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1930 Cartier Watch

Cartier. A Rare Gold Half Hunter Slim Dress Pocket Watch C1930
Cartier. A Rare Gold Half Hunter Slim Dress Pocket Watch C1930

Cartier. A Rare Gold Half Hunter Slim Dress Pocket Watch C1930

By Cartier

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Cartier. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Half Hunter Keyless Lever Slim Dress Pocket Watch C1930 Dial

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Recent Sales

Cartier Yellow Gold Pocket Watch with Leather Case
Cartier Yellow Gold Pocket Watch with Leather Case

Cartier Yellow Gold Pocket Watch with Leather Case

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

A rare 18k yellow gold Cartier pocket watch in leather case.

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

CARTIER An Art Deco Gem-Set Pendant Watch
CARTIER An Art Deco Gem-Set Pendant Watch

CARTIER An Art Deco Gem-Set Pendant Watch

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

signed Cartier. Mechanical movement.

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Jade, 18k Gold

CARTIER New York Watch Compass Money Clip 1930's
CARTIER New York Watch Compass Money Clip 1930's

CARTIER New York Watch Compass Money Clip 1930's

By Cartier

Located in Southampton, NY

A 14K Men's Watch and Compass designed as a money clip.

Category

American More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Art Deco Cartier Diamond Platinum and Enamel Cocktail Watch, Circa 1930
Art Deco Cartier Diamond Platinum and Enamel Cocktail Watch, Circa 1930

Art Deco Cartier Diamond Platinum and Enamel Cocktail Watch, Circa 1930

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

An Art Deco Cartier diamond and platinum cocktail watch, with an off white rectangular dial, signed

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Enamel

Cartier Art Deco Watch Fob Pendant
Cartier Art Deco Watch Fob Pendant

Cartier Art Deco Watch Fob Pendant

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

Here we have an exquisite watch fob pendant from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

CARTIER 1930s White Gold Tank Watch
CARTIER 1930s White Gold Tank Watch

CARTIER 1930s White Gold Tank Watch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Fine and Rare Cartier Tank Watch, European Watch & Clock Movement, 18K White Gold Case, Signed and

Category

Vintage 1930s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rare Art Deco Cartier Gold Tank Tread Bracelet Tank Watch
Rare Art Deco Cartier Gold Tank Tread Bracelet Tank Watch

Rare Art Deco Cartier Gold Tank Tread Bracelet Tank Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Rare Cartier Art Deco 1929 18karat gold brick bracelet Tank watch original very good estate

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier. A Rare Gold Slim Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1930
Cartier. A Rare Gold Slim Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1930

Cartier. A Rare Gold Slim Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1930

By Cartier

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Cartier. A Rare Slim 18ct yellow Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1930s. Dial: The superb silver

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Sterling Silver Art Deco Enamel Desk Clock, 1930s
Cartier Sterling Silver Art Deco Enamel Desk Clock, 1930s

Cartier Sterling Silver Art Deco Enamel Desk Clock, 1930s

By Cartier

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Cartier, EWC STYLE / REFERENCE: Desk Clock MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Jeweled Lever

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Cartier Lady's Yellow Gold Back Wind Wristwatch
Cartier Lady's Yellow Gold Back Wind Wristwatch

Cartier Lady's Yellow Gold Back Wind Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa late 1930s Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Back Wind Ladies Wrist Watch. Case Measuring 1 1/2 inch in

Category

Vintage 1930s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier 1930s EWC Gold Ladies Mechanical Wristwatch
Cartier 1930s EWC Gold Ladies Mechanical Wristwatch

Cartier 1930s EWC Gold Ladies Mechanical Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa late 1930s Cartier Ladies Wrist Watch, 22 X 20 M.M. 18K Yellow Gold 2 piece signed and

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Lady's Platinum Rose Gold Square Bezel Wristwatch
Cartier Lady's Platinum Rose Gold Square Bezel Wristwatch

Cartier Lady's Platinum Rose Gold Square Bezel Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A Retro rose gold and platinum watch with a square bezel and ruby winding stem, the face inset with

