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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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022What makes Swatch watches special is their versatility. Nearly all of the Swiss watchmaker's timepieces are unisex styles that suit both men and women. In addition, their watches work well with dressy and casual outfits alike. Find a range of Swatch watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Omega has automatic watches. Most of the Omega Constellation watches, including the Omega Constellation Globemaster, are automatic watches. An automatic watch uses the motion of the wearer to power the winding mechanism. Find vintage and contemporary Omega watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Are Omega watches automatic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022It depends. Some Omega watch models feature automatic movement, which charges itself from the motion of your wrist as you wear it. Omega also offers quartz watches as well, which must be wound. Browse a wide range of Omega watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Are all Omega watches automatic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, as of December 2021, all of the timepieces made by Omega are automatic watches. In the past, Omega did offer mechanical watches. Some of the watchmaker's most well-known collections are the Constellation, the Seamaster and the Speedmaster. Shop a selection of Omega watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021An automatic watch means a watch that is self-winding. It is a mechanical watch which is powered by the natural motion of the wearer.
- Are Rolex watches automatic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Rolex watches are automatic. They run on a perpetual rotor that uses the movement of the wearer’s wrist to transfer energy to the mainspring of the watch. In fact, a ticking Rolex could indicate a fake! Shop professionally vetted Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
- Are Cartier watches automatic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 1, 2024Yes, some Cartier watches are automatic but the legendary French luxury house also creates collections that include watches with quartz movements. Cartier’s iconic Tank collection, which includes the Tank Française, the Tank Louis Cartier and other models, features both quartz and automatic options for all kinds of collectors. Each of the watches in the Panthère collection, however, carries a quartz movement.
While quartz watches are powered by a pre-installed battery and a high-frequency quartz crystal, automatic watches rely on a spring system and are self-winding. An automatic watch does not have a battery and is recharged on the wrist owing to the wearer’s movements during the day.
It was Louis Cartier, grandson of Cartier founder Louis-François Cartier, who was responsible for bringing watchmaking to the venerable maison when he presented Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont with a wristwatch in 1904.
Although the pocket watch was the de rigueur men’s accessory of the day, Santos-Dumont found his own pocket watch hard to consult while keeping his plane aloft. Louis fashioned a timepiece with a flat, square case on a leather strap that could be referred to easily at a glance. Named in honor of Louis’s friend, the Santos was eventually produced for sale in 1911.
Find vintage Cartier watches for sale on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024Yes, Swatch watches are generally of good quality. Although known for creating funky, imaginative timepieces, Swatch employs traditional crafting techniques and manufactures their watches in in-house factories in Switzerland. With the exception of their automatic watches, all Swatch timepieces feature reliable quartz movements for precise timekeeping. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Swatch watches.
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