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 Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Blue Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X D...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Made Blue Dial, circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm x 34mm MOVEME...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1969 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 Steel Blue Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Dial On A Foundational Reference The Oyster Perpetual Date is a cornerstone of the Rolex catalog, the purest expression of the brand's founding principles. This example from ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Steel Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1500's DIAL / HANDS: Original Steel Blue with Baton Hands / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Oyster Bracelet 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic Rolex Oyster...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Thunderbird Bezel Custom Blue Dial, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1500's DIAL / HANDS: Custom Blue Dial...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King With Custom Blue Dial from Early 70's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1500's DIAL / HANDS: Custom Painted...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 5500 / 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Dia...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1973 Rolex Datejust 1601 Stainless Steel Blue Patina Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Dial With Unrepeatable Character The reference 1601 is a cornerstone of any vintage collection, representing the quintessential Datejust with its fluted white gold bezel and iconi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Made Blue Dial, circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm x 34mm MOVEME...
Stainless Steel
