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.
Vintage Rolex GMT-Master Ref 1675 Pepsi Watch, Stainless Steel, 1977
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
In wonderful condition Vintage Authentic Rolex Pepsi, GMT_Master Ref 1675 Pepsi with Jubilee stainless steel bracelet circa 1977. This watch is in amazing condition with with tight b...
Stainless Steel
$45,000Sale Price|42% Off
H 0.4 in Dm 14.97 in
1958 Rolex GMT-Master 6542: Steel Case, Aluminum Bezel, Swiss Made
By Rolex
Located in CABA, AR
VERY RARE 1958 Rolex GMT-Master 6542 Full Set – A Vintage Icon in Original Untouched Condition Presenting an extraordinary opportunity to own a very rare Rolex GMT-Master 6542 from 1958, a true collector’s masterpiece. This iconic model is offered as a complete set, including the original box, papers, tag, and chronometer certificate, making it a highly desirable find for horological enthusiasts. Key features include: * Black Gilt Glossy Radium OCC Dial & Hands – the original dial and hands, with a stunning patina that adds to the vintage allure of this timepiece. * Cyclops Lens & Plastic Glass – the distinctive design elements that make the GMT-Master a recognizable classic. * 38mm Steel Case – the perfect size for a vintage watch, combined with the original 1958 Oyster steel bracelet, offering a comfortable and stylish fit. * Original Rolex Aluminium Red & Blue "Pepsi" Bezel Insert from the Early 60s – the iconic two-tone bezel in excellent condition, adding authenticity and value. There were two versions of the reference 6542, one with a bakelite bezel and one with a non-luminescent aluminum bezel. The first version, with the bakelite bezel, proved to be a problem for the manufacturers as the numbers and markings on the bezel were coated in a luminous material that at the time caused issues with the United States Atomic Energy Commission...
Aluminum, Steel
Rolex GMT Master 1675 'Pepsi'/Pan Am' Bezel, 40mm Case, Mark 11 Dial, Year 1973
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and attractive Rolex GMT Master reference 1675 features a 40mm stainless steel case with stainless steel bracelet and desirable Pepsi/ Pan Am blue/ red bezel. This exampl...
Rolex Transitional GMT-Master Pepsi 16750
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Stainless Steel Transitional GMT-Master Vintage Men's Wristwatch, black dial with applied hour markers, date at 3 0'clock, a stainless steel bi-directional rotating bezel with a bl...
Stainless Steel
1987 Rolex GMT Master Pepsi Vintage Watch 16700 Factory Original As Is
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1987 Rolex GMT Master Pepsi Automatic Watch 16700 Bracelet: 8.5 inch length including the case, thirteen links, clasp “M11”, "78360” see pictur...
Rolex Vintage GMT-Master Pepsi 1675
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens 40mm vintage GMT-Master in stainless steel by Rolex. Featuring a matte black dial, a date aperture, and a stainless steel bi-directional rotating bezel with the iconic blue an...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi 16750, Stainless Steel, 1982, Swiss Made
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
This rare Rolex GMT features its original iconic red and blue “Pepsi” bezel insert with a beautiful patina. Throughout the watch you will see a consistent patina with all original pa...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage GMT-Master Pepsi Tropical Dial 1675
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage GMT-Master Pepsi in stainless steel by Rolex. Features a matte black gilt dial which over time has transformed into what is known as a Tropical dial. Complementing the case is a bi-directional rotatable bezel with the iconic blue and red "Pepsi" bezel insert. Fitted with plastic glass and a self-winding automatic movement. The piece is presented on a riveted Oyster stretch bracelet which is brought together by an Oyster folding clasp. The watch is in such fine condition and is quite the collector's piece given what it is accompanied by. Along with its original Rolex box, this watch comes with original Rolex swing tags, GMT-Master booklet, and Rolex Chronometre...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master 1675 "Pepsi" Gilt Gloss Dial Rivet 6636 Bracelet Vintage Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex GMT Master 1675 steel case, year of production 1966, bidirectional steel bezel with Aluminium insert Pepsi colors, plastic glass with cyclo...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1990 Rolex GMT-Master 16700 Stainless Steel Pepsi Bezel Auto 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of Its Name Rolex produced the reference 16700 from 1988 until 1999, and it was the final watch to carry the GMT-Master name on its own. It ran alongside the more complex G...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Lapponia by Björn Weckström Finland S/S " Bridge To The Moon " Bracelet 1974
By Björn Weckström for Lapponia
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Lapponia by Björn Weckström sterling silver " Bridge To The Moon ' bracelet is part of the Space Silver collection that was inspired by Neil Armstrong becoming the first man to wal...
Sterling Silver