Category

Vintage 1930s British Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Platinum

Cartier White Enamel Agate Manual Wind Desk Clock, circa 1930s
Cartier White Enamel Agate Manual Wind Desk Clock, circa 1930s

Cartier White Enamel Agate Manual Wind Desk Clock, circa 1930s

By Cartier

Located in New York City, NY

Timeless white enamel and agate desk clock by Cartier, circa 1930s. It features a manual wind

Category

Vintage 1930s Pocket Watches

Materials

Agate

Cartier Ladies Gold Diamond Case manual wind Wristwatch
Cartier Ladies Gold Diamond Case manual wind Wristwatch

Cartier Ladies Gold Diamond Case manual wind Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in Mayfair, London, London

excellent condition, comes with a Cartier box, our own certificate of authenticity and our own one year

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940's Cartier Vintage Art Deco Mens Top Hat Wristwatch - Palladium & Diamonds
1940's Cartier Vintage Art Deco Mens Top Hat Wristwatch - Palladium & Diamonds

1940's Cartier Vintage Art Deco Mens Top Hat Wristwatch - Palladium & Diamonds

By Cartier

Located in Suwanee, GA

exceptionally rare and supremely elegant mens Cartier "Top Hat" watch made for the U.S. market. Popularized by

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Palladium

Cartier Paris 1930 Art Deco Convertible Watch and Pencil in 14Kt Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris 1930 Art Deco Convertible Watch and Pencil in 14Kt Yellow Gold

Cartier Paris 1930 Art Deco Convertible Watch and Pencil in 14Kt Yellow Gold

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Convertible pensil-watch designed by Cartier. Very unusual and useful piece, created in Paris

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Ladies Platinum Yellow Gold Diamond Art Deco Wristwatch, circa 1930
Cartier Ladies Platinum Yellow Gold Diamond Art Deco Wristwatch, circa 1930

Cartier Ladies Platinum Yellow Gold Diamond Art Deco Wristwatch, circa 1930

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

box with family handwritten note in French which translates: "This Cartier watch of Mama's was

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Cartier Paris Retro Diamond Ruby Pink Gold and Platinum Watch
Cartier Paris Retro Diamond Ruby Pink Gold and Platinum Watch

Cartier Paris Retro Diamond Ruby Pink Gold and Platinum Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A French Retro 18 karat pink gold- and platinum-covered watch with diamonds and rubies by Cartier

Category

Vintage 1930s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Cartier Lady's Yellow Gold Duoplan Rectangular Wristwatch
Cartier Lady's Yellow Gold Duoplan Rectangular Wristwatch

Cartier Lady's Yellow Gold Duoplan Rectangular Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in Monte Carlo, MC

, wrist with two strands, signed Cartier 27865 30068 05250,185mm in a Cartier sued pouch (27.50 grams)

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier 1940s Gold Pencil Watch with Canadian Political Provenance
Cartier 1940s Gold Pencil Watch with Canadian Political Provenance

Cartier 1940s Gold Pencil Watch with Canadian Political Provenance

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1940s Cartier 14K Yellow Gold Pencil, Watch measuring 5 1/8 inches in length and 7/16 inch

Category

Vintage 1930s American Desk Accessories

Materials

14k Gold

Cartier White Gold Wristwatch circa 1939
Cartier White Gold Wristwatch circa 1939

Cartier White Gold Wristwatch circa 1939

By Cartier

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Extremely rare 18k white gold Cartier wristwatch from 1939. This beautiful stepped case watch has

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier France, Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch, 1930s Art Deco Eur Watch & Co
Cartier France, Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch, 1930s Art Deco Eur Watch & Co

Cartier France, Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch, 1930s Art Deco Eur Watch & Co

By Cartier

Located in Heerlen, NL

Period: around 1930 Movement: 19 stone; anchor movement, hand wound. made by: European Watch & Clock Co

Category

Vintage 1930s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Cocktail Platinum Manual Back Wind Wristwatch
Cartier Cocktail Platinum Manual Back Wind Wristwatch

