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Cartier Platinum Diamond Watch

Cartier Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Pendant Watch
Cartier Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Pendant Watch

Cartier Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Pendant Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Pendant Watch Details: The square platinum case measuring 23mm, with rose-cut diamond border and applied design.

Category

20th Century Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Vintage Diamond Platinum Collectible Ladies  Dress Watch
Cartier Vintage Diamond Platinum Collectible Ladies  Dress Watch

Cartier Vintage Diamond Platinum Collectible Ladies Dress Watch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

This exquisite vintage Cartier ladies' diamond watch, crafted from luxurious platinum, is a true masterpiece from the 1960s.

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Art Deco Diamond Pendant Watch
Cartier Art Deco Diamond Pendant Watch

Cartier Art Deco Diamond Pendant Watch

By Cartier

Located in New Orleans, LA

A study in bold design, this elegant pendant watch by Cartier is in a class of its own. Crafted of platinum with a jet bezel, the timepiece features pierced hands and painted Arabic ...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Art Deco 1920s Cartier Diamond and Onyx Watch Brooch
Antique Art Deco 1920s Cartier Diamond and Onyx Watch Brooch

Antique Art Deco 1920s Cartier Diamond and Onyx Watch Brooch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold with Rose cut Diamonds and French cut Onyx. Signed by Cartier Circa 1920s

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum

Custom Watch Bezels, Dials & Diamond Commissions for Rolex, Cartier, Hublot
Custom Watch Bezels, Dials & Diamond Commissions for Rolex, Cartier, Hublot

Custom Watch Bezels, Dials & Diamond Commissions for Rolex, Cartier, Hublot

By Rock N Gold Creations

Located in San Diego, CA

Custom Bezels, Dials & Fine Gemstone Commissions for Watches Rock N Gold Creations specializes in bespoke watch commissions for many of the world's finest timepieces, including ...

Category

2010s American Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Alexandrite, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Carnelian, Citrine, Diamond, White Di...

Cartier Platinum Yellow Gold Diamond Black Enamel Pendant Watch Necklace
Cartier Platinum Yellow Gold Diamond Black Enamel Pendant Watch Necklace

Cartier Platinum Yellow Gold Diamond Black Enamel Pendant Watch Necklace

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

- 24” long chain - Watch 1.5” in diameter - 27 seed pearls - 34 black enamel segments - Movement signed “Cartier Paris” - Rose cut diamonds - 43 grams - 27.7 dwt

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Cartier black and white enamel pendant/watch necklace
Cartier black and white enamel pendant/watch necklace

Cartier black and white enamel pendant/watch necklace

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Cartier, Movement by European Watch and Clock. Atw diamonds 2.75 cts

Category

Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Recent Sales

Cartier Platinum Crash Diamond Watch
Cartier Platinum Crash Diamond Watch

Cartier Platinum Crash Diamond Watch

By Cartier

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

An Extraordinarily Rare Platinum "Crash" Watch with Original Diamonds, by Cartier.

Category

1990s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Lady's Platinum Diamond Bracelet Wristwatch
Cartier Lady's Platinum Diamond Bracelet Wristwatch

Cartier Lady's Platinum Diamond Bracelet Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in San Francisco, CA

A sleek, stylish and sexy bracelet watch dating from the mid- twentieth century, superbly crafted in platinum by Cartier.

Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Lady's Platinum, Diamond and Onyx Wristwatch
Cartier Lady's Platinum, Diamond and Onyx Wristwatch

Cartier Lady's Platinum, Diamond and Onyx Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

Lady's platinum Cartier wristwatch with diamond and faceted onyx and deployant buckle

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Cartier Art Deco Ladies Rectangle Diamond Sapphire European Movement Watch
Cartier Art Deco Ladies Rectangle Diamond Sapphire European Movement Watch

Cartier Art Deco Ladies Rectangle Diamond Sapphire European Movement Watch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

However, if one piece of horological design has earned this accolade, it’s this Cartier watch dial. A magnificent, vintage, and one of a kind Art Deco watch dial by Cartier in Platin...

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Rare Cartier Art Deco Ladies Rectangle Diamond Sapphire European Movement Watch
Rare Cartier Art Deco Ladies Rectangle Diamond Sapphire European Movement Watch

Rare Cartier Art Deco Ladies Rectangle Diamond Sapphire European Movement Watch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

However, if one piece of horological design has earned this accolade, it’s this Cartier watch dial. A magnificent, vintage, and one of a kind Art Deco watch dial by Cartier in Platin...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Cartier Tank Chinoise Large Model Platinum with Diamonds Unworn Full Set
Cartier Tank Chinoise Large Model Platinum with Diamonds Unworn Full Set

Cartier Tank Chinoise Large Model Platinum with Diamonds Unworn Full Set

By Cartier

Located in Geneva, CH

Cartier Tank Chinoise LM Boutique Only item Very rare item in this condition Large size 37mm X 30mm In Platinum case Green Cartier strap Reference n° WE300251 Original Cartier Diamon...

