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 Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel Diamond Set, Automatic
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel diamond set. Movement: Automatic, Self winding Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Magnified date window at 3 O'clock Case: Stainle...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Chronometer Collectors Hooded Bubble Back Ref. 3065
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
Extremely Rare Rolex Oyster Perpetual Hooded Bubble Back AutomatiC Vintage 3065 Model: Bubble Back Ref. 3065 Movement: Automatic Case: d...
18 Kt Rolex White Gold Lady President with Diamond Dial & Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Rolex White Gold Lady President with Diamond Dial & Bezel Worn in very good condition Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, President diamonds, white gold. Movement: Automatic Fu...
Diamond, White Gold
18 Kt Rolex Big Bubble Back Ovettone, Ref 6030 Automatic Wrist Watch, Collectors
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt full Gold Rolex Ref. 6031 Big Bubble Back Ovettone, First Datejust Automatic Wrist Watch Movement : Mechanical with Automatic Winding Case & Strap : 18 Kt Yellow Gold Rolex Ref. 6030 / 6031 Big Bubble Back Ovettone Extremely rare model in 18kt gold It was the first Date...
18k Gold
Steel Omega Speedmaster Vintage 1970 's Chronograph Wrist Watch Ref. ST145.022
By Omega
Located in Antwerp, BE
Steel Omega Speedmaster Vintage 1970 's Chronograph Wrist Watch Ref. ST145.022 With Omega Extract from The Archives
Stainless Steel, Steel
Omega Seamaster Chronograph Waterproof Wrist Watch Cal 321
By Omega
Located in Antwerp, BE
Extremely Rare & Collectors Omega Seamaster Chronograph Waterproof Case Wrist Watch Cal 321 in Amazing Condition ! Movement : Mechanical Manual Winding Caliber 321 Case : Solid 18 ...
18k Gold
Rolex Zenith Daytona Patrizzi Dial 16520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare stainless steel Zenith Daytona by Rolex. Featuring an extremely divisive and unique patrizzi dial. The watch further features an engraved tachymetric scale, three chronograph counters and pushers, the Daytona was designed to be the ultimate timing tool for endurance racing drivers. The Oyster bracelet is equipped with a folding Oysterlock clasp. Fitted with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a self-winding automatic chronograph Zenith movement. This N serial Rolex...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Rare Panna Cream Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's wristwatch in stainless steel, by Rolex. Featuring an extremely desirable yet rare Panna cream dial, found only in a fairly tight serial range. With an engraved tachymetric s...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona NOS White Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn NOS Daytona in Oystersteel by Rolex, featuring a white dial. With an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers; the Daytona was designed to be the ultimate tim...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Chronograph White Ivory Creamy Dial 116520 Steel Watch 2001
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Rolex Model: 116520 Year: 2001 Serial number: K4xxxxx Reference: C03499 Case: Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case back stamped 2100 Dial: Excellen...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Stainless Steel White Dial Automatic Men Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-Owned. No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with a Chronostore Presentation Box and Chronostore Authenticity Card. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. * 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. Watch Details: Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116520 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury, Sport Model: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Vintage: No Year Manufactured: 2000-2009 Customized: No Handedness: Right Box and Papers: Box: Chronostore Giftbox Included Papers: Chronostore Certificate With Papers: No Seller Warranty: Yes SKU: 00621 Band and Closure: Band Color: Steel Band Material: Stainless Steel Closure: Fold-Over Clasp with Flip Lock Safety Band Type: Bracelet Band Width: 15.5 mm Lug Width: 20 mm Wrist Fit: 7.5 inches Movement: Movement Caliber: Rolex caliber 4130...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex NOS Daytona Black Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The predecessor to the 116500LN, this stainless steel Cosmograph Daytona by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied hour markers, a tachymetric scale, three chronograph counters a...
Stainless Steel
