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.
2000 Rolex Sea Dweller 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of The Classic Sea-Dwellers The reference 16600 is widely regarded as the final evolution of the classic, pre-ceramic Sea Dweller. It represents the perfect bridge between ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1999 Rolex Submariner 16610 Steel Black Dial Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Archetype Of The Modern Diver The Submariner 16610 is the definitive version of the modern dive watch. It represents the last generation of the classic aluminum bezel Submariner...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1999 Rolex Submariner 14060 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Unadulterated Dive Watch The Submariner defined the luxury dive watch category upon its introduction in 1953, setting the standard for water resistance and introducing the rotat...
Stainless Steel
2000 Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Steel Auto Black Dial 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Final Peak Of The Classic Submariner The reference 16610 represents the final evolution of the traditional Submariner case before the shift toward the bulkier Super Case designs...
Steel, Stainless Steel
1979 Rolex Submariner Date 1680 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of The Matte Dial Subs The Reference 1680 is a foundational watch, marking the first time Rolex added a date complication to its legendary Submariner line. This 1979 exampl...
Steel, Stainless Steel
1996 Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Stainless Steel Tritium Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Definitive Modern Diver Silhouette The reference 16610 is the bridge between the vintage tool watch era and modern luxury Rolex. Produced for over twenty years, it represents th...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller Black Dial 16600
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Oystersteel 40mm Sea-Dweller by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with the date display at 3 o'clock and a black unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60 minute graduations. The Oyster...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 16600
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch was produced in 2004. Minor scratches and nicks on the bezel insert. Recently serviced. Wrist Fit: 7.5 Inches. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Num...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea 44mm Ceramic Bezel Black Dial Oystersteel Watch 116660
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
The Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Men’s watch 116660 is an authentic Swiss-made luxury watch that features a 904L Oystersteel stainless steel case and matching Oystersteel stainless stee...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm 126600 Stainless Steel Watch Black Dial UNWORN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm Stainless Steel Watch Black Dial 126600 We are a premiere distributor of pre-owned and new watches, where we guarantee complete authenticity and corresponding aesthetic to all of our timepieces. We guarantee the watch you receive corresponds 100% to the model when viewed in person. We can confidently say, you will not be disappointed. But if for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase and feel as though the watch did not meet your expectations, we will REFUND you fully. Stainless steel case with a stainless steel Rolex oyster bracelet. Uni-directional rotating stainless steel bezel with a black ceramic ring. Black dial with silver-tone Mercedes-logo, sword, and Berget-style hands and dot hour markers. Minute markers around the outer rim. Luminescent hands and markers. Date display at the 3 o'clock position. Rolex caliber 3235...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller 44mm Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116660
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Rolex Deepsea 116660 is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by mechanical (automatic) movement which is cased in a stainl...
NEW Rolex Sea Dweller 16600 Y Series 2002 Wristwatch Full Set
By Rolex
Located in Switzerland, CH
A collector's dream! One of the most demanded Rolex watches, this model has been discontinued and will only go up in value! Brandnew and complete Plastic cover on dial still attached...
Stainless Steel
