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 Datejust Steel 18k Yellow Gold Wimbledon Dial Automatic Watch 126233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 126233 Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Style Dress/Formal, Luxury Model Rolex Datejust 126233...
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
Rolex Midsize Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Watch 68278
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Midsize Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Watch 68278 - Automatic winding with date. Midsize President. 18k yellow gold case with Fluted bezel (31mm diameter). Black stick dial. 18k yel...
Rolex Stainless Steel and Gold Datejust with Original Factory Gold Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Two-Tone Stainless Steel & 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Factory Original Gold Dial with Gold Markers / Gold Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Mature styling and classic looks are the DNA of this Datejust. Rolex's reputation of being the leader in styling and reliability since their inception is present in this exceptional timepiece. You can rely wholeheartedly on this watch to get you from point A to B for any occasion while looking and feeling great. It is very versatile in styling, can be worn with formal attire for a more mature look and dressed down with a t-shirt and jeans for a more relaxed feel. This unisex Rolex...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Gold Steel Datejust Wristwatch Ref 179173
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex Ladies Gold Steel Datejust Wristwatch ref 179173 with solid links and hidden fold over clasp in 18k yellow gold and steel. Model 179173. 18k yellow gold and steel Length:...
18k Gold, Steel, Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage Datejust Yellow Gold Red 6104
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare 36mm vintage Datejust in yellow gold. Featuring a silver dial with the date display at 3 o'clock in red. Also features a smooth yellow gold bezel which is quite hard to come b...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1965 Rolex Datejust 6517 18K Yellow Gold Automatic Buckley Dial
Located in New York, NY
This is peak mid century Rolex with impossibly rare specificaiton What makes this Datejust special is not size or era. It is the pairing. An integrated 18k yellow gold bracelet match...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Mens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1972 36 mm Preowned Reference: 1600 18kt yellow and stainless steel
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Automatic Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Rolex Datejust ladies watch, crafted in solid 18k yellow gold, epitomizes timeless elegance and horological precision. The watch features a stunning monochromatic gold...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,750
W 1.42 in D 0.44 in Dm 1.42 in L 1.74 in
Vintage Rolex Date Just Two-Tone Stainless Steel and 14K Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Ocala, FL
A timeless Rolex Date just wristwatch showcasing the brand’s iconic combination of refined styling and everyday versatility. Crafted in stainless steel and yellow gold, the watch fea...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
