Rolex Steel Rare Model with Machined Bezel Super Oyster, circa 1951 or 1952

View Similar Items

Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oysterdate with Rare Super Oyster Crown, circa 1951

Rolex Steel Early Oyster with Original Super Oyster Crown from 1952-1953

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Machined Bezel, Early 1970's

Rolex Steel Rare Super Oyster Model with Original Dial from the Mid 1950's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Machined Bezel, 1970's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Index Bezel with Rare Dial, circa 1970s

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual With Rare Engine Turned Bezel 1970's

Rolex Steel and Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Rare Model circa, 1950s

Rolex Stainless Steel with T. Blue Dial Rare Machined Bezel from Mid 1960's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Classic Indexed Bezel, circa 1960's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Dial circa, 1973

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Wristwatch from 1952

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 13

Rolex Steel Rare Model with Machined Bezel Super Oyster, circa 1951 or 1952

Name: Rolex Steel Rare Model with Machined Bezel Super Oyster, circa 1951 or 1952
Brand: Rolex
Price: 4700 USD

Shop All Rolex

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.