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 Datejust Ref 16013 Mens 36mm 18k SS 1970s Automatic Swiss RA558
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, 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 watchmak...
18k 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
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1601 36mm 18k SS Mens 1970s Vintage Automatic RA591B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An iconic classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 the Datejust in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel automatic, c.1970, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a ma...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
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 Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 Mens 36mm 18k SS 1970s Vintage Automatic RA615
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, 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 au...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
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
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust circa 1953-54 with Original Solid Gold Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 6305 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / 14Kt. Solid White Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 195...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
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
Genuine Rolex 6516 Watch. 18k and SS ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k and Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6516. Beautiful Watch. Case is Stainless Steel. 18k Yellow gold b...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust Two Tone Men's Watch 16013
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 16013 is one of the most recognizable and enduring two-tone luxury watches ever made, combining the prestige of Rolex with the timeless appeal of sta...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1979 Rolex Datejust 16013 Two-Tone Champagne Roman Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundational Two-Tone Rolex The Datejust is the watch that defined the modern dress watch, and the reference 16013 is a cornerstone of its history. Produced from the late 1970s ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Two Tone Datejust with Exceptional Factory Original Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Solid Gold & Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Gold, Stainless Steel
