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Rolex Pocket Watches

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to classic pocket watches and 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.

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Creator: Rolex
1940 s Rolex for Bucherer Vintage Antique Mens Pocket Watch, 45mm - Nickel Chrom
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1940's ROLEX for BUCHERER Vintage...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches

Rolex Cellini A Rare $20 Gold Coin Watch 1991
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rolex Cellini Rare Gold Twenty Dollar Coin Watch, C1991. Dial: The original champagne dial with black Roman numerals at twelve, three , six and nine with batons in between and outer minute track and signed Rolex Genève Cellini with original blued steel baton hands. Case: The rare Twenty Dollar coin in pristine condition dated 1904 with little sign of wear. The secret catch to open the coin and reveal the watch is located on the side of the coin. When open it reveals the watch which can tilt up so that the coin can sit on a desk. The case is numbered with the model number and serial number and Swiss Hallmarked. Movement: The extra flat fully jewelled Swiss nickel finished movement signed Rolex. The winding and hand setting crown is located at the one o'clock position. This is a rare piece as very few Rolex Cellini coin...
Category

1990s Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940 s Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches

Materials

Other

Rolex Hunter s Case Yellow Gold Filled Pocket Watch circa 1920 s Flawless Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company for Dunkling's STYLE / REFERENCE: Hunter's Case Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diamet...
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1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Rolex Precision Ref. 3400 Openface, Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare collectors Watch. Original Condition. Watch needs an overhaul. Including certificate of authenticity.
Category

20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex. A Rare Gold Bow Tie Dial Open Face Pocket Watch C1936
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex. A Rare Bow TIe Dial 9ct Yellow Gold Open Face Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1930s Dial: The original rare silver two tone satin finished bow tie dial signed Rolex with Arabic n...
Category

1930s Swiss Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

Rolex. A Rare Gold and Enamel Keyless Pocket Watch C1920
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold and Enamel Keyless Lever Pocket Watch Retailed By The Alex Clarke Company London C1920. Dial: The original silver matt dial engine turned to the cent...
Category

1920s Swiss Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Rolex Rare Prince Yellow Gold Dress Pocket Watch 8753 C1920
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Prince. A very rare 38mm 18ct yellow gold dress pocket watch with a specially made chain by Rolex, C1920. Dial: The excellent cream dial with batons and crown signed Rolex Officially Certified Chronometer with original dagger hands and large subsidiary dial at six o'clock. Case: The Rhombus designed 18ct yellow gold case with a plain satin finished back. The case was never made with a bow only a chain with a clip signed Rolex, designed to be attached to a waste coat or to be put in the breast pocket with the clip attached to the lapel. The case fully signed Rolex ,numbered and Swiss hallmarked. Movement: The rhombus style movement is of exceptional high quality. Nickel finished fully jewelled, signed Rolex with Rolex Patent...
Category

20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Cellini White Gold Keyless Lever Dress Pocket Watch C1970
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Cellini. A White Gold Keyless Lever Dress Open Face Pocket Watch C1970 Dial: The cream coloured dial with black Roman numerals fully signed Rolex Geneve and signed Cellini at six o'clock with black pointer hands. Case: The 18ct white gold slim line case with the original green Rolex sticker on the back of the case. The snap back case is fully signed, numbered, and Swiss hallmarked Movement: The fully jewelled and signed movement calibre 1600 is in pristine working order with fast, slow regulation and compensation balance. This is an excellent example of a fine Rolex Cellini range...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Rare Rolex Prince 9CT Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, C1930s
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Prince. A very rare 9ct yellow gold dress pocket watch C1930s Dial: The excellent silver rare bow tie dial with Arabic twelve and black enamel batons, outer minute track and separate seconds dial with bow tie dial in the seconds dial. A rare combination indeed, complimented by original matching blued steel hands and seconds hand. Case: The Rhombus designed 9ct yellow gold case with a plain polished back. The case fully signed Rolex ,numbered and Swiss hallmarked. Movement: The Rhombus keyless lever movement is of exceptional high quality Nickel finished fully jewelled, signed Rolex with Rolex Patent Cap protecting escapement. One of the best pocket watch movements produced by Rolex. This is indeed a rare pocket watch...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Rolex Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

International Watch Co. A Rose Gold Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1900
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Dress Watch With Original Presentation Box C1964. Dial: The simplistic silver dial with quadrant lines fully signed Rolex Geneve with Rolex Crown at t...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches

