First Wristwatch In The World
Early 2000s Wrist Watches
2010s Dutch Contemporary Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches
Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Finnish Modernist Wrist Watches
Silver
2010s Dutch Contemporary Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Dutch Contemporary Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold
Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
2010s British Wrist Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
2010s Dutch Contemporary Wrist Watches
Yellow Gold
1970s Assemblage Color Photography
Photographic Paper
Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches
Gold Plate
2010s Dutch Contemporary Wrist Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s Finnish Modernist Wrist Watches
Gold
2010s Dutch Contemporary Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Dutch Contemporary Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s European Contemporary Wrist Watches
Diamond, White Gold
2010s Dutch Contemporary Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Dutch Contemporary Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
2010s Dutch Contemporary Wrist Watches
Diamond, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Wrist Watches
Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches
14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Link Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Drop Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1970s French Retro Wrist Watches
Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s French Modernist Wrist Watches
Crystal, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s French Modernist Wrist Watches
Silver, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s Swiss Directoire Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Bronze
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Platinum
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Mantel Clocks
Marble, Brass, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Wrist Watches
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
White Gold
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Metal
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
14k Gold
Vintage 1910s Swiss Pocket Watches
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1910s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches
Gold-filled
20th Century Swiss Art Deco Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Brass
Antique 1880s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Mantel Clocks
Metal
Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Wrist Watches
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Pocket Watches
Gold-filled
Mid-20th Century American Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches
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First Wristwatch In The World For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a First Wristwatch In The World?
Finding the Right watches for You
Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, new and classic vintage watches on 1stDibs.
While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind.
Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.
Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
When shopping for a watch, it’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.
Find exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.
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