- Founded
- 1905
- Based in
- London, later Geneva
- Known for
- Cosmograph Daytona, Oyster
The house
About Rolex
Rolex was founded in London in 1905 and moved to Geneva in 1919. It introduced the waterproof Oyster case in 1926, and the Cosmograph Daytona chronograph followed in 1963. The earliest Daytona references, such as the 6239, are among the most studied vintage sports watches.
With a vintage Rolex the reference number, the dial, the hands, the bezel and the case are all part of the story, and originality matters more than polish. Each listing describes the condition and what is included, such as box and papers.
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Rolex Pieces
Signature models
Known For
Cosmograph Daytona
The chronograph introduced in 1963. Reference 6239 was the first Daytona reference.
Oyster
The waterproof case introduced in 1926, the basis of most Rolex sports and professional models.
Buying guide
What To Look At
General points worth checking on any Rolex piece. Each listing adds the specifics: condition grade, what is included and any flaws.
01
The reference number identifies the model and the generation. Check that the dial, bezel and case are correct for that reference.
02
On later models the serial number is engraved on the inner ring of the crystal (the rehaut); on older ones it sits between the lugs.
03
Box and papers add to a watch's completeness, but the watch itself is what is being authenticated.
04
Vintage watches may have been serviced. A worn, unpolished case is usually preferred to an over-polished one.
Questions
Rolex Answered
What does 'ref. 6239' mean?
The reference number identifies the exact model and generation of a Rolex. Reference 6239 is the first Cosmograph Daytona reference, produced from 1963 into the late 1960s. Collectors use it to check that the dial, bezel and case match what was made for that model.
What does 'full set' mean for a watch?
A full set is a watch sold together with its original box and papers. It does not change whether the watch is genuine, but it makes the history of the piece more complete.
Is a polished case a problem on a vintage watch?
It can be. Repeated polishing softens the case edges and can remove the original lines. Many collectors prefer a case that has been polished lightly or not at all.
How does Luxury Club authenticate Rolex pieces?
Every piece is physically inspected by our specialists before it is listed: construction, hardware, materials and markings are checked against what is expected of the maker and the era. Nothing is approved from photographs alone, and every sale includes a Certificate of Authenticity documenting what was verified on that specific piece.
