Skip to main content

Retro Rolex Accessories

Rare Rolex 9k Gold Travel Clock c. 1940s
Rare Rolex 9k Gold Travel Clock c. 1940s

Rare Rolex 9k Gold Travel Clock c. 1940s

By Rolex

Located in New York City, NY

Journey Through Time: A Rare Rolex 9k Gold Travel Clock (Circa 1940s) Embark on a voyage of vintage luxury with this exceptional Rolex travel clock, crafted in 9k gold and whisperin...

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

9k Gold

Vintage Rolex Gilt Brass Painted Horseshoe-Shaped Desk Clock C1960
Vintage Rolex Gilt Brass Painted Horseshoe-Shaped Desk Clock C1960

Vintage Rolex Gilt Brass Painted Horseshoe-Shaped Desk Clock C1960

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Rolex. A Gilt Brass Painted Horseshoe-shaped Desk Clock, La Hora Al Secundo with Original Wooden Presentation Box C1960. Dial: A Matt Silvered Dial, Signed Rolex, with applied Roman...

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Brass

Pen Holder Desk by Fontana Arte for Rolex Shop Dealer, 1960s
Pen Holder Desk by Fontana Arte for Rolex Shop Dealer, 1960s

Pen Holder Desk by Fontana Arte for Rolex Shop Dealer, 1960s

By Fontana Arte, Rolex

Located in taranto, IT

Extremely rare complete desk pen holder from the 1960s, Fontana Arte production for Rolex, consisting of a thick two-tone glass, amber and Nile Green base, with double internal engra...

Category

1960s Italian Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Glass

Vintage Rolex Dealer's Quote Pad, Swiss, Leather Bound, Notebook Slip, Late 20th
Vintage Rolex Dealer's Quote Pad, Swiss, Leather Bound, Notebook Slip, Late 20th

Vintage Rolex Dealer's Quote Pad, Swiss, Leather Bound, Notebook Slip, Late 20th

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a vintage Rolex dealer's quote pad. A Swiss, leather bound notebook slip, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. Wonderfully tactile with pleasing Rolex details Dis...

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Leather

Original Vintage Rolex Swiss-Made Green Stitched Leather Display Mirror
Original Vintage Rolex Swiss-Made Green Stitched Leather Display Mirror

Original Vintage Rolex Swiss-Made Green Stitched Leather Display Mirror

By Rolex

Located in North Miami, FL

Hallmarked to the reverse Rolex - Made in Switzerland. A must have accessory for Rolex connoisseurs.

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Leather, Mirror

Rolex Oyster Datejust Automatic 18k Gold Black Dial Ladies Wrist Watch 6917
Rolex Oyster Datejust Automatic 18k Gold Black Dial Ladies Wrist Watch 6917

Rolex Oyster Datejust Automatic 18k Gold Black Dial Ladies Wrist Watch 6917

By Rolex

Located in Boca Raton, FL

With a customized design and serial number of 7626482, this Rolex watch is a sophisticated accessory for any fashion-forward lady.

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Submariner 16610 Creamy Date with paper Steel Automatic Watch, 1990
Rolex Submariner 16610 Creamy Date with paper Steel Automatic Watch, 1990

Rolex Submariner 16610 Creamy Date with paper Steel Automatic Watch, 1990

By Rolex

Located in Central & Western District, HK

Brand: Rolex Model: 16610 Year: 1990 Serial number: E7xxxxx Reference: C04065 Case: Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case back stamped 16610 Dial: Excellen...

Category

1990s Swiss Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer 14K Yellow Gold Ref. # 1002 1974 "Mint Shape"
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer 14K Yellow Gold Ref. # 1002 1974 "Mint Shape"

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer 14K Yellow Gold Ref. # 1002 1974 "Mint Shape"

By Rolex

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Superlative, fine condition. Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer 14K Gold Ref. # 1002 Year of Production: 1974 Gender: Unisex Dial: Silver Crystal: Acrylic...