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Waltham Open Faced Gold Filled Pocket Watch Flawless Kiln Fired Enamel Dial 1892
By Waltham Watch Company
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FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: 18 Size METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1892 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 55mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual ...
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Waltham Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Open Face Pocket Watch from 1879
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FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced / Full Size METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1879 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 55mm MOVEMENT / CALIB...
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Longines for Birks Open Faced Pocket Watch with Original Dial, circa 1921
By Birks
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Longines for Birks of Canada STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1921 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 45mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels / Caliber 18.89 DIAL / HANDS: Original Gilt Dial with Kiln Fired Enamel Printing by Stern Freres / Blued Steel Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Henry Birks and Sons is the most famous house in Canada, the Cartier of Canada. This unique watch was produced for Birks by Longines. Impressively, the dial was produced for Longines, for this watch by the house of Stern Freres. The Stern family were the most renowned dial house in Switzerland. They were so successful that in the early 1930's, after falling into bankruptcy they purchased the Patek Philippe Watch Company. Stern still owns Patek Philippe to this day. The dial on this watch is in flawless original condition. Longines was founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz, a Swiss watchmaker. He was also the brother of renowned biologist Louis Agassiz. Agassiz started the company with two partners, lawyers Henri Raiguel and Florian Morel. The company's original name was Raiguel Jeune & Cie. In 1846, Raigeul and Morel retired from the watch industry, leaving Agassiz as sole company head. Several years later, Agassiz brought in his bright, enterprising nephew, trained economist Ernest Francillon, into the business. Francillon was the mastermind behind several impressive innovations that would distinguish the company from its competitors. In 1880, Francillon trademarked the Longines name and its winged hourglass logo. The winged hourglass is a symbol of precision and timekeeping, and it has become one of the most recognizable logos in the watch industry. In 1912, Longines became the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games. The company has held this position ever since, and it has been involved in every Olympic Games since then. Longines has also been the official timekeeper of many other major sporting events, including the World Championships in Athletics, the Formula One World Championship, and the America's Cup. In 1931, Longines invented the Lindbergh Hour Angle watch. This watch was designed specifically for Charles Lindbergh, the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The watch featured a special bezel that allowed Lindbergh to calculate his longitude. In my own personal collection, I have the Longines Caliber 13 ZN Chronograph that Commander Richard Byrd took to Antarctica in 1928. It was purchased at the time from Abercrombie and Fitch in New York along with all the other equipment used on the expedition, it still runs well and keeps good, even after 100 years. In the 1980’s I was privileged to view their “collection” in their vaults. It was not open to the public, but a contact arranged it. There were examples of all the finest pocket and wristwatches they had ever produced. This included all the pieces that had received navigational and chronometer ratings. They were not even arranged for presentation; they were merely in drawers. I was shown the collection by their renowned “springer.” I have forgotten his name, but he was responsible for adjusting the watches to win the chronometer ratings. He was probably 80 years old at the time. Interestingly but not surprisingly he could only speak to me about adjusting the hairspring but not about the watch in general. This is something that is not uncommon in the watch world. A craftsman will only know about the part of the watch that they are responsible for. When I produced my own watch in Geneva many years ago, I realized that the dial maker and case maker and other associated craftsmen knew almost nothing about what each other did. This seemed odd to me, but it is that way. Lastly, our family jewelry store in Los Angeles was an official Longines retailer so I can speak from personal experience that Longines is an exceptional watch company regarding their service and dependability. They are also famous for the “Ultra Chron...
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1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches

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Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. ROLEX Cellini 3808 Mechanical Windup. Milanese bracelet
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1970s Modern Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches

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18kt Yellow Gold Patek Philippe Cie Savonette / Hunter Case Pocket Watch
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20th Century Swiss Artisan Rolex Pocket Watches

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Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Vogt Pocket Watch
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Early 20th century, this Swiss made manual 51mm Vogt Pocket Watch was made as an export to Germany in fourteen karat 14K yellow gold. Assembled with an engine turned hunting case #11...
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Antique 1910s Edwardian Tiffany Co. Pocket Watch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
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1910s Edwardian Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches

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Previously Available Items
1940 s Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens 50mm Pocket Watch Nickel
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
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1940s Swiss Vintage Rolex Pocket Watches

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Rolex. A Rose Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1924
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1991 Rolex Day Date Platinum Blue Vignette Dial Ref. 18346
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Rolex Cellini. A Rare Gold Twenty Dollar Coin Watch C1990
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Rolex Stainless Steel Pocket Watch Ref 3002
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Rolex Cellini Rare Yellow Gold Pendant Pocket Watch C1965
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Rolex Cellini. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Dress Watch With Original Presentation Box C1965. Dial: The simplistic champagne dial with quadrant lines fully signed Rolex Geneve with Rolex...
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Rare Rolex Cellini Twenty Dollar Gold Coin Watch C1995
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Distinctive Antique and Vintage Pocket Watches for Sale on 1stDibs

Can you pull off a vintage pocket watch? Of course you can. With a suit and a waistcoat, a pocket watch can be a refreshing alternative to a wristwatch.

