Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Cushion Shaped Watch circa 1925
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL
Gold-filled
Waltham 14k Art Deco Cushion Shaped Watch with Original Rare Black Dial
By Waltham
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shape / Art Deco METAL
Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Cushion Shaped American Watch with Original Dial 1940
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shaped METAL / MATERIAL: Gold
Gold-filled
Waltham Gold Filled Art Deco Cushion Shaped Watch with Original Dial from 1940's
By Waltham
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold
Gold-filled
Gruen Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Cushion Shape Watch from, 1940s
By Gruen
Located in Long Beach, CA
the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a great example of a classic cushion shaped watch
Hamilton 14Kt. Gold Cushion Shaped Watch with Original Dial & Bracelet 1925
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt
Longines 14Kt. Solid Gold Cushion Shaped Watch with Original Dial from 1919
By Longines
Located in Long Beach, CA
there on time. We have just serviced this classic cushion shaped watch so it should not need another for
Helbros Yellow Gold Filled Cushion Shaped Watch from 1940s with Original Dial
By Helbros
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Helbros Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL
Gold-filled
$2,538
H 0.99 in W 0.99 in
Art-Deco 1924 Rolex ref 2363 9K Rose Gold 25mm Hinged Cushion Case Ladies' Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This sophisticated ladies’ timepiece is a Rolex ref 2363 from Art-Deco c1920’s period, classy
Rose Gold
Rolex 9 Carat Gold Cushion Shaped Watch with Original Breguet Dial from 1922
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shape / Fixed Wire Lugs METAL
Dueber Hampden Nickel Silver Watch with Original Dial & Hands & Strap circa 1920
By Hampden Watch Company
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Dueber Hampden Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shaped / Military Style
Benrus Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Cushion Shape with Original Dial
By Benrus
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Benrus Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL
$1,998
H 1.34 in W 1.06 in Dm 8.5 in L 21.59 in
DUNHILL 1930 Art Deco Tonneau Wrist-Watch In Solid .925 Sterling Silver
By Alfred Dunhill
Located in Miami, FL
Dunhill Company in London England. Crafted during the Art Deco period, back in the 1930's in solid
Silver, Sterling Silver
Black Starr & Frost 14 Karat Gold Art Deco Pocket Watch with Engraved Dial
By Black, Starr & Frost
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Black Starr & Frost by Paul Valletti STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shaped Open Face
14k Gold
$18,950
H 1.85 in W 0.25 in Dm 1 in
Bugatti By Mido 1930 Art Deco Radiator Shape Enamel Wrist Watch 14Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Radiator wrist watch designed by Bugatti. An extremely rare and unusual deco wristwatch, created
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Breitling Cushion Shaped Chronograph with Original Dial, circa 1960s
By Breitling
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Breitling Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Sport Chronograph / Ref. 810
Patek Philippe Rectangular Cushion 18K Yellow Gold 1950s, Ref. 2492
By Patek Philippe
Located in Berlin, BE
Cushion 1950s Vintage model is no exception. The reference number, 2492, is a testament to the watch
Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe "Jumbo UFO" Automatic Steel Purple 35mm Dial Leather Strap Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Miami, FL
Unique Patek Philippe automatic watch in stainless steel featuring a cushion-shaped case measuring
Stainless Steel
Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled with Original Sterling Silver Dial and Gold Numbers
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt GF
Rare Rolex Perpetual Chronometer Cioccolatone 4645
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, housed within a distinctive 31mm square cushion-shaped 18k yellow gold case
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$17,500
H 1.38 in W 0.63 in
Art Deco Platinum Drop Earrings Old European Cushion Cut Diamonds Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An elegant pair of Art Deco platinum and diamond drop earrings. Each earring has a floral-inspired
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Certified Natural Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring Platinum Gold 1930s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Art Deco certified 2.5-carat natural sapphire and 2.25-carat diamond cocktail or engagement ring in
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$16,500
H 2 in W 0.5 in
Art Deco Jade Earrings Platinum Pearls Old European Cut Diamonds Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A pair of gorgeous Art Deco jade earrings, made of platinum and featuring a striking combo of jade
Diamond, Jade, Pearl, Platinum
$24,700
W 0.13 in Dm 2 in L 18 in
Art Deco Platinum Onyx Pendant on Modern Gold Diamond Chain Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
doubled as practical accessories, such as watches integrated into bracelets or brooches. The Art Deco
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold, Platinum, 14k Gold
$43,994
W 0.26 in L 7.09 in
French Belle Époque Thibault & Jolivot Sapphire Diamond and Platinum Bracelet
Located in London, GB
