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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
REGENT vintage gold tone rhinestones heart face ladies designer wrist watch
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed REGENT • gold tone with rhinestones • vintage designer wrist watch MEASUREMENTS  • fits size 7 CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of ...
Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Cartier Santos 100 Stainless Steel Alligator Band Automatic Watch 2878
Located in Toronto, ON
Cartier Santos 100 Stainless Steel Alligator Band Automatic Watch 2878.  Stainless steel 34mm case, white dial, roman numerals, luminous hands, push button deployant clasp. Automatic...
Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Cartier Montre Santos Galbee Lady Or Acier 1996 Steel Gold Santos Lady Watch Box
Located in PARIS, FR
Cartier Santos Galbée Lady’s watch, circa 1996, crafted in steel and 18K yellow gold. This quartz-powered timepiece features a satin-finished dial—shifting between silver and gold to...
Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Steel

Waltham 14K Gold Hunter Pocket Watch with Beautifully Carved Case Late 19th C
Located in valatie, NY
Waltham 14K "O" Size Gold Hunter Pocket Watch with a Heavily and Beautifully Carved Case, Late 19th C. A Waltham "0" size 14-karat gold pocket...
Category

Antique 1880s American Art Nouveau Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage Art Deco Nicolet 14k Gold Bracelet Wrist Watch c1925 Perfect Running
Located in valatie, NY
Vintage Art Deco A Nicolet 14k Gold Bracelet Wrist Watch c1925 in Perfect Running Order, with Original Dial and Mechanical Movement. The A Nicolet Watch ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Cartier 1990 Montre Or Jaune Baignoire PM Yellow Gold Casque d Or Bracelet Watch
Located in PARIS, FR
Cartier watch circa 1990 Baignoire model in yellow gold, oval case (legendary), white dial with Roman numerals, quartz movement, blued steel hands, winding mechanism or crown decorat...
Category

1990s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

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