Watches
20th Century Swiss Modern Watches
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century French Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Mixed Metal, Stainless Steel
20th Century French Modern Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980s Vintage Watches
Diamond, Ruby, Stainless Steel
20th Century Swiss Modern Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Swiss Modern Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Unknown Vintage Watches
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Swiss Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Diamond, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
1970s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel, Steel
Early 2000s Swiss Modern Watches
18k Gold, Rose Gold
1990s European Watches
Early 2000s Swiss Modern Watches
White Gold, 18k Gold
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Watches
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century Swiss Watches
1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
White Gold
2010s Swiss Watches
Steel
1940s American Modern Vintage Watches
Gold Plate
Early 2000s Swiss Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century North American Art Deco Watches
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1980s Swiss Vintage Watches
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2010s European Watches
18k Gold
1970s Swiss Vintage Watches
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Vintage Watches
Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Verm...
1990s Watches
Diamond, Stainless Steel
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
2010s Watches
White Gold
Early 20th Century Swiss Watches
18k Gold
1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
Mid-19th Century British Antique Watches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Swiss Watches
White Gold
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Gold, Stainless Steel
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Late 20th Century Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Stainless Steel
1950s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches
Diamond, White Gold
Early 2000s Watches
1950s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches
Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Antique, New and Vintage Watches
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.
Read More
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
This Piaget Gold Nugget Watch Is the Embodiment of Delicious ’70s Excess
With a tigereye dial and a most unusual bracelet, this cuff-style piece is a singular style statement.
This Sweet Diamond Watch Has a Literary Bent
Modeled on one of the most often quoted romances of the 20th century, the book-shaped timepiece has love written all over it.
Stylish Year-Round, This Pumpkin-Colored Patek Philippe Aquanaut Feels Especially Right for Fall
Celebrate the season with a Patek watch made for enjoying the outdoors.
These Watches with 1970s, 1980s and Early Aughts Flair Are Trending Right Now
Feeling a wave of Y2K nostalgia or craving disco-era glamour? Rewind with a chic retro timepiece.
Made for 1930s Polo Players, This Art Deco Watch Looks Good on Everyone
The sleek, perfectly proportioned Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso captures the spirit of an era defined by forward-looking design and technological innovation.
Audemars Piguet’s Iconic Royal Oak Watch Turns 50
As the watch world celebrates one of fine timekeeping’s most disruptive designs, AP archivist Sébastian Vivas tells tales from the piece’s storied history.