Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
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
Related Questions
- What was the first Rolex?1 Answer
- What was the first Omega watch?1 Answer
- What was the first digital watch?1 Answer
- What was the first Gucci watch?1 Answer
- Who made the world's first quartz watch?1 Answer
Shop for Rolex Watches on 1stDibs
Rolex Datejust 41mm Wimbledon Jubilee 2025 Unworn with box and warranty NEW
By Rolex
Located in Capri, IT
Rolex Datejust 41mm Wimbledon Jubilee 2025 Unworn with box and warranty NEW
grey dial
stainless steel bracelet
round case
date window
fluted bezel
automatic movement
roman numeral m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Vintage Rolex Zephyr Oyster Date 35mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Vintage Rolex Zephyr Oysterdate reference 5501 circa 1966 two tone. This watch is in very nice condition considering its age, the engine turned bezel is still crisp along with the cr...
Category
20th Century Contemporary Wrist Watches
Rolex Day‑Date 18078 “Bark” President – Factory Champagne Diamond Dial, 18K
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
Offered here is by our assessment an all‑original Rolex Day‑Date reference 18078 in 18K yellow gold, featuring the distinctive factory “bark” finish bezel and President bracelet and ...
Category
Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
1946 Rolex Precision Vintage Mens Claw Lugs Square Dress Watch - 14K Gold & SS
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26mm Diamond Bezel 18K Two Tone Gold Jubilee Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Women's Wristwatch 18K Rolex Lady-Datejust 26mm Ref. 67193 two-tone stainless steel and 18k yellow gold vintage 1988 watch featuring a jubilee bracelet and ~1.00 carat custom d...
Category
Vintage 1980s Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex GMT Master 1675 'Pepsi'/Pan Am' Bezel, 40mm Case, Mark 11 Dial, Year 1973
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and attractive Rolex GMT Master reference 1675 features a 40mm stainless steel case with stainless steel bracelet and desirable Pepsi/ Pan Am blue/ red bezel. This exampl...
Category


