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Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

Why is it called a watch?

1 Answer
Why is it called a watch?
The portable timepiece worn on the wrist is called a watch due to its original purpose. Although they have become status symbols and fashion accessories, it is believed that early watches were the first tools used by town watchmen, who used them to track the start and end times of their shifts. Find a large collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
Shop for Watches on 1stDibs
Cartier Ceinture Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Manual Winding Watch
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU CT-2502 Brand Cartier Model Ceinture ____________________________________ Date Circa 1980 Gender Unisex / Women Box only ____________________________________ Condition Case - Ex...
Category

Late 20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Factory Original Mosaic Dial circa 1973 / 74
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1973 / 74 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X D...
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Made Light Green Dial circa 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Fine & V Rare Tudor Rolex “Big Rose” Oyster-Prince c1962 35mm Automatic Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This Fine & Very Rare Tudor Rolex “Big Rose” Oyster-Prince c1962 Automatic Watch comes with original factory polish – great news for a collector! ~~~ Dating from 1962 (ye...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Santos Watch
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
Cartier Santos Watch A Medium Sized 18ct Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Cartier Santos Bracelet Watch. Automatic Movement, Case 35MM, Serial...
Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

18k Yellow Gold Ladies ROLEX Cellini Wristwatch
Located in Victoria, BC
Here is a beautiful 18k Yellow Gold Ladies ROLEX Cellini Wristwatch. This lovely watch is characterized by its elegant and classic design,...
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

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