Category

1970s Modern Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch with Roulette Date Ref 6605
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch with Roulette Date Ref 6605

Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch with Roulette Date Ref 6605

By Rolex

Located in Surfside, FL

Additionally, the watch includes a unique accessory: a Rolex USA Jubilee style bracelet. While the watch has been polished, it still maintains its original thickness, preserving its ...

Category

1950s Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Diamond Dot Dial Wristwatch, 1989
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Diamond Dot Dial Wristwatch, 1989

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Diamond Dot Dial Wristwatch, 1989

By Rolex

Located in Epsom, Surrey

Specifications; Model Number: 69173 Dial: Champagne with Original Rolex Diamonds Bezel: Gold Fluted Accessories: N/A Condition: Excellent Bracelet: Steel and Gold Rolex Jubil...

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Elegant 1964 Rolex 1803 President Day-Date Rose Gold 18k
Elegant 1964 Rolex 1803 President Day-Date Rose Gold 18k

Elegant 1964 Rolex 1803 President Day-Date Rose Gold 18k

By Rolex

Located in Munich, DE

Amazing silver sunburst dial in very good condition. hands with minimal loose of lume. matching president bracelet from 1969 in good condition for it´s age. please check pictures. co...

Category

1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Gold

ROLEX 1970's Quartz Large Desk Clock
ROLEX 1970's Quartz Large Desk Clock

ROLEX 1970's Quartz Large Desk Clock

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The ideal accessory for the Rolex enthusiast in your life! Measuring 4.75 inches in diameter, this handsome and very heavy clock will make a substantial addition to your collection o...

Category

1970s Retro Rolex Accessories

Rolex Grey Marble Desk Accessory, 1970
Rolex Grey Marble Desk Accessory, 1970

Rolex Grey Marble Desk Accessory, 1970

Sold

H 1.19 in W 13.78 in D 7.09 in

Rolex Grey Marble Desk Accessory, 1970

By Rolex

Located in Munich, DE

Marble bowl marked with golden letters by Rolex, 1970.

Category

1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Marble

Vintage Rolex Grey Marble Desk Accessory, 1970
Vintage Rolex Grey Marble Desk Accessory, 1970

Vintage Rolex Grey Marble Desk Accessory, 1970

Sold

H 1.19 in W 13.78 in D 7.09 in

Vintage Rolex Grey Marble Desk Accessory, 1970

By Rolex

Located in Munich, DE

Marble bowl marked with golden letters by Rolex , 1970.

Category

1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Marble

Chanel Rare Black Quilted Patent Leather Chain Around Maxi
Chanel Rare Black Quilted Patent Leather Chain Around Maxi

Chanel Rare Black Quilted Patent Leather Chain Around Maxi

By Chanel

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Pair this luxurious bag with a Versace top, Cartier and Rolex accessories, and a Hermes scarf to add color.

Category

1990s French Retro Rolex Accessories

Rolex Air-King Reference 5500
Rolex Air-King Reference 5500

Rolex Air-King Reference 5500

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Complementing the watch is a stainless steel Oyster Rivet bracelet, complete with a Folding Oyster clasp. This Rolex timepiece beautifully marries vintage charm with modern style, ma...

Category

1960s Swiss Retro Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Date Reference 6694
Rolex Oyster Date Reference 6694

Rolex Oyster Date Reference 6694

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Complementing the watch is a stainless steel Oyster Rivet bracelet, complete with a Folding Oyster clasp. This Rolex timepiece beautifully marries vintage charm with modern style, ma...

Category

1970s Swiss Retro Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Reference 1500
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Reference 1500

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Reference 1500

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Complementing the watch is a stainless steel Oyster Rivet bracelet, complete with a Folding Oyster clasp. This Rolex timepiece beautifully marries vintage charm with modern style, ma...

Category

1970s Swiss Retro Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Reference 1500
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Reference 1500

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Reference 1500

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Complementing the watch is a stainless steel Oyster Rivet bracelet, complete with a Folding Oyster clasp. This Rolex timepiece beautifully marries vintage charm with modern style, ma...

