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 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 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
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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
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 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...
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 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
$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 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 Made "Mickey" 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 "Lug Tip to Lug T...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1986 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15037 14K YG Auto Champagne 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Different Shade Of Gold The reference 15037 is a bridge between the vintage and modern eras of the Oyster Date. In the mid-1980s, Rolex still utilized 14K yellow gold specifically...
Gold
Rolex GMT-Master Transitional Pepsi Jubilee Bracelet 16750
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rolex Transitional GMT-Master Pepsi reference 16750, featuring a bi-directional rotating bezel with a vibrant red and blue "Pepsi" insert, complemented by a black dial with applied...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 2-Tone Men's Watch 116713 with Green GMT hand
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT-Master II 2-Tone Men's Watch 116713 with Green GMT hand - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold bezel (40mm di...
1964 Vintage Rolex Datejust 1603, Stainless Steel, Jubilee Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
Vintage 1964 Rolex Datejust with Papers, Custom Jubilee Bracelet An iconic classic, this vintage Rolex Datejust from 1964 offers timeless style an...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel White Roman Dial 36mm 116234
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A steel 36mm Datejust by Rolex reference 116234, featuring a white Roman dial with date aperture at 3 o'clock. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, a white gold fluted bezel,...
Stainless Steel, White Gold, Steel
Rolex Submariner Tiffany & Co Dial 16610 Steel Automatic Date Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A rare vintage 1991 Rolex Submariner reference 16610 retailed and signed by Tiffany and Co., featuring a black dial with tritium hour markers and...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K YG Matte Blue Factory Diamond Dial 1986
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Dial Unlike Any Other The Day-Date 18038 is a cornerstone reference, representing the perfect blend of classic 36mm proportions and modern functionality with its quickset date fea...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114200, Olive Green, Discontinued, 34mm Case, Yr2015.
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our rare and discontinued Rolex Oyster Perpetual, reference 114200, features the desirable "Olive Green" dial. Our example is presented in outstanding condition with only very light ...
Vintage 1974 Rolex Cellini Model 4127 18 Karat Yellow Gold Clous de Paris Wood
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: Cellini 4127 Year: 1974 Material: 18 Karat Yellow Gold / Clous de Paris Hobnail Bezel Dial: Rosewood Case Measurement: 25mm x 34mm Movement: Manual Wind Condition...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner 116613LB Bluesy Two Tone Steel & 18K Gold Circa Full Set Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
A 2018 Rolex Submariner Date ref. 116613LB “Bluesy” in two-tone Oystersteel and 18K yellow gold, featuring a blue Cerachrom ceramic unidirectional bezel, blue dial with gold luminous...
Stainless Steel, Gold
Rolex Ladies Datejust 69240 26mm Silver Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69240 Serial: 553*** Year: 1978 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: 26mm Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Custom Silver Diamond...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Vintage 18k Rose Gold Rolex Bubbleback Automatic Watch Ref 6011
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Classic vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback wrist watch crafted in 18k rose gold. This reference 6011 features the distinctive early automatic Rolex case with screw-down Oyster...
18k Gold
Rolex GMT-Master II Men's Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Rootbeer Watch 126711CHN
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT-Master II Men's Rose Gold and Stainless Steel Rootbeer Watch 126711CHNR - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. GMT-Master II. Stainless steel case case...
Rolex Ladies Pearlmaster 69298 29mm Siberite Diamond Dial Bezel Band 18K Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69298 Serial: X463*** Year: 1991 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Pearlmaster Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold with Factory Diamonds ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi 16750, Stainless Steel, 1982, Swiss Made
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
This rare Rolex GMT features its original iconic red and blue “Pepsi” bezel insert with a beautiful patina. Throughout the watch you will see a consistent patina with all original pa...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16233 Blue Vignette Diamond Dial 18K Gold Steel Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16233 Serial: W929*** Year: 1997 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yell...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1002 Mens 1960s 34mm Vintage Automatic RA461B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Ref.1002 Oyster perpetual automatic, c.1967, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dia...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Watch Box, New Creme Empty Acs. Oyster L Perpetual Sky Dweller Brand New
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand New Authentic Rolex Watch Watch BOX Large Rolex was purchased from show room in Manhattan Watch was used for personal use and i am selling the box Large Brand New Rolex Bo...
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
Datejust Rolex Blue Roman Jubilee 31mm Ladies Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand New Rolex Datejust 31mm Stainless Steel Ladies Watch, Box and papers included Applied polished Roman numeral hour markers. Model case Reference 278274 Diameter - 31 mm Materi...