Cartier Cocktail Platinum Manual Back Wind Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in Surfside, FL

Very fine, rare & elegant Cartier European Watch & Clock Co. Art Deco cocktail watch in platinum

Category

Vintage 1930s Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

PATEK PHILIPPE Rose Gold Chronograph Ref 130 Retailed by Cartier

PATEK PHILIPPE Rose Gold Chronograph Ref 130 Retailed by Cartier

By Patek Philippe

Located in Greenwich, CT

Patek Philippe Chronograph watch, Ref. 130, retailed by Cartier, featuring a mechanical manual

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Ladies Cocktail Watch in Platinum with Diamonds
Cartier Ladies Cocktail Watch in Platinum with Diamonds

Cartier Ladies Cocktail Watch in Platinum with Diamonds

By Cartier

Located in Surfside, FL

ESTIMATED RETAIL $85000.00 YOUR PRICE $48900.00 Very fine, rare & elegant Cartier European Watch

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1930s Cartier Diamond Gold Money Clip with Watch
1930s Cartier Diamond Gold Money Clip with Watch

1930s Cartier Diamond Gold Money Clip with Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Elegant money clip. Made, signed and numbered by Cartier. 18K yellow gold, set with 16 faceted

Category

Vintage 1930s French More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Vintage Pocket Watch
Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Vintage Pocket Watch

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Vintage Pocket Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1920s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch, 45 M.M. X 9 M.M. thick 18K Yellow Gold 3 piece hinged case with Gold inside Dust cover. 18 Jewel mechanical, Manual wind nickle lever movemen...

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold and Enamel Pocket Watch
Patek Philippe Yellow Gold and Enamel Pocket Watch

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold and Enamel Pocket Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1913 Patek Philippe Pocket Watch for Retailer Spaulding and Company , 45 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 4 piece case including the Yellow Gold Cuvette (Dust Cover) Greek Key Pattern Blue...

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Cartier Tank 1710 Américaine Diamond Bezel Quartz 18K Gold Watch
Cartier Tank 1710 Américaine Diamond Bezel Quartz 18K Gold Watch

Cartier Tank 1710 Américaine Diamond Bezel Quartz 18K Gold Watch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Cartier Tank Américaine watch with diamond bezel and bracelet in 18K yellow gold, featuring a rectangular 19 x 34.5mm case and quartz movement. Designed with timeless Roman numerals ...

Category

1990s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37

New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37

By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Conroe, TX

Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Era Lotus Slides * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977 His Final Coll...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Shoes

Versace Silk Chiffon Slip Dress with Baroque Print & Lace Trim, SS 2005
Versace Silk Chiffon Slip Dress with Baroque Print & Lace Trim, SS 2005

Versace Silk Chiffon Slip Dress with Baroque Print & Lace Trim, SS 2005

By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Versace

Located in London, GB

This Versace dress from the Spring-Summer 2005 collection is crafted from silk chiffon, featuring a lightweight, airy construction with a slip dress silhouette. The intricate multico...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Paco Rabanne Gold Chain Cocktail Dress
Paco Rabanne Gold Chain Cocktail Dress

Paco Rabanne Gold Chain Cocktail Dress

By Paco Rabanne

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Never worn Paco Rabanne Gold chain link sleeveless cocktail dress. New with tag. In excellent condition. Fit size 4-6

Category

20th Century Cocktail Dresses

Dolce & Gabbana Lace up Silk Dress
Dolce & Gabbana Lace up Silk Dress

Dolce & Gabbana Lace up Silk Dress

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful silk dress in a pink and green geometric print from Dolce & Gabbana. The bodice is vertically boned, fitted through to the hips and has an attached matching pink adjusta...

Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

John Galliano Vintage Lavender Gown Spring/Summer Size 36FR
John Galliano Vintage Lavender Gown Spring/Summer Size 36FR

John Galliano Vintage Lavender Gown Spring/Summer Size 36FR

By John Galanos

Located in Saint Petersburg, FL

John Galliano Vintage Lavender Silk and Lace Gown with Faint Pink and Lavender Flair Spring/Summer Size 36FR. Measurements: Bust 34" Waist 27" Hips 34" Gown is cut on the bias and ...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Gowns

Patek Philippe Ladies Multi Color Gold Pocket Watch
Patek Philippe Ladies Multi Color Gold Pocket Watch

Patek Philippe Ladies Multi Color Gold Pocket Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1880s Patek Philippe for M. Schooler New Orleans Pocket Watch. 38 M.M. 14K Multi Color, applied decorations Hunting case with inside Gold Dust cover Cuvette. 18 Jewel Mechanica...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Patek Philippe 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Watch with Enamel Dial and Archival
Patek Philippe 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Watch with Enamel Dial and Archival

Patek Philippe 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Watch with Enamel Dial and Archival

By Patek Philippe

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe et Cie. STYLE / REFERENCE: Pendant Style METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1900 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CA...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001
John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001

John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001

By John Galliano

Located in London, GB

▪ Archival John Galliano Evening Dress ▪ Spring-Summer 2001 ▪ Crafted from crimson crepe-back satin, with alternating panels that highlight both the satin sheen and crepe texture ▪ D...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Victorian, 23.17 Carat Old Cushion Shape Diamond Earrings
Victorian, 23.17 Carat Old Cushion Shape Diamond Earrings

Victorian, 23.17 Carat Old Cushion Shape Diamond Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Stunning Victorian drop earrings! 36 gradual old European diamonds set in gold & silver in a circular shape & filigree workmanship, with estimated total weight of 8 carats Center di...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Christian Dior by John Galliano Sheer Bronze Gold Knit Mini Dress 1999 2000
Christian Dior by John Galliano Sheer Bronze Gold Knit Mini Dress 1999 2000

Christian Dior by John Galliano Sheer Bronze Gold Knit Mini Dress 1999 2000

By Christian Dior, John Galliano

Located in Berlin, BE

Christian Dior by John Galliano Fall 1999/ 2000 Extremely sexy dress by John Galliano for Dior - a dress that transcends mere fabric to become an emblem of audacious elegance. This...

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Alexander McQueen Bat Wing Knit Top
Vintage Alexander McQueen Bat Wing Knit Top

Vintage Alexander McQueen Bat Wing Knit Top

By Alexander McQueen

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

The Vintage Alexander McQueen Bat Wing Knit Top would be an exciting addition to any wardrobe, especially for someone who enjoys pieces that combine boldness, sophistication, and art...

Category

Late 20th Century Blouses

Cartier Pasha Alarm Moonphase Wristwatch 18k Gold c. 1987
Cartier Pasha Alarm Moonphase Wristwatch 18k Gold c. 1987

Cartier Pasha Alarm Moonphase Wristwatch 18k Gold c. 1987

By Cartier

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A Cartier Pasha Alarm Moonphase watch, reference # 30011. Designed by Gérald Genta. Crafted from 18k yellow gold, the 38mm case is secured with a screw-down back fastened by nine sc...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Panthere 8669 Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
Cartier Panthere 8669 Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch

Cartier Panthere 8669 Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch

By Cartier

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

The Cartier Panthere 8669 Ladies Watch is a stunning piece that embodies luxury and sophistication. Its 22mm case, crafted from 18K yellow gold, is adorned with factory-set diamonds,...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

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1930 Cartier Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the 1930 cartier watch you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 14k Gold and 18k Gold. Take a look at a 1930 cartier watch featuring Diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. Today, if you’re looking for a brilliant cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes mixed cut alternatives. Finding a 1930 cartier watch for sale for women should be easy, but there are 43 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a 1930 Cartier Watch?

The price for a 1930 cartier watch starts at $850 and tops out at $97,500 with these more-jewelry-watches, on average, selling for $4,200.

Cartier for sale on 1stDibs

For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.

Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.

Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)

Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.

One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.

Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.

On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.

While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.

Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.

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.