Category

1970s Swiss Retro Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Reference 1500
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Reference 1500

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Reference 1500

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Complementing the watch is a stainless steel Oyster Rivet bracelet, complete with a Folding Oyster clasp. This Rolex timepiece beautifully marries vintage charm with modern style, ma...

Category

1970s Swiss Retro Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Two-Tone 36mm Estate Watch
Rolex Datejust Two-Tone 36mm Estate Watch

Rolex Datejust Two-Tone 36mm Estate Watch

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

The watch is finished off with a stainless steel deployment buckle and is an elegant, sophisticated accessory. Rolex Date 36mm Estate Watch. Brushed with Polished 904L Oystersteel St...

Category

1990s Retro Rolex Accessories

Vintage Rolex Retailer Bevel Edged Table Top Mirror
Vintage Rolex Retailer Bevel Edged Table Top Mirror

Vintage Rolex Retailer Bevel Edged Table Top Mirror

Sold

H 12.6 in W 10.24 in D 1.19 in

Vintage Rolex Retailer Bevel Edged Table Top Mirror

By Rolex

Located in Portlaoise, IE

Hallmarked to the reverse Rolex. A must have accessory for a watch connoisseur or collector.

Category

1980s Swiss Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Leather, Mirror

1980s Rolex Silk Mosaic Watch Component Design Scarf
1980s Rolex Silk Mosaic Watch Component Design Scarf

1980s Rolex Silk Mosaic Watch Component Design Scarf

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

Vintage Rolex silk scarf, bright mosaic watch component design, 100% silk, Made in France, hand-rolled, hand-stitched Condition: 1980s,very good, like new, in original Rolex box Me...

Category

1980s French Retro Rolex Accessories

Rolex Vintage 1980s Blue & Green Silk Wave Print Scarf
Rolex Vintage 1980s Blue & Green Silk Wave Print Scarf

Rolex Vintage 1980s Blue & Green Silk Wave Print Scarf

By Rolex

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Introducing the exquisite Rolex Vintage 1980s Blue & Green Silk Wave Print Scarf, a timeless accessory that merges luxury with artistic flair.

Category

Late 20th Century French Retro Rolex Accessories

Rolex Grey Marble Bowl 1970s
Rolex Grey Marble Bowl 1970s

Rolex Grey Marble Bowl 1970s

Sold

H 1.19 in W 13.78 in D 7.09 in

Rolex Grey Marble Bowl 1970s

By Rolex

Located in Munich, DE

Marble bowl marked with golden letters by Rolex in excellent vintage condition made in the 1970s.

Category

1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Marble

1990s Rolex clocks Printed Silk scarf
1990s Rolex clocks Printed Silk scarf

1990s Rolex clocks Printed Silk scarf

By Rolex

Located in Lugo (RA), IT

Rolex vintage 90s printed silk scarf in brown camel and grey colors with clocks printed. it's in very goon conditions Measurements: 90X90 cm

Category

1990s Italian Retro Rolex Accessories

Rolex Datejust 36mm 6605
Rolex Datejust 36mm 6605

Rolex Datejust 36mm 6605

By Rolex

Located in Surfside, FL

Additionally, the watch includes a unique accessory: a Rolex USA Jubilee style bracelet. While the watch has been polished, it still maintains its original thickness, preserving its ...

Category

1950s Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Bubble Back Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6285
Rolex Bubble Back Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6285

Rolex Bubble Back Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6285

By Rolex

Located in Epsom, Surrey

Specifications; Model Number: 6285 Year: 1952 Dial: White Honey Comb Bezel: Rose Gold Engine Turned Accessories: Rolex box Condition: Excellent Bracelet: Leather Case Diamet...

Category

1960s Swiss Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 67480 Unisex Watch - Pink 369, White Bar, U Series
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 67480 Unisex Watch - Pink 369, White Bar, U Series

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 67480 Unisex Watch - Pink 369, White Bar, U Series

By Rolex

Located in Holtsville, NY

Crafted with the renowned Rolex precision, this watch features a stainless steel case and a vibrant pink dial, making it a standout accessory for any occasion.

