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 Vintage Oyster Perpetual Date Yellow Gold 34mm 1500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date reference 1500, a classic yellow gold timepiece featuring a silver dial with applied gold baton indices and a date aperture at 3 o'clock, all pr...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Rare Oyster Perpetual Yellow Gold 6285
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Oyster Perpetual wristwatch in yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a silver dial with a distinctive 'Officially' in red writing and a yellow gold engine turned bezel. Fitted with ...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual 18K Yellow Gold 34mm 6564 Circa 1956
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6564, an exceptional yellow gold timepiece featuring a rare hobnail-patterned dial with applied gold faceted baton indices and a raise...
Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex Day-Date 18K Yellow Gold Silver Dial 1802
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date vintage wristwatch. Features a silver dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture, and a day display. Complementing the dial is a fix...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Rolex Oyster Precision Veriflat Vintage Champagne Dial 6512
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster Veriflat Precision vintage gentleman’s wristwatch, reference 6512. Manufactured in the late 1950s, the Oyster Veriflat Precision was produced for onl...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Date Vintage Yellow Gold 1503
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens vintage Date in yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a champagne dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture and a fixed yellow gold bezel. The watch is fitted with a plastic g...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18k Yellow Gold Unisex Vintage Watch 6567
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18k Yellow Gold Unisex Vintage Watch 6567 - Automatic winding with butterfly rotor. Oyster Perpetual. 18k yellow gold cas...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer 14K Yellow Gold Ref. # 1002 1974 "Mint Shape"
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Silver Dial Index #s 14K Y.G., Ref. 1002 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being off...
Yellow Gold
Vintage Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26mm 18k Yellow Gold Ref. 6718
By Rolex
Located in Media, PA
Up for sale is a beautiful vintage Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual crafted in solid 18k yellow gold. This timeless, time-only dress watch features a classic smooth bezel, an elegant ch...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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
Vintage 1976 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 14K YG Champagne Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundation In Solid Gold The Oyster Perpetual Date is a direct descendant of the watches that built Rolex. It combines the brand's two foundational technologies, the waterproof ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 26mm Two-Tone 18k Gold Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
This sophisticated Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, reference 69173, represents a timeless classic in women's horology, expertly crafted from a combination of 18k yellow gold and dur...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
