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 Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Early Datejust Perpetual Wind Watch, 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6105 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm CIRC...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 14Kt. Rare "Bubble Back" with Original Dial and Rolex Signed Bracelet 1948
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Bubble Back" / Reference 5011 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
14k Gold
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Mid 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 7008 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SI...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Very Rare Deepsea From 1954 / 55 Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6332 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 / 55 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diamet...
Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel and Gold Datejust with Original Factory Gold Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two-Tone Stainless Steel & 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Factory Original Gold Dial with Gold Markers / Gold Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Mature styling and classic looks are the DNA of this Datejust. Rolex's reputation of being the leader in styling and reliability since their inception is present in this exceptional timepiece. You can rely wholeheartedly on this watch to get you from point A to B for any occasion while looking and feeling great. It is very versatile in styling, can be worn with formal attire for a more mature look and dressed down with a t-shirt and jeans for a more relaxed feel. This unisex Rolex...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold "President" Day-Date circa
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Day-Date / Reference 1803 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1974 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lug...
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Day-Date 18K Gold Watch, Champagne Dial, Circa 1979
By Rolex
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage 18K Gold Rolex Day-Date "President" Watch, circa 1979, in original box. Watch features a 35mm 18K gold case with finely fluted gold bezel, an elegant champagne-gold dial wi...
18k Gold
Rolex Date Vintage Yellow Gold 1503
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens vintage Date in yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a champagne dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture and a fixed yellow gold bezel. The watch is fitted with a plastic g...
Yellow Gold
Mens Rolex Ref 1503 Oyster Perpetual Date 18k Gold Automatic 1960s Rjc156r
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 automatic, c.1960s. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied g...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1007 18k Solid Gold 1970s Mens 34mm Automatic RA797
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster perpetual ref.1007 men's 34mm automatic, c.1978, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, Rolex signed gold dial, applied index short baton hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, hands in excellent vintage condition, very minor show of age, natural patinas and discoloration due to age. Acrylic crystal. Solid gold fluted bezel on 18k solid gold case measures 34mm wide, in pristine vintage condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 chronometer-certified automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is all original. Fitted on new, aftermarket genuine croc strap and buckle. Timeless luxury, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex 1007...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Day-Date 18K Yellow Gold Silver Dial 1802
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date vintage wristwatch. Features a silver dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture, and a day display. Complementing the dial is a fix...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Mens Rolex Ref 1503 Oyster Perpetual Date 18k Solid Gold Automatic 1960s RJC156
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 solid 18k gold automatic, c.1960s. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied gol...
Gold, 18k Gold
