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 Bubbleback 1946 Steel Automatic Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1946 Rolex Reference 3130 "Bubbleback" 31 M.M Stainless Steel 2 piece Oyster case, caliber 630, 17 jewel Automatic Self winding movement, Quality Redone as original Black dial ...
Steel
Rolex Rare 1942 Bubble Back Ladies Steel Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1942 Rolex Ladies Reference 3869 Bubble Back Wrist Watch, 24 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece Oyster case, original and unpolished, original Oyster Crown. Automatic, self winding ...
Steel
Vintage Rolex Royalite Watch 2280 Circa 1939
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Rolex Royalite Watch 2280 Circa 1939 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale. This model was made with stainless steel...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Early Speedking with Original Dial from 1941 or 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 3373 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 36mm X Diameter 30mm CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 / 1942...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Original Dial Bubble Back circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: "Bubble Back" / Oyster Perpetual METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / Yellow Gold Bezel DIMENSIONS: Length 39mm X Diameter 33mm CIRCA: 1944 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: "N.A" Caliber / 17 Jewels Perpetual DIAL / HANDS: Original with Luminous Dial / Dauphine Luminous Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator and Original Ladder Bracelet, 17mm / Medium Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is the classic Rolex "Bubble Back" with an original dial, hands and Oyster Crown. It is based on the original design of the world's first automatic waterproof...
Rolex Precision Vintage Manual wind Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1954 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case, screw down crown, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle Lever movement, acrylic crystal, "...
Steel
Rolex Bubbleback 1949 Steel and Gold Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1949 Rolex Bubbleback Referance 5015, 32 M.M Stainless Steel 3 Piece case with Yellow Gold Engine turned Bezel and Gold Rolex Crown, Caliber 630 automatic, self winding movemen...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking with Original Dial and Hands from 1947
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 4220 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1947 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X Diameter 35m...
Rolex Ref 6022 Oyster Precision Mens Vintage 1950s 34mm Manual Wind RA781
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision ref.6022 manual hand-wind dress watch, c.1952, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
Stainless Steel
Rolex vintage Oysterdate Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1967 Rolex Oyster Date Reference 6694 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1225 17 Jewel manual Wind, Nickle Lever movement. Custom Refinished "Cal...
Steel
