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1950s Omega 14k Gold Watch

Omega 14Kt Solid Gold Watch Mid Century Watch with Original Waffle Dial
Omega 14Kt Solid Gold Watch Mid Century Watch with Original Waffle Dial

Omega 14Kt Solid Gold Watch Mid Century Watch with Original Waffle Dial

By Omega

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Reference 6550 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 32mm M...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Omega cal 344 14k Gold Filled 32mm Mens Bumper Automatic 1950s Vintage RA581
Omega cal 344 14k Gold Filled 32mm Mens Bumper Automatic 1950s Vintage RA581

Omega cal 344 14k Gold Filled 32mm Mens Bumper Automatic 1950s Vintage RA581

By Omega

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage classic, 14k gold-filled Men's Omega cal.344 bumper automatic, c.1952, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Omega signed dial, ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Omega “Queen's” Vintage Dress Watch 14ct Gold – 1952 - Calibre 401 –
Omega “Queen's” Vintage Dress Watch 14ct Gold – 1952 - Calibre 401 –

Omega “Queen's” Vintage Dress Watch 14ct Gold – 1952 - Calibre 401 –

By Omega

Located in London, GB

Omega “Queen's” Vintage Dress Watch – 14ct Gold – Honeycomb Dial – Calibre 401 – c.1950s What an incredible watch from the early 1950s. This beautiful Omega “Queen's” marked vintage...

Category

Vintage 1950s European Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage 1950s Omega Lady Dress 257722 14K YG Malachite Diamond Dial Manual 30 mm
Vintage 1950s Omega Lady Dress 257722 14K YG Malachite Diamond Dial Manual 30 mm

Vintage 1950s Omega Lady Dress 257722 14K YG Malachite Diamond Dial Manual 30 mm

By Omega

Located in New York, NY

A Statement In Precious Materials This Omega Lady Dress watch stands out with its bold use of materials, combining a 14K yellow gold case with a striking malachite dial and a diamon...

Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Vintage 1950s Omega Ladies 14K White Gold Diamond Wristwatch
Vintage 1950s Omega Ladies 14K White Gold Diamond Wristwatch

Vintage 1950s Omega Ladies 14K White Gold Diamond Wristwatch

Unavailable

H 0.32 in W 0.57 in L 0.57 in

Vintage 1950s Omega Ladies 14K White Gold Diamond Wristwatch

By Omega

Located in North Miami, FL

Vintage Omega ladies wristwatch, circa 1950s, crafted in 14kt white gold with original integrated gold bracelet. The square dial measures approximately 10.47mm (inside measurement) ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Omega 14k Yellow Gold Hand-Winding Mechanical Watch w/ Leather Strap
Vintage Omega 14k Yellow Gold Hand-Winding Mechanical Watch w/ Leather Strap

Vintage Omega 14k Yellow Gold Hand-Winding Mechanical Watch w/ Leather Strap

By Omega

Located in Sherman Oaks, CA

Vintage Omega 14k Yellow Gold Hand-Winding Mechanical Watch w/ Leather Strap Includes Genuine Omega Hand-Winding Mechanical Movement 14k Yellow Gold Case 28 mm in Diameter (29 mm w/...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Ladies Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1950s
Omega Ladies Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1950s

Omega Ladies Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1950s

By Omega

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Vintage lady’s Omega 14K YG circa 1950’s. Featuring round case with elegant design ball design attachment for a nicely contoured hinge attachment for cord bracelet. Featuring a diamo...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage Omega Gold Bracelet Cover Watch
Vintage Omega Gold Bracelet Cover Watch

Vintage Omega Gold Bracelet Cover Watch

Unavailable

W 0.63 in L 7.5 in

Vintage Omega Gold Bracelet Cover Watch

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Unique and lovely to the feel, this 1950s era bracelet does double duty as a watch. Gently domed square links feature a beautiful swirls of dark blue enamel with orangy borders. Th...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold, Gold

Omega Lady's White Gold and Diamond Bracelet Watch
Omega Lady's White Gold and Diamond Bracelet Watch

Omega Lady's White Gold and Diamond Bracelet Watch

By Omega

Located in San Francisco, CA

Omega lady's 14k white gold and diamond bracelet watch with 18 round cut diamonds for a total approximate weight of 1.54 cts and 13.9 grams. Watch head measures 14mm x 22mm and has a...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Omega Ladies White Gold Diamond Wristwatch
Omega Ladies White Gold Diamond Wristwatch

Omega Ladies White Gold Diamond Wristwatch

By Omega

Located in London, GB

A Ladies, white gold Omega watch "Retro Duo Plan", featuring a two piece circular 18ct white gold case, with diamond set "V" bar lugs, it has an 18 jewel, Swiss, Omega movement, with...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold

Omega Yellow Gold Rectangular Wristwatch Ref 3913 circa 1956

Omega Yellow Gold Rectangular Wristwatch Ref 3913 circa 1956

By Omega

Located in Firenze, IT

PLEASE NOTE: OUR PRICE IS FULLY INCLUSIVE OF SHIPPING, IMPORTATION TAXES & DUTIES Omega 14k yellow gold rectangular wristwatch with prominent "top hat" shoulders, Ref. 3913, circa...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Yellow Gold Constellation Automatic Wristwatch
Omega Yellow Gold Constellation Automatic Wristwatch

Omega Yellow Gold Constellation Automatic Wristwatch

By Omega

Located in Dallas, TX

Vintage Omega Constellation Automatic Men's 14k Gold Watch Cal. 551 - Automatic winding; 26 jewels; Caliber 551. 14k yellow gold (36mm diameter).

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex President Style Diamond Men's Ring
Rolex President Style Diamond Men's Ring

Rolex President Style Diamond Men's Ring

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

When you want a little flair to your basic gold band, add a diamond! This ring can be used as a wedding band or just a casual ring that would be perfect for layering up or worn by it...

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond

1960s Omega Seamaster 14k Gold Men's Watch GX6546 Cal 500
1960s Omega Seamaster 14k Gold Men's Watch GX6546 Cal 500

1960s Omega Seamaster 14k Gold Men's Watch GX6546 Cal 500

By Omega

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Omega Seamaster 14K Yellow Gold Men's watch GX6546 E71533 This Omega Seamaster is from the 1950's and is set in 14K Yellow gold Case is 34.5mm and engraved on back: "1962 Roche Aw...

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Mens Omega Seamaster Calendar 2627SC 35mm 14k Gold Bumper Automatic 1950s RA402
Mens Omega Seamaster Calendar 2627SC 35mm 14k Gold Bumper Automatic 1950s RA402

Mens Omega Seamaster Calendar 2627SC 35mm 14k Gold Bumper Automatic 1950s RA402

By Omega

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Omega ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Omega Yellow Gold Manual Wristwatch Ref 371, 1950s
Omega Yellow Gold Manual Wristwatch Ref 371, 1950s

Omega Yellow Gold Manual Wristwatch Ref 371, 1950s

By Omega

Located in Stamford, CT

Classic 1950’s mens 14k yellow gold Omega 371 manual wind omega movement wristwatch 14k Yellow Gold 74.9 Grams Length: 43.25 Width: 35mm Case Thickness: 9.72mm Crystal: Acrylic Di...

Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Mens Omega Seamaster 2577 34mm 14K Gold Capped Automatic 1950s All Original JM7
Mens Omega Seamaster 2577 34mm 14K Gold Capped Automatic 1950s All Original JM7

Mens Omega Seamaster 2577 34mm 14K Gold Capped Automatic 1950s All Original JM7

By Omega

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Timeless classic, Men's Omega Seamaster gold-capped bumper automatic dress watch, c.1950s, all original. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Omega signed honeycomb qu...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Solid 14 Karat Gold Omega Watch Automatic Engraved New York Fire Dept Vintage
Solid 14 Karat Gold Omega Watch Automatic Engraved New York Fire Dept Vintage

Solid 14 Karat Gold Omega Watch Automatic Engraved New York Fire Dept Vintage

By Omega

Located in San Diego, CA

Vintage 14k yellow gold solid Omega watch from approximately 1950's in excellent condition, automatic, with a maroon leather band.

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

1950s Rolex 14K Yellow Gold Ladies Wrist Watch
1950s Rolex 14K Yellow Gold Ladies Wrist Watch

1950s Rolex 14K Yellow Gold Ladies Wrist Watch

By Rolex

Located in Hicksville, NY

1950s Rolex Wristwatch for Ladies 14 Karat Yellow Gold Manual Wind Crown on this watch is Omega Brand. The watch was purchased in a boutique where Omega watches were sold as well. ...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Ladies White 14 Karat Gold Diamond Wristwatch Watch
Omega Ladies White 14 Karat Gold Diamond Wristwatch Watch

Omega Ladies White 14 Karat Gold Diamond Wristwatch Watch

Located in Wallkill, NY

This Omega Watch has a solid 14K white gold case and a gold filled Band. *17 jewels movement* Hi grade 481 early tiny caliber movement * 2 positions * You have to slide your hand i...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Omega Yellow Gold Oversized Wristwatch circa 1950s
Omega Yellow Gold Oversized Wristwatch circa 1950s

Omega Yellow Gold Oversized Wristwatch circa 1950s

By Omega

Located in Miami Beach, FL

This is a 14k yellow gold oversized Omega wristwatch from the 1950s, measuring 37 mm.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Gold round dress model c. 1950's.
Omega Gold round dress model c. 1950's.

Omega Gold round dress model c. 1950's.

By Omega

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Omega 14K Yellow Gold Round Dress Model, circa 1950's. 34mm diameter case with large flared lugs extending from inner bezel.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega 14KYG Oversized Square Case c. 1950's
Omega 14KYG Oversized Square Case c. 1950's

Omega 14KYG Oversized Square Case c. 1950's

By Omega

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Omega 14K YG oversized square case with large lobed lugs 33mm x 44mm circa 1950's with glossy black dial with gold applied indexes and tapered dauphine hands.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Omega Gold triple calendar moonphase ref# 2473 circa 1950's.
Omega Gold triple calendar moonphase ref# 2473 circa 1950's.

Omega Gold triple calendar moonphase ref# 2473 circa 1950's.

By Omega

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Omega 18K YG triple calendar moonphase ref# 2473 circa 1950's. 34mm diameter snapback case with fancy lugs and signed Omega crown. Antiqued original silver dial with blue outer date ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

OMEGA Yellow Gold Automatic Ref 6525 circa 1950s
OMEGA Yellow Gold Automatic Ref 6525 circa 1950s

OMEGA Yellow Gold Automatic Ref 6525 circa 1950s

By Omega

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Omega 14k yellow gold automatic, Ref 6525, circa 1950s. 33 X 40mm screw back case with extended lobed lugs. Very beautiful glossy black restored dial with gold applied indexes and pa...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Omega Yellow Gold Seamster Automatic Wristwatch circa 1950s
Omega Yellow Gold Seamster Automatic Wristwatch circa 1950s

Omega Yellow Gold Seamster Automatic Wristwatch circa 1950s

By Omega

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Omega 14K Yellow Gold Seamster Automatic circa 1950s. 35mm diameter case with screw down back, wide bezel and wide, curved lugs.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Rose Gold Square Oversize Automatic Wristwatch circa 1950s
Omega Rose Gold Square Oversize Automatic Wristwatch circa 1950s

Omega Rose Gold Square Oversize Automatic Wristwatch circa 1950s

By Omega

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Great looking oversize Omega 14K Rose Gold square case automatic circa 1950’s with large extended lobed lugs.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

Omega Yellow Gold Dress Model Wristwatch circa 1950s
Omega Yellow Gold Dress Model Wristwatch circa 1950s

Omega Yellow Gold Dress Model Wristwatch circa 1950s

By Omega

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Omega 14K Yellow Gold oversize dress model circa 1950s. 36 x 42mm case with wide sloped bezel and acrylic crystal.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Omega Gold Shell Top Steel Back Bombe-Style Wristwatch, circa 1950s
Omega Gold Shell Top Steel Back Bombe-Style Wristwatch, circa 1950s

Omega Gold Shell Top Steel Back Bombe-Style Wristwatch, circa 1950s

By Omega

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Omega gold shell top, stainless steel screw down case back, large 33.5mm x 43mm case with curved bombe-style lugs. Original two-tone silvered satin dial with gold applied indexes and...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel

Omega Lady's Lady Omega Yellow Gold Diamond Wristwatch
Omega Lady's Lady Omega Yellow Gold Diamond Wristwatch

Omega Lady's Lady Omega Yellow Gold Diamond Wristwatch

By Omega

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Lady Omega 14K Yellow Gold and Diamond Wristwatch circa 1950s.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega 14K YG Oversized Square Case
Omega 14K YG Oversized Square Case

Omega 14K YG Oversized Square Case

Sold

H 1.3 in Dm 1.74 in

Omega 14K YG Oversized Square Case

By Omega

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Omega 14K YG oversized square case with faceted wide gold bezel and large lobed lugs 33mm x 44mm circa 1950's with matte silver dial with gold applied indexes and pointy hands.

Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Omega Yellow Gold Automatic Wristwatch
Omega Yellow Gold Automatic Wristwatch

Omega Yellow Gold Automatic Wristwatch

Sold

W 1.38 in Dm 1.38 in L 1.7 in

Omega Yellow Gold Automatic Wristwatch

By Omega

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Omega 14K Yellow Gold Automatic circa 1950s. 35 x 43mm diameter case with wide bezel and screw down case back.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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1950s Omega 14k Gold Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 1950s omega 14k gold watch you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 14k Gold and Yellow Gold. You’re likely to find the perfect 1950s omega 14k gold watch among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. While most can agree that any 1950s omega 14k gold watch from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 7 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. 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 alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 1950s omega 14k gold 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 1950s Omega 14k Gold Watch?

On average, a 1950s omega 14k gold watch at 1stDibs sells for $2,450, while they’re typically $1,000 on the low end and $10,789 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Omega for sale on 1stDibs

It’s a celebrated part of Omega lore that the brand’s Speedmaster Professional Chronograph was the first watch to make a lunar landing. But the universal love for vintage Omega watches isn't confined to astronomers, and there’s more to the company’s heritage than the story of the Moonwatch.

The house’s origins date to 1848, when Swiss watchmaker Louis Brandt first set up shop. His sons Louis-Paul and César took over after his death, and in 1894, the pair developed an intriguing new movement.

Not only was it highly accurate, but every part was replaceable, making it easy for any professional to service. The Brandts called their movement the Omega, and as its popularity spread, they changed their company’s name to that of its flagship product.

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, it launched the versatile Seamaster. Developed as a dive watch, the Seamaster proved its durability at high altitudes and freezing temperatures, as well. (Here is the 1stDibs guide to spotting a fake Omega Seamaster.

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. 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. 

Worn by Buzz Aldrin during the 1969 Apollo 11 lunar mission, it’s the only watch certified by NASA for extravehicular activity (space walks) — and, as far as we know, the only one approved by the Russian space agency, too. 

Watch aficionados and aficionadas alike can find vintage Omega watches today on 1stDibs.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

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.