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.
Vacheron Constantin Pocket Watch 900 Silver
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Berlin, DE
Glass and hour hand are missing. Original case! Age-related condition. Including certificate of authenticity.
Silver
Longines Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
By Longines
Located in Berlin, DE
High quality collector's pocket watch by Longines. Including original case. Hallmarked, 18k gold. Extremely rare collector's watch. The clock works. Dial unfortunately damaged between 4 and 5 o'clock. Glass has a crack between 9 and 10 o'clock. 18k Gold Longines Pocket Watch...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe 14 Karat Gold Pocket Watch, sold by W. Lennartz-Michels
By Patek Philippe
Located in Berlin, DE
Patek Philippe Gold Pocket Watch, Arabic Enamel Dial Slight signs of wear due to age on the case. Hands possibly replaced. Diameter ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Glashütte Uhrenfabrik Union Silver Pocket Watch, Case by Dürrstein & Co.
Located in Berlin, DE
Case by Dürrstein & Co. Case number and movement number are not identical. Glass damaged. Watch can be wound and works. Accuracy not tested.
Silver
Antique Zenith 14 Karat Gold Pocket Watch, Savonette, Enamel Dial
By Zenith
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique Zenith 14 karat gold pocket watch, savonette. Enamel dial with Arabic numbers. Pocket watch can be wound and works. Original, very good conditi...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vacheron & Constantin Grottendieck Bruxelles 18 Karat Gold Pocket Watch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Berlin, DE
Vacheron & Constantin Grottendieck Bruxelles 18 Karat Gold Pocket Watch Movement can be wound and works. Dial with hairline crack. Incl...
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
Rolex Pocket Watch. Antique Rolex Precision Lever 7 World's Records
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Antique Rolex Pocket Watch. Precision Lever 7 World's Records Circa 1940s Ref 408 Please refer to pictures to see the movement. Condition: Winds up and ticks. Second hand moves s...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Case Material : Stainless Steel Case Size : 42.2mm Gender : U96r630s
By Rolex
Located in Dix hills, NY
Measurements: Length: 1.6" Width: .3" Height: 2" OVERALL GOOD- CONDITION ( 6.75/10 or B- ) Signs of Wear: Exterior: Very Minor Scratches Hardware: Minor Scratches, Minor Rubbing, Very Minor Tarnish Case Material : Stainless Steel Case Size : 42mm Gender : Unisex Watch Shape...
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
Vintage ROLEX Oyster Watch. Rolex ref 4365. 1940s Gold Capped Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Mens Watch Just underwent Full Service - Ready To Go Stainless Steel Case that is Gold Filled Capped ref.4365 Circa 1946 Condition: Windup Movement. Runs we...
Stainless Steel
1966 Rolex Ladies Dress Watch, Silver Dial - 14K White Gold
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...
White Gold
