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 Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Red Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug T...
Stainless Steel
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond MOP Dial Automatic 1980s RA552
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dazzling classic, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust diamond set mother of pearl dial automatic, c.1986, in excellent working condition. Verifie...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26 Steel 18K Gold Custom Green Turquoise Diamond Dial Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Custom diamond dial and bezel. No orgiinal box and papers. It comes with a seller box. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69173 Type: W...
18k Gold, Steel
Rolex, Oyster Precision. Men's wristwatch. Approx. 1960s.
By Rolex
Located in bronshoj, DK
Rolex, Oyster Precision. Men's wristwatch. Dial in silver. Approx. 1960s. Steel chain with folding clasp. Case diameter 36 mm. Unisex. In excellent condition with minor wear. The wat...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Gold 34mm Bark Finish Watch in 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
ROLEX 1950'S VINTAGE GOLD WATCH *Good condition with Rolex box, no papers. -Brand: Rolex -Reference: 1503 -Year: 1954 -Wrist Size: 7" -Material: 18...
18k Gold, Gold
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Pistachio Green Dial and Diamond Markers
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
NEW Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Steel Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126000 B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. The Original box and papers are included. A classic that shines in every moment. Rolex OP 36 with blue dial. The perfect gift this season. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Reference...
Steel
Vintage 1995 Rolex Datejust Lady Two-Tone Automatic Champagne Tapestry Dial 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This Is The Classic Ladies Datejust Look This Ref. 69173 is the configuration most people picture when they think of a vintage Lady-Datejust. Champagne dial, diamond hour markers, f...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona 18k Gold With Black Face & Diamond Dot Dial
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex Daytona 18k Gold Diamond Dot Dial 1999 Model - Solid 18k Yellow gold Daytona watch with chronograph black face and diamond dot dial. Solid gold bracelet with folding clasp cl...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18k Rose Gold Steel Jubilee Diamond Dial Watch 179171
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Box and papers. The watch is fully serviced and working perfectly. 🔹 Model Information Brand: Rolex Model: Lady-Datejust Model Number: 179171 ...
Steel
Rolex Two-Toned Logo Face Datejust Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel with a fluted bezel and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. 36mm face Model #126233 Serial #L1662xxx Size 6 1/2 inches Comes with its ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$8,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Datejust 36 Mint Custom Yellow Dial Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Datejust REFRENCE: 16233 SIZE: 36mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIAL: Yellow BEZEL: 18k Yellow Gold BAND: Jubilee 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Stee...
Mixed Metal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Sage Green Dial 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Jubilee Stainless Steel Silver Dial Men Watch 16234
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. Clean dial. No original box and papers. Comes with a chronostore box. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy wi...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Pink Dial with Diamond Markers 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36...
Rolex Vintage 5512 Gilt Underline Dial Pointed Crown Guard Submariner Full Set
By Rolex
Located in Boston, MA
A vintage Rolex Submariner, model 5512, with rare Underline gilt dial and pointed crown guard case. The round case measures 40mm in width, featuring the original black dial with gil...
Stainless Steel
$18,100Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex GMT-Master II Two Tone Yellow Gold Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: GMT Master II REFERENCE: 116713 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: 18k Yellow Gold BAND: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel ...
Mixed Metal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16234
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 16234 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with fluted bezel (36mm diameter). Silver...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Champagne Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom M.O.P Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug Tip ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II 44mm 18k White Gold & Platinum Oyster Mens Watch 116689
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Yacht-Master II White Gold Platinum Men's Watch 116689. Certified chronometer self-winding movement. 18K white gold Oyster case, 44.0 mm in diameter. Screw-down crown and caseb...
White Gold
Rolex Steel Air King with Black Finish and Custom Made Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diam...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's Stainless Steel Watch 116234 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with 18k white gold fluted bezel. Mother ...
Rolex Datejust 16013 Champagne Dial Watch in 18K Yellow Gold & Steel, 1980s
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16013 automatic two tone with a champagne dial on a jubilee bracelet from the 80s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements in...
Yellow Gold, Steel, 18k Gold
$15,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Precision Ref 4431 18k Rose Gold Mens 1940s 33mm Manual Wind RA689
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare, timeless treasure 18k solid rose gold Rolex Precision ref 4431 fancy lugs manual wind dress watch, c.1946, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchm...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rare Antique Rolex 1920s Manual Winding 26MM 15K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 15K and 14K Yellow Gold Diameter: 26.00 mm Weight: 19.19 grams One ladies 15K yellow gold ROLEX Swiss-made watch. The case metal was te...
Gold, 14k Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual with Rare Original Black Dial from 1953
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 34...
