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 Daytona Custom Mother of Pearl Diamond Pave Dial Steel Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Rolex Daytona in steel ref. 116520 has Mother of Pearl Pave Diamond Dial. This watch features a custom Diamond dial of MOP, sapphire glass, chronograph function, solid case back...
Diamond, Pearl, Steel
Rolex Platinum Cosmograph Daytona Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New Orleans, LA
Model: Cosmograph Daytona Movement: Self-Winding Caliber 4130 Circa: 2010s Case: 40mm Case Material: Platinum Dial Color: Ice Blue Complications: Chronograph, Tachymeter Scale Delivery Contents: Original Box, Papers, Hang Tag This platinum Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona...
Platinum
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph White Gold MOP Diamond Bezel Watch 116589RBR
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
An Oyster Perpetual Daytona Gents Wristwatch, mother of pearl dial set with round brilliant cut diamond hour markers, a fixed 18k white gold bezel set with approximately 124 round cu...
Diamond, White Gold
Rolex Daytona, White Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold case with a 18k yellow gold rolex oyster bracelet. Fixed 18k yellow gold tachymeter bezel. White Mother of Pearl Diamond dial with gold-tone hands and index hour mark...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Daytona 18K White Gold Black Diamond Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116509
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2022 card. Original box and papers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116509 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Model: Rolex Daytona...
White Gold
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 Daytona 16519 'Zenith' 18K White Gold MOP Diamond W/Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Daytona White Gold Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Mens Watch 16519. Officially certified chronometer self-winding movement. 18K white gold case, 40.0 mm in diameter. Special scre...
18k Gold
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph whitegold diamond dial Ref:116519
By Rolex
Located in Berlin, BE
Step into a realm of enchantment with the breathtakingly beautiful white gold Daytona, a timepiece that exudes pure elegance and captures the essence of dreams. This exquisite watch ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Daytona Blue Dial White Gold Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Can be accommodated with an appraisal upon request, after return period. Marks through out the bracelet, no deep scratches BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Daytona REFERENCE: 116509 SIZE: 40mm ...
White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Daytona White Gold Black Diamond Dial 116509
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Cosmograph Daytona in white gold from Rolex, featuring a black diamond set dial with snailed counters. With an engraved tachymetric scale, the three counters and pushers, t...
Diamond, White Gold
