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.
Vintage Black Silver and Green Rolex Display Wall Clock
By Rolex
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Super cool eye catching vintage Rolex display wall clock having second and date indicators, automatic time quartz movement, and night illumina...
Metal
A Rolex Submariner Enamel Advertising Sign
By Rolex
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An American Rolex Submariner enamel advertising sign. Large and circular, it features the iconic Rolex lettering and crown. Below, the wording mimics the style of the Submariner wris...
Metal, Enamel
rare 1961 ultra tropical 5512 rolex submariner
By Rolex
Located in Munich, DE
eye catching and rare rolex 5512 . purchased at christie´s nyc a few years ago and now searching for a new owner. will be shipped by ups capital pro,worldwi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Extravagant Watch Box
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Extravagant Watch Box Period: Late 20th century Material: Ornate fabric and leatherette exterior, velvet and satin interior Purpose: Created for housing and presenting a luxur...
Leather, Fabric
Rolex Ladies' Watch Box with Outer Box
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Ladies' Watch Box with Outer Box Period: Late 20th century Material: Elegant red leatherette exterior with cream satin and red velvet interior, accompanied by a coordinating o...
Leather
Rare Vintage Rolex GMT Master 6542 OCC, 1958
By Rolex
Located in CABA, AR
VERY RARE 1958 Rolex GMT-Master 6542 Full Set – A Vintage Icon in Original Untouched Condition Presenting an extraordinary opportunity to own a very rare Rolex GMT-Master 6542 from 1958, a true collector’s masterpiece. This iconic model is offered as a complete set, including the original box, papers, tag, and chronometer certificate, making it a highly desirable find for horological enthusiasts. Key features include: * Black Gilt Glossy Radium OCC Dial & Hands – the original dial and hands, with a stunning patina that adds to the vintage allure of this timepiece. * Cyclops Lens & Plastic Glass – the distinctive design elements that make the GMT-Master a recognizable classic. * 38mm Steel Case – the perfect size for a vintage watch, combined with the original 1958 Oyster steel bracelet, offering a comfortable and stylish fit. * Original Rolex Aluminium Red & Blue "Pepsi" Bezel Insert from the Early 60s – the iconic two-tone bezel in excellent condition, adding authenticity and value. There were two versions of the reference 6542, one with a bakelite bezel and one with a non-luminescent aluminum bezel. The first version, with the bakelite bezel, proved to be a problem for the manufacturers as the numbers and markings on the bezel were coated in a luminous material that at the time caused issues with the United States Atomic Energy Commission...
Aluminum, Steel
TWO RARE ORIGINAL ROLEX GREEN LEATHER BOUTIQUE DEALERS WATCHMAKERS SWIVEL STOOLs
By Rolex
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare and highly collectable pair original Rolex, green leather, Boutique dealers watchmakers swivel stools Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price I also have listed under my other items an original cream leather dealers desk, two swivel stools, I will be shortly listing three bronze Rolex lockable safe display cases with lights, four other Rolex watch display cases, the original Rolex wall plaque, a full wall size Rolex display panel and lastly, the entire glass shop fit of Rolex glass...
Leather, Hardwood
FOUR IMPORTANT & RARE ORIGINAL ROLEX GREEN LEATHER BOUTIQUE DEALERS ARMCHAIRs
By Rolex
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare and highly collectable suite of four original Rolex, green leather, Boutique dealers chairs with the original Rolex Crown embossed in to the backs Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price I also have listed under my other items an original cream leather dealers desk, two swivel stools, I will be shortly listing three bronze Rolex lockable safe display cases with lights, four other Rolex watch display cases, the original Rolex wall plaque, a full wall size Rolex display panel and lastly, the entire glass shop fit of Rolex glass...
Leather, Hardwood
Rare Boxed Sterling Silver Rolex Photograph Frame c.1980
By Rolex
Located in Bath, GB
The perfect gift for the Rolex devotee, a rare picture frame made from solid / sterling / 925 silver for Rolex. The simple design is as elegant as a Rolex watch, the frame has it's ...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Rolex Made in Switzerland 100% Silk Scarf with Pocket Watch Design
By Rolex
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A fun Rolex pocket watch scarf, 100 % silk made in Switzerland.
Silk
$780Sale Price|35% Off
Vintage Swiss Rolex Leather Passport Cover
By Rolex
Located in Long Island City, NY
A vintage Swiss Rolex leather passport cover from the renowned Swiss watchmaker. The cover is crafted from high quality leather, featuring the iconic Rolex logo and other embossed design elements. The Rolex passport cover offers a protective and sophisticated way to keep a passport safe during travels. Circa the late 20th century. Vintage Wallets...
