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 1002 34mm Champagne Dial 14k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1002 Year: 1967 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Case Material: 14k Yellow Gold Band: Black Leather Strap Bezel: 14k Yellow Gold Dial: Champagne Dial Cr...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1005 14k Yellow Gold 34mm Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1005 Serial: 992*** Year: 1963 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34 Case Material: 14k Yellow Gold Band: Leather Strap Bezel: 14k Yellow Gold Fluted Dial: Si...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Date 1503 34mm Champagne Dial Yellow Gold Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1503 Serial: 328**** Year: 1973 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: 14k Yellow Gold Band: Custom 14k Yellow Gold Jubilee Bracelet Bezel: 14k Yellow Gold Flute...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual 76243 24mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 76243 Serial: P87**** Year: 2000 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Champagne...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Day Date 1803 36mm Grey Wide Boy Dial 18k Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1803 Serial: 256**** Year: 1970 Model: Vintage Rolex Day Date Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: Factory Rolex Brown Leather Strap with 18k Yellow Gold Buckl...
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Zephyr 1008 34mm Champagne 14K Gold Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1008 Year: ~1960's Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Zephyr Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 14k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 14K Yellow Gold Di...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer 14K Yellow Gold Ref. # 1002 1974 "Mint Shape"
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Silver Dial Index #s 14K Y.G., Ref. 1002 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being off...
Yellow Gold
Vintage Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26mm 18k Yellow Gold Ref. 6718
By Rolex
Located in Media, PA
Up for sale is a beautiful vintage Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual crafted in solid 18k yellow gold. This timeless, time-only dress watch features a classic smooth bezel, an elegant ch...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1005 14k Solid Gold 1960s Mens 34mm Automatic RA851
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster perpetual ref.1005 men's 34mm automatic, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, Rolex signed gold dial, applied index baton hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, hands in excellent vintage condition, very minor show of age, natural patinas due to age. Acrylic crystal. Solid 14k gold smooth bezel on 14k solid gold case measures 34mm wide, in pristine vintage condition. 2-jeweled Rolex chronometer-certified automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is all original. Fitted on new, aftermarket genuine croc strap and aftermarket buckle. Timeless luxury, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex 1005...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Rare Vintage Oyster Perpetual Yellow Gold 1035
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A striking mens yellow gold Oyster Perpetual by Rolex. Featuring a rare champagne dial with applied hour markers and a textured yellow gold bezel. Equipped with a stunningly rare yellow gold textured bracelet and folding clasp. The watch is further equipped with a plastic glass and a self-winding automatic movement. This vintage timepiece...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel and 14k Yellow Gold Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Presenting a classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual wrist watch, a timeless piece showcasing the brand's enduring elegance and precision. This distinguished timepiece features a robust stain...
Mixed Metal, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6558 18k Solid Gold 1950s Mens 35mm Automatic RA852
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Very rare 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster perpetual ref.6558 men's 35mm automatic, c.1956, in excellent working condition. One of the rarest, most mechanically unique,...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
