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1940s Watch Military

Vintage Zenith 1940s Stainless Steel Military Watch Black Dial
Vintage Zenith 1940s Stainless Steel Military Watch Black Dial

Vintage Zenith 1940s Stainless Steel Military Watch Black Dial

By Zenith Watch Company

Located in New York, NY

enthusiasts of classic tool watches. Specifications: Brand: Zenith Model: Military Watch Year: 1940s Case

Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1940's Longines Sei Tacche Military Style Watch
Vintage 1940's Longines Sei Tacche Military Style Watch

Vintage 1940's Longines Sei Tacche Military Style Watch

By Longines

Located in New York, NY

Introducing the Longines 1940's Sei Tacche Military Style Watch – a vintage 33mm stainless steel

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1940's Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens Pocket Watch
1940's Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens Pocket Watch

1940's Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens Pocket Watch

By Rolex

Located in Suwanee, GA

. 1940's ROLEX WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens Pocket Watch - Rare Outer Case Beautiful All

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Other

Tissot 1940's Stainless Steel Calatrava Military Dial Bumper Automatic
Tissot 1940's Stainless Steel Calatrava Military Dial Bumper Automatic

Tissot 1940's Stainless Steel Calatrava Military Dial Bumper Automatic

By Tissot

Located in New York, NY

This is a rare 1940's Tissot military style calatrava with an in house bumper automatic movement

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Tissot 1940's Stainless Steel Calatrava Military Dial Bumper Automatic
Tissot 1940's Stainless Steel Calatrava Military Dial Bumper Automatic

Tissot 1940's Stainless Steel Calatrava Military Dial Bumper Automatic

By Tissot

Located in New York, NY

This is a rare 1940's Tissot military style calatrava with an in house bumper automatic movement

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Recent Sales

Gold-Plated Vintage 1940s Rotary Automatic Military Watch
Gold-Plated Vintage 1940s Rotary Automatic Military Watch

Gold-Plated Vintage 1940s Rotary Automatic Military Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This lovely vintage military watch is working and ticking well. Please study the images

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Hamilton Steel Military Timer Open Faced Pocket Watch, circa 1940s
Hamilton Steel Military Timer Open Faced Pocket Watch, circa 1940s

Hamilton Steel Military Timer Open Faced Pocket Watch, circa 1940s

By Hamilton

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Military Timer METAL

Category

Vintage 1940s American Modernist Pocket Watches

Rolex Oyster Rayleigh WWII Military Wristwatch, 1940's
Rolex Oyster Rayleigh WWII Military Wristwatch, 1940's

Rolex Oyster Rayleigh WWII Military Wristwatch, 1940's

By Rolex

Located in Braintree, GB

Rolex Oyster Rayleigh WWII Military Wristwatch. Made in 1940s. The wristwatch was designed to

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Laco 1940s German Military Pilot Aviators Wristwatch
Laco 1940s German Military Pilot Aviators Wristwatch

Laco 1940s German Military Pilot Aviators Wristwatch

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1940s Laco Aviator Wrist Watch, 55 M.M. Gray Steel 3 Piece snap case. 22 Jewel Mechanical

Category

Vintage 1940s German Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Hamilton WWII Military Timer circa 1940s with Original Dial
Hamilton WWII Military Timer circa 1940s with Original Dial

Hamilton WWII Military Timer circa 1940s with Original Dial

By Hamilton

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Military Timer with Sweep Seconds METAL

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Pocket Watches

Longines Stainless Steel Military Wristwatch circa 1940s
Longines Stainless Steel Military Wristwatch circa 1940s

Longines Stainless Steel Military Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Longines

Located in Miami Beach, FL

This is an extremely rare Longines Military watch from the 1940s known as the "Big Indian”. It is

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Waltham Base Metal WWII-Era Military Wristwatch circa 1940s
Waltham Base Metal WWII-Era Military Wristwatch circa 1940s

Waltham Base Metal WWII-Era Military Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Waltham Watch Company

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Waltham base metal WWII-era military wristwatch, circa 1940s. Brushed finish case, 32 X 39mm, with

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Base Metal

Longines SS Czech Military circa 1940's
Longines SS Czech Military circa 1940's

Longines SS Czech Military circa 1940's

By Longines

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Longines SS Czech Military circa 1940's with black enamel dial with patina'd luminous indexes and

Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Elgin WW II U.S. Military Wristwatch circa 1940's
Elgin WW II U.S. Military Wristwatch circa 1940's

Elgin WW II U.S. Military Wristwatch circa 1940's

By Elgin

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Elgin base metal case U.S. military issue wristwatch, circa 1940's. Case dimensions 33 x 40mm, with

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Base Metal

Alpina Stainless Steel Military Wristwatch circa 1940s
Alpina Stainless Steel Military Wristwatch circa 1940s

