Elgin 52mm 1906 Pocket Watch, 17 Jewel Serviced 30-Day Warranty, Serial 12195791
By Elgin
Located in San Diego, CA
The watch features a 17-jewel movement and bears the name of the esteemed Elgin National Watch Company.
Elgin 52mm 1906 Pocket Watch, 17 Jewel Serviced 30-Day Warranty, Serial 12195791
By Elgin
Located in San Diego, CA
The watch features a 17-jewel movement and bears the name of the esteemed Elgin National Watch Company.
Elgin Gold Filled Pocket Watch with Unique Floral and Initials Engraving 1900s
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin Watch Company also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads They built fine, dependable, sturdy and, very accurate watches.
Elgin White Gold Filled Art Deco Pocket Watch from 1923 with Matching Chain
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Open Faced METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1923 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 44mm MOVEMENT / CALI...
Gold-filled
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
Circa 1891 Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch 14k Solid Gold Case w/White Dial
By Elgin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Circa 1891 Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ Ornate Cobalt Blue Hands & Dedicated Second Dial 14k Solid Gold Case w/ Beautiful Colored Engraving on Both Sides Black Arabic Nume...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
$3,598Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Elgin 14k Gold Grade 345 Size 12S 17j Mechanical Open Face Pocket Watch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Elgin Watch Co. Movement: Elgin - Model 3 - Grade 345 - Mechanical - Hand Wound - Stem Set - 17 Jewels - Size 12S - American-Made Movement Serial No.: 24520445 Case Maker...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Elgin Grade 345 Size 12S 17j Mechanical Open Face Pocket Watch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Elgin Watch Co. Movement: Elgin - Model 3 - Grade 345 - Mechanical - Hand Wound - Stem Set - 17 Jewels - Size 12S - American-Made Movement Serial No.: 25951497 Case Maker...
Yellow Gold
Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Watch
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads.
Gold-filled
Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads.
Elgin White Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa 1931
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads.
Gold-filled, White Gold
Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa, 1920's
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Width 22m MOV...
Gold-filled
Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa 1940's
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads.
Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa 1940's Articulated Lugs
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads.
Gold-filled
Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa, 1933 Original Flawless Dial
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1933 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Width 23m MOVEMEN...
Gold-filled
Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Shockmaster Art Deco Watch, 1950's Flawless Dial
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads.
Gold-filled
Elgin White Gold Filled Art Deco Watch With Bracelet and Strap circa 1927
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads.
Gold-filled, White Gold
Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Rare Black Dial Articulated Lugs
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads.
Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Tonneau Shaped Watch with Original Dial 1940's
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Shockmaster / Tonneau Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36 X Width 22 ...
Gold-filled
Elgin Mid Century Watch all Original with Original Box 1950's or 60's
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Mid Century METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 33mm X Length 25mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER...
Gold-filled
Elgin Gold Filled De Luxe Art Deco Watch, circa 1940's with Custom Finished Dial
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads.
Gold-filled
Elgin 14 Karat Multi-Color Gold 17-Jewel Antique Pocket Watch Full Hunter
By Elgin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ Ornate Cobalt Blue Hands & Dedicated Second Dial 14k Solid Gold Case w/ Beautiful Colored Engraving on Both Sides Black Arabic Numerals Case S...
14k Gold
Elgin Open Face 14 Karat Yellow GF Antique Pocket Watch Gr 117 17 Jewel, 1897
By Elgin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ White Dial Including Blue/Black Hands 14K Yellow GF Case w/ Intricate Hand-Etched Design on Case Black Roman Numerals Case Serial # 4542726 1...
14k Gold
1926 Elgin Gold-Filled Antique Open Face Pocket Watch, Size 12
By Elgin
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Beautiful antique Elgin pocket watch with champagne colored dial. Blue hands and a dedicated seconds dial.
Gold-filled
Elgin Pocket Watch, 14 Karat White Gold Filled, 1928, 17 Jewel
By Elgin
Located in San Diego, CA
Elgin Pocket Watch, 14k White Gold filled, 1928, 17 Jewel, 44 mm Case, Chronograph, Excellent Condition, Elgin National Watch Co., Size 12s This watch has not been serviced with a c...
Sold
Dm 2.13 in L 0.79 in
Vintage Early 1900s Elgin Silver Pocket Watch, 17 Jewel, Signed B. W. Raymond
By Elgin
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Early 1900's Elgin Silver Pocket Watch, 17 Jewel, Signed B. W.
