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.




1980s Vintage Rolex
Diamond, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
1960s Modernist Vintage Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
Silver
1910s Vintage Rolex
Silver, Sterling Silver
1990s Rolex
Diamond, 18k Gold
Early 2000s Rolex
20th Century Rolex
Early 2000s Rolex
Stainless Steel
Early 2000s Rolex
1960s Modernist Vintage Rolex
20th Century Rolex
Yellow Gold, Steel
Late 20th Century Rolex
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1970s Vintage Rolex
Diamond, Stainless Steel
1980s Vintage Rolex
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Vintage Rolex
Yellow Gold
1980s Vintage Rolex
Diamond, White Gold
Early 2000s Rolex
Early 2000s Rolex
Early 2000s Rolex
Early 2000s Rolex
Platinum
1930s Art Deco Vintage Rolex
Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
Steel, Stainless Steel
1980s Vintage Rolex
1960s Modern Vintage Rolex
1980s Vintage Rolex
1990s Rolex
1950s Modernist Vintage Rolex
20th Century Rolex
1980s Vintage Rolex
2010s Rolex
Rhodium
1980s Vintage Rolex
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1950s Vintage Rolex
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
Yellow Gold, Steel
1960s Vintage Rolex
1980s Vintage Rolex
Stainless Steel
1960s Modernist Vintage Rolex
20th Century Rolex
1960s Modernist Vintage Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
Stainless Steel, Rose Gold
20th Century Rolex
Yellow Gold, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
Steel, Rose Gold
Early 2000s Rolex
Stainless Steel
1960s Vintage Rolex
Early 2000s Modern Rolex
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel, Gold
1960s Vintage Rolex
Diamond, Stainless Steel
20th Century Rolex
Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
Steel
1970s Modern Vintage Rolex
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
20th Century Rolex
2010s Rolex
Diamond, Rose Gold
1940s Art Deco Vintage Rolex
Rolex jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs
Read 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 this on 1stDibs, where every Rolex is highly vetted.

The 6 Most Popular Brands for Luxury Watches
These companies have stood the test of time, making exceptional pieces for generations.

How Paul Newman Made the Rolex Daytona the Epitome of Cool
In the early 1970s almost no one wanted Daytonas. Now Jay-Z gives them out as party favors.

The Personal Luxury Goods Market amid COVID-19
1stDibs dealers discuss the challenges of this unprecedented time, and the signs of hope.

Why Vintage Watches Are Making a Comeback
Men, women and the watchmakers themselves are falling for the old-fashioned charm of retro timepieces.

The 6 Most Popular Jewelry Houses on 1stdibs
Get to know the history behind the world's most iconic jewelry houses and the fabulous styles they designed.