Watch Vintage Watch
1960s Italian Watch Vintage Watch
Diamond, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century American Watch Vintage Watch
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Watch Vintage Watch
18k Gold, Enamel
1980s Swiss Modern Watch Vintage Watch
Diamond, Steel
1980s Swiss Modern Watch Vintage Watch
Diamond, Steel
1990s Swiss Modern Watch Vintage Watch
Diamond, Steel
1980s Swiss Modern Watch Vintage Watch
Diamond, Steel
1980s Swiss Modern Watch Vintage Watch
Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel
1980s Swiss Watch Vintage Watch
Diamond, Gold, Steel
20th Century Watch Vintage Watch
Gold-filled
1950s Watch Vintage Watch
Vermeil, Silver
20th Century Watch Vintage Watch
Yellow Gold
1980s Swiss Watch Vintage Watch
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Swiss Watch Vintage Watch
Diamond, Stainless Steel
1970s American Watch Vintage Watch
Silver, Steel
1980s Swiss Watch Vintage Watch
Diamond
20th Century Watch Vintage Watch
Yellow Gold
1940s Watch Vintage Watch
10k Gold, Gold-filled
20th Century Watch Vintage Watch
14k Gold, Gold-filled
20th Century Watch Vintage Watch
Yellow Gold, Silver
1980s Swiss Modern Watch Vintage Watch
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Steel
1990s Swiss Contemporary Watch Vintage Watch
18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
1940s Swiss Art Deco Watch Vintage Watch
1980s Swiss Watch Vintage Watch
20th Century Watch Vintage Watch
Yellow Gold
20th Century Watch Vintage Watch
Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Watch Vintage Watch
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Swiss Watch Vintage Watch
Steel
1940s Swiss Watch Vintage Watch
Steel
1970s Watch Vintage Watch
Mid-20th Century Watch Vintage Watch
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Swiss Retro Watch Vintage Watch
Yellow Gold
1980s Swiss Art Deco Watch Vintage Watch
1940s Swiss Art Deco Watch Vintage Watch
Stainless Steel
20th Century Watch Vintage Watch
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s American Art Deco Watch Vintage Watch
Gold-filled
1940s Swiss Watch Vintage Watch
Steel, Stainless Steel
20th Century Swiss Watch Vintage Watch
1990s Watch Vintage Watch
Yellow Gold
1930s Swiss Watch Vintage Watch
20th Century Art Deco Watch Vintage Watch
Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
1960s Art Deco Watch Vintage Watch
14k Gold
1980s Swiss Modern Watch Vintage Watch
Gold
1970s American Native American Watch Vintage Watch
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Swiss Watch Vintage Watch
20th Century Swiss Watch Vintage Watch
Diamond, 18k Gold
1930s American Art Deco Watch Vintage Watch
1950s Contemporary Watch Vintage Watch
Steel
1960s American Watch Vintage Watch
Steel
20th Century American Watch Vintage Watch
20th Century American Art Deco Watch Vintage Watch
1970s Swiss Modernist Watch Vintage Watch
Mid-20th Century Watch Vintage Watch
Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Watch Vintage Watch
1930s Swiss Watch Vintage Watch
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Modernist Watch Vintage Watch
1940s American Retro Watch Vintage Watch
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
1960s Swiss Watch Vintage Watch
1970s Swiss Watch Vintage Watch
18k Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Watch Vintage Watch
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Watch Vintage Watch For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Watch Vintage Watch?
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.
