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 Pocket Watch 9165. Antique Rolex Precision 9165 Circa 1952
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Pocket Watch. Precision Ref: 9165 Circa 1952 Please refer to pictures to see the movement. Condition: Winds up and ticks. Second hand moves smoothly. Details: 45....
Stainless Steel
18k Rolex Cellini 3729 Pocket Watch. 18k Yellow gold Rolex Oval Ellipse Pocket
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Cellini Pocket Watch. Ref: 3729 Circa 1957 1601 Rolex Manual Movement. Please refer to pictures to see the movement. Condition: Winds up and ticks. Keeps accurate ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage ROLEX Oyster Watch. Rolex ref 4365. 1940s Gold Capped Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Mens Watch Just underwent Full Service - Ready To Go Stainless Steel Case that is Gold Filled Capped ref.4365 Circa 1946 Condition: Windup Movement. Runs we...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 2280 SS 30mm 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Royal 2280 Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1939 Beautiful Watch. Generic Stainless Steel Bracelet (not original Rolex). 30mm round c...
Stainless Steel
Chopard Pocket Watch. Vintage LUC Chopard Sterling Silver Manual 3021 Watch
By Chopard
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Chopard Pocket Watch. ref. 3021 Sterling Silver Case Please refer to pictures to see the movement. Condition: Winds up and ticks. Seco...
Stainless Steel
18k Golay Fils & Stahl Pocket Watch. Antique 750 YG Golay Ornate 43mm
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Antique Golay Fils & Stahl Pocket Watch. Extremely RARE. 18k Yellow gold Case 43mm Round Case. Ornate Wheat Engraving on the Case. Just a wonderful peace. Enamel details on the b...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Precision Ref. 3400 Openface, Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare collectors Watch. Original Condition. Watch needs an overhaul. Including certificate of authenticity.
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Case Material : Stainless Steel Case Size : 42.2mm Gender : U96r630s
By Rolex
Located in Dix hills, NY
Measurements: Length: 1.6" Width: .3" Height: 2" OVERALL GOOD- CONDITION ( 6.75/10 or B- ) Signs of Wear: Exterior: Very Minor Scratches Hardware: Minor Scratches, Minor Rubbing, Very Minor Tarnish Case Material : Stainless Steel Case Size : 42mm Gender : Unisex Watch Shape...
Antique Rare Rolex Prince 9CT Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, C1930s
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Prince. A very rare 9ct yellow gold dress pocket watch C1930s Dial: The excellent silver rare bow tie dial with Arabic twelve and black enamel batons, outer minute track and separate seconds dial with bow tie dial in the seconds dial. A rare combination indeed, complimented by original matching blued steel hands and seconds hand. Case: The Rhombus designed 9ct yellow gold case with a plain polished back. The case fully signed Rolex ,numbered and Swiss hallmarked. Movement: The Rhombus keyless lever movement is of exceptional high quality Nickel finished fully jewelled, signed Rolex with Rolex Patent Cap protecting escapement. One of the best pocket watch movements produced by Rolex. This is indeed a rare pocket watch...
Gold, 18k Gold
Omega Silver Single Button 15 Minute Register Pocket Watch, circa 1910
By Omega
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced / Chronograph Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 900 Silver DIMENSIONS: Diameter 55mm CIRCA: 1910 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Enamel Dial, Breguet Style Numbers / Gold and Blued Steel Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This rare and early Omega chronograph was likely used as a scientific tool...
Antique Steel Pocket Watch
Located in Geneva, CH
Steel pocket watch. Height: 6.00 centimeters. We do not guarantee the functioning of this watch.
Steel
Rolex Hunter's Case Yellow Gold Filled Pocket Watch circa 1920's Flawless Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company for Dunkling's STYLE / REFERENCE: Hunter's Case Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diamet...
Gold-filled
