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 Submariner Date 126610LV Kermit MK2 41mm Black Dial Green Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex Submariner 126610LV is a masterful blend of luxury and functionality. This 41mm timepiece showcases a striking black dial, accentuated by luminous round indexes and hands, ensu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Kermit NOS 16610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn NOS Submariner Date by Rolex in stainless steel, known as a Kermit. Features a black dial and a green unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations. The Oyster ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Kermit Starbucks Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 126610lV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Original Box and Papers are Included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-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 Model: Rolex Submariner 126610...
Steel
$20,240
H 1.58 in W 0.52 in Dm 1.58 in
Rare Rolex Submariner Kermit Black Dial Steel Automatic Men Watch 16610LV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Super Rare model. Clean Bezel. Excellent condition. Very rare to find it with the original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Submariner 16610LV...
Steel
Rolex Submariner Hulk Ceramic Steel Green Dial Watch 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. No original box and papers.
Steel
Rolex Submariner Kermit NOS 16610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens unworn NOS Submariner Date by Rolex in stainless steel, known as a Kermit. Features a black dial and a green unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations. The Oys...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Men's Stainless Steel Hulk Green Dial Watch 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Submariner Men's Stainless Steel Hulk Green Dial Watch 116610LV - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, pressure proof to 1,000 feet. Submariner. Stainless steel case with green time-l...
Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Submariner Date Hulk in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a green dial with a green unidirectional rotatable ceramic bezel which features 60 minute graduations. Fitted with a scratch...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Hulk Unworn 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Submariner Hulk 116610LV by Rolex, available now at our Showroom in London. Crafted from Oyster steel, this discontinued timepiece features a green dial and a green unidir...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Hulk Green Steel Ceramic Automatic Mens Watch 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. Comes with the original box but papers are not included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a ...
Steel
Rolex 126720VTNR "Sprite" GMT-Master II on Jubilee Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 126720VTNR "Sprite" GMT-Master II on Jubilee Bracelet Watch Brand: Rolex MPN: 126720VTNR Model: GMT-Master II Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 40mm Crystal: Scrat...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 126720VTNR "Sprite" GMT-Master II
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex GMT-Master II 126720VTNR, nicknamed the "Sprite," is a bold reinterpretation of the iconic GMT-Master II design, featuring a left-hand crown configuration and a striking bl...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 16700 GMT-Master Stainless Steel Black Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex 16700 GMT-Master Stainless Steel Black Dial Watch is a classic timepiece renowned for its timeless design and functionality. Crafted from durable...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 116659SABR Submariner 18 Karat Sapphire & Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 116659SABR Submariner 18k Sapphire & Diamond Watch This Rolex 116659SABR Submariner Watch is in excellent condition and is ready to ship! Brand: Rolex Model: Submariner R...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex 169622 Yacht-Master Platinum and Stainless Steel Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 169622 Yacht-Master Platinum and Stainless Steel Ladies Watch This Rolex 169622 Yacht-Master Watch is in excellent condition and is ready to ship! Brand: Rolex Model: Yacht-M...
Steel, Stainless Steel, Platinum
Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 Stainless Steel Watch Brand: Rolex MPN: 116680 Model: Yacht-Master II Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 44mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel...
Stainless Steel, Steel
