Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Ask anyone, anywhere, to name a luxury watch brand, and the answer will probably be “Rolex.” This 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 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 and contemporary Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
20th Century Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
1950s Contemporary Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Contemporary Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
1980s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Gold, Steel
2010s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, Pearl, Stainless Steel
1970s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond
1930s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Stainless Steel
1970s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Stainless Steel
1980s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Stainless Steel
1990s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Stainless Steel
1970s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Stainless Steel
1990s Modern Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Steel
2010s Modern Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Rose Gold, 18k Gold
1990s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
1960s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Mid-20th Century Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold...
1940s Art Deco Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
1960s Retro Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
1980s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1980s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Stainless Steel
2010s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
1980s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
2010s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
2010s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Stainless Steel
1980s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Stainless Steel
2010s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Stainless Steel
2010s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow S...
Early 2000s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Emerald, Diamond, White Diamond, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1970s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
18k Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
18k Gold
20th Century Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
1990s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Stainless Steel
1940s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
1950s Retro Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold
1970s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1980s Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Stainless Steel
1940s Art Deco Vintage Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Early 2000s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 2000s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Stainless Steel
1990s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Stainless Steel
Early 2000s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Rolex More Jewelry and Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold