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Blancpain Ladies Watch

Vintage Blancpain Rayville 18k Gold Ladies Watch On Aquamarine Bracelet
Vintage Blancpain Rayville 18k Gold Ladies Watch On Aquamarine Bracelet

Vintage Blancpain Rayville 18k Gold Ladies Watch On Aquamarine Bracelet

By Blancpain

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Blancpain Rayville Swiss made ladies watch in 18K yellow gold featuring a channel set emerald cut aquamarine bracelet.

Category

20th Century Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Aquamarine, Gold

Ladies Vintage Antique Art Deco Blancpain 10MM 7.40ctw Diamond Manual Watch
Ladies Vintage Antique Art Deco Blancpain 10MM 7.40ctw Diamond Manual Watch

Ladies Vintage Antique Art Deco Blancpain 10MM 7.40ctw Diamond Manual Watch

By Blancpain

Located in Houston, TX

Brand: Blancpain Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 900 Platinum Length: 6.50 inches Width: 10.00 mm Weight: 41.61 grams Vintage Art Deco BLANCPAIN ladies 900 platinum, diamond Swiss m...

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Blancpain 18 Karat Gold Handmade Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950 New Condition
Blancpain 18 Karat Gold Handmade Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950 New Condition

Blancpain 18 Karat Gold Handmade Ladies Dress Watch circa 1950 New Condition

By Blancpain

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Blancpain Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Ladies Bracelet Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 16mm X Width ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Blancpain 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold Ladies Art Deco Bracelet Watch circa 1950's
Blancpain 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold Ladies Art Deco Bracelet Watch circa 1950's

Blancpain 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold Ladies Art Deco Bracelet Watch circa 1950's

By Blancpain

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Blancpain Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: Length "Lug Tip to Lug Tip" 18mm X Width 14mm CIRCA: 1950'...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Blancpain Villeret 18 Karat Gold Ladies Watch on Black Leather Strap
Blancpain Villeret 18 Karat Gold Ladies Watch on Black Leather Strap

Blancpain Villeret 18 Karat Gold Ladies Watch on Black Leather Strap

By Blancpain

Located in Pikesville, MD

An automatic Blancpain 18 karat yellow gold timepiece featuring a small date calendar at the 6 o'clock. Ivory dial is decorated with gold roman numerals. The polished 28mm case is fi...

Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Blancpain T & H-M Retro Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Driver Ladies Watch
Blancpain T & H-M Retro Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Driver Ladies Watch

Blancpain T & H-M Retro Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Driver Ladies Watch

By Blancpain

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Special retro 1940's ladies Blancpain watch designed in 14 karat yellow gold.

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Blancpain 18 Karat Yellow Gold Moonphase Ladies Watch
Blancpain 18 Karat Yellow Gold Moonphase Ladies Watch

Blancpain 18 Karat Yellow Gold Moonphase Ladies Watch

By Blancpain

Located in Dallas, TX

Blancpain 18K Yellow Gold Moonphase Ladies Watch - Manual winding; Day, Date, and Moonphase. 18K Yellow gold case with (26mm).

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Blancpain 18 Karat Yellow Gold Villeret Moonphase Ladies Watch
Blancpain 18 Karat Yellow Gold Villeret Moonphase Ladies Watch

Blancpain 18 Karat Yellow Gold Villeret Moonphase Ladies Watch

By Blancpain

Located in Dallas, TX

Blancpain 18K Yellow Gold Villeret Moonphase Ladies Watch - Automatic. 18K Yellow gold ( 26 mm).

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Blancpain Heure Decentree Diamond Stainless Ladies Watch White Dial Automatic
Blancpain Heure Decentree Diamond Stainless Ladies Watch White Dial Automatic

Blancpain Heure Decentree Diamond Stainless Ladies Watch White Dial Automatic

By Blancpain

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Blancpain Heure Decentree Ladies Watch Model: 3650A 4528 55B No. 256 This authentic Blancpain watch has a stainless steel case with a white diamond dial.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Blancpain Heure Decentree Diamond Stainless Ladies Watch White Dial Automatic
Blancpain Heure Decentree Diamond Stainless Ladies Watch White Dial Automatic

Blancpain Heure Decentree Diamond Stainless Ladies Watch White Dial Automatic

By Blancpain

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Blancpain Heure Decentree Ladies Watch Model: 3650A 4528 55B No. 256 This authentic Blancpain watch has a stainless steel case with a white diamond dial.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Vintage Blancpain Movement Manual Wind Ladies Watch 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Vintage Blancpain Movement Manual Wind Ladies Watch 14 Karat Yellow Gold

Vintage Blancpain Movement Manual Wind Ladies Watch 14 Karat Yellow Gold

By Blancpain

Located in Fairfield, CT

Presenting a splendid example of mid-20th century craftsmanship, this 14 karat yellow gold ladies' watch from T&HM is an emblem of elegance and precision.

