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.
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
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
1980 Rolex Submariner Oyster Green Wave Watch Box, Hand-Crafted
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
1980 Rolex Submariner Oyster Green Wave Watch Box, Hand-Crafted
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 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
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
$280
H 2.25 in W 9.5 in D 5.88 in
Beautiful Hand Crafted Cigar Humidor Box Catchall Antique Austria, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A cigar or desktop catchall box from Austria in the 1900s, made of patinated brass and wood, sounds like a unique and valuable antique. The fact that this particular box is an antique from the early 1900s adds to its value and collectability. Depending on the condition and other factors such as the brand or maker, it could be worth a significant amount of money to collectors of antique smoking...
Metal
$310 / item
H 2.37 in W 7.09 in D 4.73 in
Aimara Small Alpaca Silver Box by Studio AIREDELSUR, Hand-Crafted
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design of alpaca boxes and picture frames of this family, whose name comes from the tribe that dwelled in the North Argenti...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Pen Holder in Horn by Werkstätte Carl Auböck Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Pen holder made from polished natural horn, slightly tapering towards the base and retaining the organic curvature of the original material. The translucent surface shows characteris...
Horn
Wooden Hand Crafted French Art Deco Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Acquired in Paris France, a very unique and well made box. The rounded ribbed sides and pull on the lid are very well thought out, with an aluminum detail on the sides. A complimen...
Aluminum
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
Marble Desk Pen Holder Organizer
Located in New York, NY
A substantial marble desk pen/pencil/marker holder organizer, in the modern style, Midcentury Modern design period, circa mid-20th century. Organizer can hold small pieces of paper, ...
Marble
Lipstick Mirror by Roger Lecal, 1970s
By Roger Lecal
Located in Quarrata, IT
1970s mirror attrubuited to Roger Lecal.
Mirror, Plastic
$475 / item
H 2.37 in W 13.39 in D 10.24 in
AIMARA Hand-Crafted Alpaca Silver Box by Studio AIREDELSUR
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design of alpaca boxes and picture frames of this family, whose name comes from the tribe that dwelled in the North Argenti...
Metal, Sheet Metal
$840 / item
H 3.39 in W 5.44 in D 14.26 in
Watch Box for Five Watches in Polished Black with Ultrasuede Detail
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Box in polished wood for five watches lined in protective ultrasuede. Hinge in Ruthenium. Box only: watches are not included.
Wood
$1,056 / item
H 4.41 in W 9.69 in D 12.21 in
Watch Box for Nine Watches in Polished Black with Suede and Leather
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
For your collectable watches, black polished box with suede dividers and leather handles. Box holds nine watches.
Suede, Wood
$875 / item
H 3.15 in W 13.39 in D 10.24 in
Hand-Crafted Alpaca Silver & Agate Stone Box by AIREDELSUR
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Misiones agate & alpaca silver collection is inspired in our Iguazu falls were we get this beautiful stone. In our boxes and photoframes the star is a big natural piece of this b...
Stone, Agate, Metal
Vintage Cartier Classic Oval Table Mirror Gold-Plated, 1970
By Cartier
Located in Vis, NL
For your consideration a beautiful table mirror by Cartier with gold details. 1970s made in France. This piece is in good vintage condition with light rust and sign of wear. P...
Gold Plate
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
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 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
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
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
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
Rolex Airking Mens Wristwatch Circa 1967
By Rolex
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
Rolex Airking Mens Wristwatch. Steel, automatic with jubilee bracelet. Serial number: 1.560.480 Origin: Swiss Date: Circa 1967
Steel
Rolex Datejust Mens Wristwatch Circa 1975
By Rolex
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
Rolex Datejust Mens Wristwatch. Champagne dial, automatic/date. Serial number 3.937.910. Blue leather strap. Brown leather alternative if preferable. ...
Steel