Cartier Tank Louis LM 78086 Paris Dial 18k White Gold 1970s
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2147 Brand Cartier Model Tank Louis LM Reference 78086 Dial Paris Dial Case 18k White Gold Bracelet Leather Strap and 18k White Gold Cartier Deployant Diameter 23mm x 30mm Moveme...
Cartier Ladies Tank Louis 78087 SM Paris Dial 18k WG 1970s
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2078 Brand Cartier Model Tank Louis SM Reference 78087 Year 1970s Dial White and Paris Dial Case 18k White Gold Bracelet Leather Strap Diameter 21mm x 28mm Length N/A Movement ...
Cartier Tank Louis Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Paris Dial Ladies Watch 21x28mm
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier Tank Louis Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Paris Dial Manual Watch, circa 1970s.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank 17011 Spider 'Paris' Dial 18K Yellow Gold Contemporary Buckle Watch
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This watch is crafted from 18k yellow gold and features the iconic Paris dial with Roman numerals, making Cartier instantly recognizable.
18k Gold
Cartier Tank Paris 78086 leather 18K YG Manual White dial Unisex Watch 25mm
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier Tank Paris leather 18K Yellow Gold White dial Manual Watch, circa 1978.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris Tank Louis ref 7808. Manual Wind, 18K Yellow Gold, Mk2 Dial, c1980
By Cartier
Located in Canterbury, England
Notably, this example has the rare white Cartier Paris dial without hidden Cartier in the dial, also known as the pre-Cartier or pre-hidden Mk2 dial.
Cartier Paris Tank Small Factory Champagne Roman Dial Ladies Watch 366001
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Paris Tank Small Ladies Watch, 366001. Quartz battery movement.
Cartier Tank 21842 Paris Dial Vintage Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This exquisite Cartier watch, dating back to circa 1980, showcases a refined rectangular design crafted from 18k yellow gold. The watch features elegant golden-tone hands and a cream...
18k Gold
Cartier Tank Louis SM 78087 Paris Dial 18k YG Cartier Deployant
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2148 Brand Cartier Model Tank Louis SM Reference 78087 Year 1980s Dial Paris Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Cartier Leather Strap and Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Deployant Diame...
Cartier Tank Louis Extra-Plate 'Paris' Dial Vintage Watch
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Extra-Plat, from the mid-1960s, features a white dial and is powered by the manual-winding Caliber 838 movement, originally based on Jaeger-LeCoultre. ...
18k Gold
Cartier Tank Arrondie 96041 Paris Dial 18k Yellow Gold 1970s
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2256 Brand Cartier Model Tank Arronde Reference 96041 Year 1970s Dial Paris Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Leather Strap Diameter 23mm Length N/A Movement Manual Winding We...
Cartier Tank Louis LM 78086 Paris Dial 18k YG 1970s
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2079 Brand Cartier Model Tank Louis LM Reference 78086 Year 1970s Dial Paris Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Leather Strap and 18k Yellow Gold Cartier Deployant Diameter 23mm ...
Cartier Tank Jumbo Automatique 17002 Pointed Paris Dial 1970s 18k YG
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Cartier Tank Jumbo Automatique 17002 Pointed Paris Dial 18k Yellow Gold 1970s SKU: 1843 A rare and exceptional example from Cartier’s 1970s Tank collection, this Tank Jumbo Automat...
Cartier Mini Tank Obus CG24006 Paris Dial Lacquered Blue Numerals 1990s
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Cartier Mini Tank Obus CG24006 Paris Dial Lacquered Blue Numerals 1990s SKU 1406 This Cartier Mini Tank Obus CG24006 from the 1990s is an exquisite expression of Cartier’s refined ...
Cartier Tank Paris 78227 Onyx Dial Diamond & 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck, NY
Cartier Tank Paris 78227Â Ladies Watch. 20mm 18k Yellow gold case with factory diamonds set. 18K Yellow Gold Stationary bezel with diamonds.
Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.95 in L 1.19 in
Cartier Tank Paris Rare original diamond set & chequered dial ladies 16121 watch
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
REF W3054 MODEL NUMBER 16121 SERIAL NUMBER C33*** CONDITION 9 - Excellent condition GENDER Ladies AGE 1990's CASE DIAMETER 24 mm CASE SIZE 24mm by 30mm BOX & PAPERS Box, manu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank Louis 78086 Paris Dial 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Manual Winding Watch
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
The Tank watch was created by Louis Cartier, who designed it after the tanks of WWI battlefields. Defined by flat vertical brancards and a sapphire cabochon, this symbol of understat...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Mini Tank Louis 7005 French Hallmarks Paris Dial 18k YG 1975 Box and Pap
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2155 Brand Cartier Model Tank Louis Mini Reference 7005 Year 1975 Dial French Hallmarks Paris Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet Cartier Leather Strap and Cartier 18k Yellow Gold...
Cartier Tank Louis 78087 SM Pointed Paris Gold Hands 18k WG 1992 Box and Papers
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Cartier Tank Louis SM 78087 Pointed “Paris” Dial 18k White Gold (1992) – Box & Papers SKU 1395 A stunning and highly collectible example of the Cartier Tank Louis SM (Small Model),...
Cartier Paris Roman dial vermeil Tank watch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Cartier watch pairs timeless design with a rich brown leather strap and 18k yellow gold case, offering refined elegance and everyday luxury.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Must de Tank Vermeil Watch – 20mm Chocolate Lacquer Dial, Paris
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
This Paris-signed Tank showcases a rare chocolate lacquer dial, accented by gold-tone hands and the iconic Cartier logo.
Vermeil
Ladies Cartier Tank "Paris" Original Dial 18k Solid Gold Watch Deployment Clasp
By Cartier
Located in Richmond, CA
A rare ladies Cartier 18k solid yellow gold Tank PARIS with original Cartier signed 18k deployment clasp This highly desirable solid gold Cartier watch features the original Cartier...
Gold
Cartier Tank Louis PARIS dial LC 78087 18k Gold 1970 Paper
By Cartier
Located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, IDF
Make the perfect gift and invest with this fabulous Tank Louis de Cartier. MODEL Tank Louis Cartier LC “PARIS” Ref : 78087 Medium model - MM The serial numbers are voluntarily blurr...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold
H 1.11 in Dm 0.83 in
Cartier Tank Louis Cartier PARIS Dial LC 78087 Medium MM 18k Gold 1970 Red Pouch
By Cartier
Located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, IDF
Make the perfect gift and invest with this fabulous Tank Louis de Cartier. MODEL Tank Louis Cartier LC “PARIS” Ref : 78087 Medium model – MM The serial numbers are voluntarily blurr...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Tank Louis PARIS Dial LC 78087 18k Gold 1970 Box and Paper
By Cartier
Located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, IDF
Make the perfect gift and invest with this fabulous Tank Louis de Cartier. MODEL Tank Louis Cartier LC “PARIS” Ref : 78087 Medium model - MM The serial numbers are voluntarily blurr...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold
H 1.11 in W 0.83 in
Tank Louis Cartier PARIS Dial LC 78087 Medium MM 18k Gold 1973 + Folding Clasp
By Cartier
Located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, IDF
The most iconic and recognizable Cartier model of all time worn by greatest. Make the perfect gift and invest with this fabulous Tank Louis de Cartier PARIS.
18k Gold
Sold
H 1.03 in W 0.91 in
Tank Louis Cartier LC 78086 PARIS Dial Large LM GM 18k Gold 1973 1970 Cal 78-1
By Cartier
Located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, IDF
The most iconic and recognizable Cartier model of all time worn by greatest. Make the perfect gift and invest with this fabulous Tank Louis de Cartier PARIS.
18k Gold
Cartier Tank Normale GM Paris Dial
By Cartier
Located in Heerlen, NL
The Cartier Tank Normale was reintroduced in the 1973. In 1973, 12 models were commercialized within the new Louis Cartier collection (Ceinture, Square, Ellipse, Santos, Baignoire, V...
18k Gold
Cartier Tank Normale PM Paris Dial
By Cartier
Located in Heerlen, NL
An early Cartier Tank Normale wristwatch for ladies from the 60s. The watch has a folding buckle and handwounded movement. Produced arround 1955 it has a Jaeger Lecoultre movement. E...
18k Gold
1970s Must de Cartier Paris Silver-Gilt Mechanical Tank Watch, Striped Gold Dial
By Cartier
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful pre-own vintage watch is working, ticking well and has been serviced. The dial is worn and tired as shown. Visible scratches and tarnished on its silver-Gilt case. The...
