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 41 Steel Blue Dial Oyster Band Automatic Mens Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Like New. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by 1-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 126300 Country/Reg...
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Blue Stick Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex Department Men Model Number 126300 Country/Region of Manufacture Swit...
Stainless Steel, Steel
$14,930
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust Steel 18 Karat White Gold Bezel Blue Baton Dial Mens Watch 116334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. The original Box and Papers are not included. Comes with a seller presentation box and authenticity card. Covered by a one-year seller warranty Details: Brand Rolex Depar...
$22,423
H 41 in W 12 in Dm 41 in
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Gold Blue Diamond Dial Automatic Men's Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. This watch comes with an original box and paper. Movement Type: Mechanical (Automatic) Caliber: Caliber 3235 Complications: Date Indicator Case Material: Stainless Steel Sh...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Steel Blue Index Dial Jubilee Smooth Automatic Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. 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 aut...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Steel Blue Index Dial Jubilee Smooth Automatic Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new Rolex Datejust 41mm Steel Blue Index Dial Jubilee Bracelet Smooth Bezel Automatic Mens Watch. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by ...
$12,020
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust II Oyster Stainless Steel Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned excellent condition. No original box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-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. Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust 116300...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made Blue Dial circa 1970's
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 43mm x Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 16200 Stainless Steel Watch With Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 16200 Stainless Steel Watch With Blue Dial Crafted in stainless steel, this Rolex Datejust features a striking blue sunburst dial, centere...
Stainless Steel
$15,810
H 1.42 in W 0.4 in Dm 1.42 in
NEW Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel 18k White Gold Blue Dial Fluted Watch 126234
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Comes with box and paper full set.
Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Stainless Steel Watch, Blue Motif Dial 126334
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stainless steel Datejust 41 by Rolex. Features the discontinued blue fluted motif dial with applied hour markers, complemented by a white gold fluted bezel. The watch is fitted wit...
Stainless Steel, White Gold
Rolex Datejust Blue Dial Roulette Date Wheel 36mm 116200
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm Datejust 116200 by Rolex, available at our Showroom in London. Meticulously crafted from stainless steel, this sophisticated timepiece showcases a rich deep blue dial with ap...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 Blue Dial 126300
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Datejust crafted in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a stunning blue dial with applied roman numerals and a fixed stainless steel bezel. Fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sky-Dweller Bright Blue Dial 326934
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A much sought after stainless steel annual calendar Sky-Dweller by Rolex, with a striking bright blue dial featuring the date, a month display via the 12 apertures, a 24-hour display...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Blue Dial 16220
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm Datejust in stainless steel by Rolex. Features a blue dial and a fixed stainless steel fluted bezel. The Jubilee bracelet comes with an Oyster deployant clasp. Fitted with sa...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Day-Date 40 Blue Ombre Dial White Gold Unworn 2025 228239
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rolex Day-Date crafted in 18k white gold. Featuring a distinctive blue ombre dial with applied roman numerals and a fixed white gold fluted bezel. Equipped with a white gold presid...
White Gold
