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.
2001 Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Full Set Original Box & Papers + Service Card
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to offer this 2001 Rolex Submariner Date ref. 16610, widely considered one of the most iconic modern-vintage luxury dive watches ever produced. This reference represen...
Stainless Steel
2025 Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” 126720VTNR Stainless Steel Jubilee BNP
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are present this 2025 Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” 126720VTNR in Stainless Steel. This highly desirable left-handed model features a 40mm Oystersteel case, Rolex’s black Maxi dial...
Stainless Steel
1987 Rolex Air-King 5500 Black Diamond Dial Stainless Steel 34mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this 1987 Rolex Air-King reference 5500 featuring a 34mm stainless steel case, smooth stainless steel bezel, and black aftermarket diamond dial. The classic...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
2009 Rolex Datejust 31 178344 Purple Roman Dial Diamond Bezel Oyster Bracelet Bo
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are present this 2009 Rolex Datejust 31, reference 178344, featuring a striking Purple Roman dial accented with a diamond marker at 6 o’clock. Crafted in stainless steel, this ele...
Diamond, 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 Datejust 116233 Two Tone 18k & Steel 36mm Champagne 10 Diamond Dial Minty
By Rolex
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this 2009 Rolex 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Datejust, reference 116233 with most of the original protective stickers still intact. This timeless class...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master Stainless Steel Platinum Bezel 40mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate your collection with this iconic Rolex Yacht-Master , a distinguished timepiece that perfectly balances professional utility with refined aesthetics. Crafted in 2007, this 40...
Stainless Steel, Platinum, Steel
Rolex Yacht Master 116622 Steel & Platinum 40mm Rhodium Dial Full Set Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A 2021 Rolex Yacht-Master ref. 116622 automatic wristwatch in Oystersteel with a platinum rotatable graduated bezel, rhodium dark slate dial with luminous dot hour markers, blue seco...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Stainless Steel Watch 'Rhodium Index' 116622
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We are a premiere distributor of pre-owned and new watches, where we guarantee complete authenticity and corresponding aesthetic to all of our timepieces.The watch is fully polished, expertly serviced, and comes with an official in house One Year warranty. We guarantee the watch you receive corresponds 100% to the model when viewed in person. We can confidently say, you will not be disappointed. But if for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase and feel as though the watch did not meet your expectations, we will REFUND you fully. Silver-tone rolesium (combination steel and platinum) case with a silver-tone stainless steel rolex oyster bracelet. Bi-directional rotating silver-tone platinum bezel. Dark rhodium dial with silver-tone hands and dot hour markers. Minute markers around the outer rim. Dial Type: Analog. Model 116622 Luminescent hands and markers. Date display at the 3 o’clock position. Rolex Calibre 3135...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm 126622
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm Yacht-Master in Oystersteel by Rolex. Features a blue dial with a red ticker and a platinum bi-directional rotatable bezel with 60-minute numerals and graduations. Fitted wit...
Platinum, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm Steel Platinum Grey Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16622
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Original Box and Papers are Included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's...
Platinum, Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master Steel Platinum Bezel Gray Dial Automatic Watch 116622
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The watch is pre-owned and in a good condition. Recently serviced. No original box and papers are included. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 116622 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury/Sport Model: Rolex Yacht-Master 116622 Vintage: No Escapement Type: Anchor Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) Number of Jewels: 31 Jewels Dial Color: Gray Display: Analog Indices: 12-Hour Dial, Round Indexes, Stick Indexes Bezel Type: Bidirectional Rotating, Count-Up/Dive Bezel Color: Platinum Band Color: Gray Band Material: Stainless Steel Closure: Fold-Over Clasp with Flip Lock Safety Band Type: Bracelet Band Width: 20 mm Lug Width: 15.5 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Color: Gray Water Resistance: 100 m (10 ATM) Watch Shape: Round Caseback: Solid Case Finish: Polished Case Size: 40 mm Case Thickness: 12 mm Features: Date Indicator, Luminous Hands, Rotating Bezel, Sapphire Crystal, Screwdown Crown, Self-Winding, Swiss Made, Swiss Movement, Water-Resistant Year Manufactured: 2010-Now Customized: No Handedness: Right With Original Packaging: No With Booklet: No With Papers: No Seller Warranty: Yes Wrist Fit: 7.25 Inches Movement Caliber: Rolex Calibre 3135
Steel
