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.
Rare 1950s Rolex Rose Gold Chronometer Champagne Dial Precision Vintage 4134
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 37mm 18k Rose Gold Vintage Precision Gents Wristwatch, a rare original chronometer champagne dial with applied 18k rose gold index batons and roman...
Rose Gold, 18k Gold
2021 Rolex Midsize 31mm Steel Datejust 278240 Blue Roman Dial Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Serial: 4A39F*** Year: 2021 Model: Midsize Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Blue Roman Dial Face: Sapphire Crysta...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Turn-o-graph 116261 Two Tone Stainless Steel and Rose Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph 116261 Two Tone Stainless Steen and Rose Gold Watch Silver Dial Diamond Bezel 36mm. Rolex Turnograph Datejust Steel 18K Rose Gold Watch 116261. Officiall...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 31mm 78240 Silver Arabic Dial Stainless Steel Watch Circa 1999
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 31mm 78240 Silver Arabic Dial Stainless Steel Watch Circa 1999. This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are ...
Silver, Stainless Steel
Rolex 36mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Black MOP Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Men's Rolex 36mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Black MOP Mother Of Pearl Dial Diamond Accent RT Bezel + Lugs + Rubies 16013. This watch is in...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
$10,694
Rolex Explorer 36mm 114270
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens 36mm Explorer wristwatch in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied arabic numbers and a fixed smooth bezel. Fitted with a scra...
Stainless Steel
NEW Rolex Datejust 36mm Jubilee Steel Blue Motif Dial Automatic Watch 126234
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. 2024 card. The original box and papers are included. Brand Information: Brand: Rolex Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Watch Type: Type: Wristwatch Department:...
Steel
NEW Rolex Datejust 36mm 126200 Jubilee Steel Blue Dial Automatic Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with the original box and papers.
Steel
Rolex Explorer 124270 36mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned mint condition. Like new. 🕰️ Watch Overview Brand: Rolex Model: Explorer Reference / Model Number: 124270 Department: Men Style: Luxury Country/Region of Manufactur...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 116334 Datejust on Oyster Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 116334 Datejust on Oyster Bracelet Watch Brand: Rolex MPN: 116334 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 41mm Crystal: Sapp...
Stainless Steel
NEW Rolex Datejust 36mm 126281RBR Rose Gold Steel Black Diamond Dial Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers.
Rose Gold, Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 Steel 18k Yellow Gold White Arabic Roulette Dial Watch 116233
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. It comes with the original box and papers. Recently serviced. The movement is calibrated and keeps time well. Rolex Datejust 116233 Brand: Rolex Model: D...
Steel
Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller 44mm Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116660
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Rolex Deepsea 116660 is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by mechanical (automatic) movement which is cased in a stainl...
Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Silver Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 31mm Datejust Diamond Bezel Silver Dial Stainless Steel Ladies Watch This watch features aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex) and is in excellent, like-new condition with no visibl...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Submarine Spider Dial 5513
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stainless steel Submariner by Rolex. Featuring a distinctive black glossy spider dial with applied hour markers and a uni-directional rotatable bezel. Fitted with a plastic glass,...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Original Black Dial and Gilt Markers
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 41mm X Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1500's DIAL / HANDS: Original Black Rare Gilt Baton Markers / Gilt Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This strikingly beautiful Rolex...
Rolex 177234 Datejust 26mm Black Roman Diamond Dial Aftermarket Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 177234 Datejust 26mm Black Roman Diamond Dial Aftermarket Diamond Bezel Watch Brand: Rolex MPN: 177234 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 26mm Crys...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Two Tone Blue Color Treated MOP Mother of Pearl Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust 16013 Two Tone Blue Color Treated MOP Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial+ Bezel
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Black Sunbeam Dial 116231
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm Datejust in stainless steel and rose gold by Rolex. Featuring a black sunbeam dial with Roman numerals and a fluted rose gold bezel. The watch is presented on a Jubilee bracel...
