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 Lady-Datejust NEW White Gold Mother of Pearl with Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Factory set diamonds BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Lady-Datejust REFRENCE: 179239 SIZE: 26mm CASE: White Gold DIAL: Mother of Pearl with Diamonds BEZEL: White Gold BAND: President White Gold ...
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold
18 Kt Rolex White Gold Lady President with Diamond Dial & Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Rolex White Gold Lady President with Diamond Dial & Bezel Worn in very good condition Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, President diamonds, white gold. Movement: Automatic Fu...
Diamond, White Gold
Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 Platinum Baguette Diamond Bezel, Ref. 79126
By Rolex
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This pre-owned Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 (Ref. 79126) is the ultimate expression of feminine luxury, combining the prestige of platinum with a striking baguette-cut diamond bezel. Its 2...
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex Lady-Datejust Steel Watch Factory White Diamond Dial Watch 179174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Lady-Datejust 26mm 179174 Steel Watch custom White Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Ladies Watch EXCELLENT CONDITION, TIGHT BAND. We are a premiere distributor of pre-owned and new ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust SS Ladies 26mm White Dial Classic + Lugs RT Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies 26mm Rolex Datejust SS White Color Dial Classic + Lugs RT Wrist Watch 69160
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust 79160 Mother of Pearl Diamond Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Providence, RI
Apart of the Oyster Perpetual Date collection, this stunning ladies Rolex is a perfect addition to your jewelry box. This Ladies Rolex Datejust features a mother of pearl 12-hour dia...
Diamond, Pearl, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Silver Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee Watch Diamond Bezel/Lugs
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable condition, having undergone professional polishing and servicing to maintain its pristine appearance. The wat...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
$7,019 / item
Dm 1.03 in
Rolex Lady Datejust White MOP Diamond Accent Classic + Lugs Wrist Watch 69174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 26mm Custom White MOP Diamond Dial and Diamond Lugs.Stainless Steel Watch with Jubilee Band 69174. This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Diamond Bezel/Lugs Steel Jubilee Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable condition, having undergone professional polishing and servicing to maintain its pristine appearance. The wat...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 31 Silver Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Watch White Gold Bezel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 31mm Silver Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Watch White Gold Bezel, Circa 1990. This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Authenticity guaranteed! Dial has some discoloration due to sun exposure/age. The watch is covered by our in-house 1 year mechanical warranty. This model features quick-set movement. Comes with a jewelry box and appraisal certificate. “Discover our collection of carefully evaluated and inspected pre-owned watches, each meticulously assessed and authenticated by our in-house certified horologists. Every piece undergoes professional polishing and servicing adhering to Rolex standards...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
