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.
Vintage Omega Turler Watch, c.1950s
By Omega
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Omega Turler watch dates to the 1950s. The 18 carat yellow gold case is 36mm in diameter and contains a manual winding cal.283 movement. Ch...
18k Gold
Rolex Tudor Prince 35mm Coca Cola 25 Years Service 14K Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A rare Rolex Tudor Prince awarded by Coca-Cola for 25 years of service, this timepiece features a 35mm gold case with a green leather strap. Powered by an automatic 17-jewel movement, it comes with the original Rolex box and presents rich collector value. What makes this piece so special is that it's a true one of one. Commissioned by the Coca Cola Company for one specific person to commemorate 25 years of loyalty and service to the company. Details: Item Type: Men's Watch Metal: 14K Yellow Gold (case) Size: 35mm case diameter Movement: 17-jewel automatic Strap: Green leather strap (no stamps) Box: Original Rolex box Dial: Silver-tone with Rolex Tudor Prince branding and "25 Years Service Coca Cola" inscription Case-Back: Inscribed "25 Years Service", "The Coca Cola Bottling Company Of California", "S. Kurpiel" Measurements: Case diameter: 35mm Strap: Adjustable green leather Movement: Automatic, 17 jewels This vintage Tudor Prince watch...
14k Gold
Vintage Circa 1943 Omega 14KT Yellow Gold Dress Watch – Manual Wind
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully preserved example of 1940s Omega watchmaking, this vintage circa 1943 dress watch features a 31mm round 14KT yellow gold case paired with a white dial accented by appli...
14k Gold
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster SPEEDKING 5056 SS and 9k Bezel. 30mm
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster SpeedKing 5056 9k Yellow Gold Bezel and Cap Custom Engraved with Ornate Design Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1960 Beautiful Watch. New Genuine Leather ba...
9k Gold, Stainless Steel
18K Gold Vintage Omega Automatic Chronometre 36mm Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Miami, FL
A distinguished 18K gold Omega Automatic Chronometre wristwatch, dating to circa 1950 — an exceptionally fine early chronometer-grade example from Omega’s golden age of mechanical cr...
18k Gold
Tudor Yellow Gold Filled Watch with Original Dial and Hands from 1940's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tudor Watch Co by Rolex STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster "Yorke" / Reference 1540 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Filled Top CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMEN...
$6,600Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Rolex Oyster 6246 36mm Dial Small Seconds Manual Wind Watch Circa 1972
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster ref. 6246, originally produced in the mid-1950s and factory serviced and recased by Rolex in 1972. The watch features a silver dial with applied hour markers, an...
Gold
Tudor Yellow Gold Filled Oyster Prince With Factory Original Dial circa 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tudor by Rolex STYLE / REFERENCE: Mid Century / Round METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm "Lug Tip to Lug Tip...
Gold-filled
Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Oversized "Ovatoni" with Original Dial from Mid-1950s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Ovatoni / Reference 6075 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 35...
$9,520Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.42 in
Rolex 18k Solid Gold Ref 8940 Mens 1960s 36mm Manual Wind Dress Watch RA706
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic luxury, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex ref.8940 manual wind jumbo dress watch, c.1960s, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, Rolex...
18k Gold
