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 Day-Date 36mm Automatic Roman Silver Dial Platinum Jubilee Watch 18206
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Day-Date President ref. 118206 exemplifies understated luxury with its 36mm platinum case and smooth bezel. The silver Roman numeral dial enhances its timeless appeal, while th...
Platinum
$180,895
W 1.58 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Day-Date President 40 Platinum Ice-Blue Roman Dial Men Watch 228236
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with the original box and papers. 5-year warranty. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-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...
Platinum
Rolex Perpetual Date with White Dial and Oyster Band
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch with smooth bezel and even-numbered hour markers. An extravagant, yet sleek watch that echoes a sta...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial 16220
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch Silver Dial 16220 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with engine-turned bezel (36mm...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16234
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16234 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with fluted bezel (36mm diameter). Silver...
Stainless Steel
$7,150
H 1.42 in W 0.44 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Datejust 36mm No Holes Steel Silver Dial Automatic Watch 16220
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. No holes case. Clean dial and hands. 🕰️ General Information Brand: Rolex Model Name: Datejust 16220 Model Number: 16220 Type: Wristwatch Department...
Steel
Rolex 2000 Midsize Date Ref 15210 Stainless Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Rolex Date Model Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece case with Engine Turned Bezel, Caliber 3135 Automatic, self winding movement. Black Dial with Raised Silver B...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Automatic Winding Watch 16200
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Automatic Winding Watch 16200 - Automatic winding, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (36mm diameter). ...
Vintage 1969 Rolex Date Stainless Steel Automatic Watch Ref. 1500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Vintage 1969 Rolex Date Ref. 1500 is a quintessential example of Rolex’s enduring mid-century design language, blending understated sophistication with ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust II Men's 41mm Silver Dial Stainless Steel Watch 116300
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust II Men's 41mm Silver Dial Stainless Steel Watch 116300 - Automatic winding, sapphire crystal,. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (41mm diameter). Silver dial with...
Rolex Day-Date II Diamond Set White Gold 41mm 218349
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Day-Date wristwatch crafted in 18K white gold by Rolex. Featuring a silver dial with 8 baguette cut diamonds and 2 baguette cut sapphires. Complementing the dial is a white gold fi...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
Rolex Rare Day-Date Platinum Diamond Set 18046
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Day-Date in platinum by Rolex with a single-quick movement. Only a few of these were in production before the introduction of the 18346. Featuring a silver dial set with 2 ba...
Diamond, Platinum
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
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm 277200
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Oyster Perpetual 31 in Oystersteel from Rolex. Features a black dial with applied hour markers and a smooth fixed bezel. The Oyster bracelet comes with the folding Oysterclasp. Fi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18k White Gold Datejust Vintage Mid-Size Wristwatch 6627
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k White Gold Oyster Perpetual 30mm Datejust Vintage Mid-Size Wristwatch, blue dial with applied index batons, date at 3 0'clock, an 18k white gold fixed fluted bezel, a brushed ...
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1501
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 34mm stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Date by Rolex. Featuring a blue dial with applied hour markers and a steel engine-turned bezel. Fitted wi...
Stainless Steel
