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 Datejust 69173 26mm Two-Tone Watch in Steel, 1980s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage ladies Rolex Datejust reference 69173 automatic two-tone with a champagne dial on a Jubilee bracelet from the 80s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurem...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm 116200
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm Datejust by Rolex in stainless steel. Features a blue jubilee dial with applied roman numerals and a smooth bezel. Fitted with sapphire crystal and self-winding automatic mov...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Classic Steel Datejust with Original Dial and Machined Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Baton Markers / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Jubilee Bracelet 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a classic example of their legendary Datejust model. The watch has just been serviced and comes with our extensive warranty and lifetime service commitment. You can wear this famous watch...
Rolex Lady-Datejust Diamond Bezel Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Mint condition -Case size: 26mm -Stainless steel & 18k Yellow gold -Aftermarket Diamond Bezel: 1.00ct, VS/ E-F -Aftermarket Diamond Dial -Date indicator -Comes with Box, no papers
Rolex Steel Datejust with a Unique Finish, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length "Lug Tip to Lug Tip...
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel 18k Gold Silver Index Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126333
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. The original box and papers are included. Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Model Number: 126333 T...
Steel, 18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Datejust Men's Watch Ref 1601
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1601 is crafted in stainless steel and features a 34mm case, embodying the timeless elegance and durability that define the Datejust...
Stainless Steel
$7,500
W 0.48 in D 1.42 in Dm 1.42 in L 1.42 in
Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel Silver Dial Automatic Watch 16030
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. It was produced in 1984. It shows nromal signs of wear. No original box and papers
Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Gold White Sticks Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. The original box and papers. Details: Brand Rolex Department Men Model Number 126334 Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Model Rolex Datejust 126334 Style Dress/Formal...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 6629
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rolex midsize Date in yellow gold. Featuring a champagne dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture and a fixed yellow gold bezel. The watch is fitted with a plastic glass, a ...
Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Watch 16233
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Watch 16233 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel with 18k yellow gold fluted bezel (36mm diameter). Silve...
Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust 2-Tone Men's Watch 17013
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust 2-Tone Men's Watch 17013 - Quartz, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. Oysterquartz. Stainless steel case with 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Very rare black ...
Rolex Ladies Datejust 2-tone Watch 69163
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Datejust 2-tone Watch 69163 - Automatic winding, 29 jewels, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold smooth bezel. Silver dia...
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 16203
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 16203 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel with 18k yellow gold smooth bezel (36mm dia...
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 126203
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 126203 - Automatic winding, Quickset, Sapphire Crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold ( 36 mm ). Factory Black diamond ...
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k white gold fluted bezel. Black d...
