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 36mm White Roman Dial with Ruby & Diamond Bezel Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 36mm White Roman Dial with Ruby & Diamond Bezel Jubilee Band 16014
Diamond, Ruby, Stainless Steel
Rolex 36mm Datejust Ruby/Diamond Bezel Silver Stick Dial Automatic Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable condition, having undergone professional polishing and servicing to maintain its pristine appearance. The wat...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust White Dial Diamond & Ruby Bezel Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 26mm Datejust White Dial Diamond & Custom Set Ruby/Diamond Bezel, Diamonds lugs Stainless Steel Watch We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable c...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Diamond Lugs/Bezel Diamond and Ruby Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust White Roman Dial Diamond Lugs/Bezel Diamond and Ruby Watch We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in im...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial with Diamond Lugs & Diamond/Ruby Bezel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust White Roman Dial with Diamond Lugs & Diamond/Ruby Bezel Two Tone Watch 16013
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Silver Dial with Ruby and Diamond Bezel Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust Silver Dial with Ruby and Diamond Bezel Steel Watch We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impe...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex 79160 Datejust 26mm Aftermarket Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 79160 Datejust 26mm Aftermarket Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial and Bezel Watch This beautiful Aftermarket Rolex 79160 Datejust Watch is in excellent c...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 31MM Diamond Dial Platinum 68246
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A midsize platinum Datejust by Rolex. Featuring a silver dial with diamond set hour markers and a smooth platinum bezel. The president bracelet is fastened by a concealed folding Cro...
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex Datejust Steel Custom Diamond Red MOP Dial Automatic Men’s Watch 16014
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
1 Cttw Custom Diamond Bezel and 0.20 Cttw Custom Diamond Red MOP Dial. The original Box and Papers are not included. Come with a Chronostore presentation box and an authenticity card. Covered by a one-year Chronostore warranty.Details: Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust...
Steel
Rolex Datejust II 41mm 4.8ct Diamond Roman Dial Bezel Oyster Steel Watch 116300
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust II 116300 in stainless steel features an Aftermarket diamond dial with black Roman numerals and a 4.8ct Aftermarket diamond bezel. Comes on a Rolex Oyster bracelet wit...
Diamond, Steel
Rolex Datejust 16233 Two Tone Steel-18K Gold Ruby Diamond Bezel Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust two-tone stainless steel and 18K yellow gold automatic wristwatch featuring an aftermarket diamond and ruby bezel, a white dial with black Roman numerals and diamond hour markers, date display, gold Dauphine hands, and a two-tone Jubilee bracelet. Bracelet fits 6.5 inches with one extra link included; original box included; 9/10 condition. Product Specifications: Item Type: Mens Automatic Wristwatch Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Datejust Movement: Automatic (Rolex Oyster Perpetual) Case Material: Stainless steel with 18K yellow gold bezel, crown, and Jubilee center links Case Size: 36mm Reference Number: 16233 Year: 1990 Dial: White with black Roman numerals and diamond hour markers Indices: Diamond hour markers with black Roman numerals Hands: Gold-tone Dauphine Bezel Type: Fixed aftermarket diamond and ruby set bezel Bezel Color: 18K yellow gold with round brilliant diamonds and baguette ruby accents at cardinal points Band Material: Two-tone Jubilee bracelet, stainless steel with 18K yellow gold center links Band Color: Two-tone silver and yellow gold Clasp: Rolex signed folding deployant with embossed crown Features: Date display with cyclops magnifying lens at 3 o'clock, Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, Swiss Made Style: Luxury dress watch Condition: 9/10 excellent Box: Original box included Extra Link: One extra bracelet link included Bracelet Length: 6.5 inches About the Watch: This circa 1990 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust...
Ruby, Diamond, Stainless Steel, Gold
Rolex Datejust Mid-Size 31mm Diamond Bezel & Dial 178384
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lady's 31mm mid-size stainless steel Rolex Datejust reference 178384. Featuring a black dial with diamond-set hour markers and a fixed 18k white gold bezel set with approximately 4...
Diamond, Steel
