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.
Unworn Rolex Yacht-Master Titanium Black Ceramic 42mm 226627 Complete
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This year, Rolex launched its commercial version of the Yacht-Master 42 Titanium. It isn’t just a titanium attire; it is a standalone model with its specificities and unique features. The case measures 42mm in diameter with a fairly contained 11.60mm thickness. Measuring 50.3mm from lug-to-lug, it’s not the smallest watch...
Titanium
Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 16600 40mm Black Dial Steel Aluminum Mens Watch 1991
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 40mm, circa 1991. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7.5 inches. Original box and papers are not inclu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 16600 40mm Black Steel Aluminum Mens Watch Papers 1999
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 40mm, 1999. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7.75 inches. Includes original papers; box is not inclu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 16600 40mm Black Steel Aluminum Mens Watch Papers 1999
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 40mm, 1999. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 6.75 inches. Includes original papers; box is not inclu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 16600
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch was produced in 2004. Minor scratches and nicks on the bezel insert. Recently serviced. Wrist Fit: 7.5 Inches. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Num...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600 SS Black Dial Auto Men's Watch 43mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch, 2018. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7 inches. Includes original papers; box is not included.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller Black Dial 16600
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Oystersteel 40mm Sea-Dweller by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with the date display at 3 o'clock and a black unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60 minute graduations. The Oyster...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600 43mm Automatic Watch with Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Rolex Sea-Dweller 43, reference 126600, is a bold and robust expression of high-performance underwater engineering, designed for those who value maximum resistance and an imposin...
Stainless Steel
2000 Rolex Sea Dweller 16600 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Last Of The Classic Sea-Dwellers The reference 16600 is widely regarded as the final evolution of the classic, pre-ceramic Sea Dweller. It represents the perfect bridge between ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller 1987 SS Black Index Dial Auto Men's Watch 40mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Sea-Dweller 1987 Stainless Steel Black Index Dial Automatic Men's Watch, circa 1987. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7.5 inches. Original box and papers are not included.
Stainless Steel