Leather
Rolex Vintage Table Top Display Mirror Green Leather 1980s
By Rolex
Located in Munich, DE
Original Rolex table top shop mirror in green leather and polished mirror glass in a suede leather rim. A highly collectible piece and a must have for any watch lover or horology enthusiast. In very good vintage condition with no rips or tears on the green leather. It bears the original Rolex logo...
Leather, Mirror
Pen Holder Desk by Fontana Arte for Rolex Shop Dealer, 1960s
By Rolex, Fontana Arte
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 engraving of the Rolex logo and large central crown from a closed Rolex dealer shop...
Glass
Rolex Submariner Oyster Green Wave Watch Box
By Rolex
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Rolex Submariner Oyster Green Wave Watch Box with Duster. Empty watch box, made in Switzerland. Rolex travel box, or presentation box. Marked Rolex Geneve. Gold Rolex Logo in top. Di...
Leather
Original Vintage Rolex Swiss-Made Green Stitched Leather Display Mirror
By Rolex
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing green stitched leather and suede bound Rolex display mirror features raised brass/gold iconic Rolex Logo on the leather as well as a frosted Rolex...
Leather, Mirror
Rolex Submariner Oyster Green Wave Watch Box
By Rolex
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Rolex Submariner Oyster Green Wave Watch Box with Duster. Empty watch box, made in Switzerland. Rolex travel box, or presentation box. Marked Rolex Geneve. Gold Rolex Logo in top. Di...
Leather
Rolex Vintage Table Top Display Mirror Burl Wood 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Munich, DE
Rolex burl wood frame adjustable mirror store display. Collectors item from seventies with old logo writing Rolex. A highly collectible piece and a must have for any watch lover or h...
Brass
RARE ORIGINAL HAND MADE LEATHER UPHOLSTERED ROLEX AD BOUTiQUE DEALERS GUEST DESK
By Rolex
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very unique opportunity to purchase a never before sold on the open market, original Rolex Bond Street London dealers three drawer guest's desk in cream leather with the Rolex emblem embossed on either side Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price I also have listed under my other items four original green leather Rolex guest chairs and two swivel stools, I will be shortly listing three bronze Rolex lockable safe display cases with lights, four other Rolex watch display cases, the original Rolex wall plaque, a full wall size Rolex display panel and lastly, the entire glass shop fit of Rolex glass...
Leather, Wood
Rolex Submariner Oyster Green Wave Watch Box
By Rolex
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Rolex Submariner Oyster Green Wave Watch Box with Duster. Empty watch box, made in Switzerland. Rolex travel box, or presentation box. Marked Rolex Geneve. Gold Rolex Logo in top. Di...
Leather
Watch Box for Nine Watches in Briar with Leather Detail
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Elm briar and striped mahogany for your collectable watches. Leather handles. Briar box for nine watches.
Leather, Wood
Vintage Advertising “SODAS” Metal Embossed Sign
Located in New York, NY
Great looking rare original large size embossed metal advertising “SODAS” sign..Looks like it came from an old country mom and pop store . All metal with a...
Metal
Vintage Black Canetti Camera Clock
By Canetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fantastic post modern clock by Canetti in the shape of a camera. Clock’s face is set into the camera's lens and body is solid wood with a moving film advance lever. In good vintage...
Wood
Vintage German Wall Clock in Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pocket watch shaped quartz (batteri-operated) wall clock featuring solid brass frame, Roman numerals and a sunburst dial in silver enamel. Manufacture...
Brass
From $600 / item
H 3.39 in W 14.26 in D 5.44 in
Watch Box in Brown for Five Watches Il Collezionista by Agresti
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Box for 5 watches, lined in protective ultra-suede. Hinge in ruthenium. Available in mahogany or polished ebony.
Ultrasuede, Wood
Rare IMHOF Bronze Enamel Alarm Travel Clock
By Arthur Imhof
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a 15 jewels Swiss round clock. It depicts an enamel round frontal panel painted with a colorful beautiful bouquet of flowers framed by gilded bronze Roman numerals dial. In t...
Bronze
$1,362
H 4.34 in W 0.99 in D 5.12 in
Antique Ladies Vanity Box, Italian, Olive Wood, Keepsake, Jewellery, Sorrento
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique ladies vanity box. An Italian, olive wood keepsake or jewellery box, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. Unusual form with a fascinating hidden lock mechanism Displaying a desirable aged patina and in good order Select olive wood stocks present fine grain interest Mellow caramel hues add to the appeal Presents as an appealing example of Sorrento ware...