Category

Late 20th Century Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

People Also Browsed

Chanel Shiny Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag
Chanel Shiny Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag

Chanel Shiny Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

Rare Item - Chanel Shiny Alligator Jumbo Double Flap Bag Shiny black iconic handbag crafted in Alligator skin and gold hardware. Double front flap and signature 'CC' turn-lock clos...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Retro Rolex Accessories

Rolex Rare Day-Date Octopus Diamond Set 18048
Rolex Rare Day-Date Octopus Diamond Set 18048

Rolex Rare Day-Date Octopus Diamond Set 18048

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A yellow gold 36mm rare vintage Day-Date Octopus by Rolex. Features a champagne dial set with 2 baguette cut and 8 round brilliant cut diamond hour markers. Complementing the dial is...

Category

20th Century Swiss Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace
A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace

A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace

Located in London, GB

A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace, the flexible tapering yellow gold body formed of three rows of scale-like collets each set with a round cabochon-cut turquoise, the h...

Category

1840s British Early Victorian Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Turquoise, Gold

John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001
John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001

John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001

By John Galliano

Located in London, GB

▪ Archival John Galliano Evening Dress ▪ Spring-Summer 2001 ▪ Crafted from crimson crepe-back satin, with alternating panels that highlight both the satin sheen and crepe texture ▪ D...

Category

Early 2000s French Retro Rolex Accessories

Art Deco Style Green Emeralds Old Mine Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring
Art Deco Style Green Emeralds Old Mine Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring

Art Deco Style Green Emeralds Old Mine Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring

By Antinori Fine Jewels

Located in Chicago, IL

This diamond and emerald ring features natural diamonds and emeralds in a stunning Art Deco style design with rich color, and gorgeous sparkle! Highlights: - Vibrant 0.25ct round c...

Category

2010s Italian Art Deco Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

UNWORN Christian Dior by John Galliano Hourglass Silk Evening Gown Maxi Dress 42
UNWORN Christian Dior by John Galliano Hourglass Silk Evening Gown Maxi Dress 42

UNWORN Christian Dior by John Galliano Hourglass Silk Evening Gown Maxi Dress 42

By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior

Located in Switzerland, CH

An extremely luxurious and CHRISTIAN DIOR signature piece that will last you for years Gorgeous, couture-like piece hand-crafted by the seamstresses in Christian Dior's atelier in Pa...

Category

Early 2000s French Retro Rolex Accessories

Vintage turquoise beaded silk sheer floral layered wedding slip dress gown M L
Vintage turquoise beaded silk sheer floral layered wedding slip dress gown M L

Vintage turquoise beaded silk sheer floral layered wedding slip dress gown M L

Located in Milano, Lombardia

LOVE LALI VINTAGE A breathtaking vintage gown. I would estimate this to be from around the late 90's. It has a pale blue lining which is overlayed with a sheer turquoise layer that ...

Category

1990s Retro Rolex Accessories

Cartier 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond Ballon Blue Wristwatch
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond Ballon Blue Wristwatch

Cartier 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond Ballon Blue Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in San Francisco, CA

Gorgeous and stylish blue strap Ballon Bleu! Ref 3002, automatic, 96184QX, 36mm case, the bezel set with 123 round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.21 carats, fluted crown set with ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 7.02 Carat Natural Blue Diamond Ring
Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 7.02 Carat Natural Blue Diamond Ring

Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 7.02 Carat Natural Blue Diamond Ring

By Emilio!

Located in New York, NY

From the museum vault at Emilio Jewelry New York, One of the rarest and only diamonds of its size and color. Please inquire for details.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Blue Diamond

Bob Mackie 1980s Size 6 Light Pink + Grey Silk Chiffon Strapless Grecian Gown
Bob Mackie 1980s Size 6 Light Pink + Grey Silk Chiffon Strapless Grecian Gown

Bob Mackie 1980s Size 6 Light Pink + Grey Silk Chiffon Strapless Grecian Gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in San Diego, CA

Phenomenal vintage late 80s Bob Mackie Couture light pink and gray silk chiffon, lace and rhinestone encrusted strapless Grecian gown ! Features grey lace and rhinestones on the bodi...

