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 Oyster Perpetual 1024 Gold & Steel Watch with 34mm Silver Face
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1024 Gold and Stainless Steel Watch. This Rolex Oyster Perpetual features a round case crafted in a combination of gold and stainless steel. The watch showcase...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oysterdate 6694 Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Oysterdate Manual Watch. This classic timepiece features a stainless steel case with a round shape, showcasing a striking blue dial. The design is highlighted by precise hour m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1501, 1970
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Merk Rolex Model Oyster Perpetual Date Referentienummer 1501 Code ROL/OPD/293 Opwinden Automatisch Materiaal horlogekast Staal Materiaal horlogeband Staal Jaar 1970 Staat ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel Watch with Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece features a stainless steel case with a round shape, showcasing a refined silver dial. The design is highlighted by slee...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King 5500 Steel Watch with Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Classic Rolex Air-King Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a stainless steel case with a refined silver dial. The design is highlighted by precise hour markers and sleek...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16013G Gold Dial Watch with Diamond Markers
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This luxurious timepiece features a round case crafted from 18k gold and stainless steel, accentuated by a striking gold dial. The design is elegant, ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King 5500 Stainless Steel Watch with Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Air-King Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a stainless steel case with a classic round shape, showcasing a refined silver dial. The design is accentuated by slee...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16234 Steel Watch with Fluted Bezel and Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Classic Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This distinguished timepiece features a stainless steel case with a round shape, highlighting a sophisticated silver dial. The watch is adorne...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Stainless Steel Watch with Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a stainless steel case with a round shape, showcasing a sleek silver dial. The design is highlighted by p...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 68274G Steel Watch with Diamond Hour Markers
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece showcases a stainless steel case with a refined silver dial. The design is elegant, featuring diamond hour markers and sleek ha...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16014 Steel Watch with Silver Dial and Date Display
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This refined timepiece showcases a stainless steel case with a round shape, accentuating a silver dial. The design is elegant, featuring precise hour ...
Stainless Steel
NEW Rolex Datejust 36mm 126234 Steel White Gold Fluted Black Dial Jubilee Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Comes with original box and papers.
Steel
Rolex Datejust 16234 Silver Dial Watch with Steel Band
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This distinguished timepiece features a stainless steel case with a sophisticated silver dial. The watch is designed with precise hour markers and han...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 169622 Gray Dial Watch with Steel Band
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Yacht-Master Automatic Watch. This luxurious timepiece features a stainless steel case with a striking gray dial. The watch is designed with bold hour markers and hands, offeri...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1603 Steel Watch with Engine-Turned Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Classic Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a stainless steel case with a sophisticated silver dial. The design is highlighted by precise hour markers and...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 69173G Gold Watch with Fluted Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece showcases a round case crafted from 18k gold and stainless steel. The white dial is adorned with Roman numeral hour marker...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel & Gold Watch with Gold Dial & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece features a stainless steel and yellow gold case with a round shape, showcasing a luxurious gold dial. The design is highlighted...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16234 Silver Watch with Stainless Steel Band
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This distinguished timepiece features a round case crafted from stainless steel and white gold, presenting a sleek silver appearance. The watch showca...
18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 Stainless Steel Watch with Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece features a round stainless steel case, showcasing a sleek black dial. The design is accentuated by luminous hour markers and ha...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16233 Gold & Steel Watch with Gray Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece features a round case crafted from a blend of gold and stainless steel, accentuating a sophisticated gray dial. The design is e...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King 14000 Steel Watch with Salmon Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Air-King Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece features a stainless steel case with a round shape, accentuating a distinctive salmon dial. The design is refined, with precise...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King 14010M Stainless Steel Watch with Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Classic Rolex Air-King Automatic Watch. This distinguished timepiece features a stainless steel case with a sleek black dial. The round watch face is adorned with precise hour marker...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 69174G Steel Watch with Diamond Markers
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Automatic Watch. This refined timepiece features a stainless steel case with a sophisticated silver dial. The watch is adorned with diamond hour markers, enhancin...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 69174G Stainless Steel Watch with Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a stainless steel case with a round shape, showcasing a refined silver dial. The design is accentuated by diamond...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King 14010 Blue Face Stainless Steel Watch with Steel Band
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Air-King Precision Watch. This distinguished timepiece features a stainless steel case, highlighting a sophisticated blue watch face. The design is classic, with precise hour m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1603 Stainless Steel Watch with 36mm Engine-Turned Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust 1603 Stainless Steel Watch. This Rolex Datejust features a round case in stainless steel. The watch is adorned with an engine-turned bezel in silver, matching the silv...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16233, 1991
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Merk Rolex Model Datejust Referentienummer 16233 Code ROL/DJ1/1412 Opwinden Automatisch Materiaal horlogekast Goud/Staal Materiaal horlogeband Leer Bouwjaar 1991 Staat Zeer g...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Gold Dial Watch with Diamond Hour Markers
