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 67514 Midsize 31mm MOP Diamond Dial 18K Gold Bezel Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 67514 Serial: W339*** Year: 1995 Model: Oyster Perpetual Midsize Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K White Gold Dial: Custom Mother o...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Diamond Bezel White MOP Dial Diamond 6 & 9
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Datejust 16013 Diamond Bezel White Mother Of Pearl Dial with Diamond 6 & 9 Numbers This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
$9,710 / item
Dm 1.42 in
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Diamond Bezel White MOP Dial Diamond 6 & 9 Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Datejust Diamond Bezel White Mother Of Pearl Dial with Diamond 6 & 9 Numbers 16233
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Date 15053 34mm Champagne Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 18k Yellow Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15053 Serial: R98**** Year: 1988 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Custom Diamond...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Date 1505 34mm Champagne Diamond Dial 18k Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1505 Serial: 545**** Year: 1978 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Dial...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 67193 Gold Dial Two-Tone Automatic Watch
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece features a round case crafted from a combination of 18k gold and stainless steel, showcasing a luxurious gold dial. The...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 100th Anniversary 41mm Unworn 2026 134303
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 reference 134303, released in 2026 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Rolex Oyster case, originally introduced in 1926 as the world's first water...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Custom Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial and Bezel
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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1500's DIAL / HANDS: Custom Grey Mother of Pearl, Diamond Dial / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Oyster Bracelet 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 67193G Gold & Steel Watch with Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece showcases a harmonious blend of 18k gold and stainless steel in its case, accentuated by a striking black dial. The wat...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Chocolate Diamond Dial & Diamond Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Datejust Chocolate Diamond Dial & Diamond Bezel 16013
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Gold/Steel White MOP Diamond Dial Fluted Bezel Watch 126333
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This certified authentic Rolex Watch, with the Model Number: 126333, has a Steel/Yellow Gold 41 mm Case with Crown and a Yellow Gold Fluted. This Men's Rolex has an attractive Dial w...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Champagne Diamond Dial Steel Gold Jubilee Watch 126233
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in Oystersteel and yellow gold features a champagne colour, diamond-set dial and a Jubilee bracelet. This dial features diamonds in 18 ct gold setti...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Day-Date 40 President Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Baguette Black Dial 228348
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 18 ct yellow gold, with a bright black, diamond-set dial, diamond-set bezel and a President bracelet. This dial features 10 baguette-cut diamonds....
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel/Yellow Gold Black Diamond Dial Men's Watch 116233
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust Steel Yellow Gold Black Diamond Dial Men's Watch 116233. Chronometer automatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel, 36.0 mm in diameter. Rolex logo on the 18k yello...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel Yellow Gold Champagne Roman Dial Mens Watch 116233
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust Steel Yellow Gold Champagne Roman Dial Men's Watch 116233. Officially certified chronometer, automatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel Oyster case, 36.0 mm in d...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Champagne Dial Two-Tone Yellow Gold Oystersteel Watch 126203
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in Oystersteel and yellow gold features a champagne-colour dial and an Oyster bracelet. The sunray finish creates delicate light reflections on many...
Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
