Vintage Rolex: The essential guide to the most iconic luxury

Product Overview

For more than a century, Rolex has stood apart as the most legendary brand of watch in the world. A Rolex conveys many things: a luxury timepiece, a tool of power for movers and shakers, and the symbol of passage into adulthood. New labels pop up, styles come and go, but the brand at the top never changes. Ever the record setter—the Daytona that had belonged to Paul Newman was auctioned by Phillips in New York in October 2017 for $17.8 million—it comes as no surprise that Rolex is the most collected watch brand in the world.

The Vintage Watch Company is the only store of its kind in the world, with a devoted client base of Rolex aficionados ranging from royalty to sporting legends to stars of the silver screen. Throughout, father and son John and David Silver have been carefully cataloguing and amassing one of the largest pictorial records of vintage Rolex watches in the world. Published to celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary in late 2020, this lavishly illustrated book contains a unique pictorial collection of vintage Rolex watches that have passed through the shop during the past 25 years.

Key Features

• Over 1,800 vintage Rolex watches photographed and described: Each timepiece is meticulously documented with detailed information about its model, era, and significance, offering deep insight into Rolex’s evolution.
• More than 760 color photographs: High-quality images capture the intricate details and historical essence of each watch, bringing the collection to life with vivid clarity.
• Exclusive archive from The Vintage Watch Company: Curated by John and David Silver, owners of London’s Burlington Arcade boutique established in 1995, this collection represents one of the largest and most authentic displays of vintage Rolexes globally.
• Covers iconic models and milestones: Includes rare pieces such as the first Submariner (later known as James Bond’s watch), early GMT-Masters made for Pan Am pilots, Explorers tied to Everest expeditions, and Daytonas worn by figures like Steve McQueen.
• Published in celebration of 25 years of expertise: Released on October 27, 2020, to honor two decades and a quarter of dedicated preservation and documentation of vintage Rolex heritage.

Technical Specifications

• Publisher: Pavilion Books
• Publication Date: October 27, 2020
• Language: English
• Print Length: 384 pages
• ISBN-10: 1911663127
• ISBN-13: 978-1911663126
• Item Weight: 5.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 9.17 x 1.61 x 12.24 inches
• Best Sellers Rank: #718,456 in Books; #118 in Antique & Collectible Clocks & Watches (Books); #655 in Antiques & Collectibles Encyclopedias; #1,315 in Fashion Design
• Average Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (based on 371 reviews)

Benefits & Use Cases

This book is ideal for serious collectors who own vintage Rolex watches and wish to learn more about the models in their possession. It appeals to enthusiasts of luxury retail, horology historians, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of design, innovation, and status. As a coffee table centerpiece or reference guide, it provides context and storytelling around some of the most important timepieces in modern history. Its large-format hardback layout enhances the viewing experience, making it suitable for display in homes, offices, or libraries where elegance and knowledge converge.

Important Notes

While this book does not include actual watches or offer authentication services, it functions purely as a photographic and narrative record curated by experts at The Vintage Watch Company. No physical items are included in the package—only the printed volume. Due to its substantial size and weight, handling requires care to preserve its condition. Recommended for readers interested in luxury collectibles rather than functional timepieces.

Exclusive Highlights from The Vintage Watch Company Collection

Marvel at Early Vintage collections, from the Officer’s Pocket Watch to the Ladies’ Diamond; from the Oyster and the Stella & Stone collections, to the Sport Collection. Choose from the First Rolex Submariner, later coined the James Bond, or the Early GMT-Master made for Pan Am transatlantic pilots. Read about the First Explorers made famous by the 1953 Everest Expedition or the later Explorer II worn by Steve McQueen. This mesmerizing archive of vintage timepieces charts the extraordinary rise of an extraordinary brand.

“An ode, a love letter, and a paean to family tradition while also being a celebration of the longevity of the Rolex brand—this tome is encyclopedic and monumental in its scope.” – Robb Report

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