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.
Ladies Rolex 26mm Presidential 18K Yellow Gold Watch with White Dial and Diamond
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Brand: Rolex. Bezel: Diamond. Model: DateJust. Series: President. Crystal: Sapphire. Numeral: Roman. Dial Color: White. Gender: Women's. Dial: Diamond Dial. Condition: Very Good. Mod...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$18,150
H 1.03 in W 0.44 in Dm 1.03 in
Rolex President 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Watch 69178G Excellent
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. 100% original, Fully serviced and working perfectly. Impossible to find in this condition. Excellent condition. Comes with original box but no papers.
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1982 Ladies Rolex 6917 with Diamond Bezel 18k Yellow Gold Complete
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Complete with original box and papers. Vintage 6917 18k 1982 ladies Datejust with a diamond bezel. Crafted out of 18k yellow gold paired with a champagne dial and the iconic Presiden...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Presidential 18kt Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 68278
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 31mm Presidential 18kt Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 68278 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced an...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Rolex Day-Date 18038 Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Bridge To The Modern Day-Date The reference 18038 is a landmark model for the Day-Date. Introduced around 1977, it brought the collection into a new era by adding a sapphire cry...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex 69258 Ladies President Diamond Dial Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69258 Serial: E530*** Year: 1990 Model: Ladies President Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Original Diamond Bezel Dial: Original...
Rare Ladies Rolex Datejust 69178, 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial year 1987
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our ladies Rolex Datejust reference 69178 features a 26mm 18ct yellow gold case with 18ct president bracelet, and champagne with diamond set dial. Presented in original unpolished co...
Rolex NOS Day-Date Diamond Dial 18038
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A yellow gold Day-Date by Rolex. Featuring a champagne dial set with 8 round brilliant cut diamonds as well as 2 baguette cut diamond hour markers and a fixed yellow gold fluted beze...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$17,495
H 1.3 in Dm 1.03 in
Rolex Ladies President Date Just Turntable Dial Diamond Dial Gold Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Lady's Rolex President Date Just turntable wristwatch model 179138. Factory Turntable dial with a diamond bezel in 18k yellow gold. 6.5 inches. The band oyster band has no visible stretch or wear. Circa 2001. Rolex box included. No papers. Length: 33mm Width: 26mm Band width at case: 13mm Case thickness: 11.80mm Band: 18k yellow gold ladies president...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Rolex President Lady Datejust, Automatic, Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt Yellow Gold Rolex President Lady Oyster Datejust, Set with Diamonds Movement: Automatic Functions: Hours, minutes, sweep seconds, date Case: 18 kt. yellow gold, diameter 26 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 18k WG/SS Turn-o-graph Watch Thunderbird 16264
By Rolex
Located in Richmond, CA
A fine and collectible Gent's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Turn-o-graph "Thunderbird" watch, with a rotation 18K WG second time zone bezel, on a stainle...
18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece 18k Solid Gold Automatic BIG DATE Wristwatch 40mm
By Maurice Lacroix
Located in Richmond, CA
Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece gent's wristwatch in solid 18k yellow gold. This fine Swiss timepiece features elegant “big date" complication display at prominent 12 o'clock position, A...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Rare 40s Pierpont 18k Solid Yellow Gold Subdial Dress Watch New Brown Croco Band
Located in Richmond, CA
This Pierpont gent's watch is a distinguished and rare timepiece from the 1940s, embodying the elegance and craftsmanship of a bygone era. Crafted from 18k solid gold and Swiss made, it exudes luxury and refinement, making it a standout piece in any collection. The watch is complemented by a well-matched brown crocodile leather band, which adds a touch of classic style and sophistication. The gold plaque buckle on the band enhances the overall luxurious feel of the watch, ensuring it's not just a timekeeper but a statement of style. At the heart of this watch is a manual winding Pierpont 17 jewel Swiss movement, a testament to the precision engineering and meticulous craftsmanship of the era. The presence of a second hand sub-dial at the six o'clock position adds functionality while maintaining the watch's classic aesthetic. The movement is tested to wind and run, but not tested for accuracy. One of the most charming aspects of this watch is the nice patina that has developed on the hands and dial over the years. This natural aging process adds character and a unique history to the watch, making it not just a piece of jewelry but a story to be told. This Pierpont watch...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Ladies Tiny Girard Perregaux Solid Platinum Diamond Wristwatch Swiss Manual Wind
By Girard Perragaux
Located in Richmond, CA
A rare vintage Girard Perregaux ladies platinum and diamonds watch, dainty yet so full of bling, on cord band with metal hardware, with a locking safety clasp, for small 5.75" wrist....
Diamond, Platinum
Franck Muller Ladies 18k White Gold Cintrée Curvex Watch Ref. 1752QZ
By Franck Muller
Located in Richmond, CA
A beautifully timeless Franck Muller Cintree Curvex ladies watch crafted in elegant solid 18k (au750) white gold, with a silvered guilloché dial, original FM 18k (au750) WG buckle a...
White Gold
Ladies Chopard 18k White Gold Diamond Watch Rare JLC Deployment Clasp ref 8/6495
By Chopard
Located in Richmond, CA
A beautiful vintage Chopard 18K solid white gold wristwatch (reference 8/6495), with a full factory diamond bezel on a blue croco leather band, and factory paired with a Jaeger LeCoultre JLC 18K white gold deployment clasp...
Diamond, White Gold
