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 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
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...
Rolex Cellini 18K Gold 37mm 6623 On Leather Watch Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Cellini 37mm in 18k gold case and ostrich leather strap. 1990 year with the original Cellini anniversary box and papers. Details: Brand: Rolex Model: Cellini 18K Gold...
18k Gold
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 Cellini White Gold Keyless Lever Dress Pocket Watch C1970
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Cellini. A White Gold Keyless Lever Dress Open Face Pocket Watch C1970 Dial: The cream coloured dial with black Roman numerals fully signed Rolex Geneve and signed Cellini at six o'clock with black pointer hands. Case: The 18ct white gold slim line case with the original green Rolex sticker on the back of the case. The snap back case is fully signed, numbered, and Swiss hallmarked Movement: The fully jewelled and signed movement calibre 1600 is in pristine working order with fast, slow regulation and compensation balance. This is an excellent example of a fine Rolex Cellini range...
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Rolex Cellini 3804 32mm Champagne Dial Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 3804 Year: 1970's Model: Rolex Cellini Case Material: 14k Yellow Gold Clasp: Yellow Gold Plated Band: Black Leather Bezel: 14k Yellow Gold ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970 Rolex Cellini 4089 18K YG Textured Breguet Dial Manual 23mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
An Exception To The Rolex Rulebook The Cellini line has always been Rolex's platform for pure dress watch design, a departure from the rugged tool watches that defined the brand. Th...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Cellini 4082 Cushion Engine Turned Bezel Ladies Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Cellini Ref. 4082 lady’s wristwatch from 1980, featuring a cushion-shaped 18k yellow gold case with a polished and brushed finish, a graduated bezel, and an integrated textured Rolex Cellini bracelet...
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
Lady Liberty Five Dollar Gold Piece Talisman
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1880, 21k and 14k, American. A particularly great-looking coin, the Liberty 5-dollar gold piece is a timeless, great design brought to us from 1880. The authentic look and we...
14k Gold, 22k Gold
Gorgeous Etruscanate Gold Locket
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1880s, 14k, American. This magnificent Victorian locket features sumptuous gold work in the Etuscanate taste. A handmade one-of-a-kind, it is as fashionable today as it was 15...
Diamond, 14k Gold
1879 2 1/2 dollar Liberty Gold Piece Talisman
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1879, 21k, American. A particularly great-looking coin, the Liberty 2 1/2-dollar gold piece is a timeless design brought to us from 1879. The authentic look and weight of gold...
Antique Gold Fob c1850s
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1850s, 14k. This early Victorian fob is wonderfully decorated with leaves and flowers, a foliate scroll lyre, and a bright citrine. Perfect as a pendant, the look is “town and...
Citrine, 14k Gold
Antique French Bracelet
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1880s, 18k, France. This antique bracelet features handmade 18k yellow gold filigree flower motif links. Dressed up or down, the look is Gallic Town and Country at its most ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1870s Renaissance Revival Gold Bracelet by Lefebvre Fils Aine French
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1870s, 18k, by Lefebvre Fils Aine, Paris, France. This antique French bracelet features profusely ornate and heavy filigree elements featuring foliate motifs and Florentine scr...
18k Gold
