Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
Why is it called a watch?
1 Answer

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
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Shop for Watches on 1stDibs
Gucci Signoria steel horsebit design bracelet watch, ladies
By Gucci
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish and iconic Gucci Signoria stainless steel watch.
This is a bracelet strap watch with a nice sleek stainless steel strap with the signature horsebit design and Gucci brande...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel
Boucheron Montre Reflets Grand Modele quartz Diamants Yellow Gold Watch
By Boucheron
Located in PARIS, FR
Boucheron Reflet collection watch, Large Model format, in 18-carat yellow gold, quartz movement, brilliant-cut diamond indexes, yellow gold bracelet, 6 additional bracelets, includin...
Category
2010s French Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique 14k Solid Yellow Gold Waltham Pocket Watch Keystone Hunter Case Monogram
By Waltham
Located in Greer, SC
Beautifully crafted antique Waltham pocket watch in a stunning solid 14k yellow gold hunters case by Keystone. This pocket watch is circa late 1800's to early 1900's and features a monogram front with floral back, very ornately engraved. Hefty in size measuring 2 inches in diameter by half an inch in depth, 2.7 inches in total length with the bow and crown. This classic pocket watch winds up...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Omega De Ville Gold Tone Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Portland, England
An elegant and classic gold plated and stainless steel Omega De Ville wristwatch from the 1970s with a stunning bracelet and accompanying gold watch face. With its timeless look, thi...
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Boucheron Montre Reflet Small 8 Bracelets Watch Small 8 Colorful Leather Straps
By Boucheron
Located in PARIS, FR
Set of 8 Boucheron leather straps for the Reflets watch, Small format (case diameter 1.8 cm excluding crown), with gold metal tips, including 1 black measuring 12.3 cm (11.8 cm exclu...
Category
2010s French Art Deco Wrist Watches
$931 / set
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Rolex Lady Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch Mother Of Pearl Dial
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Lady Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch.
This Rolex Lady Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch was made in 2001. It is is very good condition with very little signs of wear. ...
Category
Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold