Rolex GMT Master II Wristwatch Certified
View Similar Items
Rolex GMT Master II Wristwatch Certified
About the Item
Submariner Watch
A watch that could survive 100 meters underwater? The concept was unthinkable in 1953, when Rolex introduced what would become the benchmark for a diver’s watch, the Submariner, at the international watch and jewelry fair in Basel, Switzerland. By this point, Rolex was well-versed in durable timepieces; it had released the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof watch, in 1926. The Submariner — full name: Oyster Perpetual Submariner — would go on to become not only a technical feat but also a decade-spanning status symbol.
Technically, the Submariner watch is defined by its scratch-resistant, ceramic, rotatable bezel, which allows for optimal accuracy even deep underwater and bears a knurled rim for ease of adjustment with diving gloves. Later versions of the timepiece are waterproof to 300 meters — although most fans of the watch, content to sport the timepiece on solid ground, will likely never test that capability.
The Submariner’s most famous star turn, perhaps, is its association with one famous fictional spy. In playing the role of James Bond, Sean Connery sported a reference 6538 in several of the series’ films. George Lazenby, Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton would go on to wear subsequent models of the Submariner in their respective portrayals of the secret agent.
Connery’s Submariner loyalty in the early Bond films correlated with the watch’s move from diving accoutrement to widely coveted accessory. Other well-known Submariner admirers have included rock legend and watch aficionado Eric Clapton as well as Steve McQueen, Al Pacino and even Che Guevara. In 2016, GQ magazine dubbed the Rolex wristwatch “the male engagement ring” and recognized the Submariner as “the most primally loved” of the brand’s models.
Given the numerous versions of Submariner that Rolex has produced since 1953, variations are plentiful.
The first Submariners were manufactured in stainless steel. Since then, Rolex has added versions in yellow gold as well as a mix of its “Oystersteel” — a high-quality stainless steel produced in-house at the watchmaker — and yellow gold.
Other modifications relate to the dial’s characteristics or the style of the hands: Modern Submariners bear the name “Submariner” on their dials, although not all early models do. (Some attribute this to an unforeseen trademark issue.) Pre-1965 models have dials printed in gold, while those produced since then are white. The hands of later models are shaped in the decorative cathedral style as opposed to the slender pencil-style hands of the early models.
Details aside, Submariners of all eras bear an undeniable allure. Who, after all, wouldn’t want to wear the same timepiece as James Bond?
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.
- Rolex Yacht-Master II White Gold and Platinum White Dial 116689By RolexLocated in Geneva, CHReference number: 116689-0002 Model: Yacht-master Ii Movement: Automatic Case material: White gold & platinum Bracelet material: White gold & platinum Year: 2008 Condition: Pre-owned...Category
Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsWhite Gold, Platinum
- Rolex Diamond White Gold 18K Wristwatch 1950SBy RolexLocated in Geneva, CHRolex Diamond round and baguette cut on white gold 18K wristwatch. Circa 1950. Rolex. Numbered. Rolex Précisions. Total gross weight: 22.12 grams. We do not guarantee the function...Category
Vintage 1950s European Art Deco Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Jahan stainless steel wristwatchBy JahanLocated in Geneva, CHStainless steel wristwatch, signed Jahan. Case diameter: 3.60 centimeters. Length: approximately 17.00 centimeters. Weight: 74.69 grams....Category
Late 20th Century Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- Baume & Mercier Hampton Milleis Steel WristwatchBy Baume & MercierLocated in Geneva, CHBaume & Mercier Hampton Milleis Steel Wristwatch Leather Automatic XL, Silver ligne guilloche deco dial black cowhide leather bracelet. Automatic movement. S...Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Patek Philippe WristwatchBy Patek PhilippeLocated in Geneva, CHPatek Philippe Wristwatch ref. 3503/5 in 18K Gold. CIRCA: 1967 CASE NUMBER: 2650836 MOVEMENT NUMBER: 1137844 REF.: 3503 CASE MATERIAL: 18K ye...Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Gran'Sport Steel WristwatchBy Jaeger-LeCoultreLocated in Geneva, CHJaeger LeCoultre Reverso Gran'Sport Automatic Linto Steel Wristwatch. Displaying a white face dial, this adaptable timepiece has a date window at the 6 o'clock position and uses Arab...Category
Early 2000s European Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Rolex GMT-Master II 16713By RolexLocated in London, GBA stainless steel and 18k yellow gold GMT-Master II by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied hour markers, a date aperture and an 18k yellow gold bi-directional rotating bezel w...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
- Rolex GMT-Master II 116710By RolexLocated in Surfside, FLRolex GMT-Master II in stainless steel. Auto w/ sweep seconds, date and dual time. 40 mm case size. **Bank wire only at this price** Ref 116710. Circa 2010s Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watc...Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex GMT-Master II 116710By RolexLocated in Surfside, FLRolex GMT-Master II in stainless steel with ceramic bezel. Auto w/ sweep seconds, date and dual time. 40 mm case size. Ref 116710. Circa 2009. **Bank Wire Only at this Price** Fine P...Category
Early 2000s Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex GMT-Master II 16710By RolexLocated in London, GBA stainless steel GMT-Master II by Rolex, featuring a black dial with a date aperture and a red second-time zone hand. The bidirectional rotatable bezel features a 24-hour display. E...Category
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex GMT-Master II 16710By RolexLocated in London, GBA stainless steel GMT-Master II by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a date aperture as well as a red second-time zone hand. The bidirectional rotatable bezel also features a 24-hou...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex GMT-Master II 116713LNBy RolexLocated in London, GBA GMT-Master II in stainless steel and yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. The bidirectional rotatable bezel features...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Museums and International Collectors Flock to Fourth-Generation Jeweler Iskenderian
Having honed his eye since childhood, dealer Laurent Iskenderian has a talent for spotting exceptional vintage and antique pieces, signed or not.
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 that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.