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 Date 1550 34mm Champagne Dial 14k Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1550 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Case Material: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Steel Band: Custom Leather Strap Bezel: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Ste...
14k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Rare "Bubble Back" with Factory Original Dial 1948
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Bubble Back" / Reference 5011 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
14k Gold
Vintage 1986 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15037 14K YG Auto Champagne 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Different Shade Of Gold The reference 15037 is a bridge between the vintage and modern eras of the Oyster Date. In the mid-1980s, Rolex still utilized 14K yellow gold specifically...
Gold
$9,360Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.38 in
Mens Rolex Ref 1503 Oyster Perpetual Date 18k Gold Automatic 1960s Rjc156r
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 automatic, c.1960s. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied g...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Oyster Date Ref 6624 18k Solid Gold 1960s Midsize 30mm Automatic RA456R
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage luxury, 18k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6624 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1962, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeo...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Rare Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual from 1952 Oversized Bubble Back Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6580 14k Gold SS 1950s Mens Vintage Automatic RA786B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster ref.6580 automatic dress watch, c.1954, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed whi...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 1002 Oyster Perpetual 14k Gold Mens 1960s 34mm Vintage Automatic RA785B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision ref.1002 automatic, c.1968, in immaculate working and aesthetic condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gor...
Gold, 14k Gold
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Very Rare Deepsea From 1954 / 55 Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6332 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 / 55 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diamet...
Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1007 18k Solid Gold 1970s Mens 34mm Automatic RA797
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster perpetual ref.1007 men's 34mm automatic, c.1978, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, Rolex signed gold dial, applied index short baton hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, hands in excellent vintage condition, very minor show of age, natural patinas and discoloration due to age. Acrylic crystal. Solid gold fluted bezel on 18k solid gold case measures 34mm wide, in pristine vintage condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 chronometer-certified automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is all original. Fitted on new, aftermarket genuine croc strap and buckle. Timeless luxury, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex 1007...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 1601 Serpico y Laino Dial Circa 1962
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional vintage circa 1962 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 is a highly collectible example distinguished by its rare double-signed Serpico y Lain...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1940 Omega 14KT Gold Sub-Seconds Dress Watch
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
This elegant vintage Omega dress watch from circa 1940 exemplifies the understated sophistication and precision craftsmanship that defined Swiss watchmaking during the era. The watch...
14k Gold
Vintage 1970s Bucherer 18KT Yellow Gold Rectangular Dress Watch – Manual Wind
By Bucherer
Located in New York, NY
A refined 1970s Bucherer dress watch, featuring a 27mm x 22mm rectangular 18KT yellow gold case, embodying the understated elegance of the era. The pearlized dial is adorned with sle...
18k Gold
Vintage 1955 LeCoultre Ref. 3036 14KT Gold Sub-Seconds Dress Watch
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 1955 LeCoultre Ref. 3036 is housed in a 32.5MM 14KT yellow gold case with a silver dial and applied gold stick markers. A sub-seconds register sits at 6 o'clock, adding ...
14k Gold
Vintage Circa 1940 Hamilton 14KT Yellow Gold-Filled Curved Watch – Manual Wind
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
A classic circa 1940 Hamilton dress watch, featuring a 28mm x 33mm curved 14KT yellow gold-filled case, designed for a refined and comfortable fit. The silver dial is elegantly adorn...
14k Gold
Vintage 1970 Jaeger-LeCoultre Club 18KT Gold Rectangular Bracelet Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 1970 Jaeger-LeCoultre Club is housed in a 14.5mm x 21mm 18KT yellow gold rectangular case on a matching integrated textured bracelet. The gold-tone dial carries baton ho...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
