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 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
Rolex Transitional GMT-Master Pepsi 16750
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Stainless Steel Transitional GMT-Master Vintage Men's Wristwatch, black dial with applied hour markers, date at 3 0'clock, a stainless steel bi-directional rotating bezel with a bl...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage GMT-Master Pepsi 1675
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens 40mm vintage GMT-Master in stainless steel by Rolex. Featuring a matte black dial, a date aperture, and a stainless steel bi-directional rotating bezel with the iconic blue an...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1990 Rolex GMT-Master 16700 Stainless Steel Pepsi Bezel Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of Its Name Rolex produced the reference 16700 from 1988 until 1999, and it was the final watch to carry the GMT-Master name on its own. It ran alongside the more complex G...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi 1675 40mm Red Blue Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1675 Serial: 316**** Year: 1973 Model: Rolex GMT-Master Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Pepsi - Blue and Red ...
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
Rolex Vintage GMT-Master Pepsi Tropical Dial 1675
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage GMT-Master Pepsi in stainless steel by Rolex. Features a matte black gilt dial which over time has transformed into what is known as a Tropical dial. Complementing the case is a bi-directional rotatable bezel with the iconic blue and red "Pepsi" bezel insert. Fitted with plastic glass and a self-winding automatic movement. The piece is presented on a riveted Oyster stretch bracelet which is brought together by an Oyster folding clasp. The watch is in such fine condition and is quite the collector's piece given what it is accompanied by. Along with its original Rolex box, this watch comes with original Rolex swing tags, GMT-Master booklet, and Rolex Chronometre...
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...
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
Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi 18k White Gold 2014 B&P 116719BLRO
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A GMT-Master II Pepsi by Rolex crafted from 18k white gold. Featuring a black dial, date aperture and a red time zone hand. The blue and red bi-directional rotatable bezel features ...
18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Venetian Link Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Venetian Link Bracelet Product Details Xupes Ref: J1689 Brand: Tiffany & Co. Model: Venetia Link Bracelet Type: Bracelet RRP: £535 Accompanied...
Sterling Silver
Cartier 18ct White Gold Love Bangle
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier 18ct White Gold Love Bangle Product Details Xupes Ref: COMJ890 Brand: Cartier Model: Love Bangle Type: Bracelet Serial Number: E***** RRP: £0 Accompanied By: Cartier Box, Po...
White Gold
Hermès 18ct White Gold Diamond Kelly Gourmette SH Bracelet
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès 18ct White Gold Diamond TPM Kelly Gourmet Bracelet Product Details Xupes Ref: COMJ892 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly Gourmette Type: Bracelet Serial Number: 2******** RRP: £15,36...
Diamond, White Gold
Cartier 18ct White Gold Love Bangle
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier 18ct White Gold Love Bangle Product Details Xupes Ref: J1641 Brand: Cartier Model: Love Bangle Type: Bracelet Serial Number: E***** RRP: £7,550 Accompanied By: Cartier Box, ...
White Gold
De Beers Cushion Cut Diamond 18ct White Gold Aura Bracelet
By De Beers
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
De Beers Cushion Cut Diamond 18ct White Gold Aura Bracelet Product Details Xupes Ref: J624 Brand: De Beers Model: Aura Bracelet Type: Bracelet Serial Number: B***** Age: 2013 Accomp...
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Full Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Tiffany & Co. Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Full Eternity Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: J1245 Brand: Tiffany & Co. Model: Full Eternity Ring Type: Ring RRP: £6,500 Mater...
Diamond, Platinum