Alpina Stainless Steel Military Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Alpina

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Alpina stainless steel military wristwatch, circa 1940s. 27.5 mm case and acrylic crystal. With

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Longines Stainless Steel Military-Style Wristwatch circa 1940s
Longines Stainless Steel Military-Style Wristwatch circa 1940s

Longines Stainless Steel Military-Style Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Longines

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Longines stainless steel military-style wristwatch, circa 1940s. 32 X 45mm case with heavy snap

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bulova Base Metal Military-Issue Wristwatch circa 1940s
Bulova Base Metal Military-Issue Wristwatch circa 1940s

Bulova Base Metal Military-Issue Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Bulova

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Bulova base metal military-issue wristwatch, circa 1940s. Base metal non reflective case measuring

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Base Metal

Omega Stainless Steel Military-Style Wristwatch circa 1940s
Omega Stainless Steel Military-Style Wristwatch circa 1940s

Omega Stainless Steel Military-Style Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Omega

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Omega stainless steel military-style wristwatch, Ref. 2179/3, circa 1940s. Large and heavy stepped

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bulova Base Metal Military-Style Wristwatch circa 1940s
Bulova Base Metal Military-Style Wristwatch circa 1940s

Bulova Base Metal Military-Style Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Bulova

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Bulova base metal military-style wristwatch, circa 1940s. 30 x 37mm diameter case with smooth bezel

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Base Metal

Elgin Base Metal WWII-Era Military Wristwatch circa 1940s
Elgin Base Metal WWII-Era Military Wristwatch circa 1940s

Elgin Base Metal WWII-Era Military Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Elgin

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Elgin base metal WWII-era military wristwatch, circa 1940s. Great looking example with luminous

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Base Metal

Longines Stainless Steel Czech Military Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1940s
Longines Stainless Steel Czech Military Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1940s

Longines Stainless Steel Czech Military Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1940s

By Longines

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Longines Stainless Steel Czech Military circa 1940’s. Massive over sized cushion shaped 40 X 52mm

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Elgin Base Metal USN BUSHIPS Military Canteen Wristwatch circa 1940s
Elgin Base Metal USN BUSHIPS Military Canteen Wristwatch circa 1940s

Elgin Base Metal USN BUSHIPS Military Canteen Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Elgin

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Elgin base metal USN BUSHIPS U.S. Navy Bureau of Ships military wristwatch, circa 1940s. 31.5mm

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Base Metal

Omega Stainless Steel Military-Style Wristwatch circa 1940s
Omega Stainless Steel Military-Style Wristwatch circa 1940s

Omega Stainless Steel Military-Style Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Omega

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Omega stainless steel medium-size military-style wristwatch, circa 1942. 31 X 36mm case with wide

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Elgin Steel and Base Metal U.S. Military Wristwatch circa 1940s
Elgin Steel and Base Metal U.S. Military Wristwatch circa 1940s

Elgin Steel and Base Metal U.S. Military Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Elgin

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Elgin steel and base metal WWII-era U.S. Military-issue wristwatch. Medium size 30mm case, original

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Base Metal

Timor Brushed Metal British Military Broad Arrow Wristwatch circa 1940s
Timor Brushed Metal British Military Broad Arrow Wristwatch circa 1940s

Timor Brushed Metal British Military Broad Arrow Wristwatch circa 1940s

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Timor brushed base metal British military Broad Arrow wristwatch, Ref. 9496, circa 1945. Brushed

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Base Metal

Vintage Bulova WWII-Era Military Watch, 1940s
Vintage Bulova WWII-Era Military Watch, 1940s

Vintage Bulova WWII-Era Military Watch, 1940s

By Bulova

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1944 Vintage Bulova WWII Military Chrome watch with Original Black Dial with Light Brown Luminous

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

1940s Vintage Stainless Steel Manual Winding WW2 Military Watch ATP P3357
1940s Vintage Stainless Steel Manual Winding WW2 Military Watch ATP P3357

1940s Vintage Stainless Steel Manual Winding WW2 Military Watch ATP P3357

Located in Carlisle, GB

This vintage mechanical Swiss movement Military Watch is working and it is ticking and running well

Category

Vintage 1940s British Wrist Watches

Materials

Base Metal, Stainless Steel

Gubelin Stainless Steel Military Style Wristwatch circa 1940s
Gubelin Stainless Steel Military Style Wristwatch circa 1940s

Gubelin Stainless Steel Military Style Wristwatch circa 1940s

By Gubelin

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Gubelin Stainless Steel Military Style Wristwatch circa 1940s. Small case measuring 29 x 34mm

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Waltham WWII Military A-17 Manual Wristwatch, circa 1940s
Waltham WWII Military A-17 Manual Wristwatch, circa 1940s

