Rolex Clocks
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.
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rolex Clocks
Metal
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Rolex Clocks
Wood
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rolex Clocks
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Post-Modern Rolex Clocks
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Post-Modern Rolex Clocks
Steel
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rolex Clocks
Brass
2010s Swiss Modern Rolex Clocks
Enamel, Aluminum
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rolex Clocks
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Post-Modern Rolex Clocks
Steel
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rolex Clocks
Aluminum
Early 20th Century Art Deco Rolex Clocks
Metal
1970s Dutch Industrial Vintage Rolex Clocks
Iron
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Rolex Clocks
Plastic
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rolex Clocks
Metal
Late 20th Century Swiss Other Rolex Clocks
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Rolex Clocks
Enamel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Rolex Clocks
Enamel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel
1960s Swiss Vintage Rolex Clocks
Steel
1970s Swiss Vintage Rolex Clocks
Steel
1930s Swiss Vintage Rolex Clocks
Steel
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Rolex Clocks
Metal
1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rolex Clocks
Gold
1940s Swiss Other Vintage Rolex Clocks
1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rolex Clocks
Stainless Steel
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rolex Clocks
Stainless Steel
