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 41mm Wimbledon Jubilee 2025 Unworn with box and warranty NEW
By Rolex
Located in Capri, IT
Rolex Datejust 41mm Wimbledon Jubilee 2025 Unworn with box and warranty NEW grey dial stainless steel bracelet round case date window fluted bezel automatic movement roman numeral m...
Rolex Datejust II Grey Roman Dial 41mm Stainless Steel W/G Fluted Bezel 116334
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 41mm Datejust II in stainless steel by Rolex. Features a grey dial with roman numerals and a fixed white gold fluted bezel. Fitted with a sapphire crystal and self-winding automati...
Steel, Stainless Steel, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel 18k White Gold Wimbledon Dial Automatic Men Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Display Model 2021 Card Rolex Datejust 41 Steel 18k White Gold Wimbledon Dial Automatic Men Watch 126334. This Beautiful Timepiece Is Powered by a Mechanical (Automatic) Movement and...
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
$17,250
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel & 18K White Gold Rhodium Index Dial Men Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in new condition. This watch comes with an original box and paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. B...
White Gold, Steel
Rolex 126300 Datejust 41mm Wimbledon on Jubilee Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 126300 Datejust 41mm Wimbledon on Jubilee Bracelet Watch Brand: Rolex MPN: 126300 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 41mm Crystal: Scratch resistant sapphire Bezel: Stainless Steel Smooth Bezel Dial: Grey Slate Wimbledon Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet Size: will fit up to a 8" wrist Clasp: Fold over clasp Serial: Scramble Serial Movement: Automatic Additional Details: This Item comes with white handtag and Card dated Dec 9 2023 SKU: A30320825 The Rolex 126300 Datejust 41 “Wimbledon...
Stainless Steel
$19,610
H 1.62 in W 0.44 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust 41 Fluted Bezel Steel White Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Original box and paper are included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's aut...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 68273 Two-Tone Jubilee Dial Fluted Bezel 31mm Watch 1998 Full Set
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
This Rolex Datejust reference 68273 features a silver jubilee commemorative dial with applied gold Arabic numerals over a fine crown-logo pattern, a 18K yellow gold fluted bezel, and...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust II Auto Steel Men's Oyster Bracelet Roman Dial Watch 116334
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust II in stainless steel Ref# 116334 the Year 2015. On the original stainless steel Oyster bracelet with a stainless steel deployment clasp. Fluted 18k white gold bezel w...
Steel
Rolex Datejust Diamond Dial 116234
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens Datejust by Rolex in stainless steel. Features a black dial with diamond hour markers and a fixed fluted white gold bezel. Equipped with an Oyster bracelet and deployant clasp...
Diamond, 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 36mm Stainless Steel Watch Silver Roman Dial 16220 Circa 1997
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 41mm 126334 Fluted Bezel White Roman Dial Oyster Bracelet
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...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 68274 Silver Stick Dial with Fluted Bezel Deployment Buckle
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Women's Rolex 31mm Datejust Silver Stick Dial with Fluted Bezel Deployment Buckle 68274
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust 26mm SS White Roman Numeral Dial Classic + Lugs Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies 26mm Rolex Datejust SS White Color Roman Numeral Dial Classic + Lugs Wrist Watch 69160
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust II 41mm 116333 Wimbledon Dial Two Tone Oyster With Papers
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...
Gold, Stainless Steel