- What is a vintage watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A vintage watch is any watch that is at least two decades old. A model number can usually be found on a watch's movement for identification purposes, and date marks on the back of a watch can usually tell you if it is vintage. Vintage timepieces have made a comeback for serious collectors as well as casual enthusiasts all over the world. Find a collection of vintage watches on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The gold content of a vintage watch will depend on the make and model of the watch. Gold is a popular choice for luxury watches due to its finish and yellow-golden hue that can be achieved through gold or gold-plated bands. Shop a wide selection of expertly vetted vintage watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The easiest way to determine if a watch is vintage is to look for a date on the back. If the date is more than 20 years old, the timepiece would be considered vintage. If a watch lacks a date, a certified appraiser has the knowledge and experience needed to determine its age. Find a variety of watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023To identify your vintage Omega watch, first find its serial number. Those made before 1944 have seven-digit numbers; from 1944 on, the numbers have eight digits. On vintage models, the serial number is engraved on the inside of the case back.You can cross-reference this number online to find out what model your watch is. Explore a wide variety of Omega watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Wind a vintage Omega watch by twisting the crown at the side in a clockwise direction. Stop winding once you feel the movement of the crown stop. Browse a range of authenticated vintage and contemporary Omega watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Seiko watches include a few different identifying marks. Before 1970, serial numbers were seven digits, and limited-edition models had a piece number. Modern Seiko watches have a six-digit serial number, which includes the manufacturing date. You can also shop expertly vetted vintage Seiko watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024To identify a vintage Omega watch, first find its serial number. On most vintage timepieces, this number appears on the inside of the caseback. By cross-referencing the number with the information provided by trusted online resources, you can learn what model your watch is and discover other details like its ownership history. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of vintage Omega watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023There are no specific criteria for what makes a military watch a military watch. However, people may call watches "military" if they resist damage due to shocks, are highly waterproof, accurate and easy to read in extreme environments. On 1stDibs, find a selection of military watches.
- Were there watches in the 1960s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Yes, there were watches in the 1960s. The first recorded wristwatch dates back to 1868, when Patek Philippe, a watchmaker founded in Geneva in 1839 by Polish expats Antoni Patek and Franciszek Czapek, designed a timepiece for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary. Shop a collection of vintage watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a bumper watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A bumper watch is a watch that uses bumper movement for rotation. Modern watches have rotors that spin a 360 degree, whereas bumper movement is back and forth at about 120 degrees. It is a type of self-winding, automatic movement. Find a broad range of antique and vintage watches on 1stDibs today.
- What is a Polerouter watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Polerouter watch is a timepiece designed by Universal Genève. The Swiss watchmaker released the watch in 1954. Legendary designer Gerald Genta created the design. Its fluted chapter ring and oversize 12 o'clock marker set it apart from other mid-century modern pieces. Shop a range of Universal Genève Polerouter watches on 1stDibs.
- Is there a Bentley watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Bentley, Breitling created the B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley Centenary Limited Edition watch. There are other versions of the Breitling Bentley available. Find a collection of expertly vetted Breitling Bentley watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a 41 watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A 41 watch is a timepiece produced by the Swiss luxury watchmaker Rolex. Its full name is the Rolex Datejust 41, and the number 41 comes from the fact that it has an Oyster case that measures 41 mm in diameter. You'll find a large selection of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- What is a watch key?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A watch key is utilized to wind the watch and set the time in pocket watches. This is generally done by opening the watch back and positioning the key over the winding-arbor and turning the hands. Shop a range of antique and vintage pocket watches on 1stDibs.
- What is a Waterbury watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Waterbury Watch Company was established in the late 1870s in Connecticut to give people an inexpensive watch. It was very simply made, featured a nickel-plated case, no cover and it only had an hour hand. Through many buy-outs over the years, Waterbury eventually was folded into the Timex brand. Find a collection of vintage watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a VC watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A VC watch is a timepiece produced by the Swiss luxury watch maker Vacheron Constantin SA. The company was founded in 1755 and has created a number of iconic designs over the years, including the Overseas and the Patrimony. Find a selection of vintage Vacheron Constantin watches on 1stDibs.
- Why is it called a watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024The 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.
- What is a Genève watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Genève watch is a watch stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva, a quality seal awarded to watches that meet strict criteria in regards to its finishing and materials. Browse a variety of Genève watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a calendar watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A calendar watch, as the name suggests, indicates calendar information. It can either have one or a combination of – date, day, week, month, year and moon phase. Dating from different eras, you can find an early iteration of calendar watches from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Find a variety of classic, vintage and antique calendar watches on 1stDibs.
- What is a Bucherer watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Bucherer watch is a timepiece made by the company Carl F. Bucherer. Carl-Friedrich Bucherer founded the watchmaker in 1888. His company has the distinction of being one of the oldest Swiss watchmakers to still remain under the ownership of the founder's family. Shop a variety of Bucherer watches on 1stDibs.
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