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.
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
Genuine 18k Rolex 6517 Oyster Perpetual Watch. Ladies ROLEX 18k Yellow Gold.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady DateJust Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1960. 18k Yellow Gold Case. 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6517. Condition: Excellent Condition fo...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex 1952-1961 Oyster 34 Perpetual Reference 1003 Two Tone Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in Providence, RI
This iconic two tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch blends luxury and functionality into a classic formal wrist watch. The exquisite dial features 14k yel...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1007 18k Solid Gold 1970s Mens 34mm Automatic RA797
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster perpetual ref.1007 men's 34mm automatic, c.1978, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, Rolex signed gold dial, applied index short baton hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, hands in excellent vintage condition, very minor show of age, natural patinas and discoloration due to age. Acrylic crystal. Solid gold fluted bezel on 18k solid gold case measures 34mm wide, in pristine vintage condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 chronometer-certified automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is all original. Fitted on new, aftermarket genuine croc strap and buckle. Timeless luxury, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex 1007...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34mm Two-Tone Engine Turned Bezel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
This classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date is a quintessential example of mid-century horological excellence, featuring a refined 34mm stainless steel case accented by a striking 14k y...
14k Gold, Mixed Metal, Stainless Steel
Rolex 6564 Oyster Perpetual 1950s Mens 34mm Gold-Capped Vintage Automatic RA789B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic vintage charm, rare Men's Rolex 6564 Oyster Perpetual gold-capped automatic dress watch, c.1956, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic ...
Gold, Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Two-Tone Stainless Automatic Men's Watch Ref 1505
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date wristwatch featuring a two-tone stainless steel and gold design with a fluted gold bezel, gold crown, and two-tone Oyster bracelet. The watch has a silver...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Genuine 18k Rolex 6619 Oyster Perpetual Watch. Ladies ROLEX 18k Yellow Gold.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster PerpetualAutomatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1962. Ref. 6619 18k Yellow Gold Case. 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Condition: Excellent Condition for the age. Beaut...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
$6,560Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.42 in
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1601 Datejust 18k yellow gold bezel, c.1963, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signe...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$9,360Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.38 in
Mens Rolex Ref 1503 Oyster Perpetual Date 18k Gold Automatic 1960s Rjc156r
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 automatic, c.1960s. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied g...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Two Tone with Factory Original Dial From 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6105 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Stainless Steel & Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Date from 1953 or 54
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SI...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Rare "Bubble Back" with Factory Original Dial 1948
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Bubble Back" / Reference 5011 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
14k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Factory Patinated Dial 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 CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1500's DIAL / HANDS: Factory Silver Dial with Gold Baton Markers / Gold Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This watch has a unique patina that is sure to turn heads and in addition, with Gilt Markers and a Florentine Finish. We have never seen this dial combination. The style of this watch is timeless and is versatile enough to be worn with any outfit. You can dress the watch up with a band or dress it down with a classic black or brown strap for your next outing. Dependability is one of the qualities Rolex...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Factory Patinated Dial 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 CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Mid 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 7008 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SI...
Gold, Steel
