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.
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Rolex Daytona Automatic Chronograph, Ref. 16520, Full Set, 1988
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rolex Daytona, Ref. 16520, U serial, Full Set from 1998 with Service Papers from 2008 and 2020, with original certificate. Model: 16520 Movement: Automatic Chronograph Zenith Cas...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 6239 Daytona Stainless Steel Watch in Stock
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 6239 Daytona Stainless Steel Watch in Stock This is a super cool Rolex 6239 Daytona Stainless Steel Watch. The watch is vintage but still very modern...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Zenith Daytona Patrizzi Dial 16520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare stainless steel Zenith Daytona by Rolex. Featuring an extremely divisive and unique patrizzi dial. The watch further features an engraved tachymetric scale, three chronograph counters and pushers, the Daytona was designed to be the ultimate timing tool for endurance racing drivers. The Oyster bracelet is equipped with a folding Oysterlock clasp. Fitted with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a self-winding automatic chronograph Zenith movement. This N serial Rolex...
Stainless Steel
Historical Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Big Red 6263 steel 1979
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
First launched in 1963 and created specifically for the world of automotive racing, the Rolex Daytona collection is arguably one of the most popular and universally respected lines of timepieces from the brand’s entire catalog. And among the numerous references that make up this iconic collection of chronograph watches, the “Big Red” Rolex...
Steel
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
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
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 116520 Cream Dial SS P2 Serial 2001 Papers
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2274 Brand Rolex Model Cosmograph Daytona Reference 116520 Year 2001 Dial Cream Dial Case Steel Bracelet Steel Diameter 40mm Length N/A Movement Automatic Weight N/A Lug Width ...
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Steel & Gold Watch 116523
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Steel & Gold Watch 116523 - Automatic winding, chronograph, 44 jewels, sapphire crystal. Daytona. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold beel (4...
Rolex Daytona Black Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stainless steel Cosmograph Daytona by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers; the Daytona was designed to be the ultimate timi...
Stainless Steel
16.40 Carat Art Deco Diamond Bracelet
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An important example of art deco craftsmanship and design, this platinum masterpiece is comprised of three major sections connected by diamond-encrusted links and double row diamond ...
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian Diamond Gold Locket Bracelet
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This very fine Victorian locket-bracelet is adorned with a whimsical Rose Cut diamond floral accent. The long tubular links of the bracelet are very flexible and graduate in size, sm...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold
Diamond, Emerald, and Onyx Art Deco Platinum Bracelet Circa 1930
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An all original Art Deco diamond, onyx, and emerald bracelet handmade in platinum, circa 1930. A stunning arrangement of Old European Cut, Old Mine Cut, and Single Cut diamonds adorn...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum
Buccellati Emerald and Diamond 18k Yellow/White Gold Cuff circa 1980
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An exceptional emerald gem-set vintage 18k yellow gold and white gold cuff by Buccellati, circa 1980. Featuring three oval-shaped emeralds and framed by round diamonds, this bracelet...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Tri-Color Gold Link Bracelet
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Faceted links of 18 karat rose gold are alternated with engraved links of 18 karat white gold, while the underside is finished in 18 karat yellow gold. This is a most uncommon means ...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1960's Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
French Gemstone “Barber Pole” Bracelet - Exquisitely appointed with royal blue sapphires (11.20 carats), rich red rubies (8.50 carats), intense green emeralds (6.16 carats) and brill...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
