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 Oyster Perpetual 31mm 277200
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Oyster Perpetual 31 in Oystersteel from Rolex. Features a black dial with applied hour markers and a smooth fixed bezel. The Oyster bracelet comes with the folding Oysterclasp. Fi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Black Dial Automatic Midsize Watch 124200
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn with 2023 Card. Comes with the original box and paper * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year manufacture warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buye...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Black Dial Domed Oyster Automatic Watch 124300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2023 Card. Original Box and Papers are Included. * Free Shipping within the USA * five-year Rolex warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Type...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114300 Black Dial Oyster Bracelet Complete
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
No longer in production, this 39mm stainless steel Oyster Perpetual ref. 114300 is in perfect condition. It has been professionally polished and does not have any visible scratches o...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1992 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15210 Steel Black Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Purest Form Of Rolex The Oyster Perpetual Date is a foundational reference. It represents the core of what makes a Rolex a Rolex: a water-resistant case, a self-winding movement...
Stainless Steel
$9,990
H 1.42 in W 0.4 in Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Steel Silver Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116000
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Comes with the original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Model Number: 116000 Style: Luxury Department: Men Year Manufacture...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet and Rare Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1969 / 70 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Dark Rhodium Dial Automatic Mens Watch 114300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Excellent condition. Box and paper are included. 🕰️ Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114300 – Key Specifications Model Number: 114300 Case Size: 39 mm Case Thickness: 11 mm Material: Sta...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Dark Rhodium Dial Automatic Mens Watch 114300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
2016 Card. Excellent condition. Box and paper are included. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 114300 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Styl...
Steel
$9,198
H 1.54 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.54 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 114300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. No original box and papers. Comes with chronostore bo...
Stainless Steel
