Rolex Submariner 18k Yellow Gold Blue Lapis Dial 16618 Automatic Watch, 1990
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 16618 Year: 1990 Serial number: E8xxxxx Reference: OT1673 Over its lifespan, numerous types of dials and bezels colours were introduced, including black ...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN black leather FLORAL Platform Wedge Sandals Shoes 36
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Alexander McQueen platform wedge sandals embellished with laser-cut flowers and leaves in black calfskin. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. Measurements...
1990s Bill Blass Size 8 10 Raspberry Pink Beige Silk Chiffon + Mohair Lace Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 90s vintage BILL BLASS raspberry pink and beige taupe beaded sleeveless cocktail dress! Features an ultra soft raspberry pink silk chiffon, with a beige / taupe mohair wool...
Chanel Vintage S/S1997 Green Sequin Embellished Velvet Dress Gown Jacket 97P Set
By Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This luxurious ensemble is crafted from lush lime-green velvet and adorned with shimmering clear sequins that catch the light like fragments of broken glass. The maxi dress features ...
$6,546
Size: IT44 - FR40 - UK12 - US8
Dolce & Gabbana Chartreuse Lace Mini Dress with Red Bead Embroidery, FW 1999
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Dolce & Gabbana ▪ Creative Director: Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 1999 ▪ Fabric: Chartreuse Chantilly lace, crimson red stretch silk satin ▪...
Roberto Cavalli sage green silk corset, ss 2004
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
▪ Roberto Cavalli cropped bustier / corset ▪ Constructed from sage green silk ▪ Halter-neck ties with chain and feather adornments ▪ Lace-up fastening ▪ Size Medium ▪ Made in Italy...
John Galliano black viscose crêpe bias cut low back evening gown, fw 1988
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
John Galliano black viscose crêpe bias cut evening gown, low cowl back with horizontal strap, zig-zag points to the sides and full skirt with flared godets to hem. 'Hairclips', Fall...
S/S 1998 Gianni Versace by Donatella Wet Look Backless Stretch Runway Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Donatella Versace designed this sleek wet-look strapless dress for her Spring/Summer 1998 Gianni Versace collection. This chic, form-fitting dress debuted on the runway, modeled by N...
NWT Tom Ford for Gucci SS 2001 Black Silk Dress Gown Italian 40 - US 4
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
NWT Tom Ford for Gucci Black Silk Long Dress Gown Simply the Best and Classy!!! S/S 2001 Collection Italian size 40 - US 4 ( please check measurements). Classy black silk gown with o...
On Hold|$32,000
Size: IT 42
Atelier Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Crystal Embellished Cutout Train Gown
By Atelier Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Atelier Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Swarovski Crystal Embellished Cutout Open Back Long Train Black Evening Dress Gown Size IT 42
$8,400Sale Price|20% Off
RARE Chanel Guitar Case Runway Piece
By Chanel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare Chanel white leather guitar case. excellent condition from spring 2009 runway show. cream quilted leather exterior with silver hardware and matching adjustable shoulder strap. f...
LOUIS VUITTON brown Monogram canvas COFFRET TRESOR 24 Trunk Case Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Louis Vuitton Coffret Trésor 24 treasure case in Ebene brown Monogram canvas. Features hard shell, logo stamped leather trim with brass rivets and corner reinforcement...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2003 Tattoo Print Plunging Bodycon Maxi Evening Dress Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2003 Tattoo Print Plunging Bodycon Maxi Evening Dress Gown
Chanel Classic Caviar Medium Blue Silver Hardware
By Chanel
Located in Roosendaal, NL
From the collection of SAVINETI we offer this Chanel Classic Flap Medium: - Brand: Chanel - Model: Classic Double Flap Medium - Color: Blue - Year: 2018 - Condition: Excellent - Mat...
$9,381
Size: FR36 - UK8 - US4
Christian Dior by John Galliano Red Lace Knitted Gold Foil Halter Dress, FW 1999
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Christian Dior ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 1999 ▪ Fabric: Viscose ▪ Details: Crafted from red knitted viscose using intricate lace knitting ...
$11,473
Size: IT40 - FR36 - UK8 - US4
Gianni Versace black evening dress with open back and leather panel, fw 2001
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Gianni Versace evening dress ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Fall-Winter 2001 ▪ Constructed from black viscose jersey ▪ Features a daring plunging neckline that ...
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...
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.