Rolex Yellow Gold Bombe Red Officially self winding wristwatch, circa 1951
About the Item
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Case Dimensions:Width: 1.3 in (33 mm)Length: 1.58 in (40 mm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1951
- Condition:Fully serviced, guaranteed genuine, and offered with our 1 year warranty of accurate time keeping and operation. The bombe style case is arguably the best looking Oyster case design from Rolex. An exceptionally rare, and nice looking early example.
- Seller Location:West Hollywood, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: 48915 1stDibs: LU154121383
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.
You May Also Like
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches
Steel
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Wrist Watches
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