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Swiss Pre-Owned Blancpain Self-Winding Automatic Diamond White Gold Ladies Watch
Swiss Pre-Owned Blancpain Self-Winding Automatic Diamond White Gold Ladies Watch

Swiss Pre-Owned Blancpain Self-Winding Automatic Diamond White Gold Ladies Watch

By Blancpain

Located in New York, NY

When it comes to describing Blancpain watches, two words are most often heard – innovation and tradition. Each of these is woven together in the fabric of the brand’s philosophy. In ...

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1940s Art Deco Blancpain 8 Carat Total Diamond and Platinum Ladies Wrist Watch
1940s Art Deco Blancpain 8 Carat Total Diamond and Platinum Ladies Wrist Watch

1940s Art Deco Blancpain 8 Carat Total Diamond and Platinum Ladies Wrist Watch

By Blancpain

Located in Hicksville, NY

Blancpain Diamond Wrist Watch - Platinum, Diamonds Features: 8.0 carats total Round Brilliant Diamonds Platinum 6 inch long Diamond Bracelet Watch width tapers from 8.5 - 5 millimet...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Blancpain Vintage 14 Karat White Gold & Diamond Ladies Watch with 18k Bracelet
Blancpain Vintage 14 Karat White Gold & Diamond Ladies Watch with 18k Bracelet

Blancpain Vintage 14 Karat White Gold & Diamond Ladies Watch with 18k Bracelet

By Blancpain

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Movement: quartz Function: hours, minutes Case: 20mm round 14K white gold case, .60cttw diamond bezel, push pull crown Band: 18K white gold mesh style bracelet with safety clasp Dial...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

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

Blancpain 14 Karat White Gold Vintage Diamond Ladies Dress
Blancpain 14 Karat White Gold Vintage Diamond Ladies Dress

Blancpain 14 Karat White Gold Vintage Diamond Ladies Dress

By Blancpain

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Movement: quartz Function: hours, minutes Case: 20mm round 14K white gold case, 0.60cttw diamond bezel, push/pull crown Band: 18K white gold mesh bracelet, integrated clasp Dial: sil...

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

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

Blancpain Ladies  Yellow Gold Baton Dial Diamond Set Manual Wind Wristwatch
Blancpain Ladies  Yellow Gold Baton Dial Diamond Set Manual Wind Wristwatch

Blancpain Ladies Yellow Gold Baton Dial Diamond Set Manual Wind Wristwatch

By Blancpain

Located in Mayfair, London, London

An 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ladies Wristwatch, silvered dial with applied index batons, an 18k yellow gold fixed polished bezel, an 18k yellow gold bracelet set with approximately 60...

Category

Vintage 1960s British Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Blancpain Ladies White Gold Diamond Hidden Watch Bracelet, circa 1940s
Blancpain Ladies White Gold Diamond Hidden Watch Bracelet, circa 1940s

Blancpain Ladies White Gold Diamond Hidden Watch Bracelet, circa 1940s

By Blancpain

Located in New York City, NY

Timeless retro diamond and 18K white gold hidden watch bracelet by Blancpain, circa 1940s. It features high grade round brilliant cut diamonds, approx 4.0-5.0cts total weight. The hi...

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Blancpain Ladies Complete Calendar Self Winding Wristwatch
Blancpain Ladies Complete Calendar Self Winding Wristwatch

Blancpain Ladies Complete Calendar Self Winding Wristwatch

By Blancpain

Located in Greenwich, CT

Blancpain Complete Calendar crafted in stainless steel. This timepiece features a self-winding movement with indications for the Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Day, Date, Month and ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Stainless Steel

Ladies Wristwatch by Blancpain, 18 Karat White Gold with Diamonds
Ladies Wristwatch by Blancpain, 18 Karat White Gold with Diamonds

Ladies Wristwatch by Blancpain, 18 Karat White Gold with Diamonds

By Blancpain

Located in Berlin, DE

Elegant, dainty Ladies Wristwatch by Blancpain, 18 Karat white Gold with Diamonds, manual wind.