long oval links, with central cushion shaped sapphires, with three rows of open work eight-cut diamonds
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Elgin Cushion-Shaped 10 Karat Yellow Gold Filled Watch, 1925
By Elgin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1925 Vintage Elgin 10k Yellow Gold Filled Cushion Shaped Art Deco Trimmed Case watch with Original
Unavailable
W 1.5 in L 1.86 in
Croton stainless steel Depthmaster 1000 Diver’s Pac Man Self Winding Wristwatch
By Croton
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Croton Depthmaster 1000, stainless steel cushion shaped diver’s model with heavy and rugged lugs
Stainless Steel
Elgin 14 Karat White Gold Art Deco Cushion Shaped Pocket Watch
By American Waltham Watch Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
DIAL / HANDS: Original Engraved with Art Deco Numerals / Blued Steel Breguet Hands WARRANTY: 18 months
Vacheron Constantin White Gold Cushion Shaped Art Deco Manual Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Vacheron Constantin STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt White
Cushion Shaped, Art Deco, 18 Karat Gold Patek Philippe Wristwatch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A scarce Art Deco wristwatch by famed Swiss horologists, Patek Philippe. The piece is crafted from
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cuervo & Sobrinos 18kt. Gold Art Deco Cushion Shaped Chronograph from 1930's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Cuervo & Sobrinos STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Drs. Pulsation / Single Button
Patek Philippe 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cushion Shaped Watch, circa 1960s
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe & Cie. STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Cushion Shape / Ref. 3544
Elgin White Gold Filled Art Deco Wristwatch From 1926 with Original Strap
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL
Rolex Cellini Danaos 4233 18k Yellow Gold Men's 33mm Dress Watch
By Rolex
Located in Providence, RI
collections, the cushion shaped case, unique to the Cellini collection, is crafted in high quality 18k yellow
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Baylor Yellow Gold Filled Cushion Shaped Art Deco Watch with Original Dial
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Baylor Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shape / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL
Gruen White Gold-Filled Art Deco Cushion Shaped Watch from 1931
By Gruen
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL
Gold-filled
Waltham Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Cushion Shaped Watch from 1926
By Waltham
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Ruby / Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL
Gold-filled
Pontiac Logo Art Deco Cushion Shaped Watch with Luminous Dial 1930's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Pontiac Logoed Watch STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL
Elgin White Gold Filled Art Deco Cushion Shaped Manual Watch, circa 1920s
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin National Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shaped / Engraved Bezel
Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Cushion Shaped Watch from 1940's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow
Biltmore Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Cushion Shaped Pocket Watch from 1920's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Biltmore Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Cushion Shaped METAL
Ruxton Gold Filled Art Deco Cushion Shaped Wristwatch from 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Ruxton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL
Gold-filled
Cartier Solid Gold Art Deco Cushion Shaped Manual Wristwatch, circa 1930s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Cartier by Movado STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Cushion Shaped METAL / MATERIAL
14k Gold
Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Cushion Shaped Manual Watch, circa 1916
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe and Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shape / Art Deco METAL
Hamilton Gold Filled Cushion Shaped Watch with Original Sterling Silver Dial
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shaped METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow
Illinois Nickel Silver Cushion Shaped Watch with Original Dial from 1916
Located in Long Beach, CA
railroad watches of exceptional accuracy. This piece, an early military style cushioned shaped watch is
Benson Yellow Gold Cushion Shaped Campaign Style Manual Wristwatch
By J.W. Benson
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: J. W. Benson / London STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shaped / Military Style METAL
Elgin Nickel Silver Oversized Cushion Shaped Manual Wristwatch, c1909
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shape / Military Style METAL
J.W. Benson London 9ct. Solid Gold Cushion Shaped from 1920
By JW Benson London
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This watch, done as a cushion shape, has an entirely hand constructed case and
J.W. Benson Early Steel Chronograph Cushion Shaped Wristwatch, circa 1930s
By J.W. Benson
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: J.W. Benson STYLE / REFERENCE: Sports Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Steel / Nickel CIRCA: 1930's DIMENSIONS: Length 41mm X Width 33mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Winding / 1...
