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 Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex Vintage 9ct Rose Gold – 26mm – Manual Wind – 1938 From a time before formal reference numbers and when a 26mm case was considered suitable for any wrist, this vintage Rolex fr...
Rose Gold
Rolex Precision Ref 4431 18k Rose Gold Mens 1940s 33mm Manual Wind RA689
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, timeless treasure 18k solid rose gold Rolex Precision ref 4431 fancy lugs manual wind dress watch, c.1946, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchm...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Two Tone Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Dress Watch, circa 1930's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / Reference 3893 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone 14Kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm "Lu...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage ROLEX Oyster Watch. Rolex ref 4365. 1940s Gold Capped Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Mens Watch Just underwent Full Service - Ready To Go Stainless Steel Case that is Gold Filled Capped ref.4365 Circa 1946 Condition: Windup Movement. Runs we...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Early Datejust Steel and Rose Gold with Original Dial from 1950
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6075 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950 DIMENSI...
$21,263
H 3.55 in W 7.88 in L 16.15 in
ROLEX prince circa 1935 in stainless steel and pink gold, manual-winding, curved
Located in Ermatingen, TG
Scarce ROLEX green dial in stainless steel and pink gold, manual-winding, curved, rectangular-shaped, circa 1935.gentleman’s wristwatch, green Color dial with subsidiary seconds at 6...
Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
$6,080Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.26 in
Rolex Precision 9k Gold Mens 1950s 32mm Vintage Manual Wind Dress Watch RA751
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage treasure, rare 9k solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision manual wind dress watch, c.1954, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex...
9k Gold
$2,768
H 2 in W 0.3 in L 1.6 in
Rolex Case Material : Stainless Steel Case Size : 42.2mm Gender : U96r630s
By Rolex
Located in Dix hills, NY
Measurements: Length: 1.6" Width: .3" Height: 2" OVERALL GOOD- CONDITION ( 6.75/10 or B- ) Signs of Wear: Exterior: Very Minor Scratches Hardware: Minor Scratches, Minor Rubbing, Very Minor Tarnish Case Material : Stainless Steel Case Size : 42mm Gender : Unisex Watch Shape...
Vintage 18k Rose Gold Rolex Bubbleback Automatic Watch Ref 6011
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Classic vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback wrist watch crafted in 18k rose gold. This reference 6011 features the distinctive early automatic Rolex case with screw-down Oyster...
18k Gold
Rolex perpetual 4134 18k Rose Gold Rare Mens Jumbo 37mm Automatic 1940s RA691
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, vintage classic Rolex Perpetual Ref.4134 in luxurious solid 18k rose gold, c.1945, unrestored dial, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. G...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Retro Three Tone Gold Buckle Bracelet Circa 1960s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
This mid 20th century three tone gold fancy mesh embossed link bracelet features machined engraved and textured panel links. Secured with a decorative and functional snap buckle clas...
Gold
Belle Epoque Diamond Set Bracelet Circa 1930s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
This French made bracelet from the Belle Epoque era is exquisite. An articulated line bracelet with fine bead, bezel set and mille-grained settings. Secured and fitted with a tongue ...
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century 9k Rose Gold Fob Chain Circa 1980s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
This late 20th century rose gold fob chain features graduated solid curb links with a drop T-bar fob and is secured with two swivel clasps. Each li...
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Late 20th Century Two Tone 9k Gold Bangle Circa 1990s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
A classic hinged bangle from the late twentieth century crafted in bands of rose and white gold secured with an invisible hook catch. Metal: 9k rose and white gold - XRF tested Weig...
9k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Retro Statement Diamond Ring Circa 1950s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
A bold statement piece from the Retro era crafted in 18k rose gold and platinum. Featuring a central, claw set round brilliant cut diamond set upon a concaved curve rose gold design ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum, Mixed Metal
Art Deco Diamond Ring Circa 1930s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
True to its era this Art Deco diamond ring is crafted in platinum and features a domed setting with a geometric saw pierced, mille-grained and bezel settings set with a beautiful old...
Diamond, Platinum
