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 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
$17,710
H 1.58 in W 0.52 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Submariner No Date Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 114060
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. This watch comes with an original box, and papers. Covered by a 3-year warranty. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 114060 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Model: Rolex Submariner 114060 Vintage: No Band Details: Band Color: Steel Band Material: Stainless Steel Closure: Fold-Over Clasp with Flip Lock Safety Band Type: Bracelet/Link Band Band Width: 20 mm Lug Width: 15.5 mm Wrist Fit: 7.5 Inches Bezel & Movement Details: Bezel Type: Count-Up/Dive, Unidirectional Rotating Bezel Color: Black Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) Number of Jewels: 31 Jewels Movement Caliber: Rolex Caliber 3130...
Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm Steel & Gold Unworn 2026 Black Dial 126613LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 41mm Submariner Date, in Oystersteel and yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial, this 126613LN also features a yellow gold uni-directional rotatable bezel with a black cerami...
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel
Rolex Submariner 5513 No Date Watch & Box
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Submariner 5513 Men's Watch. This timepiece features a 40mm stainless steel case and a bi-directional rotating stainless steel bezel with a black aluminum...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm 126610LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 41mm Submariner Date in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial, complemented by a black ceramic unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations coated in platinum. ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm Oystersteel with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm Oystersteel An authentic collectors piece New or in excellent estate we can offer you your dream watch. In the pictures two brand new watches sold from 20...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner No Date Steel Ceramic Bezel Black Dial Mens Watch 114060
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. No original box and papers. This watch comes with a Chronostore presentation box and an authenticity card. Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 114060 Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Style Sport Model Rolex Submariner 114060 Vintage No Band Color Stainless Steel Band Material Stainless Steel Closure Fold-Over Clasp with Flip Lock Safety Band Type Bracelet Band Width 16 mm Lug Width 20 mm Wrist Fit 7.5 Inches Bezel Type Unidirectional Rotating Bezel Color Black Movement Mechanical (Automatic) Number of Jewels 31 Jewels Movement Caliber Rolex caliber 3130...
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
Rolex Submariner Date Holes Steel None Ceramic Black Dial Mens Watch 16610
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with a Chronostore Presentation Box and a Chronostore Authenticity Card. Covered by 2-year Chronostore Warranty. Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 16610 Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Style Luxury Model Rolex Submariner...
Steel
$18,340
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Submariner No Date Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 124060BKSO
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex Department Men Model Number 124060BKSO Country/...
Steel
1984 Rolex Explorer II 16550 Spider Rail Dial Men's Watch #23711
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1984 Rolex Explorer II Men's Watch Model: 16550 Serial: 8584581 This vintage Rolex Explorer II men's watch is a true collector's item. The watch features what is know as a "black s...
Steel
1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Day Date 18238 Men's Watch #23710
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Presidential Day Date Watch Model: 18238 Serial: L327924 This elegant 18K yellow gold men's Rolex features day/date settings and quickset design. Champa...
18k Gold
1990 Rolex Day-Date President 18248 18K Yellow Gold Watch 36mm Box #23235
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1990 Rolex Day-Date President Watch Model: 18248 Serial: E840743 This classic Rolex Day-Date President watch is set in solid 18K yellow gold. 36mm case Champagne Dial with Day Date indicators and diamond markers Gold bark finish center band - fits up to 8" bracelet size - no additional links available - very slight stretch to band / very good condition Authentic Rolex bezel...
18k Gold
2002 Rolex Ladies DateJust Two Tone Blue Diamond Dial Watch 79173 #23237
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2002 Rolex Ladies Datejust Watch Model: 79173 Serial: Y611504 This classic Rolex ladies watch is set in stainless steel with 18K gold bezel and gold accents on oyster band 26mm ca...
Stainless Steel
2000 Rolex Ladies Two Tone Datejust 79163 Diamond Slate Dial #24682
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2000 Rolex Ladies Two Tone Datejust Model: 79163 Serial: K143131 This classic ladies Rolex watch is set in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold...
Stainless Steel
1981 Rolex Datejust 31 President 6827 18K Yellow Gold Watch White Roman #24681
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1981 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Datejust 31 Watch Model: 6827 Serial: 6703098 This elegant Rolex midsize watch is set in solid 18K gold. 31mm case w...
18k Gold
