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 Date 1503 18k RG Silver Index Dial Auto Men's Watch 34mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Date 1503 Rose Gold Silver Index Dial Automatic Men's Watch. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7.5 inches. Original box and papers are not included.
Rose Gold
Rolex President Day Date 18K Rose Gold 1803 36mm Original Rolex Box
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1803 Serial: 215*** Year: 1969 Model: Rolex President Day Date Case Material: 18K Rose Gold Band: 18K Rose Gold Bezel: 18K Rose Gold Dial: Champagne Face: ...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Day-Date 40 Rose Gold 228235
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning unworn Day-Date, crafted in 18k rose gold by Rolex. Featuring a sun dust stripe motif dial with applied hour markers. Complementing the dial is a fixed rose gold fluted be...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1969 Rolex Day-Date 1803 18K Rose Gold Pink Salmon Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Presidential Standard In A Rare Tone The Day-Date has been the definitive Rolex flagship since its introduction in 1956, a position it has never relinquished. The reference 1803...
Rose Gold
Rolex Rose Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Watch, circa 1956
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6305/1 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel w/ Rose Gold Bezel DIMENSIONS: Length 42mm X Diameter 34mm CIRCA: 1956/57 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: 20 Jewels / Caliber 745 DIAL / HANDS: Original w/ Red Datejust / Rose Gold Dauphine Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: All Steel Jubilee Bracelet/ 20mm / Full Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is the Classic, Early Datejust with a rare original pink bezel...
Rose Gold, 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...
$91,146
H 1.58 in W 0.48 in Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Day-Date 40 President 18K Rose Gold Olive Dial Automatic Watch 228235
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with the original box and papers. 3-year warranty. General Information Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 22...
Rose Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5002 18k RG Silver Index Dial Auto Women's Watch 24mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5002 Rose Gold Silver Index Dial Automatic Women's Watch. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 6.5 inches. Original box and papers are not included.
Rose Gold
Rolex Datejust 1601 Rose Gold Watch with 36mm Fluted Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust 1601 Rose Gold Watch. This classic Rolex Datejust features a round case crafted in rose gold. The watch showcases a fluted bezel, complementing the gold dial. The auto...
Rose Gold
Vintage 1978 Rolex Day-Date 1803 18K Rose Gold White Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Day-Date In Rose Gold The reference 1803 is a cornerstone of the Day-Date lineage, but this execution in 18K rose gold sets it apart entirely. While yellow gold defined the mode...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Lapponia by Björn Weckström Finland S/S " Bridge To The Moon " Bracelet 1974
By Björn Weckström for Lapponia
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Lapponia by Björn Weckström sterling silver " Bridge To The Moon ' bracelet is part of the Space Silver collection that was inspired by Neil Armstrong becoming the first man to wal...
Sterling Silver