The earliest pocket watches were luxury items, and, owing to cost, they weren’t commonplace until the 19th century. Artfully crafted pocket watches were a symbol of wealth, and manufacturers such as Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe became known for theirs. (Today, they’re among the most sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.)

At the onset, pocket watches resembled small round table clocks, and pulling your small round table clock — perhaps of the silver variety — out of your breast pocket in front of someone else demonstrated unequivocally that you cared about punctuality. For collectors, pocket watches are big, and that means a larger canvas provided for functions without crowding the dial. For example, the Marius Lecoultre pocket watch — made circa 1890 — does everything but uncork your wine.

In the late 1800s, the open-face pocket watch became a staple on the American railroad. It was a requirement for railway workers to wear a pocket watch, as the timepieces were responsible for keeping conductors on schedule. This was a boon to the watchmaking industry, with companies like Elgin National Watch Company and the Waltham Watch Company producing high-grade and workingman’s watches.

By the 1930s, wristwatches comprised the bulk of watch manufacturing in America, superseding the pocket watch. Suddenly, if you wanted to know the time, you merely glanced at your wrist. But given their vintage charm and our general appetite for good design, pocket watches are a piece of statement-making jewelry and today can prove complementary to your formal attire in a manner that is stylish and unconventional.

Let time take its course — browse a vast selection of antique and vintage pocket watches available on 1stDibs designed by legendary brands such as IWC, Cartier and more.

