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Collectable Watch Auction

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Rare Omega Pocket Money Clip Watch Manual Wind 1930s Vintage Collectable JM2
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Extremely rare Omega Pocket or Money Clip watch, manual wind, circa 1930s. A vintage collectable
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Catalogue from Famous Faces Watch Auction for Charity, 1999, President Trump
Located in valatie, NY
Catalogue from Famous Faces Watch Auction for Charity, New York City February 24, 1999. New York
Category

20th Century American Books

Materials

Paper

Waltham 1886 Riverside Size 0s Hunting Pocket Watch In 18Kt Gold With Diamond
By American Waltham Watch Co.
Located in Miami, FL
movements. After Appleton Tracy & Co purchased the company at auction in 1857, Appleton’s first pocket watch
Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

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

Waltham 1886 Riverside Size 0s Hunting Pocket Watch In 18Kt Gold With Diamond
Waltham 1886 Riverside Size 0s Hunting Pocket Watch In 18Kt Gold With Diamond
Free Shipping
H 2 in W 1.03 in D 0.44 in Dm 1.03 in L 2 in
Audemars Piguet 18k Gold Pocket Watch 1910s Vintage RA369
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS
Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

WW1 ……..Trench Watch. Marvin 15 Jewels, Rare Full Hermetic
By Marvin
Located in Raleigh, NC
. I have been an avid vintage watch collector for years. My soft spot is 1900-1935 American watches
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

WW1 ……..Trench Watch. Marvin 15 Jewels, Rare Full Hermetic
WW1 ……..Trench Watch. Marvin 15 Jewels, Rare Full Hermetic
Free Shipping
H 0.56 in W 1.23 in Dm 1.23 in
Mens IWC Schaffhausen 18k Gold Manual Wind Watch 1960s Vintage RA350
By IWC
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Mens IWC Schaffhausen 18k Rose Gold Manual Watch 1960s Vintage RA326
By IWC
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Midsize Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6549 Automatic Watch 1950s Swiss RA144BL
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Midsize Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6548 Automatic Watch, c.1960s Vintage RA127
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

1920's Eberhard Hermetic 15J, Sterling Silver, Trench Watch Totally Restored
By Eberhard & Co.
Located in Raleigh, NC
have been an avid vintage watch collector for years. My soft spot is 1900-1935 American watches. I
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Wrist Watches

Mens Vulcain Ref 45325 Day Date 38mm Manual Wind Dress Watch 1970s Vintage JM24
By Vulcain
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Sotheby's, Watches & the Costume Jewelry Collection of Mrs. James W. Alsdorf
Located in valatie, NY
Sotheby's, Jewels, Watches and the Costume Jewelry Collection of Mrs. James W. Alsdorf. This post
Category

1990s American Books

Materials

Paper

Historical Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Big Red 6263 steel 1979
By Rolex
Located in Bilbao, ES
watch collecting world. Arguably more than any other line of Rolex watches, the Daytona has a remarkable
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Mens Omega Cosmic Ref 2486-1 Moonphase Triple Date 37mm Manual Wind 1940s JM22
By Omega
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Omega Meister Dial 36mm Manual Wind Chronograph 1960s Unrestored JM21
By Omega
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Collectable vintage classic, Men's Omega Meister Dial Chronograph Manual Watch, c.1960s. Verified
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Air-King Precision Ref 5500 34mm Automatic 1970s Vintage Swiss RA381
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RJC187G
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Royal Ref 4444 Manual Wind 1940s Vintage Swiss RJC166B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. Watch is all original. Fitted on new, aftermarket German leather strap, with Rolex buckle. A collectible
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Royal Ref 4444 Manual Wind 1940s Swiss Vintage RA159T
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Royal Ref 4444 Manual Wind 1940s Swiss Vintage RA159B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual 4392 18k Rose Gold Automatic 1940s RA362
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 1960s Manual Wind Vintage RJC195G
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex MODEL
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision 1960s Ref 6694 Manual Wind Swiss RJC187
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 1960s Ref 5500 Air King Automatic Swiss RJC170G
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Franck Muller Casablanca 2000s 10th Anniversary LE Automatic Swiss BU103
By Franck Muller
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 35mm 14K Gold 1960s Automatic Swiss RA267
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex MODEL : Oyster
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1503 35mm 1960s 14k Solid Gold Automatic RA264
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex MODEL : Oyster
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 6605 36mm Automatic 1950s Swiss RA198R
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref 6605 36mm Automatic 1950s Vintage RA198
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Datejust Ref 1625 Thunderbird 36mm 18k Gold SS Auto 1970s RA355G
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1002 34mm Gold Bezel Automatic 1960s Swiss RA378
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 34mm Gold Bezel Automatic 1960s Vintage RA378G
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1024 34mm Gold Capped Automatic 1970s Vintage RA375G
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1024 34mm Gold Capped Automatic 1970s Vintage RA375
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 14k Gold ss 1960s Automatic Vintage RA168B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Midsize Rolex Oyster Royal Ref 6244 Manual Wind 1950s Swiss Vintage RA7
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex MODEL : Oyster
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Royal Ref 4444 Manual Wind 1940s Swiss Vintage RJC166
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision 1980s 6694 Diamond Dial and Bezel RA17
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 1960s Automatic w Paper RA245B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision 1960s Ref 6694 Hand Wind Swiss Vintage RJC198
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 1960s w Original Box & Paper Manual RA261Y
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 5500 Air King Automatic 1960s Swiss RA340T
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Date 1505 1970s 18k Gold SS Automatic w Papers RJC168b
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1980s 15053 14k Gold ss Automatic Swiss RA272
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 1960s 18k Gold ss Automatic RJC145G
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1970s Ref 1501 18k SS Automatic RA250B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1960s Ref 1005 14k Gold SS Automatic Swiss RJC204R
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 1960s 18k Gold ss Vintage Automatic RJC145
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex MODEL : Oyster
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1970s Ref 1501 Automatic Vintage RJC181S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex MODEL : Oyster
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 1970s 18k SS Automatic Swiss RA250
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 Manual Wind 1960s Swiss RJC197B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1007 Automatic 1960s Vintage Swiss RJC114
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 Manual Wind 1970s Vintage RA289Y
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6634 Gold Capped 1950s Automatic RA237
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Mens Tudor Prince Oysterdate 75000 Automatic w Paper 1980s RA353
By Tudor
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Baume Mercier 18k White Gold Manual Wind W Box 1990s All Original RA365
By Tudor
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Men's Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1601 18k SS Automatic Vintage 1970s RJC132T
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 18k SS 1970s Automatic Swiss Vintage RJC132
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex MODEL : Oyster
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1007 Automatic 1960s Vintage RJC114B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND : Rolex MODEL : Oyster
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 Manual Wind 1970s Vintage RJC110B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch Description BRAND
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

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Collectable Watch Auction For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact collectable watch auction 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 14k gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 625 antique edition and 9 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect collectable watch auction among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic collectable watch auction over the years, but those made by Rolex, Omega and Tudor are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Take a look at a collectable watch auction featuring diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes uncut alternatives. When shopping for a collectable watch auction, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or women today than there are for men.

How Much is a Collectable Watch Auction?

The price for a collectable watch auction starts at $50 and tops out at $385,941 with these watches, on average, selling for $6,900.

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.