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 Hulk Green Steel Ceramic Automatic Mens Watch 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. Comes with the original box but papers are not included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a ...
Steel
Rolex Submariner Men's Stainless Steel Hulk Green Dial Watch 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Submariner Men's Stainless Steel Hulk Green Dial Watch 116610LV - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, pressure proof to 1,000 feet. Submariner. Stainless steel case with green time-l...
Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Submariner Date Hulk in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a green dial with a green unidirectional rotatable ceramic bezel which features 60 minute graduations. Fitted with a scratch...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Submariner Date Hulk in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a green dial and green unidirectional rotatable ceramic bezel with 60 minute g...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Submariner Date Hulk in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a green dial and green uni-directional rotatable ceramic bezel with 60 minute ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Hulk Ceramic Steel Green Dial Watch 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. No original box and papers.
Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV Kermit MK2 41mm Black Dial Green Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex Submariner 126610LV is a masterful blend of luxury and functionality. This 41mm timepiece showcases a striking black dial, accentuated by luminous round indexes and hands, ensu...
Stainless Steel
2026 Rolex Submariner 126610LV “Starbucks” Green Bezel Unworn Full Set 41mm
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this 2026 Rolex Submariner reference 126610LV, widely known among collectors as the “Starbucks,” distinguished by its vibrant green Cerachrom bezel and classic black dial. The watch is brand new and unworn and was dated into service March of 2026. It remains covered under Rolex’s 5-year international warranty through 2031, providing both confidence and long-term reliability. The watch features a 41mm stainless steel case paired with a unidirectional green ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal with Cyclops date magnification, and Chromalight luminous markers for excellent legibility. It is powered by Rolex’s in-house automatic caliber 3235 movement, offering precision timekeeping and a robust power reserve. The Oyster bracelet is complete with all original links and will comfortably fit up to an 8-inch wrist. It is equipped with Rolex’s Oysterlock clasp...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Kermit Starbucks MK2 126610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn 41mm Submariner Date known as both a Kermit or Starbucks, from Rolex in Oystersteel. Features a black dial with the date display and a green ceramic unidirectional rotatabl...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Kermit NOS 16610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens unworn NOS Submariner Date by Rolex in stainless steel, known as a Kermit. Features a black dial and a green unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations. The Oys...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Santos de Cartier Stainless Steel Green Dial Automatic Watch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier Santos de Cartier Stainless Steel Green Dial Automatic Watch, 2026. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 6.75 inches. Includes original box and papers.
Stainless Steel
