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 Oyster Perpetual Datejust 2-Tone With Factory Original Black Dial 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 16000 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel & White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / S...
Stainless Steel, Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel and Gold Datejust with Original Factory Gold Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two-Tone Stainless Steel & 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Factory Original Gold Dial with Gold Markers / Gold Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Mature styling and classic looks are the DNA of this Datejust. Rolex's reputation of being the leader in styling and reliability since their inception is present in this exceptional timepiece. You can rely wholeheartedly on this watch to get you from point A to B for any occasion while looking and feeling great. It is very versatile in styling, can be worn with formal attire for a more mature look and dressed down with a t-shirt and jeans for a more relaxed feel. This unisex Rolex...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 Mens 36mm 18k SS 1970s Vintage Automatic RA615
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16013 automatic, c.1978, in excellent working condition, with original Rolex tag. Verified authe...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$11,920Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.42 in
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 14k Gold Automatic Diamond Bezel 1960s RA412
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning classic, Men's solid 14k gold Rolex 1601 Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic with diamond dial and bezel, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed black dial, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 position, luxurious aftermarket diamond set hour markers, hands and dial in excellent, vintage condition, very minor show of age if any. Acrylic crystal. Stunning diamond set in 14k solid gold bezel, 14k solid gold case measures 36mm wide, in excellent condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Fitted on new, aftermarket leather strap and buckle. A timeless classic, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Datejust...
14k Gold
$6,312Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.42 in
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 Mens 1970s 36mm 18k SS Vintage Automatic RA558C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Versatile luxury, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16013 automatic, c.1979, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watch...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ref 1601 Oyster Datejust 18k W Gold SS 1960s Mens 36mm Automatic RA621C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex 1601 18k white gold and stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic, c.1967, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchma...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
1996 Men's Rolex 36mm DateJust Two Tone 18K Gold/ Stainless Steel Watch (Unworn)
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Year: 1996. Brand: Rolex. Gender: Men's. Dial: Diamonds. Model: DateJust. Dial Color: Black. Case Back: Screw. Condition: Unworn. Bracelet Size: Full Set. Model Number: 16233. Crystal: Sapphire Crystal. Case Dimensions: 36mm. Bezel Color: 18K Yellow Gold. Movement: Mechanical (Automatic). Metal Type: 18K Gold / Stainless Steel. Bracelet / Strap: 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel. Box / Certificate: Includes Rolex Box / Rolex Paper. Service Warranty: One (1) Year Limited Service Warranty. Additional Details: Men’s Rolex...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA551B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust diamond dial automatic, c.1987, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,144Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.42 in
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 36mm 18k Gold SS 1970s Automatic Vintage RA535B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k yellow gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster ref.1601 Datejust automatic, c.1971, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,640Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.42 in
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Rolex 18k gold and stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Ref.1601, c.1963, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gor...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