Silver
Vintage Cartier Panthere Two Tone 27mm Womens Watch Ref. 1100
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Cartier Panthère Ref. 1100 combines stainless steel and yellow gold in the collection’s signature integrated bracelet design. The 27mm case gives the watch a slightly mo...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Cintree 18K Yellow Gold Dual Time Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A sophisticated interpretation of one of Cartier's most iconic designs, this Cartier Tank Cintrée Dual Time watch is crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold and features the elegant elo...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Santos Deux Or SM 78226 Paris Dial 18k WG/YG 1980s
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Cartier Santos Deux Or SM 78226 Paris Dial 18k White & Yellow Gold 1980s SKU: 1366 This elegant Cartier Santos Deux Or from the 1980s showcases the maison’s signature two-tone arti...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank Solo Mid Size Stainless Steel Ref 3170 Quartz Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2020 Cartier Tank Solo Reference 3170, Wrist Watch, 30 x 24 M.M. 2 piece Stainless Steel water resistant case, Sapphire set crown, Quartz movement, Silver Satin dial with Black...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Louis 18k Yellow Gold White Dial Women's Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier Mini Tank is crafted in 18k yellow gold with a compact 21mm case and a classic white Swiss dial. The rectangular case and restrained dial layout give the watch the clean...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$14,161
H 1.52 in W 1.01 in
Cartier Tank Basculante Ref 2390 Mécanique 'Manual' Rectangle Watch, Full Set
By Cartier
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Inspired by the Renault FT-17 tanks, Cartier Tank Wristwatches are iconic & instantly recognizable timepieces. This particular example is a sophisticated Cartier Tank Basculante refe...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Ref 3800 Steel XL Tank Solo Automatic Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2015 Cartier Reference 3800 Tank Solo XL size Wrist Watch. 31 X 41 MM Stainless Steel 2 piece Water Resistant Case, blue sapphire crown, Scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Aut...
Steel
Cartier Ladies Stainless Steel Panthere Watch WSPN0006 4177
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Ladies Stainless Steel Panthere Watch WSPN0006 4177 - Quartz. Panther or Panthere. Stainless steel case (23mm x 30mm). silver colored dial with black Roman numerals. Stainles...
Cartier Tank Basculante XL 26mm 2522
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 26mm XL Tank Basculante in stainless steel by Cartier. Featuring a silver dial with Roman numerals, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, and a secret Cartier signature at VII. The watch...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Américaine Automatic 18 Karat Gold Ref. 1725
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, DE
Cartier Tank Américaine Automatic 18 Karat Gold Ref. 1725 Including certificate of authenticity. The glass would need to be replaced. We can offer you this service upon request.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Louis Cartier Classic Tank, Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Cartier, Louis Cartier, Classic Tank Wrist Watch, 24 X 18 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, quartz movement, white dial with Black Roman numerals, Sapphire crown. 1/2 in...
18k Gold
$6,700
H 1.38 in W 0.75 in L 1.42 in
Cartier Tank Americaine 18K WG Quartz 1713 w/ Service Paper. 2000's
By Cartier
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Cartier Tank Americaine 18K WG Quartz Ref. 1713 w/ Service Paper still under Cartier warranty Brand: Cartier Model: Tank Americaine 1713 Year: 2000’s Serial number: SM1xxxx Refer...
White Gold
Cartier Tank Francaise Ref 1840 Large Yellow Gold Automatic Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2005 Cartier Tank Francaise Reference 1840 Wrist Watch, 28 X 24 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece Water resistant case, Automatic Self winding movement, Sapphire Crown and Sapphire ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Watch on Leather Band 2442 W1529856
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Tank 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Watch on Leather Band 2442 W1529856 - Quartz. Tank. 18k yellow gold case (22mm x 30mm). Ivory colored dial with black Roman numerals. Black strap ...
Cartier Tank Louis W1529756 18k yellow gold Custom Strap & Buckle
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Tank Louis W1529756 in 18k yellow gold, fitted with a custom black leather strap and tang buckle that fits up to 6.75-inch wrists. It features a quartz movement, sapphire cab...
18k Gold
Cartier Santos 1564 White Roman Dial Watch, 1980s
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Cartier Santos reference 1564 with a white dial in quartz from the 1980s. Measurements include a 29x41mm case and a butterfly clasp bracelet that fits up to a 6.75 i...