Rose Gold, Stainless Steel, 18k Gold
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Custom Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial and Bezel
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 Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1500's DIAL / HANDS: Custom Grey Mother of Pearl, Diamond Dial / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Oyster Bracelet 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Black Finish and Custom Made Dial circa 1960'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: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diam...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 278240 31mm Midsize 2021 Steel Black Roman Dial Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 278240 Serial: P3244*** Year: 2021 Model: Rolex Datejust Midsize Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Black Roman Dial Face...
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Patinated Charcoal Dial from 1970'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: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 126300 Steel White Index Dial Jubilee Automatic Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with an original box and a full paper set. 5-year Rolex warranty.
Steel
Rolex Submariner 18k Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 116613
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with a Chronostore Presentation Box and Authenticity Card. Covered by a 2-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex De...
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Watch Black Index Dial Diamonds Mens Jubilee Band 126300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 41 Steel Watch Black Index Dial Diamond Bezel Mens Jubilee Band 126300 Unworn piece. Due to custom bezel sale comes with a Rolex box, Appraisal Certificate, In-house ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Steel Yellow Gold Diamond Champagne Dial Automatic Watch 79173
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Excellent condition. No original box and papers.
Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Mother of Pearl Dial and Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel with Custom Bezel Black and White Diamonds CIRCA / YE...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 36mm Datejust S/S Grey Roman Dial Deployment Buckle Steel Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust Stainless Steel Grey Roman Dial Deployment Buckle Steel Wrist Watch 16030.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 Command Bezel White Dial Steel Automatic Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with the original but no papers. Basic Information Brand: Rolex Model: Yacht-Master II Reference Number: 116680 Department: Men Style: Luxury...
Steel
Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel / Lugs Black Index Dial Steel 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, Stainless Steel
Rolex Midsize Stainless Steel Datejust White Dial Watch 78274
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Midsize Stainless Steel Datejust White Dial Watch 78274 - Automatic winding; 31 jewel; sapphire crystal. Midsize Datejust. Stainless steel ca...
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Remarkable Original Patinated 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 34mm X...
Rolex Datejust Champagne Index Dial with Diamond Bezel Two Tone Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust Champagne Index Dial with Diamond Bezel Two Tone Watch Jubilee Hidden Clasp 116233 This watch is in perfect condition. It has bee...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Date from 1953 or 54
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SI...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Diamond Bezel Grey Roman Dial 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, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36 Steel Watch Diamond Bezel Black Index Dial Jubilee Band 116234
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Rolex Series: Datejust Model: 116234 Case Diameter: 36 mm Bracelet: Jubilee band; stainless steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Set Dial: Black Index Carat Weight: 1.32 carats in tot...
Steel
Ladies Black 31mm Rolex Datejust Two Tone Diamonds + Sapphire Bezel 68273
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Black 31mm Rolex Datejust 2 Tone Diamonds + Sapphire Bezel 68273 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has no visi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch 124300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in Excellent condition. 2022 card. Box and Papers included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 124300 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300 Vintage: No Escapement Type: Anchor Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) Number of Jewels: 31 Jewels Dial Color: Black Display: Analog Indices: 12-Hour Dial, Non-Numeric Hour Marks, Stick Indexes Bezel Type: Fixed Bezel Color: Gray Band Color: Gray Band Material: Stainless Steel Closure: Fold-Over Clasp Band Type: Bracelet Band Width: 15.5 mm Lug Width: 21 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Color: Gray Water Resistance: 100 m (10 ATM) Watch Shape: Round Caseback: Solid Case Finish: Polished Case Size: 41 mm Case Thickness: 12 mm Features: Fixed Bezel, Luminous Hands, Sapphire Crystal, Screwdown Crown, Self-Winding, Swiss Made, Swiss Movement, Water-Resistant Year Manufactured: 2010-Now Customized: No Handedness: Right With Original Packaging: Yes With Booklet: Yes With Papers: Yes Seller Warranty: Yes Wrist Fit: 7.5 Inches Movement Caliber: Rolex Caliber 3230
Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master Steel Platinum Silver Dial Automatic Men Watch 16622
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. Box and papers. The watch is fully serviced and functioning properly. đź•° Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 Brand: Rolex Model: Yacht-Master Model Number: 16622 De...
