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 Daytona Ghost White Gold Unworn 2026 126519LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 2026 Oysterflex Daytona "Ghost" in white gold by Rolex, available now from Watch Centre London. Designed to be the ultimate high-performance chronograph, this timepiece features ...
White Gold
Rolex Zenith Daytona Patrizzi Dial 16520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare stainless steel Zenith Daytona by Rolex. Featuring an extremely divisive and unique patrizzi dial. The watch further features an engraved tachymetric scale, three chronograph counters and pushers, the Daytona was designed to be the ultimate timing tool for endurance racing drivers. The Oyster bracelet is equipped with a folding Oysterlock clasp. Fitted with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a self-winding automatic chronograph Zenith movement. This N serial Rolex...
Stainless Steel
$56,920
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Gold Ceramic Steel Black Dial Men Watch 116519LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2022 card. Comes with the original box and papers. Brand and Model Brand: Rolex Model: Cosmograph Daytona Model Number: 116519LN Design and Style Style: Luxury Watch Shape: ...
18k Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Steel Black Index Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned watch in good condition. Comes with an original box and papers. 2-year chronostore warranty. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Daytona 116520 Model Number: 116520 Co...
Steel
Rolex Daytona Rare Panna Cream Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's wristwatch in stainless steel, by Rolex. Featuring an extremely desirable yet rare Panna cream dial, found only in a fairly tight serial range. With an engraved tachymetric s...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona Automatic Chronograph, Ref. 16520, Full Set, 1988
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rolex Daytona, Ref. 16520, U serial, Full Set from 1998 with Service Papers from 2008 and 2020, with original certificate. Model: 16520 Movement: Automatic Chronograph Zenith Cas...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Steel & Gold Watch 116523
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Men's Steel & Gold Watch 116523 - Automatic winding, chronograph, 44 jewels, sapphire crystal. Daytona. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold beel (4...
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Steel Black Index Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Comes with the original box and papers. Details: Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 116520 Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Style Dress/Formal, Luxury, Sport Model Rolex Daytona 116520 Movement Mechanical (Automatic) Band Color Gray, Steel Band Material Stainless Steel Dial Color Black Dial Pattern N/A Closure Fold-Over Clasp with Flip Lock Safety Case Material Stainless Steel Case Color Steel Display Analog Water Resistance 100 m (10 ATM) Year Manufactured 2010-Now Indices 12-Hour Dial, Multi Dial, Stick Indexes Customized No Band Type Bracelet Watch Shape Round Number of Jewels 44 Jewels Caseback Solid Vintage No Case Finish Polished Handedness Left Bezel Type Fixed, Tachymeter Bezel Color Steel Case Size 40 mm Band Width 15.5 mm Lug Width 20 mm Case Thickness 12 mm Box Manufacturer's Box Papers Manufacturer's Papers With Papers Yes Seller Warranty Yes SKU 012989 Wrist Fit 7.5 inches Movement Caliber Rolex Caliber 4130...
Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116519 18K White Gold Black Dial Box & Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This watch features an officially certified chronometer with a self-winding movement. It includes a rhodium-plated mechanism, 44 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a monom...
18k Gold
Rolex Daytona Steel & Gold Black Dial Unworn 2026 126503
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Daytona from Rolex in Oystersteel and yellow gold. Features a black dial with applied hour markers. With an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers, the Dayt...
Gold, Steel
