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Piaget Dancer Watch Meteorite Dial in 18K White Gold, 1980s
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
collection. Whether you're a seasoned collector or seeking your first truly special watch, this Piaget Dancer
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold, 18k Gold

Eterna Nickle Art Deco Campaign Style Watch with Original Rotating Bezel Ca 1915
By Eterna
Located in Long Beach, CA
very special watch. In addition, we seldom see watches from this era so large, and the strap is 23 mm
Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Chronographe Suisse Chronograph Incabloc
Located in London, GB
A rare find! This is a special watch even more so in such condition. This Chronographe Suisse is
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

1930's Patek Philippe Vintage Mens Midsize Rectangular Art Deco Watch - Platinum
By Patek Philippe
Located in Suwanee, GA
U.S. market, this special watch exemplifies the sophisticated refinement associated with Art Deco
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

Buren DH German Military Watch – WWII 1940s Authentic 35mm Vintage
By Buren
Located in London, GB
special watch — not only for its military heritage but for its preserved originality and honesty. If
Category

Vintage 1940s European Wrist Watches

1950's VULCAIN CRICKET Vintage Mens "Watch of Presidents" - 18K Gold
By Vulcain
Located in Suwanee, GA
wear these special watches. Even Barack Obama received one as a gift from the Swiss press during his
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

OWNED & USED BY STEVE MARTIN - 1934 Very Fine Swiss Sterling Silver Art Deco
Located in Suwanee, GA
two of our Master Watchmakers spent nearly a year restoring the movement of this special watch to
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Concord Estate Mariner Sapphire Crystal Watch 7" Stainless Steel
By Concord Watch
Located in Brooklyn, NY
meetings or special occasions, this watch is the epitome of understated luxury, making a statement with
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Crystal, Sapphire, Steel, Stainless Steel

Concord Estate Saratoga Roman Numerals Watch 18k Gold + Stainless Steel
By Concord Watch
Located in Brooklyn, NY
timeless elegance. Whether for business meetings or special occasions, this watch is the epitome of
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

1970's Piaget Ladies Vintage Backwind Bracelet Watch - 18K White Gold
By Piaget
Located in Suwanee, GA
"joaillerie" backwinding watch. The elite Swiss firms usually encased their high-end backwind watches in
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Record 'Dirty Dozen' British Military Watch
By Record Watch Co
Located in London, GB
have been made it is a special version of that watch. That dial change is why the hands are a different
Category

Vintage 1940s European Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

SWATCH SPECIAL GK340 Watch With Shoulder Strap 2001
By Swatch
Located in Milano, IT
Swatch Watch Shoulder Bag Over Shoulder Bag Zipper Purse NOS Vintage 2001 GK350 Neon Yellow
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Omega Seamaster Midsize 300M 1994 Lillehammer Olympics Special Edition Watch
By Omega
Located in Suwanee, GA
. OMEGA Seamaster Midsize 300M 1994 Lillehammer Olympics Special Edition Watch, Ref. 2862.21 - Stainless
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bulova Precisionist Grammy Special Edition Diamond Dial Quartz Watch 98P173
By Bulova
Located in New York, NY
Display Model Bulova Precisionist Grammy Steel Black Diamond Dial Ladies Quartz Watch 98P173. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Wrist Watches

Illinois Elinvar Bunn Special 163A Type IIB 23 Jewel Railroad Pocket Watch
Located in New York, NY
A distinguished Illinois Bunn Elinvar Special pocket watch, crafted in a 14k gold filled case and
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Sinn UX EZM2 Hydro Mens Deep Diver Special Forces SS Watch - Box & Papers
Located in Suwanee, GA
. SINN UX EZM2 HYDRO Mens Deep Diver Special Forces Stainless Steel Watch - Box & Papers Gorgeous
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1979 Rolex Day Date Khanjar Ref. 18078
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
to some of the rarest and special watches in the world. He was an avid collector of watches, some of
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Concord Estate Unisex Wristwatch 6.5" Stainless Steel 18 mm
By Concord Watch
Located in Brooklyn, NY
timeless elegance. Whether for business meetings or special occasions, this watch is the epitome of
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1983 Rolex GMT Master Steel Vintage 16750 Transitional Watch with Matte Dial
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
special watch for just that purpose - the GMT Master. Named after Greenwich Mean Time, the watch featured
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Tag Heuer Special Edition WAR1113.FC6392
By TAG Heuer
Located in London, GB
This Tag Heuer Carrera Special Edition is now discontinued from the Tag Heuer range with very few
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Wrist Watches

