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 Submariner Date Sapphire/Diamond Stainless Steel Watch Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date Custom Diamond Stainless Steel Watch with Sapphire/Diamond Bezel Lugs and Blue Dial 116610. Watch has been professionally po...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Two Tone Custom Diamond Watch with Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date Two Tone Custom Diamond Watch with Diamond Bezel and Side Diamond Bracelet 116613 Never worn watch, discontinued model.
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Blue Dial Black PVD/DLC Stainless Steel Watch 116610LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date Blue Dial Black PVD/DLC Stainless Steel Watch 116610LN Please note: This is never worn genuine Rolex watch that has b...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Ceramic Blue 116618LB Yellow Gold 40mm Watch Complete
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This 18ct yellow gold Rolex Submariner is absolutely pristine! Featuring the popular blue dial with matching blue scratchproof Cerachrom bezel, this current model is fitted to a soli...
Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB Ceramic Bezel Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Authenticity guaranteed! The watc...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Custom Diamond Stainless Steel with Sapphire/Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date Custom Diamond Stainless Steel Watch with Sapphire/Diamond Bezel 116610 Never worn watch, a discontinued model.
Diamond, Sapphire, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 18k Gold Steel Ceramic Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116613LB
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
2020 White card. Pre-owned Rolex Submariner 18k Gold Steel Ceramic Blue Dial Automatic Men's Watch 116613LB. This Beautiful Timepiece Features: Stainless Steel Case and Oyster Bracelet with 18k Gold Center Links, Uni-Directional Rotating Coin Edge 18k Gold Bezel with Blue Ceramic Top Ting, Blue Dial with Luminous Grey Hands, And Dot Hour Markers. The bezel has tiny scratches on the ceramic insert. Comes with Original Boxes and Papers. Covered By 1 Year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 116613LB Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Style Luxury, Sport Model Rolex Submariner 116613LB...
Vintage 1997 Rolex Submariner 16613 Two-Tone Blue Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Unmistakable Two-Tone Diver The Rolex Submariner is the definitive dive watch, but the two-tone reference 16613 takes that utilitarian design and gives it a commanding presence....
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 18K Gold Steel Ceramic Blue Dial Automatic Watch 116613LB
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Rolex Submariner 40mm 18K Gold Steel Ceramic Blue Dial Automatic Watch 116613LB. No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with Chronostore Presentation Box and Chrono...
18k Gold
Rolex Submariner 18k Yellow Gold Steel Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16803
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. No original box and papers. Covered by 2-year chronostore warranty. Details: Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 16803 Country/Region of Manufacture ...
Steel
Rolex Submariner 116613LB Bluesy Two Tone Steel & 18K Gold Circa Full Set Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A 2018 Rolex Submariner Date ref. 116613LB “Bluesy” in two-tone Oystersteel and 18K yellow gold, featuring a blue Cerachrom ceramic unidirectional bezel, blue dial with gold luminous...
Stainless Steel, Gold
Rolex Submariner 18k Gold Steel Blue/Violet Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16803
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Rolex Submariner 16803 is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by an automatic movement which is cased in a stainless steel case. It has a collectible transitional blue/violet dial, round shape face, date dial and has hand sticks and dots style markers. It is completed with a stainless and solid gold band that opens and closes with a fold over. The bezel of this watch has micro scratches on the insert and some minor scratches and oxidation on the Hands . This watch was produced in 1988. This watch comes with a Chronostore presentation box and authenticity card. Details: Brand Rolex Department Men Model Number 16803 Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Model Rolex Submariner 16803 Style Luxury Movement Mechanical (Automatic) Band Color Gold, Steel Band Material Stainless Steel, 18k Yellow Gold Dial Color Blue Dial Pattern Sunburst Closure Fold-Over Clasp with Flip Lock Safety Case Material Stainless Steel Case Color Gray, Steel Display Analog Water Resistance 100 m (10 ATM) Year Manufactured 1988 Indices 12-Hour Dial, Non-Numeric Hour Marks, Round Indexes, Seconds Hand Customized No Band Type Bracelet Watch Shape Round Number of Jewels 27 Jewels Caseback Solid Vintage No Case Finish Polished Handedness Left Bezel Type Count-Up/Dive, Unidirectional Rotating Bezel Color Blue Case Size 40 mm Band Width 15.5 mm Lug Width 20 mm Case Thickness 13 mm Box Chronostore Giftbox Included Papers Chronostore Certificate With Papers No Seller Warranty Yes SKU 017294 Wrist Fit 7 Inches Movement Caliber Rolex Caliber 3035...
