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 NOS Daytona Black APH Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The predecessor to the 116500LN, this stainless steel Cosmograph Daytona by Rolex. Featuring a unique APH error black dial, a tachymetric scale, three chronograph counters and pusher...
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
Rolex Daytona Black Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A predecessor to the 116500LN, this stainless steel Cosmograph Daytona by Rolex features a black dial. Also, featuring an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers, the ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Black Dial 116500LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stainless steel 116500LN Daytona from Rolex with a black dial. Complementing the black dial is a black ceramic bezel with a tachymetric scale, three counters, and pushers. The Oyster bracelet features an Oysterlock deployant clasp which is equipped with the 5mm extension link. Fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a self-winding automatic chronograph movement. In excellent condition, the watch comes with our presentation box and the new green Rolex...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona NOS Black Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The predecessor to the 116500LN, this stainless steel unworn NOS Cosmograph Daytona by Rolex features a black dial. Featuring an engraved tachymetric scale, three chronograph counter...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Black Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stainless steel Cosmograph Daytona by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers; the Daytona was designed to be the ultimate timi...
Stainless Steel
2009 Rolex Daytona 116520 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The First In-House Daytona The reference 116520 is a landmark model. It represents the moment Rolex brought its legendary chronograph entirely in-house, replacing the modified Zenit...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Chronograph Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116500LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2023 Card. Box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticit...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Steel Black Index Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned watch in good condition. Comes with an original box and papers. 2-year chronostore warranty. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Daytona 116520 Model Number: 116520 Co...
Steel
Rolex Daytona 116509, Black Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex White Gold Cosmograph Daytona, Black Diamond Dial 40mm, 18K white gold case, tachymeter engraved bezel, screw-down push buttons, black dial, diamond hour markers, and special...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Steel Black Index Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Comes with the original box and papers. Details: Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 116520 Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Style Dress/Formal, Luxury, Sport Model Rolex Daytona 116520 Movement Mechanical (Automatic) Band Color Gray, Steel Band Material Stainless Steel Dial Color Black Dial Pattern N/A Closure Fold-Over Clasp with Flip Lock Safety Case Material Stainless Steel Case Color Steel Display Analog Water Resistance 100 m (10 ATM) Year Manufactured 2010-Now Indices 12-Hour Dial, Multi Dial, Stick Indexes Customized No Band Type Bracelet Watch Shape Round Number of Jewels 44 Jewels Caseback Solid Vintage No Case Finish Polished Handedness Left Bezel Type Fixed, Tachymeter Bezel Color Steel Case Size 40 mm Band Width 15.5 mm Lug Width 20 mm Case Thickness 12 mm Box Manufacturer's Box Papers Manufacturer's Papers With Papers Yes Seller Warranty Yes SKU 012989 Wrist Fit 7.5 inches Movement Caliber Rolex Caliber 4130...
Steel
Vintage 1996 Rolex Daytona 16520 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Watch That Changed Everything The reference 16520 is the watch that transformed the Daytona from a respected chronograph into a global icon. Introduced in 1988, it was the first...
Steel, Stainless Steel
