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.
Russian gold watch NIKA 14KT solid gold watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Russian Watch called NIKA written on the watch back, comes with crocodile red strap and the original black straps if you want to change to original, the ...
Gold, 14k Gold
Dm 7 in
Movado Watch 14kt Gold
By Movado
Located in New York, NY
Movado Ladies Gold watch Excellent condition. Made for 7-in wrist. .28 carat natural diamonds rounds full cuts G color VS2 clarity. 37 g...
Diamond, Gold
Baume Mercier Vintage Gold Watch 14kt
By Baume & Mercier
Located in New York, NY
Baume & Mercier Geneve Watch is in working condition good condition overall gorgeous band deco casing of watch is: 16mm x 12mm 19mm wide band 49 grams marked "14kt" on band &...
14k Gold
Vintage 1958 Longines 33.5MM 14KT Yellow Gold Dress Watch
By Longines
Located in New York, NY
This elegant vintage circa 1958 Longines wristwatch reflects the refined mid-century design language that defined the golden era of Swiss watchmaking. The watch is housed in a distin...
14k Gold
H 1.05 in W 0.65 in
1966 Rolex Ladies Dress Watch, Silver Dial - 14K White Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
White Gold
H 0.99 in W 0.6 in
1960's Rolex Ladies Dress Watch, Silver Dial - 14K White Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
White Gold
Vintage 1950s LeCoultre 14KT Gold Dress Watch with Black Dial – Manual Wind
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated example of mid-century design, this vintage 1950s LeCoultre dress watch features a 17.3 x 17.3mm 14KT yellow gold case distinguished by its elegant slanted bezel and ...
14k Gold
14kt Yellow Gold Woven Bracelet w Hidden Concord Watch
By Concord Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Stylish statement jewelry in bold 14 karat yellow gold, this elegant Bracelet Watch accessorizes with functional luxury for all occasions. Integrated into this smart looking gold bra...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Genuine Rolex Diamond Watch. 14k YG Ladies Rolex 3271 Mechanical Windup Watch.
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
14k Yellow Gold Rolex Diamond Accent Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1970s. 1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 3271. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. Case an...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Datejust Pearlmaster 18KT Diamond MOP Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Vero Beach, FL
The most feminine watch from Rolex……………………………. 18KT, Diamonds and Mother-of-Pearl……………………………… Model: Rolex Datejust Pearlmaster Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Case #: 80298 Serial : P192872 Movement: Automatic Year Model was Manufactured: 2000-2009 Case Size: 32.00 mm. Strap measures 15.00 mm. to 12.00 mm. to the deployment buckle Dial: Mother-of Pearl Diamond Markers and Diamond Bracelet Display: Analog Movement: 31 Jewel Chronometer Bezel Type: Diamond Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Band Material: 18k Yellow Gold, Diamonds Features: Date Has been serviced. Original Rolex blue jewelry box...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex 14Kt Solid White Gold Modernist Style Ladies Watch circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 9060 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm "Lug Tip...
14k Gold, White Gold
Rolex 14Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Tank Style Watch circa 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 4391 Ladies Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 27mm "...
14k Gold
Hilton 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold Art Deco Ladies Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold with Gold Filled Bracelet / Genuine Pi...
14k Gold
Eterna 14Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch 1940's
By Eterna
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Eterna Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm X Width 16mm MOVE...
Gold
Omega 14Kt Solid White Gold Ladies 1950's Dress Watch with 1 Carat of Diamonds
By Omega
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Mid Century / Reference A7699 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X D...
Hamilton 14Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Tonneau Shaped Watch 1930's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tonneau Shape METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 31mm X Width 16mm...
14k Gold
