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 Steel Explorer II White Dial Ref. 16570
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Rolex Model: 16570 Year: 1996 Serial number: T4xxxxx Reference: C0_ Case: Show sign of wear w/ slight polishing from previous; inner case back stamped 16570. Dial: In excell...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Day-Date 18K WG White Gold Ombre Blue Dial Diamond 18038 Auto Watch, 1982
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 18049 Year: 1982 Serial number: 76xxxxx Reference: C03782 Case: 18K White gold 36mm without crown; Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; in...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Steel Sea-Dweller w/ Oyster Bracelet Ref. 16660
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Rolex Model: 16660 Year: 1984’s Serial number: 81xxxxx Reference: C03659 Case: Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case back stamped 16660 Dial: In Goo...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Sea-Dweller w/ Oyster Bracelet Ref. 16660
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Rolex Model: 16660 Year: 1983’s Serial number: 80xxxxx Reference: C05023 Case: Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case back stamped 16660 Dial: In Goo...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Precision Silver Dial Manual Wind w/ Leather Strap Ref. 6424
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 6424 Year: 1964 Serial Number: 10XXXXX Reference: OT3160 Case: 36mm diameter without crown; show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner cas...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Two-Tone Submariner Gold Dial with Sapphire & Diamond Indexes Ref. 16613
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Rolex Model: 16613 Year: 1996 Serial number: T2xxxxx Reference: OT2888 Case: Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case back stamped 16610 Dial: In Good ...
Steel, 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 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 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 White Panda Dial Steel Ceramic Automatic Mens Watch 116500LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Mint condition. This watch comes with an original box and paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund....
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona APH White Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Daytona in Oystersteel by Rolex, featuring a unique APH error white dial. With an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers; the Daytona was designed to be the ultimat...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm White Dial Stainless Steel New Buckle 116520 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116520 is a masterful blend of precision and luxury. Crafted in stainless steel, this 40mm timepiece features a round case with a solid back, ensuri...
Stainless Steel