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

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Vintage Swiss Made Jaeger-LeCoultre Ladies' 18K Gold & Diamonds Cocktail watch
Vintage Swiss Made Jaeger-LeCoultre Ladies' 18K Gold & Diamonds Cocktail watch

Vintage Swiss Made Jaeger-LeCoultre Ladies' 18K Gold & Diamonds Cocktail watch

By Jaeger-LeCoultre

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Swiss Made Jaeger-LeCoultre Ladies' 18K Gold & Diamonds Cocktail watch Swiss Made Jaeger-LeCoultre Ladies' cocktail watch which can be dated back to the 1950's. The watch f...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Omega Diamond Quartz Watch in 14K Yellow Gold with Bark-Textured
Vintage Omega Diamond Quartz Watch in 14K Yellow Gold with Bark-Textured

Vintage Omega Diamond Quartz Watch in 14K Yellow Gold with Bark-Textured

By Omega

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Elegant and distinctive, this vintage Omega ladies' quartz wristwatch is crafted in solid 14 karat yellow gold and showcases Omega's timeless commitment to luxury and precision. The ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Black Opal Dial Ladies Piaget Watch w/3.85ct Diamond Bezel, 1970s
Rare Vintage Black Opal Dial Ladies Piaget Watch w/3.85ct Diamond Bezel, 1970s

Rare Vintage Black Opal Dial Ladies Piaget Watch w/3.85ct Diamond Bezel, 1970s

By Piaget

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This expertly crafted vintage Swiss ladies Piaget dress watch features a vibrant natural, oval shaped black "Peacock Opal" dial. This rare dial possesses every quality that is prized...

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Piaget Ladies Yellow Gold Ribbed Wristwatch
Piaget Ladies Yellow Gold Ribbed Wristwatch

Piaget Ladies Yellow Gold Ribbed Wristwatch

By Piaget

Located in Stamford, CT

1960's Piaget ladies yellow Gold ribbed wristwatch is a testament to timeless elegance and sophisticated craftsmanship. Crafted in luxurious 18k yellow gold, this exquisite timepiece...

Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Baume & Mercier Platinum Handmade Ladies Art Deco Watch, circa 1940s
Baume & Mercier Platinum Handmade Ladies Art Deco Watch, circa 1940s

Baume & Mercier Platinum Handmade Ladies Art Deco Watch, circa 1940s

By Baume & Mercier

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Baume & Mercier Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum / Diamond CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 58mm X Width 10mm ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex 9ct. Solid Gold Art Deco Ladies Wristwatch ca 1920's, with Original Dial
Rolex 9ct. Solid Gold Art Deco Ladies Wristwatch ca 1920's, with Original Dial

Rolex 9ct. Solid Gold Art Deco Ladies Wristwatch ca 1920's, with Original Dial

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Baguette Style METAL / MATERIAL: 9ct. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm x Width 11mm M...

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Gubelin 14mm Watch 18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Link Bracelet
Vintage Gubelin 14mm Watch 18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Link Bracelet

Vintage Gubelin 14mm Watch 18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Link Bracelet

By Gubelin

Located in Montclair, NJ

This stunning vintage ladies' Gubelin wrist watch features a 14mm solid 18k yellow gold square shaped case that is hidden under a unique diamond encrusted case cover. The beautiful b...

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Platinum White Gold Art Deco Diamond Wrist Watch
Platinum White Gold Art Deco Diamond Wrist Watch

Platinum White Gold Art Deco Diamond Wrist Watch

Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse

This stunning and very elegant oval 1920 Art Deco wrist watch features a platinum and Diamonds case along with the dial's stylized numerals. The white gold mesh band is smooth, sleek...

Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Vacheron Constantin Platinum and Diamond Dress Watch with Ceylon Sapphires, 1920
Vacheron Constantin Platinum and Diamond Dress Watch with Ceylon Sapphires, 1920

Vacheron Constantin Platinum and Diamond Dress Watch with Ceylon Sapphires, 1920

By Vacheron Constantin

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Vacheron Constantin for Merimont STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum Diamond Sapphires CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Art Deco Platinum Elgin 2.7tcw H Si1 Diamond Pave Ladies Dress Watch
Art Deco Platinum Elgin 2.7tcw H Si1 Diamond Pave Ladies Dress Watch

Art Deco Platinum Elgin 2.7tcw H Si1 Diamond Pave Ladies Dress Watch

By Elgin

Located in New York, NY

This Art Deco ladies dress watch by Elgin is crafted in platinum and set with 2.70ctw of H color, SI1 clarity diamonds. The pavé-set design creates a continuous field of brilliance a...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 7.50ct Diamond Hamilton Cover Watch Bracelet
Vintage 7.50ct Diamond Hamilton Cover Watch Bracelet

Vintage 7.50ct Diamond Hamilton Cover Watch Bracelet

By Hamilton

Located in New York, NY

This is a lovely platinum diamond cover watch bracelet from the 1950s. The watch bracelet is set with sparkling baguette, pear, marquise and round cut diamonds that weigh approximate...

Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

DeLaneau 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Multicolored Sapphires Bracelet Watch
DeLaneau 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Multicolored Sapphires Bracelet Watch

DeLaneau 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Multicolored Sapphires Bracelet Watch

By Delaneau

Located in New York, NY

DeLaneau was founded by a woman in 1949 in Switzerland. They are one of the first watch companies to devote their entire collection to ladies timepieces. The face of this 18 karat y...

Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Omega Mechanical Automatic Watch 18kt
Vintage Omega Mechanical Automatic Watch 18kt

Vintage Omega Mechanical Automatic Watch 18kt

Located in New York, NY

Geneve Ladies Watch Circa 1970's High grade Swiss Mechanical Movement Working Order. 7 inch Wearable Length 36 grams 17mm diameter case

Category

20th Century American Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe 3322 Ladies Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch
Patek Philippe 3322 Ladies Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch

Patek Philippe 3322 Ladies Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1970s Patek Philippe Reference 3322 Wrist Watch. 16 x 20 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case with hand Texturing, 20 Jewel Mechanical, manual wind Nickle lever movement, Patek Ph...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

DeLaneau 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Blue Sapphire Bracelet Watch
DeLaneau 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Blue Sapphire Bracelet Watch

DeLaneau 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Blue Sapphire Bracelet Watch

By Delaneau

Located in New York, NY

DeLaneau was founded by a woman in 1949 in Switzerland. They are one of the first watch companies to devote their entire collection to ladies timepieces. The face of this 18 karat y...

Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Ladies Wrist Watch, Platinum with Diamonds
Antique Art Nouveau Ladies Wrist Watch, Platinum with Diamonds

Antique Art Nouveau Ladies Wrist Watch, Platinum with Diamonds

Located in Berlin, DE

Antique Art Nouveau ladies watch, platinum with diamonds. Case and strap are studded with diamonds throughout. Manual wind movement. Very good condition.

Category

Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

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Blancpain Ladies Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact blancpain ladies watch you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Stainless Steel — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 14 vintage editions and 6 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect blancpain ladies watch may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. A blancpain ladies watch can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 11, 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 princess cut versions for sale. When shopping for a blancpain ladies watch, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Blancpain Ladies Watch?

Prices for a blancpain ladies watch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $2,750 and can go as high as $20,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $8,200.

Blancpain for sale on 1stDibs

In 1735, Jehan-Jacques Blancpain opened a modest workshop on the second floor of his farmhouse in the Jura village of Villeret in Switzerland. These humble beginnings would form the foundation of what is now the world’s oldest existing watchmaker and one of the premier brands within the category of Swiss watchmaking.

Like most horologists at the time, Blancpain’s business was, at the beginning, a family affair: Jehan-Jacques’s son and siblings joined in the work at hand. After all, between the honing, polishing, design and assembly, the making of an innovative watch calls for all hands on deck. Since then, even given its deep history, Blancpain has remained a forward-looking brand.

At the end of the 18th century, Jehan-Jacques’s grandson David-Louis endeavored to turn the family business into an international one, traveling to cities across Europe to proffer the family’s distinctive timepieces, which were known for their roue de rencontre, or meeting wheel, escapements.

By the early 1800s, Frédéric-Louis Blancpain, Jehan-Jacques’s great-grandson, had begun work on ultra-flat movements and implemented modern means of production at the factory. Soon, Blancpain built a two-story factory that further bolstered its production capacity.

In 1926, Blancpain partnered with British watchmaker John Harwood to produce the first automatic wristwatch, an innovation that had existed only in pocket watches at that point. Then nearly 30 years later, when the race to craft modern dive watches had gained speed and Rolex was unveiling its iconic Submariner, Blancpain introduced its Fifty Fathoms, a timepiece designed initially for the French Navy to be waterproof up to a depth of 50 fathoms.

After two centuries of family management, Blancpain left the hands of its namesake family in 1932, passing between a few owners before being acquired in 1961 by SSIH, the venerable Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère, whose other subsidiaries include Omega and Tissot.

SSIH would sell Blancpain to a member of another Swiss watch family, Jacques Piguet, in the early 1980s. In 2010, Piguet merged with Blancpain under the Swatch Group. Today, Blancpain maintains its painstaking attention to detail, producing fewer than 30 watches per day, each crafted by a single watchmaker.

Find a wide range of vintage Blancpain watches for sale on 1stDibs today.

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.