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 GMT-Master II Diamond & Sapphire Set Watch 116759SANR
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A white gold GMT-Master II by Rolex. The black dial dial has applied hour markers and features the date and the arrow-tipped GMT second time zone hand. The bidirectional rotatable bezel features 34 baguette cut diamonds, 11 baguette cut sapphires and a single trillion cut sapphire...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite Unworn 2026 Left Hand Wrist Watch 126720VTNR
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A left-handed GMT-Master II "Sprite" by Rolex, crafted in stainless steel. Featuring a black dial with a green GMT hand, this model is distinguished by its green and black bidirectio...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite 126720VTNR
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A left handed GMT-Master II Sprite by Rolex crafted in stainless steel. Featuring a black dial with a green time zone hand. The green and black bidirectional rotatable bezel features...
Stainless Steel
2025 Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” 126720VTNR Stainless Steel Jubilee BNP
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are present this 2025 Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” 126720VTNR in Stainless Steel. This highly desirable left-handed model features a 40mm Oystersteel case, Rolex’s black Maxi dial...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sky Dweller Black Dial Stainless Steel 326934 Custom Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Sky Dweller Black Dial Stainless Steel Custom Diamond Watch with Baguettes on the Bracelet 326934
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 116710LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens stainless steel GMT-Master II by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. The bi-directional rotatable bezel features a 24-hour di...
Stainless Steel
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 GMT-Master Bruce Wayne Oyster Unworn 2026 126710GRNR
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Unworn 2026 GMT-Master II "Bruce Wayne" by Rolex, available now at Watch Centre, London. Crafted from Rolex's signature Oystersteel, this watch features a black dial with a date ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 116710LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens stainless steel GMT-Master II by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. The bi-directional rotatable bezel features a 24-hour di...
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