Questions About Rolex Pocket Watches
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To wind a Rolex Datejust, set the crown notch (located on the right hand side of the face) to position one. To set it to position one, turn the crown counterclockwise to unscrew the crown and pop the crown out one notch. From this position, start to wind the Rolex by turning the crown clockwise. You should feel a bit of tension and hear a soft clicking sound. Browse a wide selection of Rolex Datejust watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    While choosing a watch can depend on the wearer's style, there are a few consistent favorites. Some of the top Rolex watches for women include the Rolex Datejust, the Rolex Day-Date, and the Rolex Oyster Perpetual.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, pocket watches can be a good investment. However, many factors can influence the value of a pocket watch, including the brand, the style and the mechanism that powers it. Also, how well you maintain and care for the watch impacts what it is worth. You'll find a collection of antique and vintage pocket watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Rolex uses only the highest quality diamonds in their watches and compares these stones against certified master stones. They are the most colorless, so in ranges D to G.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A contemporary Rolex Yacht Master costs around $11,000. However, a vintage model can cost up to $30,000.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a great entry-level Rolex to purchase. The perpetual refers to the ability of the watch to use the energy of the wearer's wrist motion to run. It is a popular starter Rolex.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    An Oyster Perpetual on a Rolex watch refers to the watch's ability to run on the energy generated by the wearer's wrist movements rather than manual winding. At Baselworld in 2015, a variety of Rolex watches with a new-generation Oyster Perpetual movement were unveiled. Find a variety of vintage Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The popular Rolex Oyster Perpetual is usually between $5,900 and $6,600 in price.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Because platinum is denser than other metals, it is often more expensive to purchase platinum watches than gold. One of the most expensive watches sold was a Platinum Rolex worth $277,000.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date watch is worth around $6,000. However, if it's encrusted with gems or vintage, it can cost as much as $50,000. 1stDibs has a great and vast selection of Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The new Submariner Rolex with a Black Bezel is worth around $8,100 with some of the more expensive new Submariners in yellow gold costing around $36,950.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To wind a Rolex watch, first fully unscrew the winding crown. Once it is in a raised position, carefully turn the crown clockwise. Most watches require 25 turns for enough winding to begin powering the watch. The instructions included with Rolex watches provide more information about how to wind specific models. Shop a large collection of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Depending 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, 2022
    Rolex made pocket watches from 1905 through to the 1970s. The last pocket watch released was a small, ultra-formal 18 karat piece. Own a piece of history by shopping a selection of Rolex pocket watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Rolex Submariner bears an 18k stamp and the number “750,” which means that 75 percent of the watch is made out of pure gold model. The most luxurious of all timepieces, the Rolex Submariner has been continuously manufactured since 1951. Find vintage Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Rolex 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Before 1915, the Rolex Watch Co. was called Wilsdorf and Davis. The company shared a name with its founders Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis, but they opted to update it after they trademarked the word Rolex in 1908. Find a wide variety of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Rolex GMT is a wristwatch designed with jetsetters in mind. The watch features a bezel that can track both departure and destination times. Unlike standard watches, the Rolex GMT has a fourth hand set to GMT. GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time, which is the standard to which all time zones are dictated. Find a selection of Rolex GMT watches and other styles on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Rolex Thunderbird is another name for the Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph watch. It is well known for its rotating bezel. The Swiss watchmaker released the timepiece for the first time in 1953. You'll find a collection of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, 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 ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To determine what year your Rolex watch is, use the serial number. Normally, you will find the number engraved on the bottom half of the back of the case. Depending on the age and model, the serial number ranges from four to eight digits in length. You can contact Rolex to determine the year that corresponds to the serial number or use an online tool. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted Rolex watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
    Rolex is from Switzerland. However, the company's history can be traced to the UK. 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 Montres Rolex S.A. Explore a wide range of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    A number of Rolex watches include meteorite, a piece of debris from a meteoroid, asteroid or comet. The Swiss luxury watchmaker uses the material in the premium models in its Datejust, Pearlmaster and GMT-Master II lines. Shop a variety of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, you can swim wearing most Rolex watches because the Swiss luxury watchmaker's timepieces tend to be waterproof. However, the depth that you can safely dive to while wearing one varies, making it important that you consult the water-resistance information etched onto the back of the case or detailed in the watch's papers before you swim. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Rolex watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Rolex does not offer financing. That said, there are many qualified and reputable Rolex retailers who may offer their own financing options. Shop iconic vintage and contemporary Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To open a Rolex watch, you must have a die kit. Rolex designs these kits and sells them through authorized brick-and-mortar and online dealers. Place the die in the center of the case back, positioning it inside of the grooves. Then, twist the die clockwise with one hand and hold the watch steady with the other. Continue to twist until you unscrew the back completely. Shop a wide range of Rolex on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The term “Rolex” refers to a luxury watch produced by the company Rolex. In 1905, Hans Wildorf founded the company in London, UK, but today it operates from headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Shop a large selection of Rolex watches 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A Pepsi Rolex is a watch with a red and blue bezel nicknamed for its resemblance to the logo to one of America's favorite soft drinks. The first version of the Rolex GMT-Master II, or “Pepsi” arrived in 1954. It is a highly coveted mid-level price watch.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A 1675 Rolex is the name for the second generation of Rolex GMT-Master watches produced by the brand Rolex. The Swiss luxury watchmaker made the model from 1959 to 1980. It featured crown guards and an aluminum insert that made the timepiece more durable than its predecessor. You'll find a wide variety of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    No, Cartier is not the same as Rolex. Louis-François Cartier founded Cartier in Paris in 1847. Some of its most iconic watches include the Tank, the Santos, the Ballon Bleu, the Calibre de Cartier and the Drive de Cartier. Hans Wilsdorf established Rolex in London in 1905. Today, the maker is well-known for its sophisticated watches, including the Submariner, the Daytona, the DateJust, the Oyster Perpetual and the GMT-Master II. Find a selection of Cartier and Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    A vintage Rolex is a timepiece made by the luxury Swiss watchmaker Rolex that is a certain age. Generally, experts refer to vintage models as those produced between 20 and 99 years ago. Watches made shortly after the company's founding that are at least 100 years old may be categorized as antiques. Shop a large collection of vintage Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    The first Rolex watch was the Oyster. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch when it debuted in 1926. 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. Explore a diverse assortment of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    Opinions may differ as to which model is the most quintessential Rolex. However, one of the most well-known watches produced by the luxury Swiss maker is the Submariner. Rolex introduced what would become the benchmark for a diver’s watch at the international watch and jewelry fair in Basel, Switzerland, in 1953. The Submariner — full name: Oyster Perpetual Submariner — would go on to become not only a technical feat but also a decade-spanning status symbol. Other potential contenders for the title include the Oyster Perpetual, the DateJust, the Air King and the Milgauss. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Rolex watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    No, you can't overwind a Rolex watch. The winding crown only continues to wind the watch until it reaches its limit. At that point, the winding crown disengages and continuing to turn the crown won't keep winding the watch. Shop a wide range of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Most Rolex watches work thanks to a perpetual rotor found inside. Every time you move your wrist, this rotor glides back and forth, creating kinetic energy. That energy moves into the mainspring of the watch to power the timepiece, eliminating the need for winding as long as the watch is being worn. You’ll find a large selection of Rolex on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, you don’t have to wind a Rolex watch as long as you are wearing it regularly. Rolex watches feature a Perpetual rotor that collects energy from the wrist’s movement and converts it into power for the watch. Browse a collection of expertly authenticated Rolex watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.

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