Rolex Date 1503 18 Karat Gold Dial Automatic Watch
View Similar Items
Rolex Date 1503 18 Karat Gold Dial Automatic Watch
About the Item
Rolex
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.
- Rolex Date Vintage Yellow Gold 1503By RolexLocated in London, GBA mens vintage Date in yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a champagne dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture and a fixed yellow gold bezel. The watch is fitted with a plastic g...Category
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsYellow Gold
- Rolex Day-Date 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Automatic Mens Watch 18038By RolexLocated in New York, NYPre-owned and in good condition. The watch was produced in 1986. Clean dial. Moderate slack on the bracelet, micro marks on hands. May have tiny dents or micro scratches on the case ...Category
Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsYellow Gold
- Rolex 1503 Oyster Perpetual Date Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold Leather StrapBy RolexLocated in San Diego, CAStyle Number: 1503 Serial: 6403*** Year: 1980 Model: Oyster Perpetual Date Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: Rolex Leather Band Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Champagn...Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
- Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 14k Gemmed Dial Automatic 1970s RA204By RolexLocated in Beverly Hills, CABrilliant luxury, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 solid 14k gold automatic with stunning, aftermarket gemmed dial and bezel, c.1976. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gemmed diamond dial, applied yellow sapphire baguette hour markers, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 position, hands and dial in excellent condition. Acrylic crystal. 14k solid gold diamond bezel on 14k solid gold case, case measures 35mm wide, in pristine vintage condition, case serial no.47637xx. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 COSC movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Fitted on new, aftermarket, made in USA croc strap, with Rolex buckle. A stunning, spectacular classic, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, 14k Gold
- Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 18k Solid Gold 1960s Automatic RJC156By RolexLocated in Beverly Hills, CATimeless luxury, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 solid 18k gold automatic, c.1960s. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied gol...Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold
- Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1503 18k Gold Automatic 1960s Rjc156rBy RolexLocated in Beverly Hills, CALuxurious classic, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 automatic, c.1960s. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied g...Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
Rolex Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know about Choosing the Right Watch
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.