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum 6.00cttw Double Row Marquise Cut Diamond Band
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your sense of timeless elegance with the Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Double Row Marquise Cut Diamond Eternity Band. This exquisite piece, designed to adorn your finger with u...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Panthère Carrée Watch in 18K Rose Gold, Ref. W25022B9, Quartz
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, BE
Elegant Cartier Panthère Carrée wristwatch crafted in 18K rose gold. The watch features the iconic square case design of the Panthère line, combining refined geometry with Cartier’s ...
18k Gold
$11,885
W 0.24 in L 6.2 in
c1995 Cartier Trinity Bangle Bracelet Sz 17 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Cartier Trinity bangle bracelet crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (with a rose, white and yellow gold trinity designed stations). The Trinity bracelet was released in 1995 a...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Audemars Piguet 1970s Yellow Gold Tank Mechanical mid size Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Cartier classic Tank Wrist Watch, 20 x 20 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown. 20 Jewel, Audemars Piguet Manual wind, Nickle Lever movement. White Enamel Dia...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17
By Cartier
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Sold out worldwide with a waitlist extending over a year, this petite timepiece is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Skilfully created in the house's Swiss atelier, it boasts 18-karat ...
Cartier Must Tank Vermeil Quartz Watch Sterling Silver Large Model Vintage 1990s
By Cartier
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
This item is offered on consignment on behalf of a client; all serious and reasonable offers are presented for consideration, and we work diligently to achieve a mutually agreeable o...
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1990s Cartier Must Tank Large 2414 Silver White Roman Dial Quartz 25 mm
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Enduring Legacy Of Geometric Design The Cartier Tank stands as a testament to Louis Cartier’s vision, a design inspired by the geometry of WWI tanks that established the wrist...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$17,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.18 in W 1.22 in Dm 9 in L 9 in
CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An automatique Ceinture large wrist-watch designed by Cartier. This is the rare large model of the Ceinture automatique wristwatch, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of C...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,730
Dm 0.91 in
Vintage Must de Cartier Mystery Tank Watch. ARGENT Manual Black Dial Tank.
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Iconic Tank Argent. Sterling Silver and Gold plated (Vermeil). Rare Black Mystery Dial with Windup Manual Movement. ref 7007873 Condition: Has some d...
Sapphire, Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Hermès BNIB Birkin 30 3 in 1 Bag Gold
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The HERMÈS Birkin 3 in 1 bag is one of the most valuable and collectible bags there is. It is absolutely stunning. This piece is in brand new condition. Date stamp U for 2023. Bareni...
Patek Philippe Calatrava 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch 5119-J (or 5119J-001)
By Patek Philippe
Located in Dallas, TX
Patek Philippe Calatrava 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch 5119-J (or 5119J-001) - Manual winding. Calatrava. 18k yellow gold case with hobnail bezel and exposition back (36mm diameter). W...
Cartier Vintage Deco Asscher Diamond Platinum Line Tennis Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A refined Cartier Deco Design Line bracelet crafted in platinum and set with Asscher-cut diamonds. The Classic design features matched stones in bright Extra white and Clean Diamond....
Diamond, Platinum
Rare Cartier Panthere Jumbo Yellow Gold 8839
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare jumbo/large size Cartier Panthère wristwatch crafted in 18k yellow gold. Featuring a silver dial with a date display, Roman numerals, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, and a dis...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
HERMES Malachite green Togo leather BIRKIN 30 Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 bag is crafted from stunning jewel-toned Malachite green Veau Togo leather, paired beautifully with gold-plated hardware. The rich green hue evok...
$2,913
H 5.52 in W 6.7 in D 1.19 in L 27.56 in
A Rare 1990s Black Satin Silk Evening Minaudière Bag by Chanel
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This rare 1990s Chanel minaudière is a quintessential example of the house’s transition into modern evening luxury under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Designed for the mo...
Cartier Santos Dumont 2649 18 kt. Yellow Gold, Full Set!
By Cartier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cartier Santos Dumont 2649 18 kt. Yellow Gold, Full Set! collectors Watch Model: Santos Dumont Ref number: 2649 Movement : Mechanical Manual Winding Case : 18 kt. yellow Gold 35 ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.
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.
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.
Watchmakers have tucked their movements into all manner of precious baubles, from lapel pins to cocktail rings. The result is dazzling, wearable art that will get you to the party on time.
These companies have stood the test of time, making exceptional pieces for generations.
1stDibs dealers discuss the challenges of this unprecedented time, and the signs of hope.