Silver
Elgin 14 Karat White Gold Art Deco Cushion Shaped Pocket Watch
By American Waltham Watch Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
This is a rare model by the iconic American house of Elgin, basd in Elgin Illinois. The unique shape was intended to keep the watch nearly upright while in the vest pocket.
Elgin Gold Plated Pocket Watch Year 1911 Working Jewel
By Elgin
Located in San Diego, CA
Elgin 1911 gold plated pocket watch with a 44mm case that is 11mm thick and a clean plastic crystal accented with a beautiful floral design.
Gold Plate
Elgin Tricolor Gold Railroad Locomotive Engine Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Rare Antique Elgin Gentleman's Pocket Watch With Railroad Locomotive It is so attractive, just look at it.
Pocket Watch Gold Case GIANT Box Hinge 14K Multi Color Gold Elgin
By Elgin
Located in Dearborn, MI
Pocket Watch Gold Case GIANT Box Hinge 14K Multi Color Gold Elgin Keeps Perfect Time, As Expected Kept It on Desk for 3 Days and Checked It Against My Phone All Functions Work C...
Gold
Antique Art Deco 1927 Elgin 14 Karat White Gold Filled 17 Jewels Pocket Watch
Located in Wallkill, NY
Elgin Open Face White Gold Filled Pocket Watch size 12. Art Deco in style Grade 479- Serial number 31210787. Measuring 2.10 inches top to bottom x 1.70 inches across. Monogrammed o...
Gold-filled
Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch, Tonneau Shaped Watch circa 1940's
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads.
Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Original Dial from 1940's
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin Watch Company also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads They built fine, dependable, sturdy and, very accurate watches.
Gold-filled
Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Shockmaster Art Deco Watch, 1950's Flawless Dial
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads.
Gold-filled
Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Tortue Shaped Watch with Flawless Original Dial
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads.
Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa 1950's with Original Dial
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Bracelet Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 25mm "Lug Tip to...
Gold-filled
Elgin Gold Filled Modernist Tank Style Watch with Flawless Original Dial 1950's
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Width 27mm M...
Gold-filled
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
Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch, ca 1940's with Flawless Original Dial
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads.
Gold-filled
Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Original Dial from the 1940's
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin Watch Company also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads They built fine, dependable, sturdy and, very accurate watches.
Gold-filled
Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Style Watch, 1930's with Original Dial
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads.
Gold-filled
Elgin 14Kt Solid Gold Art Deco American Made Tonneau Shape 1940's
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Elgin also played a major role in the development of the pocket watches for the railroads They built fine, dependable, sturdy and, very accurate watches.
14k Gold
Elgin Antique Full Hunter 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pocket Watch Gr 339 17-Jewel
By Elgin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ White Dial Including Blue Hands & Dedicated Second Dial 14K Yellow Gold Case w/ Intricate Hand-Etched Design on Case & Initials "EL" Engraved ...
14k Gold
Elgin Gilt Railroad-Style Pocket Watch circa 1927
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elgin railroad-style yellow gilt pocket watch, circa 1927. 17-jewel manual-wind damaskeened movement with micrometer regulator.
Gilt Metal
Elgin White Gold-Filled Pocket Watch, circa 1930s
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elgin White Gold-Filled 12-size open face pocket watch, circa 1930s.
Gold-filled
Elgin Size 16 Hunter Case 14K Gold Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in Solvang, CA
The size 16 pocket watch has a 17 jewel movement serial #15465352, and is in near unused condition.
14k Gold
Elgin Yellow Gilt Pocket Watch with Chain and Knife, circa 1938
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elgin yellow gilt open face pocket watch, 12 size, circa 1938, with chain and pen knife.
Gilt Metal
Elgin Crusader Open Face 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Pocket Watch 12S 17J 1925
By Elgin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ Champagne Dial Including Gold Hands & Dedicated Second Dial 14k Yellow Gold Case w/ Intricate Hand-Etched Design on Case.
14k Gold
Elgin Open Face 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Pocket Watch Gr 345 12S 17J 1920
By Elgin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ White Dial Including Cobalt Blue Hands & Dedicated Second Dial 14k Yellow Gold Case Black Arabic Numerals Case Serial #5472756 17-Jewel Elgin ...
14k Gold
Elgin White Gold-Filled Art Deco Pocket Watch, circa 1929
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elgin White Gold-Filled Art Deco Pocket Watch circa 1929. 12 size open face white gold-filled case with enamel chapter ring bezel.
Gold-filled
Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Open Face Pocket Watch circa 1920s
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elgin Yellow Gold Filled 16-S Open Face Railroad style pocket watch circa 1920's.
Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
Breguet Paris Closed Face Pocket Watch
By Breguet
Located in Stamford, CT
Breguet Paris Closed Face Pocket Watch. Case in fair condition. Watch not working.
$230Sale Price / set|50% Off
W 0.26 in D 0.23 in L 1.5 in
Silvorra Timeless Multi-Cut Natural Amethyst Dangle Earrings in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These 925 sterling silver dangle earrings feature natural amethyst gemstones arranged in a captivating mix of cuts. Each earring showcases eight amethyst stones with a combined weigh...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Waltham Size "O" 14KT Yellow Gold Triple Case Open Face Pocket Watch
By Waltham Watch Company
Located in valatie, NY
Waltham Size "O" 14KT Yellow Gold Triple Case Open Face Pocket Watch With Fleur de Lis Fob Pin. The case is hallmarked "WARRANTED 14K TO ASSAY" and "Leon W.C. Co.," these cases were ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3ct Round-Cut Diamond Solitaire Signet Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Commanding in presence and refined in detail, The Imperial Light solitaire signet ring is a masterclass in contemporary opulence. At its heart gleams a breathtaking 3-carat natural r...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
NCR & Co Antique Victorian Gold Gilt Metal Long Guard Chain with Dog Clip
Located in London, GB
NCR & Co antique Victorian gold gilt metal long guard chain, with the original swivel dog clip that can be used to attach a pendant or fob. The dog clip was used in Victorian tim...
Antique 1910s Edwardian Tiffany Co. Pocket Watch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and blue enamel. Signed by Tiffany & Co. Circa 1910s Watch 1 1/2 x 1 inches Chain 23 inches + 3 inch drop
18k Gold, Enamel
Rolex Hunter's Case Yellow Gold Filled Pocket Watch circa 1920's Flawless Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company for Dunkling's STYLE / REFERENCE: Hunter's Case Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diamet...
Gold-filled
John Galliano Rare Dolores Intarsia Carnation Bias Evening Dress
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
A rare John Galliano bias cut Carnation dress from the Dolores collection, Autumn-Winter 1995-96. Of Bianchini Férier ivory and black satin backed rayon acetate crêpe inset with int...
$1,380,000
Emerald and Diamond Drop Necklace
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
A MAGNIFICENT PIECE! An important emerald and diamond necklace. 144.07 carats of fine quality, "Vivid Green" emeralds. 171.40 carats of white diamonds all set in platinum. A re...
Diamond, Emerald
Breitling Laederich Antique Pocket Watch 18k Gold Enamel
By Breitling
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An amazing Breitling Laederich antique pocket watch, circa late 1800s. The watch is made of 18k gold, features enamel. The watch is cased in a beautiful hunter case decorated with t...
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Cartier EWC Gold and Enamel 1920s Pocket Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Cartier pocket Watch, 46 MM Diameter and 4.5 MM thick 18K Yellow Gold 2 piece case. Blue and White Guilloche Enamel. Mechanical, Manual wind EWC, European Watch & Clock M...
18k Gold
LeCoultre Minute Repeater Chronograph in 18 Karat Gold with Royal Belgian Proven
Located in Boston, MA
A fine and rare LeCoultre minute repeating chronograph pocket watch in 18 karat gold. With exceptional engraved case displaying Greater and Lesser versions of the Belgian coat of ar...
Gold
Tiffany & Company Patek Philippe Antique Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920 Patek Philippe for Tiffany & company Pocket watch, 45 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 4 piece case including Gold inside Dust Cover. 20 Jewel, mechanical, manual wind nickle leve...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Kt Gold Hunter Pocket Watch Triple Calendar Moon Phase Chrono Minute Repeater
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Pink Gold Hunter Pocket Watch Triple Calendar / Quantieme Moon Phase Chronograph Minute Repeater Weight : 138.1 Gram Extremely Solid & Heavy 18 Kt Pink Gold Hunter Case Pock...
Gold, 18k Gold
Unique Rose Cut and Full Cut Diamond Necklace
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
37.65 carats of beautiful white diamonds set in 18k white gold. The necklace is handmade in a mesh style setting. Very elegant and classic design. 16 inch length
Diamond, 18k Gold
A & S Railroad Gold Minute Repeating Pocket Watch Presented to J.H. Ramsey, 1865
Located in Stamford, CT
Emile Peret, Locle, Swiss, 1865, hunting case. Minute repeating pocket watch with porcelain dial, movement number 16666, case number 20175, size 20 L, 10 independent bridges, mustach...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
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.