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.
Vintage 1997 Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Steel Coke Bezel Black Dial Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of The Aluminum Tool Watches The reference 16710 represents the final evolution of the classic Rolex GMT. Produced for nearly two decades, it was the last GMT-Master II to ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master 40mm PEPSI Black Stainless Steel Watch Blue/Red 16700 Year 1995
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Produced from 1988-1999, the Rolex GMT-Master ref. 16700 was the first steel GMT with sapphire crystal glass. Fitted to the correct '78360' all matte pre fliplock Oyster bracelet, an...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1991 Rolex GMT Master II 16710 Stainless Steel Black Dial Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of The Aluminum Bezels The reference 16710 is a cornerstone of modern Rolex collecting. Produced for nearly two decades, it represents the final evolution of the classic GM...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Stainless Steel Black Dial Watch 126710
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT - Master II 126710 BLRO Stainless Steel Men's Watch " Pepsi " - Automatic winding; 31 Jewels. GMT-Master II. Stainless steel case with 24-Hour Rotatable, Red and Blue Cerac...
1999 Rolex GMT-Master 16700 Steel Auto Black Bezel 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Final Evolution Of The Original GMT The Reference 16700 marks the end of an era as the final iteration of the original GMT-Master line. Produced alongside the GMT-Master II, the...
Steel
1996 Rolex GMT-Master 16700 Steel Auto Black Bezel 40mm T-Serial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Final Evolution Of The Original GMT The reference 16700 marks the end of an era as the final iteration of the original GMT-Master line. Produced alongside the GMT-Master II, the...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men watch 16710 B/P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Excellent condition. This was produced in 2000. Recently serviced. Comes with an original box and paper. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 16710 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Model: Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Vintage: No Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) Number of Jewels: 31 Jewels Dial Color: Black Display: Analog Indices: 12-Hour Dial, Round Indexes Bezel Type: 24-Hour, Bidirectional Rotating Bezel Color: Black Band Color: Steel Band Material: Stainless Steel Closure: Double-Locking Fold-Over Clasp Band Type: Bracelet Band Width: 15.5 mm Lug Width: 20 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Color: Steel Water Resistance: 100 m (10 ATM) Watch Shape: Round Caseback: Solid Case Finish: Brushed Case Size: 40 mm Case Thickness: 12 mm Features: Date Indicator, GMT, Luminous Dial...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi 16750, Stainless Steel, 1982, Swiss Made
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
This rare Rolex GMT features its original iconic red and blue “Pepsi” bezel insert with a beautiful patina. Throughout the watch you will see a consistent patina with all original pa...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1999 Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Original Pilot's Watch, Perfected The GMT-Master was born from a direct collaboration with Pan American World Airways, designed as a serious instrument for their transatlantic p...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex GMT-Master Ref 1675 Pepsi Watch, Stainless Steel, 1977
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
In wonderful condition Vintage Authentic Rolex Pepsi, GMT_Master Ref 1675 Pepsi with Jubilee stainless steel bracelet circa 1977. This watch is in amazing condition with with tight b...
Stainless Steel
Chaumet Etonche Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By Chaumet
Located in Delray Beach, FL
From the luxury French watchmaker Chaumet, an exquisite 18K yellow gold and diamond Chaumet Paris Quartz Bracelet Watch. Twelve (12) diamonds mark each hour on this square 21mm watch...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gucci Running G 18k White Gold Cuff with Diamonds
By Gucci
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Clean lines with an elegant feel, the 18K white gold cuff, featuring a diamond-encrusted Double G at either end, adds a classic touch to Gucci's f...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Two Tone Ring
Located in Delray Beach, FL
In the style of Art Deco, this 18K two tone ring is a showstopper. Featuring a vertically arranged combination of rubies and diamonds, this rare piece is framed by a beautiful and in...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Gucci Marina Link 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Gucci
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A magnificent 18K yellow gold Gucci Marina link bracelet composed of (6) six graduated marina link chains in various sizes. This bold bracelet sits comfor...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gucci Running G 18k Gold Double Ring
By Gucci
Located in Delray Beach, FL
The Gucci running double ring is crafted from 18K yellow gold and designed with cut edges featuring the signature GG logo. With an octagonal shape, this Gucci ring is elegant and tim...
18k Gold
Carved Red Coral, Diamond, and Sapphire Budhha Pendant Brooch
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Magnificent large vintage Buddha pendant brooch set in 14K yellow gold. This intricate brooch features Buddha carved in natural red coral embrac...
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
