Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date Oyster Perpetual self-winding Wristwatch, circa 1981
View Similar Items
Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date Oyster Perpetual self-winding Wristwatch, circa 1981
About the Item
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Case Dimensions:Diameter: 1.42 in (36 mm)
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1981
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Firenze, IT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1203779571
Rolex
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.
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Yellow Gold Vintage Mechanical Wristwatch, circa 1970By Jaeger-LeCoultreLocated in Firenze, ITSHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Square bark textured case, with a ...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Movado Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Calendomatic Automatic WristwatchBy MovadoLocated in Firenze, ITSHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Made circa 1950 Cal. G225 bumper ...Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold, Steel
- Universal Genève Pink Gold Uni-Compax wristwatch Ref 124103, circa 1950sBy Universal GenèveLocated in Firenze, ITSHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Case No. 1452130, Ref. 124103. Made...Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
- Gucci Ladies Gold-Plated Quartz WristwatchBy GucciLocated in Firenze, ITSHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). A lady's wrist watch. Gold plated ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold Plate
- Bvlgari a Gentleman's Bvlgari WristwatchBy BulgariLocated in Firenze, ITSHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Stainless steel case. Reference BB...Category
20th Century Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Lady's Platinum Diamond Mechanical WristwatchLocated in Firenze, ITSHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). The rectangular dial with Arabic nu...Category
Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Platinum
- Rolex 1978 Yellow Gold Self Winding Date Wristwatch with Custom Diamond BezelBy RolexLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1978 Rolex Date, Reference 1570, 34 M.M. 14K Yellow Gold 3 Piece Oyster Case with Custom Diamond Bezel approximately 1 Carat. Caliber 1570 Automatic, ...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 14k Gold
- Rolex Oyster Lady Perpetual Gold Date. Ladies wristwatch, 1970s/80sBy RolexLocated in bronshoj, DKRolex Oyster Lady Perpetual Gold Date. Ladies wristwatch, original bracelet in two-tone steel and 18 carat gold. 1970s / 80s. Case diameter: 26 mm. In excellent original condition. All watches...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold
$7,200 Sale Price20% Off - Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date WatchBy RolexLocated in Cape Town, ZAExquisite GENDER: Male MOVEMENT: Automatic CASE MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIAL: 40mm DIAL COLOUR: Silver STRAP: 60mm BRACELET MATERIAL: Stainless steel CONDITION: 8/10 MODEL NUMB...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date SubmarinerBy RolexLocated in Cape Town, ZAExceptional. GENDER: Male MOVEMENT: Automatic CASE MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIAL: 40mm DIAL COLOUR: Black STRAP: 50mm BRACELET MATERIAL: Stainless steel CONDITION: 7/10 SERIAL N...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date WatchBy RolexLocated in Cape Town, ZARolex Oyster Perpetual Date Watch - Automatic in Very Good condition. Model Number: 115 200 & Serial Number: M278262 Year: 2007 -2008 Sta...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
$7,000 Sale Price21% Off - Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Gents WristwatchBy RolexLocated in London, GBThis is a Vintage 18ct yellow Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch. The watch has an 18ct yellow gold case, a cream dial with gold hour markers and the Rolex crow...Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
Rolex Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know about Choosing the Right Watch
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.