Category

1980s American Retro Rolex Accessories

Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown  1955 Iconic Gown Dress
Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown  1955 Iconic Gown Dress

Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown 1955 Iconic Gown Dress

By Pierre Balmain

Located in Berlin, BE

'La Robe Broderie À Ramages' PIERRE BALMAIN PARIS Made In France, ca.1955 Majestic evening gown in silk and cream satin with the most astonishing embroiderery by PIERRE BALMAIN Haut...

Category

1950s French Retro Rolex Accessories

Zuhair Murad Couture white silver gold beaded sequin mini wedding backless dress
Zuhair Murad Couture white silver gold beaded sequin mini wedding backless dress

Zuhair Murad Couture white silver gold beaded sequin mini wedding backless dress

By Zuhair Murad

Located in Milano, Lombardia

LOVE LALI VINTAGE An incredibly rare dress from Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Fall 2006 This really is a work of art, a tasseled flapper style mini dress. The dress is sheer mesh and i...

Category

Early 2000s Retro Rolex Accessories

John Galliano orange bias-cut silk devoré 'paint splatter' dress, fw 2000
John Galliano orange bias-cut silk devoré 'paint splatter' dress, fw 2000

John Galliano orange bias-cut silk devoré 'paint splatter' dress, fw 2000

By John Galliano

Located in London, GB

▪ John Galliano evening dress ▪ Fall-Winter 2000 ▪ Constructed from orange bias-cut crinkled silk devoré ▪ Velvet and French-knot embroidery paint splatter motifs ▪ Silk chiffon und...

Category

Early 2000s French Retro Rolex Accessories

Fabergé Pearl White Enamel Gold Lorgnette
Fabergé Pearl White Enamel Gold Lorgnette

Fabergé Pearl White Enamel Gold Lorgnette

By Fabergé

Located in London, GB

An important Fabergé enamel and gold lorgnette, the lorgnette comprising two circular lens within a rose gold mount, with exquisite pearl white enamel handle with engine-turned backg...

Category

20th Century Russian Edwardian Retro Rolex Accessories

Materials

Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Maison Gripoix Poured Glass Evening Bag
Rare Maison Gripoix Poured Glass Evening Bag

Rare Maison Gripoix Poured Glass Evening Bag

By Maison Gripoix

Located in New York, NY

Rare Gripoix Glass Haute Couture purse from the 1980's. A Chanel design, but made in custom colorations. Our Chanel Haute Couture client ordered these purses directly from Maison Gri...

Category

1980s French Retro Rolex Accessories

2009 Vintage Versace one Shoulder Purple Long Dress Gown with Hearts 46 - US 10
2009 Vintage Versace one Shoulder Purple Long Dress Gown with Hearts 46 - US 10

2009 Vintage Versace one Shoulder Purple Long Dress Gown with Hearts 46 - US 10

By Versace

Located in Montgomery, TX

VERSACE S/S 2009 Look # 37 Size 46 or US 10 The sensational color, one-shoulder design, artfully embellished body with zipper trimmed and crystal embellished hearts - ensure a st...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Retro Rolex Accessories

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Retro Rolex Accessories", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Retro Rolex Accessories For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of retro rolex accessories for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of stainless steel, steel and gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century, has proven very popular over the years. contemporary are consistently popular styles when it comes to retro rolex accessories. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Rolex and Tudor produced popular versions that are worth a look. While most can agree that any pick from our collection easily elevates most outfits, but the choice of diamond versions from the 10 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. A selection of square cut and round cut can be found today on these pages. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of retro rolex accessories, as most of the options available are for women.

How Much are Retro Rolex Accessories?

Prices for retro rolex accessories start at $274 and top out at $480,000 with these watches, on average, selling for $14,750.

Rolex for sale on 1stDibs

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.