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.
Vintage Rolex GMT Master Pepsi 1675 MK2 PATINA Matte Dial Red Back Steel Box
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1675 Serial: 316*** Year: 1972 Model: Vintage Rolex GMT Master Pepsi - stunning original patina dial Case Material: Stainless Steel. We did not have this piece po...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 18k Yellow Gold Steel Ivory Pyramid Dial Men Watch 116233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. No original box and papers. Comes with a chronostore box. Brand Information Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust 116233 Model Number: 116233 Country/Re...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Finished Green Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 35m...
Rolex DateJust ref 16000 Steel 36mm Case, 18K Gold Fluted Bezel, Crystal, Crown
By Rolex
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Rolex DateJust ref 16000 Stainless Steel 36mm Case + Original 18K White Gold (XRF tested) Fluted/ Bark Bezel Original Crystal Original Crown w Rolex logo Serial number 987XXXX, c...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm 116505 18K Everose Gold Chocolate Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
An exceptional Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Reference 116505, crafted entirely in Rolex's proprietary 18-karat Everose rose gold and distinguished by its sophisticated chocolate brown di...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Smooth Bezel Silver Index Dial Automatic Watch 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New watch. Comes with an Original Box and Papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model Number: 126300 Model: Rolex Datejust 126300 Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Country/Regio...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master 1675 "Pepsi" Gilt Gloss Dial Rivet 6636 Bracelet Vintage Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex GMT Master 1675 steel case, year of production 1966, bidirectional steel bezel with Aluminium insert Pepsi colors, plastic glass with cyclo...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Everose Gold Chocolate Dial Mens Watch 116515LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. This watch comes with an original box and paper. It comes with a 5-year warranty, * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day...
Gold
Rolex Datejust MOP 8+2 Diamond Dial with Diamond Bezel & Lugs Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust Mother Of Pearl 8+2 Diamond Dial with Diamond Bezel & Lugs Wrist Watch 16014.
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Blue 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 x...
Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 16233 36mm Solid Gold & Steel Factory Champagne Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in Zurich, CH
A Highly Collectible Neo-Vintage Icon Featuring the Rare Factory Champagne Jubilee Anniversary Monogram Dial with Diamonds. The Rolex Datejust Reference 16233 represents the absolut...
Diamond, Gold, Steel
Rolex Steel Datejust with Original Silvered Dial And Papers circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and White Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSI...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Black String RT 26 Datejust Oyster Two Tone 18K Gold + SS + Side Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Black String RT 26 Datejust Two Tone 18K Gold + SS + Side Diamonds Oyster Band + Diamond Bezel 69173 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and ha...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust Stainless Steel Ice Blue Dial with Diamonds Watch 69160
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust 69160 Stainless Steel Ice Blue Color Dial with 8 + 2 Diamond RT Deployment buckle
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 41 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Watch 218238
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date II...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner 1680 SS Black Dial Auto Men's Watch 40mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Submariner 1680 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch, 1976. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 7.5 inches. Includes original papers; box is not included.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II 16570 SS White Dial Auto Men's Watch 40mm
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Explorer II 16570 Stainless Steel White Dial Automatic Men's Watch. Fits a wrist measuring approximately 6.5 inches. Original box and papers are not included.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 18K White Gold Steel Black Diamond Dial Watch 116234
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with original box and card General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 116234 Style: Luxury Type: Wristwatch Department: ...
Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust Two Tone Diamond Bezel & Lugs Salmon Dial Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Diamond Bezel & Lugs Salmon Color Dial with Accent RT 69173
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Explorer II Black Dial Watch 16570T
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
-Mint condition -Movement: Automatic -Case size: 40mm -Stainless steel -Black Dial -Date indicator -Stainless Steel -Sapphire crystal -Comes with Box, no papers
NEW Rolex Datejust 36mm 126233 18K Yellow Gold Steel Champagne Dial Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with the original box and papers.
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust Steel 1 Carat Custom Diamond Blue MOP Dial Men's 1978 Watch 16014
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
1 Cttw Custom Diamond Bezel and 0.20 Cttw Custom Diamond Blue Dial. Original Box and Papers are not included comes with a Chronostore presentation box and authenticity card. Covered ...
Rolex Very Rare Day-Date Vintage Gents 18k Yellow Gold Champagne Omani Dial 1803
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36 mm Very Rare 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Vintage Gents Wristwatch, champagne dial with applied hour markers, day at 12 0'clock, date at 3 0'clock, Omani Crest at 6...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Stainless Steel with Custom White Dial circa 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 "...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Yellow 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 43mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Factory Silver 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: late 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 3...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel Diamond Set, Automatic
By Rolex
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel diamond set. Movement: Automatic, Self winding Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Magnified date window at 3 O'clock Case: Stainle...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Two Tone Silver Color Dial with Diamond Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Vintage Rolex 26mm Datejust Two Tone Silver Color Dial with Diamond Accent RT 69173 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polis...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 116523
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with a Chronostore Presentation Box and Chronostore Authenticity Card. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Br...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust 68274 with Custom Diamond Bezel SS White Color Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 31mm Datejust With Custom Diamond bezel SS White Color Dial with Diamond Accent RT Deployment buckle 68274 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust President 31 18K Rose Gold Black Roman Dial Ladies Watch 178275
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Super rare model. Box and papers included. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. Ro...
