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.
Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Daytona NOS 116523
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn NOS Daytona in Oystersteel and yellow gold by Rolex, features a mother of pearl dial with Arabic numbers. Featuring an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pusher...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona 126503 Steel & Gold White Dial Unworn 2026
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Daytona from Rolex in Oystersteel and Yellow Gold. Features a white dial with applied hour markers. With an engraved tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers, the Dayt...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Zenith Daytona R Series Floating Dial 16528
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A unique R series Zenith Daytona crafted in yellow gold by Rolex. Features a champagne floating dial with applied hour markers and 3 sub dials featuring a 30 minute, a 12 hour, a sma...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dm 1.66 in
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116518
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens yellow gold Cosmograph Daytona by Rolex. Featuring a black and champagne-colour dial with red detailing known as a Paul Newman dial and a yellow-gold bezel set with a tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers. Fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and self-winding automatic chronograph movement. The watch is further equipped with a Rolex original...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Daytona 16518 18K Yellow Gold White Dial Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Daytona 16518 Men's Watch. This watch features a 40mm case made of 18K yellow gold, paired with an 18K yellow gold bezel. The white dial is equipped with luminous gold hands an...
18k Gold
Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Daytona Cream Dial 116523
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Daytona in Oystersteel and yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a distinctive cream dial with an engraved tachymetric scale, three chronograph counters and pushers; the Daytona was desi...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona, White Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold case with a 18k yellow gold rolex oyster bracelet. Fixed 18k yellow gold tachymeter bezel. White Mother of Pearl Diamond dial with gold-tone hands and index hour mark...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116523 40mm Black Dial 18k Yellow Gold Steel Box
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116523 Serial: 6025**** Year: 2010 - 2016 Model: Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel ...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Daytona 16519 'Zenith' 18K White Gold MOP Diamond W/Papers
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Daytona White Gold Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Mens Watch 16519. Officially certified chronometer self-winding movement. 18K white gold case, 40.0 mm in diameter. Special scre...
18k Gold
Rolex Zenith Movement Daytona Stainless Steel & Gold Rare Mark I Dial B&P 16523
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Zenith Movement Cosmograph Daytona Men's Wristwatch, rare Mark I floating champagne dial with applied hour markers, 30 min...
Gold, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
