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 Rare Oyster Perpetual Yellow Gold 6285
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Oyster Perpetual wristwatch in yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a silver dial with a distinctive 'Officially' in red writing and a yellow gold engine turned bezel. Fitted with ...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Rare Vintage Oyster Perpetual Yellow Gold 1035
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A striking mens yellow gold Oyster Perpetual by Rolex. Featuring a rare champagne dial with applied hour markers and a textured yellow gold bezel. Equipped with a stunningly rare yellow gold textured bracelet and folding clasp. The watch is further equipped with a plastic glass and a self-winding automatic movement. This vintage timepiece...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1005 14K Yellow Gold Automatic Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1005 Watch featuring a 34mm 14K yellow-gold case and a fluted bezel. It has a champagne dial with gold-tone hands and Index hour markers. Comes with an afterma...
14k Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1550 34mm Champagne Dial 14k Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1550 Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Case Material: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Steel Band: Custom Leather Strap Bezel: 14k Gold Plated Stainless Ste...
14k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual 24MM 6719 14K Yellow Gold Automatic Watch
By Rolex
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold Length: 8.50 inches Diameter: 24.00 mm Weight: 30.90 grams Vintage Rolex Ladies 14K yellow gold, ROLEX Swiss made wrist...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual 18K Yellow Gold 34mm 6564 Circa 1956
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6564, an exceptional yellow gold timepiece featuring a rare hobnail-patterned dial with applied gold faceted baton indices and a raise...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Vintage Oyster Perpetual Date Yellow Gold 34mm 1500
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date reference 1500, a classic yellow gold timepiece featuring a silver dial with applied gold baton indices and a date aperture at 3 o'clock, all pr...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer 14K Yellow Gold Ref. # 1002 1974 "Mint Shape"
By Rolex
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Silver Dial Index #s 14K Y.G., Ref. 1002 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being off...
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1986 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15053 Two-Tone Champagne Dial Auto 34mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Foundation Of The Modern Watch The Oyster Perpetual is the watch from which every other Rolex descended. It combines the brand’s two most important innovations, the waterproof O...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18k Yellow Gold Unisex Vintage Watch 6567
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18k Yellow Gold Unisex Vintage Watch 6567 - Automatic winding with butterfly rotor. Oyster Perpetual. 18k yellow gold cas...
