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What was the first Rolex watch?
1 Answer
There is no official first Rolex watch, as Hans Wilsdorf, the original watchmaker behind Rolex was making watches before ever branding them as Rolex. 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. Shop a range of vetted authentic Rolex watches from top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Rolex Watches on 1stDibs
Rolex Two-Tone Datejust Rare Smooth Bezel circa, 1971 Flawless Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company
STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1600
METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold
CIRCA / YEAR: 1971
DIMENSIO...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex President Day-Date Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Mens Watch 18238
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex President Day-Date Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Mens Watch 18238. Officially certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement. 18k yellow gold oyster case 36.0 mm in...
Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Rolex Yatch Master 40MM 16628 White Dial Yellow Gold Oyster Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has been inspected to verify authenticity.
S...
Category
1990s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Steel Yellow Gold White Dial Mens Watch 16233
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Datejust Steel Yellow Gold White Dial Mens Watch 16233. Officially certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel case 36.0 mm in diameter. Rolex logo o...
Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Blue Vignette Diamond Dial Steel Yellow Gold Ladies Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Datejust Blue Vignette Diamond Dial Steel Yellow Gold Ladies Watch 69173. Officially certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel oyster case 26.0 mm ...
Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Submariner Black Dial Ceramic Bezel Steel Mens Watch 126610 Box Card
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Submariner Black Dial Ceramic Bezel Steel Mens Watch 126610 Box Card. Officially certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel case 41 mm in diameter. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel