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.
$94,394 / set
Rolex Day-Date Masterpiece Diamond Set 18956
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's Day-Date Masterpiece, in platinum by Rolex. Featuring a distinctive ice blue dial set with 8 single cut diamonds and 2 baguette diamond hour markers. Complementing the dial i...
Diamond, Platinum
1937 Rolex Ref 3647 Very Rare Antique Manual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Extremely Rare 1930s Rolex Precision Model 3647 Manual Wind Square Watch This late 1930s Rolex manual wind square watch is a remarkable and rare find, showcasing the timeless crafts...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master II White Gold Black Dial Pepsi Bezel Mens Watch 116719BLRO
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex GMT Master II White Gold Pepsi Bezel Mens Watch 116719. This timepiece is powered by the self-winding 3285 calibers with a 70-hour powe...
18k Gold, White Gold
Unworn Rolex Submariner Date Reference# 126618LN, Complete set, 2025
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date 126618LN – Full 18k Yellow Gold Black Dial Dive Watch The Rolex Submariner Date 126618LN is the pinnacle of underwater luxury—crafted entirely in solid 18k yel...
18k Gold
Rolex Ladies Datejust 26mm Tahitian Pearl Baguette Perpetual Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex Tahitian Pearl 8+2 TR 26mm Datejust S/S Oyster Perpetual Diamond Side + Bezel & Lugs 69160. This watch is in like new condition. It has be...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 Hidden Clasp Watch Diamond Bezel Black Dial Jubilee Band
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Rolex Series: Datejust Model: 116234 Case Diameter: 36 mm Bracelet: Jubilee band; stainless steel Bezel. and Lugs: Custom Diamond Set Dial: Black Roman Carat Weight: 2.30 car...
Stainless Steel
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 Lady-Datejust Diamond Champagne Dial Steel & Yellow Gold 26mm 179173
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A timeless 26mm steel and gold Lady-Datejust wristwatch reference 179173, by Rolex. Featuring a champagne dial with diamond hour markers, a date aperture and the iconic fluted bezel,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 Gold & Steel 116233 Watch White Roman Dial Jubilee Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Authenticity guaranteed! The sale...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Green Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39...
2025 Rolex Datejust 126231 Wimbledon Dial 18K Rose Gold Stainless Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126231 Serial: LV365*** Year: 2025 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Rose Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Rose ...
Rolex Ladies Datejust SS Pink MOP Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 26mm Custom Pink Mother of Pearl RT Diamond Dial.Stainless Steel Watch with Jubilee Band 69174. This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced an...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
New 2025 Rolex Datejust 41 mm Yellow Gold Steel Silver Dial Watch 126333
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2025 card. Comes with box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year Rolex warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the wat...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 Gold & Steel 116233 Champagne Index Dial Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 36 Gold & Steel 116233 Watch Champagne Index Dial Custom Diamond Bezel and Diamond Lugs Brand: Rolex Series: Datejust Model: 116233 C...
Gold, Steel
$18,634
Rolex GMT-Master II 116710LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens stainless steel GMT-Master II by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. The bi-directional rotatable bezel features a 24-hour di...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 68274 Silver Stick Dial with Diamond & Blue Sapphire Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 31mm Datejust Silver Stick Dial with Diamond & Blue Sapphire Bezel Steel Ladies Wrist Watch 68274
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Chocolate Dial 18K Everose Oystersteel Men's Watch 126301
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 in Oystersteel and Everose gold features a chocolate dial and an Oyster bracelet. The sunray finish creates delicate light reflections on many dials...
Gold, Rose Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 126203
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 126203 - Automatic winding, Quickset, Sapphire Crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold ( 36 mm ). Factory Black diamond ...
Rolex Stainless Steel Speed King with Rare Original Waffle Dial from 1954
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Speed King / Reference 6221 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm x Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 10 1/2H DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered Waffle Dial...
Rolex Baby Blue Jubilee Diamond Dial 18K Gold + SS + Side Diamonds + Bezel 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 26mm Baby Blue Jubilee Diamond Dial 18K Gold + SS + Side Diamonds Oyster Band + Bezel 69173 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has no visi...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Women's Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel & Lugs Champagne Dial Two Tone Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Women's Rolex 31mm Datejust Diamond Bezel & Lugs Champagne Dial Two Tone Watch We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable condition, having undergone ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
New Rolex Submariner Starbucks Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Watch 126610LV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Comes with the original box and papers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model: Rolex Submariner 126610LV Model Number: 1...
Steel
Rolex Day Date 40 18K Gold Index Slate Dial Diamond Automatic Watch 228349RBR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn 228349 Rolex Day Date 40. Comes with the manufacturer's box and papers. Covered by a 5-year warranty. Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Day-Date 228349RBR Department: Men Country/...
18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Mother of Pearl Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm ...
Stainless Steel
$6,080Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Precision 9k Gold Mens 1950s 32mm Vintage Manual Wind Dress Watch RA751
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage treasure, rare 9k solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision manual wind dress watch, c.1954, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex...
9k Gold
Rolex NOS Daytona Black Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The predecessor to the 116500LN, this stainless steel Cosmograph Daytona by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied hour markers, a tachymetric scale, three chronograph counters a...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust Pink String S/S Oyster Perpetual Diamonds Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex Pink String 26mm Datejust S/S Oyster Perpetual Diamonds on Side Bracelet + Bezel & Lugs 69174
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Oyster Perpetual Yellow Gold 6285
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Oyster Perpetual wristwatch in yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a silver dial with a distinctive 'Officially' in red writing and a yellow gold engine turned bezel. Fitted with ...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Steel & Yellow Gold Ladies Watch with Grey Roman Numerals
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 26mm Steel & Yellow Gold Ladies Watch with Factory Grey Roman Numerals Dial 179173 EXCELLENT CONDITION, TIGHT BAND. We are a premiere distributor of pre-owned and new...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Orange Dial 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 41mm x 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1500's DIAL / HANDS: Rolex Dial...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 79173 Champgane Dial 18K YG/SS A7 Serial 1999
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Rolex Datejust 79173 Champgane Dial 18K YG/SS A7 Serial 1999 SKU 1874 Brand Rolex Model Datejust Reference 69173G Year 1999 Dial Champagne Dial Case Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Bracel...
Rolex Datejust 26 Silver Index Dial Diamond Bezel Oyster Band Steel Watch 179160
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Rolex Series: Datejust Model: 179160 Case Diameter: 26 mm Bracelet: Oyster band; stainless steel Bezel: Custom diamond set Dial: Silver Index Carat Weight: 1.20 carats in tota...
Stainless Steel
New Rolex Explorer II 42mm Steel Black Dial Automatic Oyster Mens Watch 226570
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. The original box and papers are included. 5-year Rolex warranty. Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Explorer II Model Number: 226570 Type and Style: ...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Bubble Back S.S., Circa 1948
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Bubble Back Ref. 2940 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale. S...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Diamond Bezel & Lugs Blue MOP Dial Watch 16013
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Oyster Perpetual Datejust Diamond Bezel & Lugs Blue Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial 16013 This watch is in like new condition...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 18K Gold Steel Custom Fully Iced Out Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Custom diamonds totaling approximately 20.08cttw Color: G-H Clarity: VS-SI. Covered by a 3-year warranty. General Information Brand: Rolex Model Number: 126300 Model: Rolex Datej...
Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18k Rose Gold Pink Dial Mens Watch 116515LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with a Rolex original box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day ...
Rose Gold
Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Fluted Bezel With Diamond Lugs Silver Color Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Vintage Fluted Bezel With Diamond Lugs Silver Color Dial 69173 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has no vis...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 28 Dark Grey Diamond Stainless Steel Jubilee 279160 Unworn
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Rolex Datejust 28 wristwatch is a true masterpiece of Swiss craftsmanship and luxury design. With a sleek, stainless steel case and jubilee bracelet, this timepiece bo...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex 36mm Datejust Stainless Steel Tahitian Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial 16030
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust Tahitian Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Deployment Jubilee Buckle 16030. This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has no visible scra...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Blue Treated MOP Diamond Dial Watch 68273
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Women's Rolex 31mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Blue Color Treated MOP Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial Bezel + Lugs + Sapphire 68273 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polis...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust II 41mm Stainless Steel Fully Iced Out Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust II 41mm Stainless Steel Fully Iced Out Watch with Rainbow Index Pave Diamond Dial 116300 The Rolex Datejust II 41 MM includes a 31 je...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Zenith Daytona R Series Floating Dial 16528
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A unique R series Zenith Daytona crafted in yellow gold by Rolex. Features a champagne floating dial with applied hour markers and 3 sub dials featuring a 30 minute, a 12 hour, a sma...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel & 18K White Gold Rhodium Index Dial Men Watch 126334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in new condition. This watch comes with an original box and paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. B...
White Gold, Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Datejust White Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Datejust White Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial Classic Jubilee Watch 30341
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 116243
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 116243 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with factory Rolex 52 diamond bez...
Rolex Datejust 31mm 68274 Grey Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch Circa 1984
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has b...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Steel 18K Yellow Gold Blue Dial Automatic Watch 126613LB
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2022/2023 card. Full set. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity a...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Date 15210 34mm Gray Dial Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 15210 Serial: X74**** Year: 1991 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel ...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel 18K Rose Gold Custom Fully Iced Out Jubilee Watch 126301
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Display model. 2021 card. Total diamond 18.47 ct. Color: G-H, Clarity: VS-SI. Comes with the original box and papers. Brand and Model Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 126301 General In...
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Precision Ref. 3400 Openface, Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare collectors Watch. Original Condition. Watch needs an overhaul. Including certificate of authenticity.
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex 36mm Datejust S/S White Diamond Dial Baguette Oyster Watch 16014
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust S/S White Diamond Dial 8+2 Oyster Band Diamonds on Side + Bezel & Lugs 16014 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has no visibl...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Sapphire/Diamond Stainless Steel Watch Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date Custom Diamond Stainless Steel Watch with Sapphire/Diamond Bezel Lugs and Blue Dial 116610. Watch has been professionally po...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust White MOP Dial Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs + Sapphire
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Men's Rolex 36mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee White MOP Dial Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs + Sapphire 16013
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1998 Rolex Explorer I Steel 14270 Auto Black Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Explorer people keep coming back to The 14270 represents a pivotal moment for the Explorer. Introduced as the modern successor to the 1016, it brought the sapphire crystal and t...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Blue Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Rolex Lady Datejust White MOP Diamond Accent Classic + Lugs Wrist Watch 69174
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 26mm Custom White MOP Diamond Dial and Diamond Lugs.Stainless Steel Watch with Jubilee Band 69174. This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust White Mother of Pearl Dial with Ruby & Diamond Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Ladies Datejust 26mm White Mother Of Pearl Dial with Ruby & Diamond Bezel 69173
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 116718LN GMT-Master II 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Case Diameter: 40mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold bezel with Diamonds Dial: Diamond pave dial with black hands and lumi...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k 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...