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 Steel Oyster Perpetual with Restored and Patinated Dial 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6085 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Diamet...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 5018 Bombay 1940s 33mm Mens Bubble Back Automatic RA831
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, timeless classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref 5018 Bubble Back Automatic, c.1949, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed...
Stainless Steel
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.34 in
Rolex Ref 6022 Oyster Precision Mens Vintage 1950s 34mm Manual Wind RA781
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision ref.6022 manual hand-wind dress watch, c.1952, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Role...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1952 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6107 Steel White 3-6-9 Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Direct Link To Rolex History The Reference 6107 is a direct descendant of the watches that established Rolex as the industry standard. It combines the brand's two foundational inn...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial from 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6085 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1951 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Diameter 40mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 645 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Luminous Markers / Gilt Luminous Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 18mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This early Oyster Perpetual is fitted with its original "Super Oyster" crown. This model is also fitted with a rare dial with red "Officially" printed on it stating it was checked as an observatory watch...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref 1002 Mens 34mm 1960s Vintage Swiss Automatic RA848B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 automatic, c.1963, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, unrestored Rolex signed silver d...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Rare Super Oyster Model with Original Dial from the Mid 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Reference 6202 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 645 Full Size Bubble Back DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Triangle Markers / Original Luminous Blued Steel Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This rare model by the lengendary house of Rolex is fitted with its original experimental crown which was called the "Super Oyster." It does not screw down like their other models. They tried to design a crown that was waterproof but did not screw on. It was not a success and they abandoned the idea. This watch however, still has its original crown. The watch was just serviced by our team and keeps excellent time. It is also fitted with one of the last generations of the "Bubble Back" movement, the 645 caliber, an oversized example of the original caliber. This is a watch for a collector of unusual Rolex...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref 1002 Mens 34mm 1960s Vintage Swiss Automatic RA848B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 automatic, c.1963, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, unrestored Rolex signed silver d...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 Stainless Steel Wristwatch c. 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in stainless steel, this vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6084 has a silver tone dial. The dagger-shaped hour markers, paired with...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stanless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Dial from 1957
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual .Date / Reference 6534 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