Vintage Swatch Valentine's Day Special 2000 HEARTBEAT GN187
By Swatch
Located in Milano, IT
Valentine special collection. This watch not only tells time but also weaves a tale of love, creativity, and
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Vintage Swatch Valentine's Day Special 2000 HEARTBEAT GN187
Vintage Swatch Valentine's Day Special 2000 HEARTBEAT GN187
$229 Sale Price
20% Off
H 11.03 in W 3.94 in
1963 Rolex Day Date Special Millanaise Bracelet Ref. 1803
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
of a watch. In most cases a President bracelet, occasionally an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet but here
Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Breitling Crosswind Special A44355 White Dial Brown Leather Strap 44mm
By Breitling
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: A44355 Model: Breitling Crosswind Special Case Material: Stainless Steel
Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Swatch POP Special BUTTON PWK153 Limited Edition collectible NOS
By Swatch
Located in Milano, IT
In the year 1991, a rare treasure emerged in the world of timepieces—a Swatch POP Special BUTTON
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Bremont Special Projects ALT1-C Chronograph, Limited Edition / 180, Year 2014
Located in Canterbury, England
Bremont Special Projects produced very limited edition watches for select military regiments. This
Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Vintage Gucci Interchangeable Bezel Bangle Watch
By Gucci
Located in Bloomington, MN
This authentic vintage Gucci bangle watch offers timeless Italian design and playful versatility
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage Gucci Interchangeable Bezel Bangle Watch
Vintage Gucci Interchangeable Bezel Bangle Watch
$1,088 Sale Price
20% Off
Dm 1.03 in
1940's Cartier Vintage Art Deco Mens Top Hat Wristwatch - Palladium & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Palladium

Victorian Yellow Gold Watch Fob
Located in Palm Desert, CA
diamond-cut floral detail. The total weight of the watch fob is 29.5 grams. This is a very special piece
Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Watch Buttonhole Blued Steel Swiss, 1890
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
both for a fine jewelry collection and to be worn for special occasions. This watch demands a special
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Steel

Watch Buttonhole Blued Steel Swiss, 1890
Watch Buttonhole Blued Steel Swiss, 1890
$720 Sale Price
20% Off
Dm 1.19 in
Patek Philippe 1566J Square Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
away. You may chose another color strap, see enclosed sample colors to make this watch special. The
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe 1566J Square Watch
Patek Philippe 1566J Square Watch
$14,000
W 1.03 in L 1.03 in
9ct Yellow Gold Mens Watch with Leather Strap
Located in London, GB
everyday wear or special occasions. Total Weight of Watch: 22.7g Case Size: 31.30mm x 25.70mm Case
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Perrelet Antartica James Cook Limited Edition Wrist Watch
Located in Antwerp, BE
Perrelet Antartica James Cook Limited Edition Wrist Watch PERRELET ANTARTICA BRAND NEW IN BOX
Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Concord Estate La Scala Chronograph Watch Stainless Steel 38 mm
Located in Brooklyn, NY
timeless elegance. Whether for business meetings or special occasions, this watch is the epitome of
Category

1990s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage Tudor Royal – 1960s 9ct Gold Manual Wind Watch
By Tudor
Located in London, GB
truly special Swiss-made vintage watch, perfect for collectors and enthusiasts. With its timeless design
Category

Vintage 1960s European Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

Vacheron Constantin Stardust Dial Watch in 18k white gold, 1970s
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in New York, NY
aesthetics. What makes this watch truly special is its incredibly slim profile—a technical marvel of its time
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Bucherer Platinum & 18Kt. Gold Ladies Dress Style Watch 1940's
By Bucherer
Located in Long Beach, CA
shorten to easily fit your wrist. If you are looking for a fine dress watch wear for special events, this
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

Patek Philippe Champagne Hammer Dial Watch in 18K Yellow Gold, 1970s
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
, brought to life through Patek’s meticulous craftsmanship and avant-garde vision. What makes this watch
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1972 Alexis Barthelay Hand-Wound Movement Elliptical Sterling Silver Watch
By Alexis Barthelay
Located in Valenza, IT
Original 1972, Exquisite Alexis Barthelay Watch, a special piece characterized by an elegant
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

1972 Alexis Barthelay Hand-Wound Movement Elliptical Sterling Silver Watch
1972 Alexis Barthelay Hand-Wound Movement Elliptical Sterling Silver Watch
$1,184
H 0.04 in W 0.07 in D 0.02 in Dm 1.58 in L 0.07 in
Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm W69011Z4 Silver Dial Steel Quartz Watch Box & Papers
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
numerals, adding to its authenticity and charm. Powered by a quartz movement, this watch offers reliable
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vacheron Constantin 18Kt Solid White Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Long Beach, CA
an elegant watch for special occasions, this is the one for you.
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Original 1974 Alexis Barthelay Hand-Wound Movement Sterling Silver Watch
By Alexis Barthelay
Located in Valenza, IT
Original 1974, Exquisite Alexis Barthelay Watch, a special piece characterized by an elegant
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Original 1974 Alexis Barthelay Hand-Wound Movement Sterling Silver Watch
Original 1974 Alexis Barthelay Hand-Wound Movement Sterling Silver Watch
$1,125
H 0.31 in W 0.276 in Dm 2.117 in L 6.69 in
Croton Yellow Gold Aquamedico Original Dial Manual Wind Watch, 1950s
By Croton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Croton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Screw Back / Aquamedico METAL
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Owned & Worn By Red Skelton - 1958 Omega Vintage Mens 18K White Gold Watch
By Omega
Located in Suwanee, GA
clearly worn by Mr. Skelton. Think of the special events this watch has taken part in! We have not
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Longines Platinum Art Deco Ladies Dress Watch with Adjustable Cord Band
By Longines
Located in Long Beach, CA
Charles Lindbergh, the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The watch featured a special
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

Longines Steel Art Deco Open Face Pocket Watch Original Dial, circa 1930s
By Longines
Located in Long Beach, CA
Charles Lindbergh, the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The watch featured a special
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Steel

Longines Stainless Steel "Grand Prize" Art Deco Watch with Original Dial 1950's
By Longines
Located in Long Beach, CA
the Atlantic Ocean. The watch featured a special bezel that allowed Lindbergh to calculate his
Category

Vintage 1960s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Longines 14Kt Solid Gold Rare Model Sculptured Lugs Art Deco Round Watch 1940's
By Longines
Located in Long Beach, CA
first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The watch featured a special bezel that allowed
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Franck Muller Geneve Cintree Curvex Blue Dial with Diamond 18k White Gold Watch
By Franck Muller
Located in Boca Raton, FL
dial from scratches. Whether worn for daily wear or special events, this watch makes a statement of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Aesthetic Movement Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Longines Nickel Campaign Style Watch with a Flawless Kiln Fired Dial from 1915
By Longines
Located in Long Beach, CA
first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The watch featured a special bezel that allowed
Category

Vintage 1910s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

1940's Rolex Prince Imperial Mens Ref. 1586 Doctor's Pocket Watch - 18K White Go
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
accuracy in dress watches. Today's offering showcases this special Rolex Prince Imperial watch - a very
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

White Gold

Oris, Louis Armstrong Limited Edition 3 Watches Set from 10 Pieces Worldwide
Located in Antwerp, BE
number 5/10 Comes with all certificates and special wooden box made for this special collectors watches
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artist Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Platinum, Sterling Silver

Longines Silver & Niello Watch from 1915 Dial by Stern Freres Matching Chain
By Longines
Located in Long Beach, CA
first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The watch featured a special bezel that allowed
Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Hamilton Ladies Platinum Art Deco Evening Watch Gold Diamond Bracelet 1940's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
Diamonds. If you are looking for a spectacular watch for special evenings The wrong train, on the wrong
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Longines Silver Half Hunter Trench Watch with Original Kiln Fired Dial 1925
By Longines
Located in Long Beach, CA
the Atlantic Ocean. The watch featured a special bezel that allowed Lindbergh to calculate his
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver

Longines for Birks Open Faced Pocket Watch with Original Dial, circa 1921
By Birks
Located in Long Beach, CA
Charles Lindbergh, the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The watch featured a special
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Longines 18kt. Yellow Gold Art Nouveau Style Presentation Watch Box and Papers
By Longines
Located in Long Beach, CA
the Atlantic Ocean. The watch featured a special bezel that allowed Lindbergh to calculate his
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Art Nouveau Pocket Watches

Patek Philippe 1928-1929 Early Cushion Ladies Watch, 18K, Breguet Dial Sold 1933
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
to read dial makes this watch quite special.
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Longines 14kt Yellow Gold Open Face Chronograph Pocket Watch from 1920's
By Longines
Located in Long Beach, CA
solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The watch featured a special bezel that allowed Lindbergh to calculate
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

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Special Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the special watch you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from gold, yellow gold and steel — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 2725 vintage or 1767 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect special watch may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. A special watch from Rolex, Omega and Cartier — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A special watch can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 329 diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and cabochon alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a special watch, you’ll find that many are available today for men, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and women.

How Much is a Special Watch?

On average, a special watch at 1stDibs sells for $6,314, while they’re typically $30 on the low end and $1,189,385 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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, vintage and luxury 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, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs that includes Cartier watches, Rolex watches, Patek Philippe watches and more — we promise it will be worth your time.

