Rolex produced some of the most interesting and striking box designs in synchrony with its innovative timepieces. Rolex commissioned presentation boxes that were intricate with high quality standards and manufactured in Switzerland. Most of the boxes, especially from the 1950s and 1960s, are beautiful and have become quite rare. Their styles varied greatly through the decades, but they were always in step with design and fashion trends during the time periods in which they were used.

A period correct box has the potential to add significant value to a loose watch and it is not surprising that Rolex boxes have become highly prized and collectible in the Rolex watch community.

Although inner boxes are far more interesting by design, outer boxes are actually more rare. Cardboard outer boxes were used to protect boxes during shipment and some were marked by dealers and distributors with a model number and band style, some had price tags. Many outer boxes were probably discarded at the time of purchase while more probably disintegrated with age because they were a paper product.

It can be difficult to categorize boxes that are not accompanied by a watch or an original sales receipt. Unlike watches and printed materials, Rolex did not mark most of the boxes with codes that can be easily discerned or cross referenced. There are several clues that can help establish age and intended use for a particular vintage Rolex box. The style and materials used in its manufacture can help estimate the date of manufacture. The cuff size can also help determine if it is a ladies or men's size box. Anecdotal evidence and years of experience are paramount.

The following compendium of boxes is intended to help fellow collectors and aficionados. It is by no means a complete list and is based on information deemed to be reliable but is not guaranteed.  If you have any examples that you would like to share or corrections to please feel free to contact me.

Late 1940s to early 1950s

wood, faux leather, gilt embossing, brass hinges

removable insert, cardboard, gilt embossed cloth covered

Large cuff for 20mm bracelet

circa 1950s

wood, gilt embossing, spring hinged

cardboard insert with metal cuff, faux velvet

Early Asymetrical Box circa 1950s

wood, gilt embossing, spring hinged

cardboard insert with metal cuff, faux velvet

Early Asymetrical Box circa 1950s

wood, gilt embossing, spring hinged

cardboard insert with metal cuff, faux velvet

Coffin Box circa 1950s

Cardboard, gilt embossing, paper hinge

cardboard insert, faux velvet

Coffin Box circa 1950s

Cardboard, gilt embossing, faux lizzard paper hinge

cardboard insert, faux velvet

Coffin Box circa 1950s

Wood, gilt embossing, faux silk, metal hinge

cardboard insert, faux velvet

Hardshell Pale Blue Faux Ostrich circa late 1950s - early 1960s

folded metal, cotton, gilt embossing, spring hinged

fixed metal cuff, cotton

Asymmetrical Pyramid Box circa late 1950s - early 1960s

Wood interior, faux leather exterior, gilt embossed, spring hinged

Removable insert, faux velvet with adjustable metal cuff

Hardshell Green Faux Leather circa late 1960s

folded metal, cotton, gilt embossing, spring hinged

fixed metal cuff, cotton

Symmetrical Box circa 1960s

Wood interior, faux leather exterior, gilt embossed, brass hinges

Removable cardboard insert, faux velvet

Asymmetrical Pyramid Box circa 1960s

Wood interior, faux leather exterior, gilt embossed, spring hinges

Removable cardboard insert, faux velvet

Pyramid Box circa 1960s

Wood interior, faux leather exterior, gilt embossed, spring hinges

Removable cardboard insert, faux velvet

Soft Top Box circa 1960s

faux leather exterior, gilt embossed, spring hinges, removable cardboard insert, metal cuff, faux velvet

Soft Top Box circa late 1960s -early 1970s

faux leather exterior, gilt embossed, spring hinges, removable insert, metal cuff, brass, gilt, faux velvet

Box circa late 1960s -early 1970s

faux leather exterior, gilt embossed, spring hinges, removable insert, movable metal cuff, faux velvet

Symmetrical Box circa late 1960s - early 1970s

Wood interior, faux leather exterior, gilt embossed, spring hinges

Removable cardboard insert, faux velvet

Box circa late early 1970s

faux wood interior, gilt embossed, spring hinges, removable insert, movable metal cuff, faux velvet

Large Bukfor Soft Top Box circa mid 1970s

faux leather exterior, gold plated, spring hinges, removable insert, metal cuff, plastic, gold plating, green cloth

Box circa late late 1970s

faux leather exterior, gilt embossed, spring hinges, removable insert, movable metal cuff, faux velvet

Box circa late late 1970s - early 1980s

faux leather exterior, gilt embossed, spring hinges, removable insert, metal cuff, faux velvet

Moon Crater Box circa 1980s

faux leather exterior, gilt embossed, spring hinges, removable insert, metal cuff, faux velvet

Pillow Box circa late late 1990s

faux leather exterior, gilt embossed, spring hinges, removable insert, metal cuff, faux velvet