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 Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made Navy Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made Navy Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dark Blue Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dark Blue Sunburst Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Date / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Navy Blue Dial circa, 1970's
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...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Navy Blue Dial circa, 1970's
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 "...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Blue Dial Steel 1977 Leather Strap Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6694 features a striking blue dial with applied gold-tone baton indices, gold Rolex crown logo, and a date aperture at 3 o'clock, housed in a stainless steel Oyster case on an adjustable leather strap. Manual wind, 34mm, circa 1977, condition 8.5/10. Product Specifications: Item Type: Vintage Mens Manual Wind Dress Watch Brand: Rolex Model: Oysterdate Precision Reference: 6694 Case Material: Stainless steel Case Size: 34mm Movement: Manual wind Strap: Adjustable leather strap (aftermarket) Condition: 8.5/10 (Very Good) Circa: 1977 Dial and Hands: Dial: Blue — vibrant solid blue ground Indices: Applied gold-tone baton hour markers Hands: Gold-tone sword hands Crown Logo: Applied gold Rolex crown at 12 o'clock Date Window: Date aperture at 3 o'clock Dial Text: Rolex / Oysterdate / Precision Bezel Type and Details: Bezel Type: Fixed, smooth polished round Bezel Material: Stainless steel Bezel Color: Steel / silver-tone Style: Classic Oyster round smooth bezel Band Details: Band Material: Leather (genuine leather, aftermarket) Band Style: Adjustable strap Band Color: Black Clasp: Pin buckle Note: Aftermarket leather strap — not original Rolex bracelet Features and Style: Manual wind movement Date function at 3 o'clock Bold blue dial — distinctive and collectible configuration Style: Vintage Rolex dress watch...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref. 6694 Blue Dial 34mm Stainless Steel Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Crafted in stainless steel, the Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6694 is a classic manually wound Rolex dating to circa 1978–1979. Its 34mm Oyster case features a smooth domed be...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oysterdate 6694 Steel Watch with Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Classic Rolex Oysterdate Manual Watch. This elegant timepiece features a stainless steel case with a striking blue dial. The design is highlighted by precise hour markers and sleek h...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 6694 Oysterdate Precision Blue Sunburst Dial 34mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1964 Rolex Oysterdate Precision reference 6694 manual-wind stainless steel watch featuring a stunning sunburst blue dial with applied silver baton h...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oysterdate 6694 Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Oysterdate Manual Watch. This classic timepiece features a stainless steel case with a round shape, showcasing a striking blue dial. The design is highlighted by precise hour m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 77080 Steel Watch with Blue Face
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Refined Rolex Oyster Perpetual Automatic Watch. This distinguished timepiece features a stainless steel case, highlighting a sophisticated blue watch face. The design is sleek and mi...
Stainless Steel
