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 Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Pink Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: 41mm X 34mm CIRCA: Mid 1960's MOVEMENT ...
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King with Custom Pink Dial 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Pink Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 41mm X Diameter 35mm CIRCA: 1970...
Stainless Steel
$10,999
H 13.39 in W 13.39 in D 13.39 in Dm 3.94 in L 13.39 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34mm Steel Pink Dial Midsize Watch 124200
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with the original box and papers.
Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Pink Dial from 1970''s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "Lug Tip To Lug Tip" X Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1500's DIAL / HANDS: Custom Finished Pink with Baton Markers / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex has a custom dial made by our specialty custom dial house. It is made to "Rolex of Switzerland" rigorous specifications. However, it did not originally come on this watch. All the other mechanical parts on this watch are original, in fact it still has its original factory rating. You can only get this rating when all the mechanical parts are original. We have just serviced it which means you will not to service it for many years to come. Reliability, elegance, and exceptional quality are all the things you can count on when wearing this excellent...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm Midsize Steel Pink Dial Ladies Watch 177200
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31 Midsize Steel Pink Dial Ladies' Watch 177200. Chronometer automatic self-winding movement with quickset date function. Stainless steel Oyster case, 31.0 mm ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King with Custom Pink Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air-King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40...
$18,499
H 1.42 in W 1.42 in D 0.44 in Dm 1.42 in L 1.42 in
NEW Rolex Oyster Perpetual 126000 Steel Candy Pink Dial Automatic Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers.
Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Finished Pink Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Date 79160 26mm Pink Salmon Dial Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 79160 Serial: A28**** Year: 1999 Model: Rolex Ladies Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Pink / Sa...
Steel, Stainless Steel