Rose Gold
Rolex Yacht-Master Custom Rainbow Bezel Black Dial Everose Gold Watch 116655
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned and in excellent condition. Please note that the rainbow bezel is custom-made. Comes with 2 year chronostore warranty. General Information: Brand: Rolex Gender: Men's Wei...
Rose Gold
Rolex White Roman Numeral Dial Diamond/Emerald Bezel Two Tone Jubilee Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable condition, having undergone professional polishing and servicing to maintain its pristine appearance. The wat...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Custom Dial Blue Ladies Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. Custom diamond dial and bezel General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69173 Type: Wristwatch Department: Women Style: Casual...
Steel
Vintage Rolex Orchid Diamonds Halo Set 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Classic Watch
By Rolex
Located in Tysons, VA
Rolex Orchid Diamonds - 6.1 inches length - 18K Yellow Gold - 53.8 Grams Circa 1975 Rolex Orchid, part of Rolex’s series of cocktail watches. u. Case Width: 25mm v. Crystal: Sapphire...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Dark Grey Datejust S / S Oyster Perpetual Diamond Side + Bezel & Lugs
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Women's Rolex Dark Grey 31mm Datejust S/S Oyster Perpetual Diamond Side + Bezel & Lugs 68274
Diamond, Stainless Steel
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
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Slate Blue Dial from Early 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: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Rolex Lady-Datejust 31mm Yellow Gold Steel Diamond Dial Two-Tone Watch 178273
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
The Oyster Perpetual Datejust is the epitome of the classic watch, distinguished by its timeless style and exceptional elegance. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Watch. Stainless stee...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116518
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens yellow gold Cosmograph Daytona by Rolex. Featuring a black and champagne-colour dial with red detailing known as a Paul Newman dial and a yellow-gold bezel set with a tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers. Fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and self-winding automatic chronograph movement. The watch is further equipped with a Rolex original...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner Hulk Green Steel Ceramic Automatic Mens Watch 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. Comes with the original box but papers are not included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a ...
Steel
Rolex Submariner Date NOS Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold Blue Dial 16613
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Unworn Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date NOS Men's Wristwatch, blue dial with applied hour markers, date at 3 0'clock, an 18k yellow gold uni-...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Mens Watch 126333
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. Box and papers are included. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 126333 Department: Men Style: Luxury Country/Region of...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 40 mm Blue Dial Two Tone Diamond Men's Watch 116613LB
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Rolex Series: Submariner Model: 116613 Case Diameter: 40 mm Bracelet: Oyster band; 18k yellow gold & stainless steel with custom diamonds set Bezel: Blue Ceramic Dial: Blue d...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust Two Tone Diamond Bezel & Lugs Silver Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Ladies 26mm Datejust Two Tone Diamond Bezel & Lugs Silver Dial 69173
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1976 Rolex Lady Cellini 4081 18K YG Champagne Dial Manual 25mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Departure From The Tool Watch The Cellini line represents Rolex's venture into pure luxury dress watches. Unbound by the constraints of the waterproof Oyster case, the collection ...
18k Gold
Rolex GMT-Master II 18K Rose Gold Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 126711CHNR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Comes with the original box and papers. General Information: Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 126711CHNR Model: Rolex GMT-Mas...
Steel
Rolex Explorer II Steel GMT Orange Hand Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 216570
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre owned. 2014 card. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by 1-year Chronostore Warranty. Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 216570 Country/Region of ...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Blue Turquoise Dial Automatic Men's Watch 124300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Original Turquoise Blue Dial. New Style Green Card. Comes with the Original Box and Papers. Covered By 3-Year Chronostore Warranty. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: R...
Steel
Rolex Milgauss 40mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116400GV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. The original box and papers are included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year Rolex warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the...
Stainless Steel, Steel
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
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref 1603 from Late 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diamete...
Rolex 31mm Datejust Two Tone Diamond Bezel & Lugs Metallic Pink Dial 68273
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Women's Rolex 31mm Datejust Two Tone Diamond Bezel & Lugs Metallic Pink Dial 68273
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Presidential 18kt Gold Pink Baguette Diamond Dial Fluted Bezel 18038
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Presidential 18kt Gold Pink 8+2 Diamond Dial Fluted Bezel 18038
Diamond, Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Machined Bezel, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 34 mm M...
Rolex Steel Thunderbird Datejust Self Winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2002 Rolex Datejust Thunderbird Wrist Watch, 36 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster Case with Thunderbird Bezel, 31 Jewel Automatic, self win...
Steel
NEW Rolex Explorer II Steel Orange Hand White Dial Automatic Mens Watch 226570
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. 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: Type...
Steel
Rolex Datejust 68274 S/S White MOP RT Dial Diamond Bezel+Lugs+Oyster Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Women's Rolex 31mm Datejust S/S White MOP RT Dial Diamond Bezel+Lugs+Oyster Bracelet Side 68274 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has no visibl...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust II 18K White Gold Automatic Blue Roman Numeral Dial 41mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The caseback is the story At a glance, this is a familiar Datejust II. Blue Roman dial, fluted white gold bezel, Oyster bracelet. Then you turn it over. The Saudi Khanjar...
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Day Date 18238 18K Yellow Gold Aventurine "pinball" Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Rolex Day-Date 18238 Men's Watch is a luxurious timepiece that combines elegance and functionality. Its 36.00mm case is crafted from 18k yellow gold, giving it a timeless and sop...
18k Gold