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FeaturedAudemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph1998 · €28,999

Rolex watches

Rolex built its reputation on reliability. Since Hans Wilsdorf introduced the waterproof Oyster case in 1926 and the self-winding Perpetual rotor in 1931, the brand has refined a small family of designs rather than chasing novelty. The Submariner, GMT-Master II, Cosmograph Daytona, Datejust and Day-Date are reference points in modern watchmaking and among the most sought-after watches on the pre-owned market.

Founded
1905, London
Based in
Geneva, Switzerland
In the collection
13 watches
Rolex GMT-Master II on the wrist
GMT-Master II

13 watches

Rolex

13 watches

Showing 13 of 13

From London to Geneva

Rolex was founded in London in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. Wilsdorf registered the Rolex name in 1908 and moved the business to Geneva in 1919. Two inventions followed that still shape every Rolex today. The Oyster case of 1926 sealed the movement against water and dust, and the Perpetual rotor of 1931 made reliable automatic winding a reality.

Since Wilsdorf's death in 1960 the company has been owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation. That independence helps explain the brand's unhurried pace: models evolve in small steps over decades instead of being replaced.

The collections and their references

The Datejust arrived in 1945 and remains the most versatile Rolex for everyday wear. The 1950s added most of the sports line-up, with the Explorer and Submariner in 1953, the GMT-Master in 1955 and the Day-Date in 1956. The Cosmograph Daytona followed in 1963 and the Sky-Dweller, with its annual calendar and second time zone, in 2012.

Reference numbers tell you a great deal. Five-digit sports references such as the Submariner Date 16610 come from the era of aluminium bezel inserts. Later six-digit references introduced Cerachrom ceramic bezels, and current models such as the Submariner Date 126610LN and GMT-Master II 126710BLNR use the 3200-series calibres with around 70 hours of power reserve.

What to look for in a pre-owned Rolex

Originality comes first. The dial, hands, bezel and bracelet should be correct for the reference, and the serial number should match any papers. A full set adds reassurance, but a well-documented service history matters just as much. On older Oyster and Jubilee bracelets, check for stretch between the links, and look closely at whether the case has been heavily polished.

Every watch at Bare Watches is strictly inspected before sale, and we describe condition, box and papers for each piece individually. You can view a watch by appointment in Berlicum or have it sent fully insured with DHL Express.

Frequently asked questions

For many buyers, yes. A Rolex is built to be serviced and worn for decades, so a well-kept pre-owned example offers the same everyday reliability as a new one, often without a waiting list. What matters is the individual watch: its condition, originality and documentation. We describe all three for every Rolex we sell, and each comes with our 12-month warranty on manufacturing defects.

Bare Watches is an independent dealer and is not affiliated with, or an authorised dealer of, Rolex. Brand names, model names and logos are trademarks of their respective owners.