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.
Vintage Rolex Submariner 1680 Stainless Steel 1978
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1680 Serial: 5295*** Year: 1978 Model: Rolex Submariner Case Material: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Band: Custom NATO Strap Dial: Black Face: Acrylic Case Size: 40mm I...
Rolex Rare Submariner Date Red Writing Vintage Stainless Steel Mark VI 1680
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date Red Writing men's wristwatch, in stainless steel. This rare vintage wristwatch is a Submariner 1680; a watch that is incredibly sought after and...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 1680 Black Dial Stainless Steel Automatic Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Westport, CT
An original vintage Rolex Submariner reference 1680 stainless steel men’s wristwatch, circa 1980s. Featuring a jet black dial with a date aperture and a rotating bezel, the watch is ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Red 1680, 40mm, stainless steel case, rotating bezel c1973
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and rare Rolex Submariner Date, reference 1680 features a 40mm stainless steel case with bi directional rotating bezel. The dial has red Submariner writing. Presented in ...
Rolex Stainless Steel Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 6605
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Rolex Stainless Steel and 14k Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch, Ref. 6605. Natural wear/patina on the dial. Stainless steel and 14k yellow gold Bracelet Length: 8 1/4 inches and adjustable Grams: 91.3 Case length: 44.5mm Width: 36mm Bracelet width at case: 20mm Case thickness: 11.27mm Bracelet: Original Rolex Jubilee 2 tone 93250 Dial: Factory original Rolex Dial. slight patina and stain from minute hand at 5:00. Alternating black and red date wheel Crystal: Plastic Outside case: 278908 6605 Inside case: 1157 6605 Montres Rolex SA...
14k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold, Gold, Steel
Rolex Vintage Submariner Single Red Matte Dial 1680 Steel Automatic Watch, 1970
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 1680 Year: 1970 Serial number: 29xxxxx Reference: C03865 Case: Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case back stamped 1680 IV.70 Di...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century all original, 1951 Rolex stainless steel oyster date precision wristwatch. Red date wheel. Original ruby steel riveted oyster band. Unpolished, ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Single Red MK II 1680 Tropical Brown Steel Automatic Watch 1969
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 1680 Year: 1969 Serial number: 21xxxxx Reference: C03413 Case: Show sign of wear with some polishing from previous; inner case back stamped 1680 I 69 Di...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 40MM Stainless Steel Ref. 16610 with SWISS-T<25 Tritium Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A strong example of the early sapphire-era Submariner, this 1991 Rolex Ref. 16610 features a 40mm stainless steel case with drilled lug holes and a matching Oyster bracelet. The blac...
Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT Master Stainless Steel Blue Red Bezel, Ref 1675
By Rolex
Located in Queens, NY
Rolex GMT Master Stainless Steel Blue Red Bezel, reference no. 1675 with black dial, luminous indexes, date window at 3 o'clock, powered by automatic self winding movement, calibre 1...
Stainless Steel
Lapponia by Björn Weckström Finland S/S " Bridge To The Moon " Bracelet 1974
By Björn Weckström for Lapponia
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Lapponia by Björn Weckström sterling silver " Bridge To The Moon ' bracelet is part of the Space Silver collection that was inspired by Neil Armstrong becoming the first man to w...
Sterling Silver
