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 Daytona APH White Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Daytona in Oystersteel by Rolex, featuring a unique APH error white dial. With an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers; the Daytona was designed to be the ultimat...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona NOS White Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn NOS Daytona in Oystersteel by Rolex, featuring a white dial. With an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers; the Daytona was designed to be the ultimate tim...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Rare Panna Cream Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's wristwatch in stainless steel, by Rolex. Featuring an extremely desirable yet rare Panna cream dial, found only in a fairly tight serial range. With an engraved tachymetric s...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Stainless Steel White Dial Automatic Men Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-Owned. No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with a Chronostore Presentation Box and Chronostore Authenticity Card. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-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. Watch Details: Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116520 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury, Sport Model: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Vintage: No Year Manufactured: 2000-2009 Customized: No Handedness: Right Box and Papers: Box: Chronostore Giftbox Included Papers: Chronostore Certificate With Papers: No Seller Warranty: Yes SKU: 00621 Band and Closure: Band Color: Steel Band Material: Stainless Steel Closure: Fold-Over Clasp with Flip Lock Safety Band Type: Bracelet Band Width: 15.5 mm Lug Width: 20 mm Wrist Fit: 7.5 inches Movement: Movement Caliber: Rolex caliber 4130...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$42,380
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Daytona White Panda Dial Steel Ceramic Automatic Mens Watch 116500LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Mint condition. This watch comes with an original box and paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund....
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Chronograph White Ivory Creamy Dial 116520 Steel Watch 2001
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Rolex Model: 116520 Year: 2001 Serial number: K4xxxxx Reference: C03499 Case: Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case back stamped 2100 Dial: Excellen...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Ref 116509 Racing Dial White Gold Chronograph Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Daytona Chronograph Reference 116509. This watch has become one of the most iconic watches Rolex has ever made and is sought after all over the world. At the heart of this 40 m...
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm White Dial Stainless Steel New Buckle 116520 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116520 is a masterful blend of precision and luxury. Crafted in stainless steel, this 40mm timepiece features a round case with a solid back, ensuri...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Ghost White Gold Unworn 2026 126519LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 2026 Oysterflex Daytona "Ghost" in white gold by Rolex, available now from Watch Centre London. Designed to be the ultimate high-performance chronograph, this timepiece features ...
White Gold
Rolex Daytona Chronograph Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Daytona Chronograph Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116520 - Automatic winding, chronograph, 44 jewels, sapphire crystal. Daytona. Stainless steel case (40mm diameter). White dial....
Vintage 1999 Rolex Zenith Daytona 16520 Stainless Steel White Dial Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The End Of The Zenith Era The reference 16520 marks the single most important transition in the history of the Daytona. It was the first self-winding chronograph Rolex ever produced...
Steel, Stainless Steel
2009 Rolex Daytona 116520 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The First In-House Daytona The reference 116520 is a landmark model. It represents the moment Rolex brought its legendary chronograph entirely in-house, replacing the modified Zenit...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1996 Rolex Daytona 16520 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Watch That Changed Everything The reference 16520 is the watch that transformed the Daytona from a respected chronograph into a global icon. Introduced in 1988, it was the first...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1990 Rolex Day-Date 18239 18K WG Silver Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Apex Predator In White Gold The Day-Date has always been the flagship of the Rolex catalog, exclusively crafted in precious metals. While yellow gold is the traditional choice, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1991 Rolex Datejust 16200 Stainless Steel White Stick Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Rolex The Datejust is the benchmark. Introduced in 1945, it was the first automatic wristwatch with a date that changed on its own. It established a design language...
Steel, Stainless Steel
1996 Rolex Lady Datejust 69174 18K WG Bezel Motif Arabic Dial 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Understated Elegance In White Gold And Steel The reference 69174 is the sophisticated, "undercover" alternative to the traditional two-tone Lady Datejust. By pairing a robust stainl...
18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