Waltham WWII Military A-17 Manual Wristwatch, circa 1940s

By Waltham

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Waltham U.S.military issue model with great condition black original 24 hour radium dial and

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

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Vintage Eska Steel Military Style Men's Wrist Watch
Vintage Eska Steel Military Style Men's Wrist Watch

Vintage Eska Steel Military Style Men's Wrist Watch

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

Add this great post-war, Swiss-made Eska Military Style Wrist Watch to your vintage collection. In brushed steel, this 31mm watch has its original mat silver-toned face with Roman nu...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Vintage Bucherer Chronograph Hand Wind Men's Watch Lemania 1280
Vintage Bucherer Chronograph Hand Wind Men's Watch Lemania 1280

Vintage Bucherer Chronograph Hand Wind Men's Watch Lemania 1280

By Bucherer

Located in New York, NY

This vintage Bucherer stainless steel chronograph hand-wind men's watch is a standout piece that blends mid-century Swiss craftsmanship with bold, functional design. Encased in durab...

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 9k ROLEX Watch. Rolex 9k YG 12324 Dress Watch 1940s
Vintage 9k ROLEX Watch. Rolex 9k YG 12324 Dress Watch 1940s

Vintage 9k ROLEX Watch. Rolex 9k YG 12324 Dress Watch 1940s

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Vintage Rolex Mens Watch 9k Yellow Gold Case ref.12324 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1946 Beautiful Watch. New Genuine Gucci Leather band. 30mm round Case

Category

Vintage 1940s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Breitling 17 Jewel Rubis Manual 1950s 34mm Watch 633
Vintage Breitling 17 Jewel Rubis Manual 1950s 34mm Watch 633

Vintage Breitling 17 Jewel Rubis Manual 1950s 34mm Watch 633

By Breitling

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Vintage Band Material: Stainless steel Materials: Gold Power: Mechanical Readout: Analog Breitling Wristwatch. 1950s Vintage men's Stainless steel case. 17 Rubis Jewel Mechanical ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Omega Choreograph Vintage 18k gold wrist watch cal.33.3 1950
Omega Choreograph Vintage 18k gold wrist watch cal.33.3 1950

Omega Choreograph Vintage 18k gold wrist watch cal.33.3 1950

By Omega

Located in Berlin, BE

Handaufzugs omega uhr in 18k gelbgold mit lederband und orginaler omega dornschließe cal.33,3 plexiglas uhr weisst leichte gebrauchspuren

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Aesthetic Movement Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 3121 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 3121 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm

Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 3121 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm

By Rolex

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Rolex Oyster Royal 3121 9k Yellow Gold Bezel and Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1943 Beautiful Watch. New Genuine Leather band. 29mm round case ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage Omega De Ville 1365 Gold Plated Dress Watch
Vintage Omega De Ville 1365 Gold Plated Dress Watch

Vintage Omega De Ville 1365 Gold Plated Dress Watch

By Omega

Located in Toronto, CA

Brand: Omega Model: De Ville Reference Number: 1365 Features: Gold Plated-Golden Dial Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Quartz Case Material: Gold Plated- Stainless...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Longines Steel Mid Century Automatic with Original Dial circa 1960's
Longines Steel Mid Century Automatic with Original Dial circa 1960's

Longines Steel Mid Century Automatic with Original Dial circa 1960's

By Longines

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Longines Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CAL...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Longines 18Kt. Yellow Gold Men's Wrist Watch, French Hallmarked 1930's
Longines 18Kt. Yellow Gold Men's Wrist Watch, French Hallmarked 1930's

Longines 18Kt. Yellow Gold Men's Wrist Watch, French Hallmarked 1930's

By Longines

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Longines Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Modified Tonneau Shape CIRCA: 1930's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: 17 Jewels / Caliber 10.85 DIAL / HANDS: Roman Numerals / Blued Ste...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Tudor Rolex Rose Logo Radial Arabic Numerals c1960's 30mm Manual Mens' Watch
Tudor Rolex Rose Logo Radial Arabic Numerals c1960's 30mm Manual Mens' Watch

Tudor Rolex Rose Logo Radial Arabic Numerals c1960's 30mm Manual Mens' Watch

By Tudor

Located in MELBOURNE, AU

This Tudor Rolex Vintage Gents’ Watch is dating from 1960’s, it is in good working order & in overall good original condition An ivory-beige coloured Dial is adorned with brand’s ic...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Zenith 1940's Wrist Watch
Vintage Zenith 1940's Wrist Watch

Vintage Zenith 1940's Wrist Watch

By Zenith

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

Founded 1865, Zenith Watch Co has been known for its precision timepieces. Enjoy this great mid 1940's model 3600584 Wrist Watch in pristine vintage condition. With a 31mm brushed s...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Tissot Seastar Chronograph Manual-Wind Stainless Steel Watch, 1970s
Tissot Seastar Chronograph Manual-Wind Stainless Steel Watch, 1970s

Tissot Seastar Chronograph Manual-Wind Stainless Steel Watch, 1970s

By Tissot

Located in Firenze, IT

SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). A fine and rare manual-winding stai...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Mercedes Stainless Steel Post WWII Vintage Wrist Watch
Mercedes Stainless Steel Post WWII Vintage Wrist Watch

Mercedes Stainless Steel Post WWII Vintage Wrist Watch

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

In mint condition, enjoy this post WWII Style Mercedes Winder 32mm Men's Wrist Watch. With a pristine linen face, the gold tone hands and matchstick indexes are sleek and easy to rea...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Vintage Benrus Military Style Wrist Watch with Leather Bund Strap
Vintage Benrus Military Style Wrist Watch with Leather Bund Strap

Vintage Benrus Military Style Wrist Watch with Leather Bund Strap

By Benrus

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

Enjoy this neat post WWII Benrus Military BH-11 Style Steel Men's Wrist Watch. In case size 31.5mm, the dial has a combination of Arabic numerals and matchstick markers with a sweep ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Waltham Fontomatic Men's Wrist Watch w Date
Waltham Fontomatic Men's Wrist Watch w Date

Waltham Fontomatic Men's Wrist Watch w Date

By Waltham Watch Company

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

In its period and considered modernist style circa late 1950's, this 33mm vintage Waltham Men's Wrist Watch presents a sleek look with a black face,contrasting gold-toned spear hands...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Lanco Stainless Steel Wrist Watch
Vintage Lanco Stainless Steel Wrist Watch

Vintage Lanco Stainless Steel Wrist Watch

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

Vintage with character, this Lanco Stainless Steel Wrist Watch is well preserved and was popular with the German Army during WWII. The timepiece features a satin gold-tone face with ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

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1940s Watch Military For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate 1940s watch military for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Stainless Steel, Base Metal and Gold. Creating a 1940s watch military has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Longines, Bulova and Elgin are consistently popular. When shopping for a 1940s watch military, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or women today than there are for men.

How Much is a 1940s Watch Military?

The price for a 1940s watch military starts at $395 and tops out at $8,000 with these watches, on average, selling for $1,150.

Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You

Antique, vintage and luxury 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, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.

Questions About 1940s Watch Military
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    There 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    There isn't one specific brand or model of watch that the military uses. Generally, members of the military wear watches that are durable, waterproof, shockproof and accurate in the field. Shop a variety of watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 4, 2024
    Yes, Omega has made military watches. In 1917, the British Royal Flying Corps designated Omega as an official supplier, and during World War II it became the principal watch supplier for the British forces and their allies. These commissions further strengthened Omega’s commitment to ensuring its products’ reliability under extreme conditions.

    In 1948, Omega launched the versatile Seamaster. Developed as a dive watch, the Seamaster proved its durability at high altitudes and freezing temperatures, as well. While the Omega Seamaster is known as a dive watch, it wasn’t originally made for divers. Introduced in 1948, it was marketed as a dress watch for posh modern gentlemen and featured new waterproofing technology developed by the firm during World War II.

    Thanks in part to its rugged reputation and Omega’s links to the British military, it became James Bond’s watch of choice in 1995, appearing in GoldenEye and every succeeding Bond movie; it returned in 2021’s No Time to Die. To commemorate the partnership, the firm created 007 editions of the Seamaster. Nevertheless, the most famous Omega by far is the Speedmaster, introduced in 1957. The first chronograph to display its tachymeter scale on the bezel instead of the dial for easier readability, it was quickly adopted by engineers and scientists. 

    Find vintage Omega watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A 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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    In 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Yes, 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, pocket watches peaked in popularity in the 1800s. The first pocket watch was created in Germany in 1510, but was originally too large for a pocket. In the 1600s, the design began to get more compact, but for a long time pocket watches were a rarity and a symbol of wealth. Shop an array of antique pocket watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
    Some popular watches for men during the 1950s were the Rolex Submariner, the Enicar Sherpa Dive, the Breitling Navitimer, Omega, Constellation and the Rolex GMT-Master. Rolex, Timex, Orvin, Tower and Elgin were among the top watchmakers for women during the decade. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    Claire McCardell was the designer often called the Mother of American Fashion in the 1940s. An American designer, she helped introduce women's sportswear to the United States and was particularly well-known for her bias-cut, loose-fitting Monastic dress. When World War II broke out in the 1940s, she designed pieces out of readily available materials like denim, calico and wool jersey, introducing new fabrics for women's clothing that would remain popular well after the close of the war. Many people point to McCardell as one of the first successful American fashion designers. Shop a collection of Claire McCardell apparel on 1stDibs.