Questions About Special Watch
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Rolex watches are special because they are crafted with 904L stainless steel which ensures durability and longevity. The stainless steel also polishes exquisitely well. You can shop a collection of Rolex timepieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024
    There are a few things that are special about Rado watches. The luxury maker's watches are known for their durable proprietary materials, such as scratch-resistant ceramics. Rado also frequently unveils innovative designs like the ultrathin, super lightweight True Thinline collection. In addition, many people love Rado's wide range of styles, from classic watches inspired by vintage timepieces to sleek, futuristic designs. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of Rado watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Breitling watches are so special due to their precise timekeeping, and this precision is why no brand is more closely associated with the world of aviation than Breitling. Since the founding of the watchmaker in 1884, Breitling has developed innovations to make its watches more accurate and easy for pilots to use. An example is the Chronomat watch. Introduced in 1942, it featured a patented rotating slide-rule bezel for making calculations on the fly. This innovation led to the 1952 creation of the brand’s signature timepiece: the Breitling Navitimer. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association adopted the Navitimer as its official watch in 1959, and it remains the world’s most iconic pilot’s watch to this day. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Breitling watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    What makes Swatch watches special is their versatility. Nearly all of the Swiss watchmaker's timepieces are unisex styles that suit both men and women. In addition, their watches work well with dressy and casual outfits alike. Find a range of Swatch watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    The addition of extra dials called sub-dials is what is special about a chronograph watch. These extra dials allow you to measure time on different scales. For example, a chronograph timepiece may have 30-second, one-hour and 12-hour timers for its sub-dials. Shop a collection of chronograph watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024
    Here are a few things that are special about Panerai watches. First, Panerai is on the cutting edge of watch sustainability, with the Panerai Ecologico initiative including the almost entirely recycled Submersible eLAB-ID watch and a series of Luminor Marina models composed of a recycled-based steel alloy. Also, Panerai manufactures its high-end, hand-wound watch calibers in a Swiss facility that opened in 2002, combining Swiss technology with its core elements of Italian design and a long, storied connection to the sea. Panerai is also known for producing watches with large, bold dials, many of which are very easy to read, even in low-light conditions and at night. Additionally, the company has a rich heritage that dates back to 1860 and it is a producer of watches for the Italian Navy. Explore a collection of Panerai watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    There are a few things that are special about Longines watches. For one, the Swiss maker has a rich heritage that can be traced back to 1832, making Longines one of the oldest luxury watchmakers in the world. Secondly, Longines is known for the quality craftsmanship that goes into its watches and for the refined appearance of its dials, which are stylish yet easy to read. Longines has also historically been a pioneer in the field of watchmaking. The company was the first to introduce a self-winding movement in the 1950s and has led the way in the development of advanced design details, such as ceramic bezels and sapphire glass. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Longines watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025
    Part of what is special about the Cartier Tank watch is its unique design. Crafted by Cartier in 1917, one year before the Great War came to a close, the Tank reportedly borrowed its clean, sharp lines and boxy silhouette from France’s legendary Renault FT-17 light tank, itself a compact and extraordinary design that inspired numerous copies. The rectangular minute counter inside the numbers on the watch's face is meant to evoke railroad tracks.

    The Tank watch is an icon — Jackie Kennedy wore one as an elegant accessory to her famously elegant wardrobe. It which was emblematic of a stark departure from the renowned jewelry house’s curved and round watch faces in that its case resembled the FT-17’s cockpit, served as a sleek update to the Santos watch. Louis Cartier (1875–1942), the grandson of the company’s founder, strengthened the family name as a formidable watchmaker and presented the first Tank prototype as a victory gift to General John Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces on the Western Front.

    Find vintage Cartier Tank watches and other Cartier watches for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024
    A few things account for what makes Bulova watches so special. First, the watchmaker has a long history of innovation. One of its signature achievements is the design of its Precisionist movement, which operates at a much higher frequency than standard components, allowing for a higher degree of accuracy when keeping time. Bulova is also known for producing timepieces in a wide range of styles, from the traditional Bulova Classic to the sporty Marine Star to the ultra-modern Curv, which boasted the world's first-ever curved chronograph when it debuted. Bulova's rich heritage also sets the brand apart. The company's history can be traced back to 1875, and the company even produced watches for the Apollo 15 space mission. On 1stDibs, explore an assortment of Bulova watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Hamilton's Railway Special pocket watch was launched in 1940 and remained in production for the next two decades. At the time, it was marketed as the most accurate railroad watch available. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary Hamilton timepieces from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.