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.
2010s Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Rolex
1960s French Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary French Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary French Rolex
1980s Unknown Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary French Rolex
1980s American Rolex
Late 19th Century French Victorian Rolex
1970s French Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary French Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary French Rolex
1980s Spanish Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
21st Century and Contemporary Rolex
Rolex fashion for sale on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Rolex watches are not battery-powered, except for the rare Rolex Oysterquartz model. This model is no longer in production, but you can still find it in the second-hand market. Shop a collection of Rolex watches, including the rare Oysterquartz, from reputable dealers on 1stDibs.
- Are Rolex spoons worth anything?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Rolex spoons are generally worth only a modest amount. Retailers once gave out these souvenir spoons along with the purchase of Rolex watches. Consult an experienced appraiser for specific information regarding the value of a particular spoon. You'll find a large collection of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- Are Rolex watches unisex?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rolex watches have no specific unisex style, but Rolex does have both women’s and men’s versions. However, some women prefer to purchase the larger men’s watches, and some men opt for the smaller women’s Rolex brands. Shop a variety of luxury men’s and women’s Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, a Rolex watch will hold its value and some of them even appreciate over time. This high-end brand has a grand reputation for superior quality, making it one of the more desirable watches available. Shop a collection of properly vetted vintage and contemporary Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Does a Rolex Datejust tick?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, the Rolex Datejust does not tick in the usual sense. This mechanical watch receives eight impulses per second, rather than the single impulse that is familiar from quartz watches. These impulses could be described as a kind of tick, but they create a much smoother gliding movement and do not generate a “ticking” noise. On 1stDibs you can browse a collection of authenticated Rolex watches from top boutiques around the world.
- Does Rolex use real diamonds?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Rolex uses only the highest quality melee diamonds with between D and G in color and IF in clarity. Every diamond is tested individually to make sure it is real.
- Can I rent a Rolex watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, there are companies that allow you to rent Rolex watches. Some companies offer subscription services and allow you to choose to buy the watch at a certain point if desired. Shop a selection of vintage and contemporary Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- Can a Rolex be traced?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, a Rolex can be traced using its unique serial number that is engraved into the watch. Noting down your watch’s serial number somewhere safe can help to identify it if it’s ever lost. Browse a collection of professionally vetted Rolex timepieces on 1stDibs from top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Almost all Rolex watches say “Swiss-Made” or “Swiss” on the watch face. Sometimes there is also the letter “T” included in this mark. Rolex is a Swiss brand and stands on the proud tradition of excellent Swiss timepiece construction. Shop a collection of authentic Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Is a Rolex Air-King waterproof?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, a Rolex Air-King watch is waterproof. All Rolex watches are waterproof to depths of at least 330 feet except for Cellini styles, which are waterproof to a depth of at least 164 feet. Shop a wide range of verified authentic Air-King, Cellini and more Rolex styles on 1stDibs.
- Is Rolex Swiss made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Rolex watches are Swiss-made. The company operates out of headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. In-house factories located in Switzerland are responsible for producing every movement, dial and other component that goes into a Rolex watch. Artisans do much of the work by hand, and this painstaking craftsmanship is part of what gives the watches their value. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Rolex watches.
- How are Rolex watches made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rolex watches are expertly crafted with much of the process done by hand. Even the machinery used to work on the watches is operated by hand to ensure the quality of each individual timepiece. Take a look at a collection of Rolex watches from top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Each Rolex model may be slightly different, but most models feature a crown at the side that lets you adjust the time. Gently unscrew the crown by twisting it counter-clockwise. Gently pull it out and let it click through two extended positions until it reaches the third extended position. Twist it clockwise to adjust the time. When finished, press it back in and screw it in, in a clockwise direction to keep the watch waterproof. Browse through a range of authentic Rolex watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Does a Rolex tick or glide?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The second hand of a Rolex mechanical watch appears to glide, rather than tick, as it sweeps across the face of the dial. However, it technically is ticking, just at a much higher rate than once per second, as a quartz watch does. It will “tick” eight times per second, giving it that signature sweeping movement as well as producing a much quieter sound. On 1stDibs, find a range of expertly authenticated Rolex timepieces from top sellers.
- Is Panerai better than Rolex?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Depending on what kind of watch you're looking for, one may be better than the other. For instance, if you want a highly functional sport watch, some of Rolex's models may be better for you. That said, the brands' watches are very similar quality-wise. The main difference is their appearances: While Rolex designs more traditional timepieces, Panerai is more contemporary and bold.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Gold Rolex pieces are only made with solid gold, never gold-plated. Crafted with high-quality materials, Rolex uses 18-karat gold made at their in-house foundries to ensure the utmost premium metals are used in each Rolex. Shop a selection of gold Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022While it has not been officially confirmed, it is estimated that Rolex makes over one million watches per year. Each timepiece is renowned for its exceptional quality. Shop a wide variety of expertly authenticated Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Rolex Datejust has 12 links in the standard model. There are also link extension options that allow you to add links for an ideal, personalized fit. Shop a wide range of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- Does a real Rolex tick?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A real Rolex watch does not tick loudly due to its mechanical mechanism. Because of this, loud ticking is one way to help identify a fake Rolex watch. However, if you hold the watch up to your ear in a very quiet place, you may notice a faint rhythmic sound. Shop a collection of expertly vetted Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Rolex watch that is worn daily does not need winding. The Perpetual rotor uses the movement of your body to power the watch and it can hold this power for up to 70 hours. If you take off your watch for an extended period of time, more than the 70 hours, then it will need winding. Manual winding can be done by unscrewing the crown to the winding position and turning it clockwise about 20 times. Remember to screw the crown back tightly to reestablish its waterproof qualities. Shop a collection of authentic Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.