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a stainless steel case with a round shape, accentuated by a gold fluted bezel. The gold dial is adorned with diamond h...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 17013G Quartz Watch with 36mm Fluted Gold Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust 17013G Quartz Watch. This distinguished Rolex Datejust features a round case crafted from a combination of stainless steel and yellow gold. The watch showcases a flute...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16030 Stainless Steel Watch with Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece features a stainless steel case with a round shape, showcasing a refined silver dial. The design is accentuated by sleek hour m...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16014 Stainless Steel Watch with 36mm Fluted Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust 16014 Stainless Steel Watch. This Rolex Datejust features a round case in stainless steel. The watch showcases a fluted bezel in silver, complementing the silver case ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 18k Gold & Steel Watch with Diamond Gold Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a round case crafted from a combination of 18k gold and stainless steel, presenting a luxurious silver and gold appear...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16233 Gold/Steel Watch with 36mm Fluted Gold Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust 16233 Gold and Stainless Steel Watch. This Rolex Datejust features a round case crafted from a blend of gold and stainless steel. The watch showcases a fluted bezel in...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1600 Steel Watch with Silver Dial, 1970 Model
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece features a stainless steel case, accentuating a refined silver dial. The design is minimalist, with precise hour markers and ha...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1603 Stainless Steel Watch with Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a stainless steel case with a round shape, showcasing a refined silver dial. The design includes precise hour markers ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Gold Dial Watch with Two-Tone Band
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece features a round case crafted from a blend of gold and stainless steel, presenting a refined silver hue. The gold dial ...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 79160 Steel Watch with Smooth Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a stainless steel case with a striking black dial. The design is highlighted by precise hour markers and sleek ha...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 69174G Silver Dial Watch with Diamond Markers
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Automatic Watch. This luxurious timepiece features a stainless steel case with a striking silver dial. The watch is adorned with diamond hour markers, adding a to...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 69174G Steel Watch with Diamond Markers
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a stainless steel case with a sophisticated silver dial. The design is highlighted by diamond hour markers and re...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 79174 Steel Watch with Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a stainless steel case with a round shape, showcasing a refined silver dial. The design is minimalist, with preci...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 69173G Two-Tone Watch with 26mm Gold Fluted Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust 69173G Watch. This luxurious Rolex Lady-Datejust features a round case crafted from a blend of 18k gold and stainless steel. The watch showcases a fluted bezel in...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 69174 Stainless Steel Watch with 26mm Fluted Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust 69174 Stainless Steel Watch. This elegant Rolex Lady-Datejust features a round case crafted in stainless steel. The watch showcases a fluted bezel in silver, comp...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 69173 Gold Dial with Fluted Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece showcases a stainless steel and 18k gold case with a striking gold dial. The design is highlighted by precise hour markers...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1601 Steel Watch with Black Dial and Date Indicator
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece features a stainless steel case with a round shape, accentuating a striking black dial. The design is precise, with clear hour ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King 5520 Gold & Steel Watch with Smooth Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Air-King Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece showcases a gold and stainless steel case with a crisp white dial. The design is highlighted by precise gold hour markers and s...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 1603 Stainless Steel Watch with 36mm Engine-Turned Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust 1603 Stainless Steel Watch. This Rolex Datejust features a round case in stainless steel. The watch is adorned with an engine-turned bezel, harmonizing with the silver...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16200 Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a stainless steel case with a round shape, showcasing a refined blue dial. The design is accentuated by Roman numeral ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16200 Steel Watch with White Dial and Roman Numerals
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece features a round stainless steel case, accentuating a pristine white dial. Roman numeral hour markers and sleek hands enhance i...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone White Roman Dial Jubilee 16233 Circa 1997
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. Model features quick-set movement. Authenticity guaranteed! The sale comes with a new style Rolex...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16233G Gold & Steel Watch with Diamond Markers
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Classic Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This distinguished timepiece features a round design with a 36.0 mm gold dial. The watch is adorned with diamond hour markers, enhancing its l...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16013G Gold & Steel Watch with Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This distinguished timepiece features a harmonious blend of gold and stainless steel in its construction. The watch showcases a gold dial adorned with...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16233G Two-Tone Watch with Gold Dial & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Classic Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This luxurious timepiece features a round case crafted from stainless steel and yellow gold, showcasing a striking gold dial. The design is en...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16233G, 1995
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Merk Rolex Model Datejust Referentienummer 16233G Code ROL/DJ1/1448 Opwinden Automatisch Materiaal horlogekast Goud/Staal Materiaal horlogeband Goud/Staal Bouwjaar 1995 Staat...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 69160 Steel Watch with Smooth Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a stainless steel case with a striking black dial. The design is highlighted by precise hour markers and sleek ha...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 18k Gold & Steel Watch with Gold Dial & Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a round case crafted from 18k gold and stainless steel, showcasing a luxurious gold dial. The design is accentuat...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 76080 Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece features a stainless steel case with a round shape, showcasing a striking blue dial. The design is highlighted by preci...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Air-King 5500 Stainless Steel Watch with Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Air-King Automatic Watch. This refined timepiece features a stainless steel case with a sleek silver dial. The minimalist design is accentuated by precise hour markers and hand...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16234 Stainless Steel Watch with 36mm Fluted Bezel
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust 16234 Stainless Steel Watch. This Rolex Datejust features a round case in stainless steel. The watch showcases a fluted bezel in silver, complementing the silver case ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16030 Steel Watch with Silver Dial and Date Display
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Datejust Automatic Watch. This classic timepiece features a round stainless steel case, accentuating a refined silver dial. The design is minimalist, with precise hour markers ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Lady-Datejust 79174 Stainless Steel Watch with Gray Dial
By Rolex
Located in RIJSWIJK, NL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Automatic Watch. This elegant timepiece features a stainless steel case with a round shape, showcasing a refined gray dial. The design includes precise hour marke...
Stainless Steel