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 Men's 41mm Stainless Steel 124300
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Men's 41mm Stainless Steel 124300 - Automatic winding, sapphire crystal. Datejust II. Stainless steel case (41mm diameter) with smooth bezel. Green dial with i...
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Rare Tiffany Stamp Black Dial circa 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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm "Lug Tip to Lu...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona 116576TBR PT950 Full Diamond Dial Automatic Mechanical 40mm
By Rolex
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Rolex Daytona 116576TBR, 950 Platinum, Factory-set Baguette Diamond Bezel, Ice Blue Full Diamond Dial, Automatic Mechanical Movement, 40mm Case Diameter,full box and all documents
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 Submariner Date 2018
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
An iconic Rolex Submariner Date crafted in stainless steel, renowned for its robust performance and timeless design. Featuring the classic black dial and ceramic bezel, this highly s...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch with Original Black Dial, circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 3...
Stainless Steel
Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Ladies Rolex 6917 Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel After Market Diamond Bezel & Aftermarket Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial. Jubilee Band
Diamond
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel 26mm Just Date Women's Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date display watch is a classic example of Rolex's timeless elegance and durability. With it's versatile satin 26mm stainless steel case, this water resis...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Lady Rolex Datejust Ref 69173 Champagne Dial- Rolex Service Card
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned 1994 Rolex Datejust Ref. 69173 is a timeless example of Rolex’s iconic elegance and enduring design. The watch features a 26MM stain...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master 1675 'Pepsi'/Pan Am' Bezel, 40mm Case, Mark 11 Dial, Year 1973
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and attractive Rolex GMT Master reference 1675 features a 40mm stainless steel case with stainless steel bracelet and desirable Pepsi/ Pan Am blue/ red bezel. This exampl...
Rolex Oyster Stainless Steel with Custom Made T...... Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 6426 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35mm ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Watch Box, New Creme Empty Acs. Oyster Perpetual Daytona GMT Datejust New
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand New Authentic Rolex Watch Watch BOX Rolex was purchased from show room in Manhattan Watch was used for personal use and i am selling the box Brand New Rolex Box but ple...
2000 Rolex Submariner 40mm Oyster Perpetual Two Tone Blue Dial and Blue Bezel
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Year: 2000. Brand: Rolex. Gender: Men's. Dial Color: Blue. Type: Wristwatch. Case Size: 40mm. Bezel Color: Blue. Model: Submariner. Condition: Excellent. Band/Strap: Bracelet. Indice...
Ladies Rolex 31mm Midsize DateJust Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Brand: Rolex. Dial: Diamond. Bezel: Diamond. Crystal: Sapphire. Condition: Good. Gender: Women's. Case Dimensions: 31mm. Reference Number: 6827. Dial Color: Mother of Peal. Bracelet ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
$7,184Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 6827 Oyster Datejust 18k Solid Gold 30mm 1980s Midsize Automatic RA732B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, 18k solid gold Men's midsize Rolex ref.6827 Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1981, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gor...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 Mens 1970s 36mm 18k SS Vintage Automatic RA558C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Versatile luxury, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16013 automatic, c.1979, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watch...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Automatic 18K Gold & Stainless Steel Men's Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
The Rolex 1995 Oyster Perpetual Datejust is a classic example of Rolex's timeless elegance and durability. The attractive fluted bezel and center links of the Oyster bracelet and ce...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold, Steel
Vintage 1970 Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 Stainless Steel Silver Dial Manual 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Pure Expression Of Rolex The Rolex Oyster Precision is one of the most direct expressions of the brand's original vision. The reference 6426, produced for several decades, represe...
Stainless Steel
1999 Rolex 34mm Oyster Perpetual Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Year: 1999. Brand: Rolex. Indices: Arabic. Gender: Men's. Type: Wristwatch. Dial Color: Silver. Case Size: 34mm. Bezel Color: Gold. Bezel Type: Smooth. Band/Strap: Bracelet. Model Nu...
Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Ladies Two Tone Rolex Datejust 26mm Jubilee Bracelet Wrist Watch Ref. 79173
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case, Bezel & Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel & 18k Gold Weight: 55.5 Grams Width: 26mm (not including th...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1980's Two Tone Rolex Datejust 36mm Jubilee Bracelet Watch Ref. 16013
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case, Bezel & Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel & 18k Gold Weight: 95.6 Grams Width: 36mm (not including th...
18k Gold, 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. Black d...
Vintage 1940s Bubbleback Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14k Gold 32mm Watch Ref. 3372
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case Material: Solid 14k Rosy Yellow Gold Weight: 48.1 Grams (case and strap) Case Size (Diameter): 32mm (not includ...
14k Gold
Vintage 1983 Rolex Lady Datejust 18K YG 6916 Auto Champagne Sunburst 26mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Classic Expression Of Gold This Rolex Lady Datejust is a study in classic design, pairing a solid 18k yellow gold case with a matching champagne sunburst dial. The smooth bezel of...
18k Gold
$6,240Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex 6700 Lady Datejust 18k Solid Gold Diamond Dial 25mm 1960s Automatic RA688B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dazzling luxury, 18k solid gold Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual 6700 Datejust diamond dial automatic, c.1966, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. G...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex President Day-Date Men's 18k White Gold Watch 118239
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex President Day-Date Men's 18k White Gold Watch 118239 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. President Day-Date. 18k white gold case with fluted bezel (36 m...
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm 124300 Coral Red Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Ref 124300 Oystersteel with the highly sought-after coral red dial, automatic Calibre 3230 movement, smooth fixed bezel, scratch-resistant sapphire crys...
18k Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Perpetual Datejust with Custom Finished Green Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Genuine Rolex 6618 Watch. Ladies ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1968 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6618. Just underwent Full service and Cleaning. Beautiful Watch. Case is ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Cellini 3804 32mm Champagne Dial Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 3804 Year: 1970's Model: Rolex Cellini Case Material: 14k Yellow Gold Clasp: Yellow Gold Plated Band: Black Leather Bezel: 14k Yellow Gold ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960's Rolex Ladies Dress Watch, Silver Dial - 14K White Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
White Gold
Rolex Cellini 4650 Blue Dial Factory Diamond Bezel 18k WG 1976 with 2025 Rolex S
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2134 Brand Rolex Model Cellini Reference 4650 Year 1976 Dial Blue Dial Case 18k White Gold Bracelet 18k White Gold Diameter 27mm x 29mm Length 15.7cm Movement Manual Winding Weight 116.5g Serviced Yes Box No Papers Rolex 2025...
Ladies Rolex 26mm Presidential 18K Yellow Gold Watch with White Dial and Diamond
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Brand: Rolex. Bezel: Diamond. Model: DateJust. Series: President. Crystal: Sapphire. Numeral: Roman. Dial Color: White. Gender: Women's. Dial: Diamond Dial. Condition: Very Good. Mod...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date with Exceptional Charcoal Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960/70 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length "Lug Tip t...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Steel Yellow Gold Steel Wimbledon Dial Mens Watch 126333
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual in Oystersteel and yellow gold features a slate dial and a Jubilee Bracelet. The Rolex fluted bezel is a mark of distinction. Originally, the fluting of the Oys...
Yellow Gold, Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual Date Yellow Gold 34mm 1500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date reference 1500, a classic yellow gold timepiece featuring a silver dial with applied gold baton indices and a date aperture at 3 o'clock, all pr...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Lady Oyster Blue Dial 76030 Engine Bezel Blue Dial Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual 26mm Blue Dial Automatic Fluted Finely engine-turned bezel Ref. 76030 Year 1999. K Serial. Details: Item Type: Ladies Watch Metal: Stainless Stee...
Stainless Steel
Rare Vintage Rolex President Datejust 26 Champagne Stick Dial Gold Watch 69178
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Recently serviced. The movement is calibrated and keeps time well. No original box and papers. Comes with a gift box. General Information Brand: Rolex M...
Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 Mens 34mm 1960s Vintage Automatic RA766B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1961, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, unrestored Rolex signed ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Purple Aubergine Diamond Dial 18K White Gold Watch 126234
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in Oystersteel and white gold features an aubergine, diamond-set dial and a Jubilee bracelet. This dial features Roman VI and IX in 18 ct gold, set ...
Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel, White Gold
Vintage 1999 Rolex Submariner 14060 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Unadulterated Dive Watch The Submariner defined the luxury dive watch category upon its introduction in 1953, setting the standard for water resistance and introducing the rotat...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Ladies Datejust Steel & Gold Watch 69173 - Automatic winding, 29 jewels, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. Datejust. Stainless steel case with fluted bezel (26mm). Silver dial w...
Vintage 1995 Rolex Cellini 5112 18k Yellow Gold White Roman Dial Manual 32mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex, Unbound By The Oyster Case The Cellini line has always been Rolex's canvas for pure dress watch design, a space free from the functional constraints of their professional mod...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex President 8385 18K Yellow Gold 20mm Bracelet 55B End Links
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Iconography Of The President Bracelet The Rolex President bracelet remains one of the most instantly recognizable and prestigious bands in horological history, traditionally res...
Vintage 1974 Rolex Cellini 4122 18K YG White Roman Dial Manual 23 mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex's Commitment To Pure Dress Watch Craft The Cellini line was Rolex's deliberate venture into the world of elegant dress watches, setting it apart from its famed utilitarian too...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,312Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Ref 6517 Lady Datejust 18k Gold 25mm 1950s Linen Dial Automatic RA703C
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious elegance, 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady Datejust automatic with linen dial, c.1958, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. ...
18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 36MM Ref. 16233 White Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned 1995 Rolex Datejust Ref. 16233 exemplifies the timeless elegance and versatility that has made the Datejust one of Rolex’s most iconic models. The watch features a 36M...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Precision 22m 18K Gold Champagne Dial Manual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Precision ladies manual-wind watch in 18K yellow gold featuring a cushion-shaped case with a champagne sunray dial, applied gold baton indices, and Rolex crown logo, wi...
18k Gold
Rolex Cellini Ref 4014 18k Gold 1970s Mens Midsize 23mm x 30mm Dress Watch RA730
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant luxury, 18k solid gold Rolex Cellini Ref.4014 Manual Wind Dress Watch, c.1976, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signe...
Gold, 18k Gold
Rolex Daytona Steel 40mm White Dial Steel Oyster Bracelet Men's Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Daytona Steel White Dial Mens Watch 116520. Chronometer automatic self-winding chronograph movement. Stainless steel oyster case 40.0 mm in diameter. Special screw-down push bu...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Factory Original Silvered Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1003 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Dia...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Modernist Watch circa 1948 with High Grade Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Moderist / Reference 8143 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold & Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm "Lug ...
Gold, Platinum
Rolex 14Kt Solid Rose Gold Rare Oyster Viceroy Art Deco Watch circa 1938
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Viceroy / Reference 3116 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1938 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm "Lug ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex Cellini 18K White Gold With Rare Blue Vignette Dial 1974
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rolex Cellini 18k White Gold Rare Blue Vignette Dial, Manual Wind, Made in Switzerland c.1974 Model: Cellini Year: c. 1974 Material: 18K White Gold Dial: Rare Blue Vignette ...
18k Gold, White Gold
Rolex Bubbleback 1949 Steel and Gold Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1949 Rolex Bubbleback Referance 5015, 32 M.M Stainless Steel 3 Piece case with Yellow Gold Engine turned Bezel and Gold Rolex Crown, Caliber 630 automatic, self winding movemen...
Gold, Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Silvered Dial and Gilt 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 42mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
1966 Rolex Ladies Dress Watch, Silver Dial - 14K White Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
White Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970'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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm "Lug Ti...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 35mm 14k SS 1960s Mens Diamond Automatic RA742
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's 14k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1968, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master wa...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116508 18k Yellow Gold Green Dial Full Set
By Rolex
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Presenting one of the most coveted modern timepieces in the world: the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116508 in 18k yellow gold, featuring the iconic sunray green dial. Famously nickn...