Art Deco Style Patek Philippe 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wristwatch, circa 1920s
By Patek Philippe
Located in Princeton, NJ
This watch has a gilt dial with open Arabic numerals. 29mm cushion shaped domed case. Sub seconds
18k Gold
Patek Philippe Gondolo golden case and bracelet 26 x 33 mm
By Patek Philippe
Located in MADRID, ES
majority of Patek Philippe "shaped" watches, that is, those that are not circular. With their timeless
18k Gold
Art Deco Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Filigree Link Bracelet
Located in Thiensville, WI
c.1920's Art Deco Aquamarine gemstone, diamond, and platinum link bracelet. The center section of
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold "Gondole" Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Cartier 18K YG lady Gondole model circa 1970’s. Scarce and great looking elongated cushion shaped
Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold "Gondole" Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Cartier 18K gold lady's Gondole model circa 1973. Scarce and great looking elongated cushion shaped
Nivada Grenchen stainless steel Depthmaster 1000 "Pac Man” Diver’s Wristwatch
By Nivada Grenchen
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Nivada Gretchen Depthmaster 1000, stainless steel cushion shaped diver’s model with heavy and
Stainless Steel
1934 Art Deco Illinois "Ritz" Incredible Condition. Rare, 17 Jewels
By Illinois Watch Company
Located in Raleigh, NC
rectangular-shaped movement, but this is uncertain. Examine this pure At Deco watch case, it is my
1932 Art Deco Illinois "Ritz" Incredible Condition. Rare, 17 Jewels
By Illinois Watch Company
Located in Raleigh, NC
rectangular-shaped movement, but this is uncertain. Examine this pure At Deco watch case, it is my
Rolex Yellow Gold Art Deco Tonneau Wristwatch, 1937
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco vintage wristwatch by Rolex made in 1937. Gold tonneau cushion shaped case marked with
Gold, 9k Gold
Sold
W 1.15 in L 1.15 in
Rare 1940-50s 18k Cartier EWC 2tone Enamel & Satin Silver Sector Dial Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New york, NY
" watch and then slowly transitioned into a cushion shaped case design. Ultimately, during the bauhaus
18k Gold
Omega Automatic Wrist Watch Collectors Like New, Caliber 162010
By Omega
Located in Antwerp, BE
Omega Automatic Wrist Watch Collectors Like New Movement : Mechanical with Automatic Selfwinding, Caliber 162 010 Case : Goldplated & Stainless Steel Plexi Glass : Original Omega ...
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Longines Art Deco Tank Watch with Unique Hand Constructed Steel Case from 1928
By Longines
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Longines Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Experimental Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1928 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm x Wi...
Mido Multifort, Superautomatic, Powerwind, Watch 1950s
By Mido Watch Company
Located in Roma, Lazio
Mido Multifort, Superautomatic, Powerwind, 50' Movement and function: self-winding cal. 917P sweep seconds Case: stainless steel 34,5 mm screw back Dial: factory cream with silv...
Steel
Gruen Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Style Watch with Original Dial from 1940
By Gruen
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Width 26mm MOVEMENT / CA...
Gold-filled
Rolex Ref 6426 Classic 1950s Steel Manual wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1959 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster Case, 17 Jewel Caliber 1210 Manual Wind Nickle Lever Movement, Beautiful Original Mint Condition S...
Steel
Gruen Gold Filled Art Deco Styled Wrist Watch with a Rare Matching Bracelet
By Gruen
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 720 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Width 27mm ...
Elgin Gold Filled De Luxe Art Deco Tortue Shaped Watch circa 1940's
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / De Luxe METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm Lug Tip to Lug Tip X Widt...
Gold-filled
Gruen Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Unique Quartered Dial circa 1950's
By Gruen
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Diameter 28mm MOVEMENT / ...
Gold-filled
Vintage Eska Steel Military Style Men's Wrist Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Add this great post-war, Swiss-made Eska Military Style Wrist Watch to your vintage collection. In brushed steel, this 31mm watch has its original mat silver-toned face with Roman nu...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Patek Philippe 3520D 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Patek Philippe 3520D is an elegant timepiece that exemplifies luxury and craftsmanship. It features a 32mm case made of 18K yellow gold, paired with a distinctive hobnail bezel t...
18k Gold
Westfield by Bulova Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tortue Shaped Deco Style, 1940
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Westfield by Bulova Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tortue METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X W...
Hamilton White Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa 1931 with Original Dial & Hands
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Octagon Shape METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1931 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 29mm X Width 34mm...
Gold-filled, White Gold
Piaget Stepped Case 18k Solid Gold Watch circa 1980’s
By Piaget
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage man’s Piaget 18K gold rectangular dress watch with pronounced stepped case design, original champagne dial with printed black Roman figures and blued steel leaf style hands. ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Girard Perregaux 18Kt. Yellow Gold Campaign Style from W. W. 1
By Girard Perregaux
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Girard Perregaux Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Campaign Style METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1915 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Diameter 3...
Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial Mid 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 7008 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SI...
Gold, Steel
Movado 14Kt. Solid Gold Art Deco Oversized Watch from 1920's with Original Dial
By Movado
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Movado Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Oversized Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 50mm X Diameter 4...
Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.
The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.
However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)
While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.
Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.
A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.
Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry 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.