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Diamond Pearl and Onyx Watch, Art Deco, Paris, c. 1920
Cartier Diamond Pearl and Onyx Watch, Art Deco, Paris, c. 1920

Cartier Diamond Pearl and Onyx Watch, Art Deco, Paris, c. 1920

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Art Deco Diamond, Pearl, and Onyx Watch by Cartier, Paris, circa 1920 A watch with a square, cream-colored dial with Roman numerals and blued steel hands within a diamond border, a...

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, Platinum

10.07 Carat E VS1 Emerald Cut Platinum Diamond Ring, by Cartier
10.07 Carat E VS1 Emerald Cut Platinum Diamond Ring, by Cartier

10.07 Carat E VS1 Emerald Cut Platinum Diamond Ring, by Cartier

By Cartier

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A GIA Certified 10.07ct E VS1 Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring by Cartier. Comes in an original Cartier box with GIA certificate. Absolutely Stunning Ring.

Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Lady's Platinum and Diamond Lapel Watch
Cartier Lady's Platinum and Diamond Lapel Watch

Cartier Lady's Platinum and Diamond Lapel Watch

By Cartier

Located in Southampton, PA

Cartier lady's platinum and diamond lapel watch. Manual-wind movement in working condition.

Category

20th Century Swiss Edwardian Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Cartier Platinum Diamond Wrist Watch
Art Deco Cartier Platinum Diamond Wrist Watch

Art Deco Cartier Platinum Diamond Wrist Watch

By Cartier

Located in Palm Beach, FL

A very fine ladies' platinum and diamond wristwatch, featuring a bracelet composed of single-cut round and baguette-cut diamonds, set in platinum. Rectangular cream-toned dial with p...

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Art Deco Diamond Set Platinum Cocktail Watch
Cartier Art Deco Diamond Set Platinum Cocktail Watch

Cartier Art Deco Diamond Set Platinum Cocktail Watch

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

An exceptional and rare diamond set Art Deco platinum cocktail watch by Cartier.

Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Cartier Diamond Platinum and Enamel Cocktail Watch, Circa 1930
Art Deco Cartier Diamond Platinum and Enamel Cocktail Watch, Circa 1930

Art Deco Cartier Diamond Platinum and Enamel Cocktail Watch, Circa 1930

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

An Art Deco Cartier diamond and platinum cocktail watch, with an off white rectangular dial, signed Cartier, with black painted Arabic Art Deco style numerals, with blue steel hands,...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Enamel

18KY & Platinum Cartier Belle Epoque Watch C 1907
18KY & Platinum Cartier Belle Epoque Watch C 1907

18KY & Platinum Cartier Belle Epoque Watch C 1907

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A remarkable 18kt yellow gold and platinum pocket watch by Cartier, dating back to the Belle Époque era, circa 1907. This exquisite timepiece is not only a functional accessory but a...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Cartier Vintage Art Deco Cocktail Dress Watch Platinum and Diamond Set Very Rare
Cartier Vintage Art Deco Cocktail Dress Watch Platinum and Diamond Set Very Rare

Cartier Vintage Art Deco Cocktail Dress Watch Platinum and Diamond Set Very Rare

By Cartier

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A 14 mm rare women's vintage cocktail Art Deco dress watch by Cartier, in platinum, featuring a cream dial with Roman numerals and blued steel hands, concealed with plastic glass.

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Lady's Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Bracelet Watch
Cartier Lady's Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Bracelet Watch

Cartier Lady's Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Bracelet Watch

By Cartier

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Elegant classy Cartier lady's watch made of platinum and studded with round diamonds.

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

French Art Deco Cartier Diamond Watch
French Art Deco Cartier Diamond Watch

French Art Deco Cartier Diamond Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

An Art Deco diamond square-faced watch on a black grosgrain ribbon with a déployante clasp, in 18k gold and platinum.

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Cartier Lady's Platinum White Gold Diamond Wristwatch
Cartier Lady's Platinum White Gold Diamond Wristwatch

Cartier Lady's Platinum White Gold Diamond Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

Single cut diamonds estimated to weigh a total of approximately 2.8cts Platinum and 18ct gold with French assay marks and numbered.

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Diamonds Platinum White Gold Lady Wristwatch
Cartier Diamonds Platinum White Gold Lady Wristwatch

Cartier Diamonds Platinum White Gold Lady Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

This wristwatch comes from the Sixties. The case is fully made in platinum and adorned with round cut diamonds. It is the Tank Model. The Tank line was created by Louis Cartier in 19...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Cartier Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Clip Watch
Cartier Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Clip Watch

Cartier Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Clip Watch

By Cartier

Located in New Orleans, LA

Sophisticated and chic, this fashionable timepiece features a dial and clip of onyx, while sparkling round-cut diamonds comprise the bezel and mark the hours. Crafted of platinum and...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Cartier Lady's  Diamond Onyx Platinum Wristwatch
Art Deco Cartier Lady's  Diamond Onyx Platinum Wristwatch

Art Deco Cartier Lady's Diamond Onyx Platinum Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

1920s Cartier Platinum, Diamond and Onyx Wrist Watch, measuring 1 5/8 inch in length and 3/4 inch wide, set with round and Baguette Diamonds totaling approximately 2 carats and a Dia...

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum

Cartier 2.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Ladies Vintage Wristwatch
Cartier 2.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Ladies Vintage Wristwatch

Cartier 2.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Ladies Vintage Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in Stamford, CT

Original solid Platinum Cartier ladies diamond Art Deco wristwatch. Case and band set with Diamonds. Original Movado 65212 manual wind movement. 125 Round and Baguette Diamonds, App...

Category

Early 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Cartier Platinum Bracelet Wristwatch Diamond Ruby
Art Deco Cartier Platinum Bracelet Wristwatch Diamond Ruby

Art Deco Cartier Platinum Bracelet Wristwatch Diamond Ruby

By Cartier

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Elegant and delicate Art Deco watch created by Cartier in the 1930's. It is platinum and tastefully set with the finest quality diamonds and rubies.

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Audemars Piguet for Cartier Lady's Platinum Diamond Wristwatch
Audemars Piguet for Cartier Lady's Platinum Diamond Wristwatch

Audemars Piguet for Cartier Lady's Platinum Diamond Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A diamond dress backwinder watch with a rectangular face and a double row line bracelet with baguette spacers, in platinum.

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

Cartier Paris EWC 1920s Platinum Diamond Ladies Mechanical Wristwatch
Cartier Paris EWC 1920s Platinum Diamond Ladies Mechanical Wristwatch

Cartier Paris EWC 1920s Platinum Diamond Ladies Mechanical Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1920s Cartier Ladies Wrist Watch, 20 X 20 MM French Stamped and numbered Platinum Case with 18K Yellow Gold back, Rose cut Diamonds set Bezel. 18 Jewel Mechanical, Manual Wind ...

Category

Vintage 1920s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Cartier Ladies 1920s Platinum Diamond and Onyx EWCC Wristwatch
Cartier Ladies 1920s Platinum Diamond and Onyx EWCC Wristwatch

Cartier Ladies 1920s Platinum Diamond and Onyx EWCC Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1920s Cartier Ladies Wrist Watch, 20 X 20 MM French Stamped and numbered Platinum Case with 18K Yellow Gold back, Rose cut Diamonds and Onyx set Bezel. 18 Jewel Mechanical, Man...

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum

Cartier 1920's Art Deco Platinum and Diamond 'Tank' Wristwatch
Cartier 1920's Art Deco Platinum and Diamond 'Tank' Wristwatch

Cartier 1920's Art Deco Platinum and Diamond 'Tank' Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

A Cartier Art Deco platinum and 18k gold 'Tank' watch with diamonds.

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Paris Mamie Eisenhower Diamond Pearl Platinum Gold Art Deco Wristwatch
Cartier Paris Mamie Eisenhower Diamond Pearl Platinum Gold Art Deco Wristwatch

Cartier Paris Mamie Eisenhower Diamond Pearl Platinum Gold Art Deco Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in Greenwich, CT

Eisenhower the 34th President of the US, this Cartier Paris diamond pearl platinum watch is a historical show stopper.

Category

Vintage 1910s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Art Deco Lady's Diamond Wristwatch
Cartier Art Deco Lady's Diamond Wristwatch

Cartier Art Deco Lady's Diamond Wristwatch

By Cartier

Located in New Orleans, LA

This exceptional Art Deco-period lady's wristwatch hails from the famed firm Cartier Paris. The case, formed of lustrous platinum, is pave-set with glittering white diamonds.

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Enamel

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Cartier Platinum Diamond Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the cartier platinum diamond watch you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Platinum, Gold and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 93 vintage editions and 8 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect cartier platinum diamond watch may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but versions are of considerable interest. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also rose cut cut and brilliant cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a cartier platinum diamond watch, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Cartier Platinum Diamond Watch?

Prices for a cartier platinum diamond 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 $175,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $22,250.

Cartier for sale on 1stDibs

For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.

Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.

Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)

Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.

One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.

Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.

On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.

While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.

Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Watches for You

Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs.

While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind. 

Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. 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.

Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic 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 watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory. 

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

When shopping for a watch, 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 exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs that includes Cartier watches, Rolex watches, Patek Philippe watches and more — we promise it will be worth your time.