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.
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
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 Stainless Steel Rare Datejust Reference 6605 with Original Dial from 1957
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6605 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 / 58 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Automatic Winding Watch 16200
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Automatic Winding Watch 16200 - Automatic winding, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (36mm diameter). ...
Rolex Steel Datejust with Exceptional Factory Original Silvered Dial circa 1970s
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 44mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial with Roman Numerals
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust 16030 Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial with Roman Numerals
Stainless 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 Datejust 31 Silver Index Dial Stainless Steel Watch White Gold Bezel 68274
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Silver-tone stainless steel case with a silver-tone stainless steel jubilee bracelet. Fixed 18kt white gold bezel. Silver-tone dial with silver-tone hands and index hour markers. Min...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 Stainless Steel Quickset Watch Silver Roman Dial 16220
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Authenticity guaranteed! The watc...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Rhodium Index Dial Smooth Jubilee Automatic Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 126300-RHOSJ is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by mechanical (automatic) movement which is cased in a stainless steel case. It has a round ...
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
Cartier Ballon Bleu Stainless Steel 42mm Silver Roman Dial Watch
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier Ballon Bleu 42mm Silver Roman Dial Watch Brand: Cartier Style: Ballon Bleu MPN: 3765 Serial: Unknown Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 42mm Bezel: Smooth Stainle...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Pasha Silver Dial Skeleton Back 38mm Watch
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier Pasha Silver Dial Skeleton Back 38mm Watch Brand: Cartier Style: Pasha MPN: 2375 Serial: CC703725 Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 38mm Bezel: Smooth Stainless...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Chopard Your Hour Watch 18 Karat Ladies Watch in Stock
By Chopard
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Chopard Model: Your Hour Case Material: 18k White Gold Case Diameter: 24.5mm Bezel: 18k White Gold with 2 Rows of Diamonds Bezel Dial: White with Roman Numerals Dial Bracelet:...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Baume & Mercier Catwalk Mini Watch
By Baume & Mercier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Baume & Mercier Model: Catwalk Mini Material: Stainless Steel Dial: Black dial with silver hands and markers Bezel: Fixed smooth stainless steel bezel Case Measurements: 21mm ...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos Stainless Steel Off-White Roman Dial Medium Model Watch
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier Santos Stainless Steel Medium Model Watch Brand: Cartier MPN: 4075 - Medium Santos Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Size: Cartier Medium Dial: Off-White Roman Dial Bezel:...
Steel, Stainless Steel
