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 Datejust 41mm Wimbledon Dial 126303
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Datejust 41mm by Rolex in stainless steel and yellow gold. Featuring the highly sought-after Wimbledon dial with a smooth yellow gold bezel. The Oyster...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Wimbledon Dial 126334
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn 41mm Datejust in Oystersteel by Rolex. Features the sought-after Wimbledon dial with Roman numerals and a fluted white gold bezel. Equipped with a Jubilee bracelet and the ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Wimbledon Dial 126300
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn 41mm Datejust from Rolex in Oystersteel. Features a Wimbledon dial with Roman numerals and a smooth bezel. The Oyster bracelet comes an Oyster deployant clasp which is equi...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust II 41mm 116333 Wimbledon Dial Two Tone Oyster With Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Authenticity guaranteed! The watc...
Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex 126300 Datejust 41mm Wimbledon on Jubilee Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 126300 Datejust 41mm Wimbledon on Jubilee Bracelet Watch Brand: Rolex MPN: 126300 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Diameter: 41mm Crystal: Scratch resistant sapphire Bezel: Stainless Steel Smooth Bezel Dial: Grey Slate Wimbledon Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet Size: will fit up to a 8" wrist Clasp: Fold over clasp Serial: Scramble Serial Movement: Automatic Additional Details: This Item comes with white handtag and Card dated Dec 9 2023 SKU: A30320825 The Rolex 126300 Datejust 41 “Wimbledon...
Stainless Steel
H 16.15 in W 4.73 in D 16.15 in Dm 16.15 in L 16.15 in
Rolex Datejust 126334 41mm Steel Jubilee Wimbledon Dial Watch Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in Excellent condition. Comes with the original Box and card. 1-year seller warranty
Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Two-Tone Rose Gold Steel Fluted Chocolate Dial Watch 126331
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 in Oystersteel and Everose gold features a chocolate dial and a Jubilee bracelet. The Rolex fluted bezel is a mark of distinction. Originally, the f...
Gold, Rose Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust 41mm Diamond Dial 126333
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 41mm Datejust in Oystersteel and yellow gold by Rolex. Features a champagne diamond-set dial, complemented by a yellow gold fluted bezel. Fitted with a sapphire crystal and a self-...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 126334 Stainless Steel 41mm Gray Wimbledon Dial Complete MINT
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent Rolex Datejust wristwatch is a true masterpiece of Swiss craftsmanship. With its exquisite Wimbledon Dial and elegant Roman numerals, it is the epitome of luxury and...
Stainless Steel
Dm 1.62 in
Rolex Datejust 41mm Diamond Dial 126334
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 41mm Datejust by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with diamond set hour markers and a white gold fluted bezel. Fitted with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a self-winding automa...
Diamond, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Two-Toned Logo Face Datejust Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel with a fluted bezel and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. 36mm face Model #126233 Serial #L1662xxx Size 6 1/2 inches Comes with its ...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Gold Presidential Day-Date Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with a white face. 41 mm face #47K05851 Size 6 1/2 inches Comes with its original box ad extra links.
18k Gold
Vintage 1960s David Webb Concealed Dial Diamond Watch Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with Round Brilliant and Baguette cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 43.00 carats. Signed by David Webb Circa 1960s Size 6 1/4 inches
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 2000s Boucheron Carree Watch Watch
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with a Cabochon Sapphire and brown leather band. Signed by Boucheron Circa 2000s 28.9mm face
18k Gold
Vintage 1980s Fred Paris Two-Toned Chain Necklace
By Fred Paris
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel. Signed by Fred Paris Circa 1980 Chain 30 1/2 inches
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Marina B Two-Toned Fusulli Earrings
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold. Signed by Marina B 1 1/4 x 1/2 inch
18k Gold
