1940s Watch
Vintage 1940s Retro Brooches
Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Swiss Victorian Brooches
Marcasite, Onyx, Silver
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s American Modern Wrist Watches
Gold Plate
Mid-20th Century Modernist Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Steel
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled, Rose Gold
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
18k Gold
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Silver
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled, White Gold
Vintage 1940s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Platinum
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s North American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Late 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
20th Century Wrist Watches
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Rose Gold
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
- 1
- ...
1940s Watch For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 1940s Watch?
Finding the Right wrist-watches for You
Antique, new and vintage wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.
Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.
Bulgari’s legendary 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 wristwatches.
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.
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.
Are you shopping for a wristwatch? 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 antique, new and vintage wristwatches on 1stDibs.
- What is a 1940s style dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021In the 1940s, ladies wore clothes defined by clean and slim silhouettes. The jackets, blouses and sweaters often featured shoulderpads and had somewhat of a military feel. Most dresses were quite casual and pants and playsuits became part of a woman's everyday style.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023There are no specific criteria for what makes a military watch a military watch. However, people may call watches "military" if they resist damage due to shocks, are highly waterproof, accurate and easy to read in extreme environments. On 1stDibs, find a selection of military watches.
- What is a Genève watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Genève watch is a watch stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva, a quality seal awarded to watches that meet strict criteria in regards to its finishing and materials. Browse a variety of Genève watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a calendar watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A calendar watch, as the name suggests, indicates calendar information. It can either have one or a combination of – date, day, week, month, year and moon phase. Dating from different eras, you can find an early iteration of calendar watches from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Find a variety of classic, vintage and antique calendar watches on 1stDibs.
- What is a Bucherer watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Bucherer watch is a timepiece made by the company Carl F. Bucherer. Carl-Friedrich Bucherer founded the watchmaker in 1888. His company has the distinction of being one of the oldest Swiss watchmakers to still remain under the ownership of the founder's family. Shop a variety of Bucherer watches on 1stDibs.
- What is a moonphase watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A moonphase watch is designed to recreate the different phases of the moon on the dial. The aperture is usually curved so that it looks like the moon is waxing and waning.
- What is a moonphase on a watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A moonphase on a watch shows the current phase of the moon as you see it in the sky. Having an accurate moon phase in a watch is a little more difficult than it would seem because a lunar cycle lasts 29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes meaning that a 135-tooth gear is necessary to drive the moon disc optimally for the exacting standards of watchmakers. Shop a collection of vintage and new moonphase watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is a watch complication?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021With respect to watchmaking, a complication refers to any feature of a timepiece that is in addition to the display of hours, minutes and seconds. The most common complications include displaying the date, the day of the week or a stopwatch feature.
- What is a snowflake watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are two watches that are known as snowflake watches. One snowflake watch is also known as Reference SBGA211 by Grand Seiko. It’s one of the brand’s best known watches and is very popular. Its unique dial resembles a snowflake. The Reference 9411 Tudor Submariner is also called the snowflake because the second hand looks like a snowflake. Shop vintage and contemporary watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a vintage watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A vintage watch is any watch that is at least two decades old. A model number can usually be found on a watch's movement for identification purposes, and date marks on the back of a watch can usually tell you if it is vintage. Vintage timepieces have made a comeback for serious collectors as well as casual enthusiasts all over the world. Find a collection of vintage watches on 1stDibs today.
- What is a watch roll?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A watch roll is a convenient protective case for your watches and accessories. It is compact and lightweight, which makes it perfect for traveling. Shop a watch roll collection from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
- Does Pandora do watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024Pandora does not do watches. However, the jewelry maker has produced watches in the past. In 2010, Pandora introduced its Black Crown Diamond watch line, but retired it in July 2014. Shop a selection of Pandora jewelry from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is an Atlas watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The term Atlas watch can refer to one of two things. Tiffany & Co.’s line of luxury watches is the Atlas range. Timepieces in the collection draw inspiration from the Tiffany Atlas clock produced in 1853. The St. Moritz Watch Company also produces titanium timepieces called Momentum Atlas or Atlas for short. On 1stDibs, find a variety of watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Were there watches in the 1960s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Yes, there were watches in the 1960s. The first recorded wristwatch dates back to 1868, when Patek Philippe, a watchmaker founded in Geneva in 1839 by Polish expats Antoni Patek and Franciszek Czapek, designed a timepiece for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary. Shop a collection of vintage watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a bumper watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A bumper watch is a watch that uses bumper movement for rotation. Modern watches have rotors that spin a 360 degree, whereas bumper movement is back and forth at about 120 degrees. It is a type of self-winding, automatic movement. Find a broad range of antique and vintage watches on 1stDibs today.
- What is a Polerouter watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Polerouter watch is a timepiece designed by Universal Genève. The Swiss watchmaker released the watch in 1954. Legendary designer Gerald Genta created the design. Its fluted chapter ring and oversize 12 o'clock marker set it apart from other mid-century modern pieces. Shop a range of Universal Genève Polerouter watches on 1stDibs.
- Is there a Bentley watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Bentley, Breitling created the B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley Centenary Limited Edition watch. There are other versions of the Breitling Bentley available. Find a collection of expertly vetted Breitling Bentley watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a 41 watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A 41 watch is a timepiece produced by the Swiss luxury watchmaker Rolex. Its full name is the Rolex Datejust 41, and the number 41 comes from the fact that it has an Oyster case that measures 41 mm in diameter. You'll find a large selection of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
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.