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 Presidential 18kt Gold Green Diamond Dial Bezel and Lugs 6917
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 26mm Presidential 18kt Gold Green Diamond Dial Bezel and Lugs 6917 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has no visible scratches or blemishe...
Diamond, Gold
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Green Dial and Diamond Bezel circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Green Dial with Emeralds & Diamonds Two Tone Jubilee Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust Green Dial with Emeralds & Diamonds Two Tone Watch Jubilee Band 16013
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Stainless Steel
$10,529 / item
Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Quick-Set Datejust Black Dial Round & Baguette Numbers Emerald Watch 16013
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Quick-Set Datejust 36mm Black Dial Round & Baguette Numbers Emerald & Diamond Bezel Watch 16013
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Green Vignette Dial Diamond Bezel + Lugs + Emerald 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Green Vignette Dial Diamond Bezel + Lugs + Emerald Two Tone Watch 69173
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust With Custom Made Green Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust With Custom Made Green Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Green Dial, Diamonds / Emeralds Bezel Two Tone Watch 16013
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust Green Dial with Diamonds,Diamonds/Emeralds Bezel Two Tone Watch Jubilee Band
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Green Dial and Diamond Bezel circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Finished Green Diamond Dial from 1960's / 70's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 / Solid Gold Bezel METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Custom Finished Green Diamond Dial / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Crocodile 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex has a custom finished dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous specifications. However, it did not originally come on this watch. All the other mechanical parts on this watch are original, in fact it still has its original factory rating. You can only get this rating when all the mechanical parts are original. This Datejust is a perfect example of what a custom Rolex...
