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.
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Vintage 1967 Rolex Datejust 1603 Stainless Steel Silver Linen Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A More Considered Vintage Datejust The Reference 1603 is a standout in the vintage Datejust family for one key reason: its engine-turned steel bezel. Unlike the more common fluted w...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1974 Rolex Datejust 1601 Two-Tone Matte Lemon Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Classic Configuration With A Twist The reference 1601 is the quintessential vintage Datejust. Its combination of a 36mm steel case and a solid gold fluted bezel defined the catego...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1973 Rolex Datejust 1601 Two-Tone Champagne Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Rolex The Datejust is the watch that defined the modern Rolex catalog. Introduced in 1945, it set the standard for a practical yet refined daily watch by combining ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1968 Rolex Datejust 1625 Stainless Steel Silver Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Original Tool Watch Bezel Before the Submariner and the GMT-Master, there was the Turn-o-graph. Introduced in 1953, the rotating bezel was Rolex’s first serially produced tool w...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1975 Rolex Datejust 1601 Stainless Steel & Rose Gold Champagne Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Metal In The Rolex Catalog While the Datejust is a foundational piece, this 1601 stands apart due to its use of rose gold. During the 1970s, Rolex used this metal sparingly, ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1973 Rolex Air-King 5500 Stainless Steel Silver Sunburst Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Quintessential Entry To Vintage Rolex The Air-King 5500 is one of the longest-running references in the brand's history, and for good reason. It is Rolex at its purest: a clean,...
Steel, Stainless Steel
1959 Rolex Vintage Mens Early Datejust, Ref. 6605 - Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 Serpico y Laino Dial Circa 1962
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional vintage circa 1962 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 is a highly collectible example distinguished by its rare double-signed Serpico y Lain...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Ref 1603 with Original Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1603 Mens 1960s 36mm Vintage Automatic RA684C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1603 automatic, c.1967, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied silver baton index hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 position, hands and dial in excellent, vintage condition, natural patina on hands and dial. Acrylic crystal. Stainless steel engine turned bezel on stainless steel case measures 36mm wide, in excellent condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is all original. Fitted on new, aftermarket genuine blue gator strap and aftermarket buckle. An icon, Men's Rolex 1603...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1600 SS Silver Index Dial Auto Men's Watch 36mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Datejust 1600 Stainless Steel Silver Index Dial Automatic Men's Watch. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7.5 inches. Original box and papers are...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 Silver Piepan Dial 18k WG Fluted Bezel 1973
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Datejust 1601 Silver Piepan Dial 18k WG Fluted Bezel 1973 SKU 1906 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 1601 Year 1973 Dial Silver Piepan Dial Case Steel and 18k White Gold ...
