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.
18k Rolex Cellini 3729 Pocket Watch. 18k Yellow gold Rolex Oval Ellipse Pocket
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Cellini Pocket Watch. Ref: 3729 Circa 1957 1601 Rolex Manual Movement. Please refer to pictures to see the movement. Condition: Winds up and ticks. Keeps accurate ...
Stainless Steel
Antique Rare Rolex Prince 9CT Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, C1930s
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Prince. A very rare 9ct yellow gold dress pocket watch C1930s Dial: The excellent silver rare bow tie dial with Arabic twelve and black enamel batons, outer minute track and separate seconds dial with bow tie dial in the seconds dial. A rare combination indeed, complimented by original matching blued steel hands and seconds hand. Case: The Rhombus designed 9ct yellow gold case with a plain polished back. The case fully signed Rolex ,numbered and Swiss hallmarked. Movement: The Rhombus keyless lever movement is of exceptional high quality Nickel finished fully jewelled, signed Rolex with Rolex Patent Cap protecting escapement. One of the best pocket watch movements produced by Rolex. This is indeed a rare pocket watch...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex. A Rare Gold and Enamel Keyless Pocket Watch C1920
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold and Enamel Keyless Lever Pocket Watch Retailed By The Alex Clarke Company London C1920. Dial: The original silver matt dial engine turned to the cent...
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Rolex Rare Prince Yellow Gold Dress Pocket Watch 8753 C1920
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Prince. A very rare 38mm 18ct yellow gold dress pocket watch with a specially made chain by Rolex, C1920. Dial: The excellent cream dial with batons and crown signed Rolex Officially Certified Chronometer with original dagger hands and large subsidiary dial at six o'clock. Case: The Rhombus designed 18ct yellow gold case with a plain satin finished back. The case was never made with a bow only a chain with a clip signed Rolex, designed to be attached to a waste coat or to be put in the breast pocket with the clip attached to the lapel. The case fully signed Rolex ,numbered and Swiss hallmarked. Movement: The rhombus style movement is of exceptional high quality. Nickel finished fully jewelled, signed Rolex with Rolex Patent...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini 18k Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A refined expression of classic Swiss watchmaking, this Rolex Cellini 18k Yellow Gold Watch captures understated elegance through its balanced proportions and meticulous detailing. C...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Pocket Watch 9165. Antique Rolex Precision 9165 Circa 1952
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Pocket Watch. Precision Ref: 9165 Circa 1952 Please refer to pictures to see the movement. Condition: Winds up and ticks. Second hand moves smoothly. Details: 45....
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex 49MM 9K Gold London Camerer Cuss & Co. Mechanical Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Men's Metal Type: 9K Yellow Gold Length: 2.75 inches Diameter: 49.00 mm Weight: 82.30 grams ROLEX Gent's 9K yellow gold, ROLEX Swiss made pocket watch. Engraved with "375" and "9K". The "ROLEX " trademark (or hallmark) can also be found on the item. In very good condition. Vintage unpolished Pre-owned in very good condition. This timepiece is an authentic, rare 1920s Rolex...
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex. A Rare Yellow Gold Pendant Pocket Watch C1964
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Dress Watch With Original Presentation Box C1964. Dial: The simplistic silver dial with quadrant lines fully signed Rolex Geneve with Rolex Crown at t...
Gorini & Cie. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Keywind Pocket Watch, circa 1840s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gorini & Cie. Paris STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Key Winding Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1840's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter ...
18ct Yellow Gold 33mm Open Face Pocket Watch
Located in London, GB
This elegant pocket watch is a classic and timeless piece. The watch face is 33mm in diameter, with beautiful dial, roman numbers crafted in 18ct yellow gold, hand engraved, in full ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex Master of Complications 5850 SC 18KT Gold, No. 38
Located in Braintree, GB
A Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex in solid 18KT gold, reference 5850 SC, individually numbered 38. The Cintrée Curvex case is the shape the house is known for, a tonneau curved along i...
18k Gold
Jaeger-LeCoultre vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Manual Wristwatch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Braintree, GB
Jaeger-LeCoultre vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Manual Wristwatch. Made in Circa 1950 - 1960s. This wristwatch by Jaeger-LeCoultre is crafted in 18kt yell...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm Automatic Men's Watch, 18kt Gold & Steel, 2021
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Yacht-Master Oyster Perpetual Date 18kt pink gold and stainless steel men's wristwatch. Comes with a full set of box and papers. Place of origin: Switzerland Period: 2021 Ca...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Patek Philippe & Cie Genève Pocket Watch Box
Located in Braintree, GB
An original vintage pocket-watch presentation box by Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, dating to approximately the mid-20th century. The rectangular case is covered in black leather...
Other
Victorian 22kt Gold Locket Pendant with 20kt Chain Necklace
Located in Braintree, GB
A Victorian antique gold locket necklace comprising an oval locket pendant in 22kt yellow gold, suspended from a substantial 20kt gold chain. The locket is finely decorated to the fr...
Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Cartier Tank Américaine 18KT Gold Automatic Chronograph Watch, Ref. 3072
By Cartier
Located in Braintree, GB
This Cartier Tank Américaine chronograph in 18KT gold carries one of the most recognisable silhouettes in 20th-century watchmaking — the elongated, gently curved Tank case that grew ...
18k Gold
