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 Datejust Two Tone Men's Watch 16013
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 16013 is one of the most recognizable and enduring two-tone luxury watches ever made, combining the prestige of Rolex with the timeless appeal of sta...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$14,550
H 1.62 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Custom Yellow Dial Oyster Men Watch 124300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Aftermarket custom dial. Box and papers. Unworn condition. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300 Model Number: 124300 Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) Origin: Made in Switzerland Style: Luxury Dial: Color: Yellow (Custom Dial) Aftermarket Display: Analog Indices: 12-Hour Dial, Non-Numeric Hour Marks, Stick Indexes Case: Material: Stainless Steel Color: Gray Finish: Polished Size: 41 mm Thickness: 12 mm Shape: Round Back: Solid Water Resistance: 100 m (10 ATM) Bezel: Fixed, Gray Color Features: Fixed Bezel, Luminous Hands, Sapphire Crystal, Screwdown Crown Band: Material: Stainless Steel Color: Gray Type: Bracelet Width: 15.5 mm Lug Width: 21 mm Closure: Fold-Over Clasp Movement Details: Number of Jewels: 31 Jewels Movement Caliber: Rolex Caliber 3230...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Yellow 2022 Bart Simpson New box papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
ROLEX Oyster Perpetual 36 Spetial Edition 'Bart Simpson' Ref. 12600. Wrist watch. Stainless steel. Automatic-movement Mint condition, unworn. Box and papers enclosed, bought 12/20...
Steel
$10,750
H 1.42 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Custom Yellow Dial Oyster Men Watch 116000
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Aftermarket custom dial. Comes with the original box and papers. Shipping 3-4 weeks timeframe. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty ...
Steel
Mens Rolex Oyster Ref 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Date Automatic 1980s RA488B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.16013 Datejust automatic, c.1987, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchma...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
$6,416Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.42 in
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 36mm 18k SS 1980s Mens Automatic Vintage NA106B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.16013 Datejust automatic, c.1986, in excellent aesthetic and working condition. Verified authentic by a ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Datejust Ref 16013 1980s Matte Lemon Dial 36mm Two Tone Case.
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16013 automatic two tone with a matte lemon dial on a jubilee bracelet from the 19780s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measuremen...
Stainless Steel
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
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.42 in
Rolex Oyster 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Mens 1970s Automatic RA768B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An icon, Rolex 1601 Oyster Datejust automatic Linen dial, c.1973, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Iconic Rolex linen dial, applied baton in...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Thunderbird Datejust 36mm Turn-O-Graph Men's Watch Ref. 1625
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph Ref. 1625, often nicknamed the “Thunderbird,” is a highly collectible sports-dress watch combining the classic Datejust profile with a distin...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial and Strap 1960s
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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial and Strap 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 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial and LV Strap 1960s
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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Custom Yellow Dial with Silver Baton Markers / Silver Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Custom Louis Vuitton Strap, 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex Datejust has a custom made yellow dial, made to Rolex of Switzerland specifications. All the other mechanical parts on this watch are original, in fact it still has its original factory rating and meets its original factory pressure tests as well. You can only get this rating when all the parts are original. We are so confident of its dependability we offer it with our 18 month warranty. It is important to realize this watch only had a 12 month warranty when it was new. It is a great looking watch that you can wear all the time for all types of occasions and you can count on it to get you there on time. The exceptional yellow strap adds to the versatility this timepiece brings when wearing it to any event or occasion. This watch is fitted with a hand made Louis Vuitton Strap. It is made from an original Louis Vuitton Vintage Bag...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow 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 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Yellow Dial, 1960s
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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Yellow 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...
Stainless Steel, Steel