Olive
Marvin E. Newman, Art Edition Broadway, Believe It, 1958
By Marvin Newman, Lyle Rexer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stately Art Edition presenting the first major career restrospective of Marvin E. Newman, with some 170 featured images as well as signed photographic print Broadway, Believe It, 1...
Paper
$240 / set
H 3.5 in W 1.5 in D 1.5 in
Rare Set of Five Mercury Glass Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set from Germany or Austria. Each is made from mouth blown glass, these would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size always given for ...
Wire
$7,995
H 31 in W 23 in D 1 in
Advertising Tin Sign "The Delaware Insurance Company of Philadelphia" Circa 1885
By The Delaware Insurance Company of Philadelphia
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a very rare and early (circa 1885) tin advertising sign, commissioned by the Delaware Insurance Company, located and founded in Philadelphia in 1835. It was probably made by noted late 19th century sign maker, Sentenne & Green, of New York City, established in the 1870's. With an Indian motif, the sign features a Native American Indian, front and center, decorated in a brown and green headdress; with red, cream and aqua clothing and a large gold medallion...
Tin
$1,249
H 3.35 in W 8.47 in D 6.11 in
Antique Ladies Table Box, Italian, Lacquer, Oak, Keepsake Case, Victorian, 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique ladies table box. An Italian, lacquer and oak keepsake case, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. An appealing dressing table box with refined Italian...
Oak, Lacquer
Eye Catching Vintage Rolex Wall Display Clock with Blue Border
By Rolex
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Super cool eye catching vintage Rolex display wall clock having second and date indicators, automatic time quartz movement, and night illumination. Unus...
Metal
Vintage Black Silver and White Rolex Display Wall Clock
By Rolex
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Super cool eye catching vintage Rolex display wall clock having second and date indicators, automatic time quartz movement, and night illumina...
Metal
Vintage Black Silver and White Rolex Display Wall Clock
By Rolex
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Super cool eye catching vintage Rolex display wall clock having second and date indicators, automatic time quartz movement, and night illumina...
Metal
Rolex Watches Catalog Hardcover Welcome to the World of Rolex 2019
By Rolex
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Rolex 2019 festive collection hardcover brochure. Catalog from the iconic ROLEX Luxury brand. This small 55 page brochure features some truly fantastic images of some of gold Rolexs'...
Paper
Sold
H 34.65 in W 18.9 in D 22.84 in
IMPORTANT PAIR OF RARE ORIGINAL ROLEX GREEN LEATHER BOUTIQUE DEALERS ARMCHAIRs
By Rolex
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare and highly collectable pair original Rolex, green leather, Boutique dealers chairs with the ...
Leather, Walnut
ROLEX GMT - Master II Wall Clock Dealer Display
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Wall Clock GMT - Master II Dealer Display. Rolex wall clock GMT - Master II style "Sprite" half green and black dial black face. Officially certifi...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT MASTER II Store Display Wall Clock in Stainless Steel And Enamel
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
GMT Master II Store Display Wall Clock by Rolex. This is a very decorative wall clock depicting the Rolex GMT Master II wristwatch. The wall clock has been crafted in Switzerland wi...
Enamel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Rolex DAYTONA Store Display Wall Clock in Stainless Steel And Enamel
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Daytona Store Display Wall Clock by Rolex. This is a very decorative wall clock depicting the Rolex Daytona wristwatch. The wall clock has been crafted in Switzerland with parts mad...
Enamel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Silver Ballpoint Pen
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Introducing the epitome of elegance and refinement: Rolex Stainless Steel Silver Ballpoint Pen Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this exquisite writing instrument embodies the timeless sophistication synonymous with the Rolex brand. Measuring 136mm in length and weighing a mere 33 grams, this pen effortlessly combines sleek aesthetics with ergonomic design, ensuring a comfortable writing experience with every stroke. Encased in its original box, complete with the iconic Rolex logo, this pen is not just a writing tool but a symbol of prestige and luxury. Whether you're signing important documents or jotting down notes, the Rolex Ballpoint...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Green and Red Leather Wallet and Passport
By Rolex
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Red wallet and green passport wallet in leather by Rolex.
Leather
Sold
H 15.16 in W 9.06 in D 3.15 in
Vintage Rolex Dealer / Retailer Mirror Lacquer & Brass, Circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
A beautiful vintage and very rare agent / dealer / retailer mirror made from brass with side adjustments and a sturdy base. The lacquered frame has a white / dark and gold tone stri...
Brass
Elegant 1964 Rolex 1803 President Day-Date Rose Gold 18k
By Rolex
Located in Munich, DE
rare and wonderful rose gold rolex president 1803. made in 1964 and still in good condition. Amazing silver sunburst dial in very good condition. ...
Gold