18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" 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 "Lug Tip to Lug T...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Mens Watch Ref 5112
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Mens Watch Ref 5112 - Manual winding. Cellini. 18K Yellow gold (32 mm). Champagne dial with raised Roman numerals. Black Rolex strap with tang buckle. P...
Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. ROLEX Precision 2642 Mechanical Windup. Ladies Rolex
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Case Rolex Precision Ladies Watch with attached Milanese Bracelet (Stainless Steel). Rolex Windup 1400 Caliber Movement Ref. 2642 . Circa 1970 Case Is 18k White Gol...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1002 Mens 1960s 34mm Automatic All Original RA461
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Ref.1002 Oyster perpetual all-stainless steel automatic, c.1967, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Watch Box, New Creme Empty Acs. Oyster L Perpetual Sky Dweller Brand New
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand New Authentic Rolex Watch Watch BOX Large Rolex was purchased from show room in Manhattan Watch was used for personal use and i am selling the box Please note that pillow i...
1995 Rolex Explorer 114270 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Essential Utility Watch The Explorer 114270 is the most concentrated version of the Rolex philosophy. It is a steel watch built to be readable and reliable in any environment, p...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$6,640Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 1601 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens 1960s Vintage Automatic RA738B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Rolex 18k gold and stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Ref.1601, c.1963, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gor...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6444 Rare Black Dial 1950s Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Stainless Steel Case ref.6444 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1958 New Leather Band. Beautiful Watch. 31 mm round Case
Stainless 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
Rolex Steel Mid Size Oysterdate with Original Bracelet Rare Charcoal Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6466 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Diameter 3...
Stainless Steel
Rare Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date UAE Champagne Dial 19018
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Oysterquartz Day-Date 36mm 19018, by Rolex. As well as applied hour markers and the iconic weekday and date apertures, the champagne dial features an image of the former nati...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm 126610LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn 41mm Submariner Date in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial, complemented by a black ceramic uni-directional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations coated in p...
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6085 1950s Automatic Stainless Steel Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Stainless Steel Case ref.6085 Automatic Movement. Runs well. Circa 1952 Leather Band. Beautiful Watch. 34mm round Case Condition: Excellent condition fo...
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 Day Date Oysterquartz 19018 36mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 19018 Serial: 630**** Year: 1979 Model: Vintage Rolex Day Date Oysterquartz Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold Bezel: 18k Yel...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1978 Rolex Oysterquartz 17000 Stainless Steel Black Dial 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Architect Of The Integrated Rolex The OysterQuartz was the Rolex response to the quartz crisis and remains one of the most distinct departures from their traditional Oyster case...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Precision 2-Tone Manual Wind Flex Stretch Bracelet Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Precision ladies manual wind watch in two-tone yellow gold and stainless steel, featuring a 22mm round case with fluted gold bezel, silver dial with applied baton indic...
18k Gold
Rolex Bubbleback 1946 Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1946 Rolex "Bubbleback" Wrist Watch, 32 M.M 2 piece Stainless Steel case, Automatic, self winding 17 Jewel Movement. Restored as original Black Dial with Luminous Half Roman an...
Steel
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dark Blue Dial circa 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 "Lug Tip to ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Made Blue 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: 40mm x 34mm MOVEME...
Stainless Steel
1996 Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Stainless Steel Tritium Dial Automatic 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Definitive Modern Diver Silhouette The reference 16610 is the bridge between the vintage tool watch era and modern luxury Rolex. Produced for over twenty years, it represents th...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Dial Ca 1970 /80'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: 1988 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm ...
Stainless Steel
ROLEX Watch. Rolex ref. 6426 Rare Subseconds Dial 1960s Mens Rolex watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch Stainless Steel Case ref.6426 / 6427 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1960 New Leather Band. Beautiful Watch. 34 mm round Case
Stainless Steel
1961 Rolex Oysterdate 6694 Gold Plated Silver Sunburst Dial Manual 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century Entry To The Oyster Case The reference 6694 is a cornerstone of the vintage Rolex world, representing the classic manual-wind Oysterdate. While stainless steel variant...
Gold Plate
Rolex Day Date President 18038 36mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18038 Serial: 644**** Year: 1980 Model: Rolex Day Date President Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: Custom 18k Yellow Gold President Bezel: 18k...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold