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1970 Omega Dynamic Vintage Mens Cal. 565 Watch with Racing Dial - Stainless Stee
1970 Omega Dynamic Vintage Mens Cal. 565 Watch with Racing Dial - Stainless Stee

1970 Omega Dynamic Vintage Mens Cal. 565 Watch with Racing Dial - Stainless Stee

By Omega

Located in Suwanee, GA

NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1972 Omega De Ville Vintage Mens Cal. 565 Automatic Azure Mist Blue Dial Watch
1972 Omega De Ville Vintage Mens Cal. 565 Automatic Azure Mist Blue Dial Watch

1972 Omega De Ville Vintage Mens Cal. 565 Automatic Azure Mist Blue Dial Watch

By Omega

Located in Suwanee, GA

NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1972 Omega De Ville Vintage Mens Large Retro Automatic Watch with Emerald Green
1972 Omega De Ville Vintage Mens Large Retro Automatic Watch with Emerald Green

1972 Omega De Ville Vintage Mens Large Retro Automatic Watch with Emerald Green

By Omega

Located in Suwanee, GA

NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1970's Omega Geneve Vintage Retro Full Size Day Date Mens Watch - Stainless Stee
1970's Omega Geneve Vintage Retro Full Size Day Date Mens Watch - Stainless Stee

1970's Omega Geneve Vintage Retro Full Size Day Date Mens Watch - Stainless Stee

By Omega

Located in Suwanee, GA

NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Omega De Ville Blue Dial 18K White Gold Diamond Bezel Ladies Watch
Vintage Omega De Ville Blue Dial 18K White Gold Diamond Bezel Ladies Watch

Vintage Omega De Ville Blue Dial 18K White Gold Diamond Bezel Ladies Watch

By Omega

Located in Miami, FL

An exceptional vintage Omega De Ville ladies wristwatch, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K white gold and framed by a halo of brilliant-cut diamonds. The elegant blue sunburst dial wi...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1970's Omega Geneve Vintage Mens TV Shaped Watch with Original Tropical Dial
1970's Omega Geneve Vintage Mens TV Shaped Watch with Original Tropical Dial

1970's Omega Geneve Vintage Mens TV Shaped Watch with Original Tropical Dial

By Omega

Located in Saint Petersburg, FL

This is a large watch ca' mid 1970's-Omega Geneve automatic. Measuring approx. 36x43mm, comes with original steel bracelet. Original hesalite crystal-marked. Most mostly importantly...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Vintage 1970s Omega De Ville Grima Sterling Silver Blue Linen Dial Manual 32 mm
Vintage 1970s Omega De Ville Grima Sterling Silver Blue Linen Dial Manual 32 mm

Vintage 1970s Omega De Ville Grima Sterling Silver Blue Linen Dial Manual 32 mm

By Omega

Located in New York, NY

A Piece Of Wearable Sculpture In the late 1960s and 1970s, Omega collaborated with the visionary London jeweler Andrew Grima to create some of the most avant-garde watches ever prod...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Roy King for Omega Large Yellow Gold and Lapis Dial Midcentury Wristwatch
Roy King for Omega Large Yellow Gold and Lapis Dial Midcentury Wristwatch

Roy King for Omega Large Yellow Gold and Lapis Dial Midcentury Wristwatch

By Roy King for Omega

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1970 Roy King ( London ) for Omega Mid Century modern design 18K Yellow Gold Ladder form Bracelet Wrist Watch, measuring 7 1/2 inches in length X 1 5/8 inches wide. Omega 17 ...

Category

Vintage 1970s British Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

1970 Mid-century 18kt yellow Gold Hoop Earrings with 3.10 Cts in Diamonds
1970 Mid-century 18kt yellow Gold Hoop Earrings with 3.10 Cts in Diamonds

1970 Mid-century 18kt yellow Gold Hoop Earrings with 3.10 Cts in Diamonds

By Omega

Located in Aventura, FL

This exceptional pair of circa 1970s mid-century hoop earrings exemplifies the bold sophistication of the era, expertly crafted in lustrous 18kt yellow gold and featuring a stunning ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970 Mid-century 18kt Gold Earrings with 11.70 CTW in Diamonds & Sapphires
1970 Mid-century 18kt Gold Earrings with 11.70 CTW in Diamonds & Sapphires

1970 Mid-century 18kt Gold Earrings with 11.70 CTW in Diamonds & Sapphires

By Omega

Located in Aventura, FL

This magnificent pair of circa 1960-1970s mid-century earrings exemplifies the bold sophistication of the era, expertly crafted in lustrous 18kt white and yellow gold and accented wi...

Category

Vintage 1970s Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White G...

Gilbert Albert 18K Gold ring for Omega
Gilbert Albert 18K Gold ring for Omega

Gilbert Albert 18K Gold ring for Omega

By Gilbert Albert

Located in Paris, FR

Gilbert Albert was a Swiss jeweller who was born in 1930 in Geneva. He started young and was spotted by Patek Philippe when he was 25. He went on to become head of the workshop and c...

Category

Vintage 1970s European Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Gilbert Albert 18K Gold ring for Omega
Gilbert Albert 18K Gold ring for Omega

Gilbert Albert 18K Gold ring for Omega

By Gilbert Albert

Located in Paris, FR

Gilbert Albert was a Swiss jeweller who was born in 1930 in Geneva. He started young and was spotted by Patek Philippe when he was 25. He went on to become head of the workshop and c...

Category

Vintage 1970s European Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold

1970s Onyx Diamond Gold " Alpha Omega " Ear Clips
1970s Onyx Diamond Gold " Alpha Omega " Ear Clips

1970s Onyx Diamond Gold " Alpha Omega " Ear Clips

Located in New York, NY

Beautifully designed and well crafted fun and chic 1970s ear clips. Half the ear clips is set with black onyx, the other half crafted in polished yellow gold and intersected by an " ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold

Ceramic mirror "Omega" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
Ceramic mirror "Omega" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's

Ceramic mirror "Omega" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's

By Mithé Espelt

Located in Paris, FR

Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, Oméga decor, France, 1970's

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Omega Geneve Automatic Watch: English Made Dennison Stainless Steel
Vintage Omega Geneve Automatic Watch: English Made Dennison Stainless Steel

Vintage Omega Geneve Automatic Watch: English Made Dennison Stainless Steel

Located in Peshawar, PK

Original Omega Geneve Watch. Case Height 39mm Case diameter 34mm l get the watches from First Hand Users. The Watches have never been opened İnside. The Watch is in very good c...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Omega Seamaster 1972 Automatic Silver Honywell Stamped Dial Gold Capped
Vintage Omega Seamaster 1972 Automatic Silver Honywell Stamped Dial Gold Capped

Vintage Omega Seamaster 1972 Automatic Silver Honywell Stamped Dial Gold Capped

Located in New York, NY

Here's a vintage Omega seamster De Ville automatic date with a silver “Honeywell” stamped dial from 1972 ( a corporate stamp, likely for a gift). Keeps great time and is fully functi...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Gold Crystals Omega Interlocked Linked Necklace
Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Gold Crystals Omega Interlocked Linked Necklace

Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Gold Crystals Omega Interlocked Linked Necklace

By Christian Dior

Located in Wokingham, England

Christian Dior Vintage 1970 Unisex Four Bar Crystals Charm Interlocked Omega Linked Modernist Collar Choker Necklace, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches of colour loss, ...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Art Nouveau Choker Necklaces

Materials

Gold Plate

Pair of 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Omega Shaped Earrings
Pair of 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Omega Shaped Earrings

Pair of 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Omega Shaped Earrings

Located in Tel Aviv, IL

Pair of 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Omega Shaped Earrings Stunning pair set with round diamonds all over the omega shape of the earring. 18k gold with 2.88 carat G VS1 round cut diamon...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Contemporary 14K White Gold Diamond Omega Back Post Earrings
Contemporary 14K White Gold Diamond Omega Back Post Earrings

Contemporary 14K White Gold Diamond Omega Back Post Earrings

Located in Lexington, KY

- 14K White Gold - 1.00 cttw G color VS2 clarity diamonds - Round/baguette cut diamonds - Omega Back Post - 9.64 grams This is a stunning pair of contemporary earrings made in ...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Omega Geneve 70s Automatic Silver Dial Day Date 37mm Case
Vintage Omega Geneve 70s Automatic Silver Dial Day Date 37mm Case

Vintage Omega Geneve 70s Automatic Silver Dial Day Date 37mm Case

Located in New York, NY

Here's a vintage Omega Geneve automatic with silver dial and day/date function from the 1970s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements include a 37mm case with an inte...

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Christian Dior GROSSE Gold Gripoix Diamond Ruby Emerald Statement Omega Necklace
Christian Dior GROSSE Gold Gripoix Diamond Ruby Emerald Statement Omega Necklace

Christian Dior GROSSE Gold Gripoix Diamond Ruby Emerald Statement Omega Necklace

By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior

Located in Wokingham, England

Christian Dior GROSSE Vintage 1970s Gripoix Diamond Red Green Blue Clear Crystals Ruby Emerald Sapphire Ribbed Snake Omega Choker Adjustable Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Neckla...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold Plate

Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Herringbone Mesh Woven Snake Omega Gold Necklace
Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Herringbone Mesh Woven Snake Omega Gold Necklace

Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Herringbone Mesh Woven Snake Omega Gold Necklace

By Christian Dior

Located in Wokingham, England

Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Unisex Herringbone Mesh Woven Snake Omega Rope Modenist Elegant Necklace, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely noticeab...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Art Nouveau Choker Necklaces

Materials

Gold Plate

'Omega' Flush Mount by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1960
'Omega' Flush Mount by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1960

'Omega' Flush Mount by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1960

By Artemide, Vico Magistretti

Located in Hagenbach, DE

The iconic “Omega” flush mount, designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide in Italy around 1960, is a masterful example of Italian modernist lighting. Defined by its sculptural, layer...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Barbara Brown 'Heals Omega' Tapestry Printed in England
Mid Century Barbara Brown 'Heals Omega' Tapestry Printed in England

Mid Century Barbara Brown 'Heals Omega' Tapestry Printed in England

By Barbara Brown

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Mid century Barbara Brown 'Heals Omega' Tapestry printed in England This piece measures: 47 wide x 87 inches high Good vintage condition with a few minor water stains on fabric...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Tapestries

Materials

Fabric

Vintage 4.00 Carat Sapphires, Rubys and Diamonds Omega Clip Earrings 18k Gold
Vintage 4.00 Carat Sapphires, Rubys and Diamonds Omega Clip Earrings 18k Gold

Vintage 4.00 Carat Sapphires, Rubys and Diamonds Omega Clip Earrings 18k Gold

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage 4.00 Carat Sapphires, Rubys and Diamonds Omega Clip Earrings 18k Gold. The earrings measure 20.5mm X 7.85mm and weight 9.5g made in solid 18k gold. The gemstones featured are...

Category

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Earrings. Spiral Sculpture Omega Back Circa 1970
Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Earrings. Spiral Sculpture Omega Back Circa 1970

Vintage Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Earrings. Spiral Sculpture Omega Back Circa 1970

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Details: Designer: Cartier Jewelry Type: Vintage Gold Earrings Style: Spiral Dome Earrings, Sculptural Earrings, Statement Earrings Material: 18k Yellow Gold Era: Vintage, Circa ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Omega Back Flowers Earring
Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Omega Back Flowers Earring

Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Omega Back Flowers Earring

Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34

In very good condition. Total weight is 8.7 grams. Totally is diamond 1.50 ct. The diamond is has G-H-I color and vs1-s1 clarity. The box is not included. Please contact for any ques...

Category

Vintage 1970s Artisan Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Rare 'Omega' Flush Mount by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1960
Rare 'Omega' Flush Mount by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1960

Rare 'Omega' Flush Mount by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy, 1960

By Vico Magistretti, Artemide

Located in Hagenbach, DE

This impressive and rare flush mount, model ‘Omega,’ was designed by the renowned Italian architect and designer Vico Magistretti for Artemide in the 1960s. The large, sculptural sha...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Christian Dior 1973 Unisex 5 Five Strands Layer Sliver Gold Snake Omega Necklace
Christian Dior 1973 Unisex 5 Five Strands Layer Sliver Gold Snake Omega Necklace

Christian Dior 1973 Unisex 5 Five Strands Layer Sliver Gold Snake Omega Necklace

By Christian Dior

Located in Wokingham, England

Christian Dior Vintage 1973 Unisex 5 Five Strands Layer Sliver Gold Snake Omega Long Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Chain Necklace Very good condition. Light scratches or colour...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Art Nouveau Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver Plate

Omega Ladies 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bangle Watch, Circa 1970s, Swiss
Omega Ladies 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bangle Watch, Circa 1970s, Swiss

Omega Ladies 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Bangle Watch, Circa 1970s, Swiss

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Ladies Italian 14 Karat Diamond Bangle Watch. The case is 18 Karat and the bangle bracelet 14 Karat. This gorgeous timepiece features thirty prong-set round diamonds on the bezel and...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 3.60 Carat Baguette Diamonds 2-Tone Double Row Omega Choker Necklace
Vintage 3.60 Carat Baguette Diamonds 2-Tone Double Row Omega Choker Necklace

Vintage 3.60 Carat Baguette Diamonds 2-Tone Double Row Omega Choker Necklace

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage 3.60 Carat Baguette Diamonds 2-Tone Double Row Omega Choker Necklace. Very luxurious and elegant choker necklace by Italian designer. The baguette diamonds are very high qual...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Large Designer 1.00 Carat Diamonds X Omega Clip Back Earrings 14k Gold
Vintage Large Designer 1.00 Carat Diamonds X Omega Clip Back Earrings 14k Gold

Vintage Large Designer 1.00 Carat Diamonds X Omega Clip Back Earrings 14k Gold

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Large Designer 1.00 Carat Diamonds X Design Omega Clip Back Earrings 14k Gold. Unique by designer stamped CIG 49437. The earrings measure 29mm and weight 10.9g The earrings f...

Category

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate 18k Yellow Gold GIA Oval Cabochon Coral & Diamond Omega Clip On Earrings
Estate 18k Yellow Gold GIA Oval Cabochon Coral & Diamond Omega Clip On Earrings

Estate 18k Yellow Gold GIA Oval Cabochon Coral & Diamond Omega Clip On Earrings

Located in Montclair, NJ

This gorgeous pair of coral and diamond stud earrings was crafted from solid 18k yellow and white gold. It features a pair of beautiful, bezel set, oval cabochon cut corals that have...

Category

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Designer Signed 6.00 Carat Diamonds Omega Back Clip Earrings 14k White Gold
Designer Signed 6.00 Carat Diamonds Omega Back Clip Earrings 14k White Gold

Designer Signed 6.00 Carat Diamonds Omega Back Clip Earrings 14k White Gold

Located in Miami, FL

6 Carats VS Clarity Total Diamond Weight Clip Earrings. There is an approx total of 6 carats of baguette and princess cut H/VS Clarity diamonds all over these magnificent pair of dia...

Category

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Pearl Omega Back Earring
Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Pearl Omega Back Earring

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Pearl Omega Back Earring

Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34

In very good condition. Total weight is 9 grams. Totally is diamond 0.70 ct. The diamond is has H color and vs-s1 clarity. Totally is ruby 0.30 ct. Please contact for any questions.

Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage 1.00 Carat Diamonds and Onyx Swirl Omega Back X-Large Earrings 14k Gold
Vintage 1.00 Carat Diamonds and Onyx Swirl Omega Back X-Large Earrings 14k Gold

Vintage 1.00 Carat Diamonds and Onyx Swirl Omega Back X-Large Earrings 14k Gold

Located in Miami, FL

Glamorous Vintage 1.00 Carat Diamonds and Onyx Swirl Omega Back Earrings 14k Gold. The earrings feature round diamonds. The earrings weight 31.2g and measure 19mm X 31mm

Category

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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1979 Omega For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 1979 omega you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Stainless Steel, Gold and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. You’re likely to find the perfect 1979 omega 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. A 1979 omega can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 19, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also brilliant cut and bead versions for sale. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 1979 omega, 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 1979 Omega?

On average, a 1979 omega at 1stDibs sells for $3,125, while they’re typically $422 on the low end and $86,620 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.

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.