2005 Rolex Datejust 116208 18K Yellow Gold Black Onyx Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Foundational Watch In Top Specification The Datejust is the bedrock of the Rolex catalog, the watch that defined the category for a modern dress piece. A solid 18K yellow gold exe...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116519 18K White Gold Black Dial Box & Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This watch features an officially certified chronometer with a self-winding movement. It includes a rhodium-plated mechanism, 44 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a monom...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Pink Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona 16519 'Zenith' 18K White Gold MOP Diamond W/Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Daytona White Gold Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Mens Watch 16519. Officially certified chronometer self-winding movement. 18K white gold case, 40.0 mm in diameter. Special scre...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 Mosaic Blue JDM 5.1m Serial 1977 Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601, Mosaic Blue Dial, Steel & 18k White Gold, Full Set, 1977 (5.1M Serial, JDM) Among vintage Datejusts, few dials capture collectors’ imaginations like the Mo...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with A Custom Finished Mint Green Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1500's METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Di...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Navy Dial Ladies Custom Diamond Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. Custom dial and bezel. No original box and papers. High-quality natural diamond dial and bezel. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Mo...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Precision 34mm Two-Tone Rose Gold Steel Rare Dial 1978 Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Precision Oyster Date 34mm on two tone rose gold and stainless steel on Oyster bracelet. The dial features a rare brown and cream white pattern, complemented by a seldom seen mix of arabic and roman numeral hour markers. The combination of rose gold and stainless steel offers an elegant yet rugged look. Fixed textured bezel and automatic mechanical movement. Everything about this watch is unique and rare. The perfect watch for those in search of a Rolex that stands out from the traditional models and no one else has. Details: Item Type: Rolex Precision Watch...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic Watch, Stainless Steel, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Queens, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Steel Automatic Watch, reference # 1500, with silvered dial, baton indexes, date window at 3 0'clock, powered by automatic self winding movement, worn on ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Day-Date 36 18K Yellow Gold Green Hombre Diamond Dial Watch 128238
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Box and papers. Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date 36 Model Number: 128238 Department: Unisex Adult Style: Luxury Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzer...
Yellow Gold
$4,250 / set
Vintage Rolex Royalite Watch 2280 Circa 1939
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Rolex Royalite Watch 2280 Circa 1939 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale. This model was made with stainless steel...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Day-Date Platinum Diamond Set 18046
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Day-Date in platinum by Rolex with a single-quick movement. Only a few of these were in production before the introduction of the 18346. Featuring a silver dial set with 2 ba...
Diamond, Platinum
Rolex Datejust 26 Steel 18K Gold Custom Green Turquoise Diamond Dial Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. No original box and papers. Custom Diamond Dial. Comes with a seller box. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69173 Type:...
18k Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 126233 18K Yellow Gold Steel VI IX Diamond Silver Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with original box and papers Rolex Datejust 41 – Ref. 126233 Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Reference: 126233 Department: Men Style: Luxury Ye...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 26mm Steel Custom Purple Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 69174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. Custom Diamond dial and bezel. No original box and papers. Comes with a chronostore box. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Numb...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel Custom Green Turquoise Diamond Dial Bezel Watch 16030
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. No original box and papers. Comes with a chronostore box. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full r...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34mm Steel White Grape Dial Automatic Watch 114200
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. New Old Stock. Factory stickers. Comes with original box and papers. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34mm Stainless Steel White Grape Dial Automatic Watch 114200 This elegant Rolex O...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 26 Steel 18K Gold Custom Red MOP Dial And Bezel Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Custom Diamond Dial and bezel. No original box and no paper. It comes with a seller box. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model N...
18k Gold, Steel
NEW Rolex Lady Datejust 28 18K Yellow Gold Steel MOP Diamond Dial Watch 279173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with Box and papers. 5-year Rolex warranty. 💎 Rolex Lady-Datejust 279173 Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 279173 Department: Women Style: Luxury Country/Regio...
Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm Oystersteel with box and papers
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm Oystersteel An authentic collectors piece New or in excellent estate we can offer you your dream watch. In the pictures two brand new watches sold from 20...
Stainless Steel
18 Kt Rolex Big Bubble Back Ovettone, Ref 6030 Automatic Wrist Watch, Collectors
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt full Gold Rolex Ref. 6031 Big Bubble Back Ovettone, First Datejust Automatic Wrist Watch Movement : Mechanical with Automatic Winding Case & Strap : 18 Kt Yellow Gold Rolex Ref. 6030 / 6031 Big Bubble Back Ovettone Extremely rare model in 18kt gold It was the first Date...
18k Gold
Vintage 1966 Rolex Oyster Royal 6426 Stainless Steel Silver Dial Manual 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Purity In Hand-Wound Form The Oyster Royal is Rolex at its most fundamental. It combines the brand's legendary water-resistant case with a reliable manual-wind movement, creating a ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 in Oystersteel and Everose gold
By Rolex
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41mm in Oystersteel and Everose gold features a slate dial and an Oyster bracelet. Model 126331 Spetial Edition *We can have it new or second hand You can r...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel, Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Green Dial And Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamete...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26mm Steel Custom Turquoise Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 69174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. No original box and papers. Custom aftermarket dial. 1 year seller warranty. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69174...
Steel
Rolex Two Tone Zephyr with Original Bracelet from 1968
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Zephyr / Reference 1038 / 1008 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone 14Kt. & Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1968 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: ...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 36mm Ref 16014 Rare Jubilee dial anniversary dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Reference Number: 16014 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic 3035 Case Material: Stainless steel Measurements : 36mm (without cr...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18k Yellow Gold Custom Diamond Dial Bezel Ladies Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Custom Diamond dial and bezel. Comes with the gift box. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69173 Type: Wristwatch Department: Women Sty...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 41mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Men's Oyster Watch 126303
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 in Oystersteel and yellow gold features a bright black dial and an Oyster bracelet. The sunray finish creates delicate light reflections on ma...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm No Holes Steel Silver Dial Automatic Watch 16220
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. No holes case. Clean dial and hands. 🕰️ General Information Brand: Rolex Model Name: Datejust 16220 Model Number: 16220 Type: Wristwatch Department...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Dial and Bezel circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Kama Sutra Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel