Rolex
Ask anyone, anywhere, to name a luxury watch brand, and the answer will probably be “Rolex.” This 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 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 and contemporary Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
1940s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rolex
Stainless Steel
1960s European Other Vintage Rolex
Bronze
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rolex
Marble
1980s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Rolex
Gold
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rolex
Stainless Steel
1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Rolex
Gold, Stainless Steel
1940s Swiss Vintage Rolex
Gold
Mid-20th Century French Rolex
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Rolex
Metal
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Rolex
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Rolex
Stone
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Rolex
Bronze, Marble
Early 20th Century Asian Rolex
Bronze
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Rolex
Bronze, Marble
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Rolex
Bronze, Mirror
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Rolex
Spelter, Marble
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Rolex
Marble, Spelter
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Rolex
Marble, Spelter
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Rolex
Marble, Spelter
1990s Swiss Rolex
Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Rolex
Late 20th Century Rolex
Stainless Steel
1960s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rolex
Gold
1940s Swiss Other Vintage Rolex
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rolex
1960s Swiss Vintage Rolex
Gold
20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Rolex
1990s Swiss Rolex
Gold, Steel
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Rolex
Gold