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.
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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 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...
$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
$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...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Custom Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 124300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Aftermarket custom dial. Box and papers included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. * 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: Rolex Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Model Number: 124300 Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) - Rolex Calibre 3230...
Stainless Steel
$10,670
H 1.42 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Steel Blue Arabic Dial Automatic Watch 116000
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with original box and papers. 🕰️ General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Model Number: 116000 Year Manufactured: 2010-20...
Steel
$14,550
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Blue Dial Automatic Men Watch 124300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. 2023 Card. The original box and paper are included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify th...
Steel
$27,598
H 1.66 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.66 in
Rolex Sky-Dweller 18K White Gold Steel Blue Dial Automatic Watch 326934
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned very good condition. Comes with the original box and papers. General Information: Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Name: Rolex Sky-Dweller 326934 Model ...
Steel
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
$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 Sky-Dweller Stainless Steel Blue Dial 326934
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Sky-Dweller Stainless Steel Blue Dial 326934 - Automatic, Quickset. Sky-Dweller. Stainless Steel with 18K White gold fluted bezel ( 42 mm ). Blue dial with index hour markers; ...
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). ...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116000
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116000 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, sapphire crystal. Oyster Perpetual. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (36mm diameter). ...
Rolex Datejust II Men's Stainless Steel 41mm Watch 116334 - Automatic winding, 3
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust II Men's Stainless Steel 41mm Watch 116334 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust II. Stainless steel case with 18k white gold fluted bez...
Rolex Lady Datejust Stainless Steel Ladies Watch 179174
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Lady Datejust Stainless Steel Ladies Watch 179174 - Automatic winding; 31 jewel; sapphire crystal. Lady Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k white gold fluted bezel (26mm di...
Rolex Datejust 18k White Gold Men's Watch on Leather Strap Band 116189
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust 18k White Gold Men's Watch on Leather Strap Band 116189 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. 18k white gold case with diamond bezel (3...
White Gold
