Rolex Pocket Watches
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.
20th Century Rolex Pocket Watches
1970s Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Platinum
19th Century Modern Antique Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
20th Century Rolex Pocket Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Rolex Pocket Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
Stainless Steel
1950s Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Rolex Pocket Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
Rhodium, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold
19th Century Contemporary Antique Rolex Pocket Watches
Diamond, White Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Bronze, Stainless Steel
20th Century Rolex Pocket Watches
20th Century Rolex Pocket Watches
20th Century Rolex Pocket Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex Pocket Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex Pocket Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex Pocket Watches
20th Century Rolex Pocket Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex Pocket Watches
20th Century Rolex Pocket Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex Pocket Watches
20th Century Rolex Pocket Watches
20th Century Rolex Pocket Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold
19th Century Contemporary Antique Rolex Pocket Watches
Diamond, White Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
1990s Rolex Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1920s Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1930s Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
Other
1930s Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
Other
1960s Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
White Gold
1920s Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rolex Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel, Gold
1990s Rolex Pocket Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1920s Modern Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex pocket watches for sale on 1stDibs
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, pocket watches can be a good investment. However, many factors can influence the value of a pocket watch, including the brand, the style and the mechanism that powers it. Also, how well you maintain and care for the watch impacts what it is worth. You'll find a collection of antique and vintage pocket watches on 1stDibs.
- Does Rolex make pocket watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rolex made pocket watches from 1905 through to the 1970s. The last pocket watch released was a small, ultra-formal 18 karat piece. Own a piece of history by shopping a selection of Rolex pocket watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.