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 Milgauss 116400
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm Milgauss crafted in stainless steel from Rolex. Features a black dial with applied hour markers and an orange second hand shaped like a lightning bolt. Fitted with a sapphire...
Stainless Steel
Dm 1.58 in
Rolex Milgauss 116400
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm Milgauss crafted in stainless steel from Rolex. Features a black dial with applied hour markers and an orange second hand shaped like a lightning bolt. Fitted with a sapphire...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm Turquoise Blue Dial Steel Watch 277200
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm Turquoise Blue Dial Steel Watch 277200. This watch is one of the most desirable colors in this category. Brand new never been used with a white tag attach...
Turquoise, Steel
Rolex Milgauss 40mm 116400 Stainless Steel Men's Watch Oyster White Dial MINT
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 sale...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel with T. Blue Dial Rare Machined Bezel from Mid 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 3109 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Dia...
Rolex Milgauss Stainless Steel 40mm Black Dial 116400GV Box/Papers Complete
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. Discover our collection of carefully evaluated and inspected pre-owned watches, each meticulously assessed and authenticated by our ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Milgauss 40mm Black Dial Green Crystal Stainless Steel Mens Watch 116400GV
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Milgauss Green Crystal 116400GV has Silver-tone stainless steel case with a silver-tone stainless steel Rolex oyster bracelet. Fixed domed silver-tone stainless steel bezel. Bl...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Blue Dial 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King With Custom Blue Dial from Early 70's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1500's DIAL / HANDS: Custom Painted...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Milgauss 1019 Steel White Dial 38 MM Vintage Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Rolex Milgauss 1019 is a vintage men's watch featuring a 38 mm stainless steel Oyster case equipped with a Faraday cage for magnetic protection. It has a white dial with black ac...
Rolex Milgauss Steel Green Sapphire Z-Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116400GV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
2022 card. Pre-owned excellent condition. Original box and papers. * Free shipping available across the nation * 5-year warranty protection * 14-day returns, complete with a full ...
Steel
Rolex Milgauss 40mm Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116400GV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. The original box and papers are included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year Rolex warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Blue Turquoise Dial Automatic Men's Watch 124300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Original Turquoise Blue Dial. New Style Green Card. Comes with the Original Box and Papers. Covered By 3-Year Chronostore Warranty. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: R...
Steel
Rolex Milgauss Green Crystal Orange Hand Black Dial Mens Watch 116400GV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-Owned. Comes with an Original Box and Papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Watch Details: Type: Luxury Men's Wristwatch Model: Rolex Milgauss 116400GV Vintage: No Year Manufactured: 2000-2009 Movement: Movement Type: Mechanical (Automatic) Number of Jewels: 31 Jewels Movement Caliber: Rolex Calibre 3131...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Oyster Perpetual Steel Custom Blue Turquoise Dial Watch 134300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Custom Blue Turquoise Dial. Original Box and Papers are Included. * Please note that the dial is customized * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14...
Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Blue Dial Automatic Men Watch 124300
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. 2023 Card. The original box and paper are included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify th...
Steel
