Rolex
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.




21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Rolex
Stainless Steel
1980s Swiss Vintage Rolex
Yellow Gold
1970s Vintage Rolex
Steel, Stainless Steel
1990s Rolex
1990s Rolex
Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
White Gold, Stainless Steel
1990s Rolex
White Gold
20th Century Rolex
Yellow Gold, Steel
20th Century Rolex
Yellow Gold
1960s Vintage Rolex
18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
1950s Vintage Rolex
Yellow Gold, Steel
1990s Modern Rolex
Yellow Gold
1980s Vintage Rolex
Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
White Gold, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Rolex
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1980s Vintage Rolex
1980s Vintage Rolex
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
20th Century Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
Steel
Early 2000s Rolex
18k Gold, Steel
1940s Vintage Rolex
Yellow Gold, Steel
1960s Vintage Rolex
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
Stainless Steel
1980s Vintage Rolex
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Vintage Rolex
Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
Steel, Stainless Steel
1980s Vintage Rolex
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
1990s Rolex
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
White Gold
2010s Rolex
Steel, Stainless Steel
1980s Vintage Rolex
Diamond, Stainless Steel
1990s Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
White Gold
1980s Vintage Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Rolex
Yellow Gold
1950s Vintage Rolex
Diamond, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
20th Century Rolex
18k Gold, Rose Gold
20th Century Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Rolex
Steel
20th Century Rolex
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Rolex
Yellow Gold
20th Century Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Rolex
Diamond, White Gold
1980s Swiss Modernist Vintage Rolex
1980s Swiss Modernist Vintage Rolex
1950s Swiss Modernist Vintage Rolex
1950s Swiss Modernist Vintage Rolex
1960s Swiss Modernist Vintage Rolex
1980s Swiss Vintage Rolex
2010s Swiss Modern Rolex
Diamond, Stainless Steel
1990s Swiss Modernist Rolex
1970s Swiss Modernist Vintage Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Rolex
Rolex jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs
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