dial Watch Ref 3818
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage women's 1969 Rolex Cellini Ref. 3818 is a refined and highly collectible dress watch, combining the prestige of Rolex with the understated elegance that defines the Cell...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$21,000Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Diamond Dial Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate your wrist with this stunning Rolex Oyster Perpetual, exquisitely crafted in 14k yellow gold. This classic timepiece features a radiant gold-toned dial, meticulously adorned ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Wide Band
By Manfredi
Located in Greenwich, CT
Our designers strived to create the best jewelry in the world, combining non-traditional designs with precious white diamonds, 18k yellow an...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Five Stones Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Manfredi
Located in Greenwich, CT
This classic and elegant design, is obtained by harmoniously setting the diamonds between gold bars creating an innovative band to celebrate your 5 year anniversary or just to wear w...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Adolfo Courrier Sapphire and Diamond Stackable Band
By Adolfo Courrier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Inspired by the passion for art and Italian craftsmanship, husband and wife Adolfo Courrier and Alessandra Zanchetta, creates contemporary designs that...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Seven Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Greenwich, CT
This dazzling Seven Stones diamond anniversary/wedding ring with 0.85carat white round diamonds, H/SI 1. The band measures 3.5mm in width and its crafted for a finger size 5 but can ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Pave White Gold Cuff Bracelet by Casato
Located in Greenwich, CT
A unique design with an unforgettable beauty. Intertwined Pave Diamond circles with a soft and natural look. Crafted in Italy by Casato in 18k white gold and 254 round brilliant cut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 6.37 Radiant Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Platinum 18K Ring
By Manfredi
Located in Greenwich, CT
Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Ring. Centering this gorgeous ring is a Radiant cut Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond, flanked by 1...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Pla...
