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 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA393C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16013 automatic with linen dial, c.1978, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1970s Linen Dial Automatic RA768C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless icon, Rolex 1601 Oyster Datejust Linen dial automatic, c.1973, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Iconic Rolex linen dial, applied ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA768
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An iconic classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 Linen Dial Datejust automatic with18k gold bezel, c.1973, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchma...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 36mm 18k SS Automatic 1970s Vintage RA393B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16013 automatic, c.1978, in excellent aesthetic and working condition. Verified authentic by a ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1960s Automatic RA767
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 Datejust automatic with 18k gold bezel, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Iconi...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 18k SS 36mm Mens 1960s Linen Dial Automatic RA767B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless icon, Men's 18k and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 Linen Dial Datejust automatic, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watch...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Day-Date 18238 18K Yellow Gold Watch 36m Fluted Bezel Silver Dial Unisex
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. Leather strap and gold plated buckle are custom aftermarket. The watch its...
Yellow 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 Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Early Datejust Perpetual Wind Watch, 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6105 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm CIRC...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Datejust Yellow Gold Red 6104
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare 36mm vintage Datejust in yellow gold. Featuring a silver dial with the date display at 3 o'clock in red. Also features a smooth yellow gold bezel which is quite hard to come b...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Thunderbird Datejust 36mm Turn-O-Graph Men's Watch Ref. 1625
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph Ref. 1625, often nicknamed the “Thunderbird,” is a highly collectible sports-dress watch combining the classic Datejust profile with a distin...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone Champagne Dial Jubilee Band 16013 Circa 1979 B/P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Model features quick-set movement...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