Steel
Women's Rolex Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Champagne String Diamond Watch 68273
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Women's Rolex 31mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Champagne Color String Diamond Accent Dial Bezel + Lugs + Sapphire 68273
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust II 41mm 116333 Black Arabic Dial Two Tone Oyster With Papers
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 watc...
Gold, Stainless Steel
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Oyster Ref 6605 Datejust Mens 1950s 36mm Automatic w Roulette Wheel RA625
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless treasure, rare 18k rose gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref.6605 Datejust automatic roulette date wheel, c.1958, in excellent working, original unrestored c...
Rolex Datejust Custom Diamond Bezel, Black Dial with Diamond Roman Numerals
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust Custom Diamond Bezel, Black Diamond Roman Dial 16014 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has no visible scratches or blemishes...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel Watch Black Roman Dial 16220 Circa 2000
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 watc...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust Blue Dial 16220
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm Datejust in stainless steel by Rolex. Features a blue dial and a fixed stainless steel fluted bezel. The Jubilee bracelet comes with an Oyster deployant clasp. Fitted with sa...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Navy Roman 36mm Datejust S/S Oyster Perpetual Diamond Side Band Bezel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Men's Rolex Navy Roman 36mm Datejust S/S Oyster Perpetual Diamond Side Band+ Bezel & Lugs Watch 16030. This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has no ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel 16234 Black Roman Dial, Jubilee Circa 1995
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...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Steel Blue Dial circa, 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 42mm X Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1500's DIAL / HANDS: Original Steel Blue with Baton Hands / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Oyster Bracelet 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic Rolex Oyster...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust New Style Custom Diamond Bezel, Silver Diamond Dial 116234
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust New Style Custom Diamond Bezel, Silver Diamond Dial 116234 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex White Pearl String Datejust SS Diamond Bezel Lug & Center Band Watch 16014
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex White Pearl String 36mm Datejust SS Diamond Bezel Lugs & Center Band 16014 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced ...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Original Black Dial and Gilt Markers
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 41mm X Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1500's DIAL / HANDS: Original Black Rare Gilt Baton Markers / Gilt Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Factory Oyster Bracelet, 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This strikingly beautiful Rolex...
Rolex Polar Explorar II NOS 16570
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn NOS Explorer II in stainless steel by Rolex. Featuring a white dial with a date aperture, a red 24 hour hand and a fixed bezel with a 24 hour display. An Oyster bracelet c...
Stainless Steel
NEW Rolex Datejust 126200 Jubilee Steel White Roman Dial Automatic Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with the original box and papers.
Steel
Rolex Datejust Side Diamond Bracelet Steel with Diamond Accent RT 68274
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Women's Rolex Datejust 68274 Side Diamond bracelet 31mm Stainless Steel White Color Dial with Diamond Accent RT
Diamond, Steel
Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Watch 126660
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Original Box and paper included. đź‘‘ General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Sea-Dweller 126660 Model Number: 126660 Type: Wristwatch Departmen...
Steel
Rolex 36mm Datejust Tahitian MOP Diamond Dial with Roman Track & Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 36mm Datejust 16030 Tahitian Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial with Roman Track & Diamond Bezel
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Rolex Yacht-Master 40 18k Rose Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126621
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Display Model Rolex Yacht-Master 40 18k Rose Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 126621. This Beautiful Timepiece Comes with a 2021 Card & is Powered by Mechanical (Automatic...
Men's Original Rolex Links 17mm in 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Men's Original Rolex links 18K Yellow Gold Dimension 17mm Condition new
Rolex Datejust II Auto Steel Men's Oyster Bracelet Roman Dial Watch 116334
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust II in stainless steel Ref# 116334 the Year 2015. On the original stainless steel Oyster bracelet with a stainless steel deployment clasp. Fluted 18k white gold bezel w...
Steel