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.
$15,120Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.3 in
Rolex Precision Ref 4431 18k Rose Gold Mens 1940s 33mm Manual Wind RA689
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, timeless treasure 18k solid rose gold Rolex Precision ref 4431 fancy lugs manual wind dress watch, c.1946, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchm...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Cellini Cestello 5330 36mm 18k Rose Gold Rhodium Dial Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 5330 Serial: A84**** Year: 1999 Model: Rolex Cellini Cestello Case Material: 18k Rose Gold Band: Factory Black Leather Strap Bezel: 18k Rose Gold With Cust...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$26,574
H 1.54 in W 0.52 in Dm 1.54 in
Rare Rolex Cellini Time 18k Rose Gold Black Diamond Dial Men Watch 50605RBR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with the original box and papers. Very unique beautiful watch. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Cellini Time Model Number: 50605RBR Type: ...
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
$7,200
H 1.11 in W 0.99 in
Antique Art Deco Rolex 9k Rose Gold Square 15j Mechanical Hand Wound Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Rolex - Mechanical - Hand Wound - 15 Jewels - Swiss Made Gross Weight: 23.3 Grams (Includes Strap) Case Material: Solid 9k Rose Gold Case Width: 25mm (w/o...
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 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
$7,360Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.34 in
Rolex Precision 14k Solid Gold Mens Manual Wind Dress Watch 1950s Vintage RA709
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage treasure, rare 14k solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision manual wind dress watch, c.1958, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
14k Gold
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
Vintage Rolex Cellini 3807 Champagne Dial 18K Gold Manual Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Cellini manual-wind dress watch in 18K yellow gold featuring a tonneau-shaped case with a champagne dial, applied gold indices, Cellini script signature, and an integra...
18k Gold
Rolex Vintage Precision Rose Gold 9522
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm vintage Rolex "Flying Saucer" Precision in rose gold. Features a rose champagne dial with a small seconds display. The piece is fitted with plastic glass, a manual wind moveme...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Rare Vintage Precision Yellow Gold 36mm 8896
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 36mm Rolex Precision crafted in 18k yellow gold. Featuring a silver dial with applied dagger style hour markers and a polished yellow gold bezel. Fitted with a plexiglass, ...
18k Gold
Rare 1950s Rolex Rose Gold Chronometer Champagne Dial Precision Vintage 4134
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 37mm 18k Rose Gold Vintage Precision Gents Wristwatch, a rare original chronometer champagne dial with applied 18k rose gold index batons and roman...
Rose Gold, 18k 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
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Vintage Gents 18 Karat Gold Silver Dial 5048
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k Rose Gold Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Vintage Gents Wristwatch, original silver dial with applied hour markers, a fixed 18k rose gold b...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rolex Oyster Precision Veriflat Vintage Champagne Dial 6512
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster Veriflat Precision vintage gentleman’s wristwatch, reference 6512. Manufactured in the late 1950s, the Oyster Veriflat Precision was produced for onl...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
