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 GMT Master II Pepsi 16750, Stainless Steel, 1982, Swiss Made
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
This rare Rolex GMT features its original iconic red and blue “Pepsi” bezel insert with a beautiful patina. Throughout the watch you will see a consistent patina with all original pa...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master 1675 "Pepsi" Gilt Gloss Dial Rivet 6636 Bracelet Vintage Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex GMT Master 1675 steel case, year of production 1966, bidirectional steel bezel with Aluminium insert Pepsi colors, plastic glass with cyclo...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex GMT-Master 1675 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage stainless steel GMT-Master by Rolex. Featuring a matte black dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture and a stainless steel bi-directional rotating bezel with a blac...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1990 Rolex GMT-Master 16700 Stainless Steel Pepsi Bezel Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of Its Name Rolex produced the reference 16700 from 1988 until 1999, and it was the final watch to carry the GMT-Master name on its own. It ran alongside the more complex G...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$45,000Sale Price|42% Off
H 0.4 in Dm 14.97 in
1958 Rolex GMT-Master 6542: Steel Case, Aluminum Bezel, Swiss Made
By Rolex
Located in CABA, AR
VERY RARE 1958 Rolex GMT-Master 6542 Full Set – A Vintage Icon in Original Untouched Condition Presenting an extraordinary opportunity to own a very rare Rolex GMT-Master 6542 from 1958, a true collector’s masterpiece. This iconic model is offered as a complete set, including the original box, papers, tag, and chronometer certificate, making it a highly desirable find for horological enthusiasts. Key features include: * Black Gilt Glossy Radium OCC Dial & Hands – the original dial and hands, with a stunning patina that adds to the vintage allure of this timepiece. * Cyclops Lens & Plastic Glass – the distinctive design elements that make the GMT-Master a recognizable classic. * 38mm Steel Case – the perfect size for a vintage watch, combined with the original 1958 Oyster steel bracelet, offering a comfortable and stylish fit. * Original Rolex Aluminium Red & Blue "Pepsi" Bezel Insert from the Early 60s – the iconic two-tone bezel in excellent condition, adding authenticity and value. There were two versions of the reference 6542, one with a bakelite bezel and one with a non-luminescent aluminum bezel. The first version, with the bakelite bezel, proved to be a problem for the manufacturers as the numbers and markings on the bezel were coated in a luminous material that at the time caused issues with the United States Atomic Energy Commission...
Aluminum, Steel
1987 Rolex GMT Master Pepsi Vintage Watch 16700 Factory Original As Is
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1987 Rolex GMT Master Pepsi Automatic Watch 16700 Bracelet: 8.5 inch length including the case, thirteen links, clasp “M11”, "78360” see pictur...
Vintage Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi 1675 40mm Red Blue Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1675 Serial: 316**** Year: 1973 Model: Rolex GMT-Master Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Pepsi - Blue and Red ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1985 Rolex GMT-Master Two Tone Automatic Watch Ref 16753
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This 1985 Rolex GMT-Master reference 16753 is crafted in a combination of stainless steel and yellow gold, presenting the brand’s characteristic two-tone construction. The case is pa...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1991 Rolex GMT Master II 16710 Stainless Steel Black Dial Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of The Aluminum Bezels The reference 16710 is a cornerstone of modern Rolex collecting. Produced for nearly two decades, it represents the final evolution of the classic GM...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 116710LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens stainless steel GMT-Master II by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. The bi-directional rotatable bezel features a 24-hour di...
Stainless Steel
Vivienne Westwood Wallace Gold Plated Watch
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Vivienne Westwood unisex watch Wallace model Green textured dial Goden color Crystals Hours, minutes and seconds Perfectly working Case size mm 40 With box Express shipping included ...
Stainless Steel
1990s Rare Ladies Gerald Genta G 2851.7 Watch
By Gérald Genta
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Rare and fascinating Gerald Genta vintage watch Coming from the one and only lady owner Ref. G. 2851.7 Period : 1990s 18KT Yellow gold and steel Fantastic octagonal case (28 mm) Cha...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Carlo Zini Vintage Rhodium Jewel Watch with Swarovski Crystals, Italy
By Carlo Zini
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Amazing Carlo Zini Milano jewel watch One of the greatest bijoux creators of all times Vintage from late 80's / early 90's Perfectly working Japanese quartz movement Rhodium metal s...
Carlo Zini Vintage 18kt Gold Dipped Rhinestone Watch, 1990s Design
By Carlo Zini
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Amazing Carlo Zini Milano jewel watch One of the greatest bijoux creators of all times Vintage piece from late 80's / early 90's Perfectly working Quartz movement 18kt gold dipped P...
1990 Chanel Golden CC Medallion Belt
By Chanel
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Fantastic and rare Chanel belt Chain belt with CC medallions, wearable as a necklace Period: 1990s Materials: Gold-tone metal Colours: Gold Dimensions: Length approx. 90 cm Conditio...
1990s Louis Vuitton Alzer 80
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful iconic & vintage travel briefcase Vintage from the 90s Monogram LV logo Studded leather with brass on angles Brass metal elements Internal divider (removable) Internal belt...
