Skip to main content

Gold Face Rolex

Rolex Daytona 18k Gold With Black Face & Diamond Dot Dial
Rolex Daytona 18k Gold With Black Face & Diamond Dot Dial

Rolex Daytona 18k Gold With Black Face & Diamond Dot Dial

By Rolex

Located in London, GB

Rolex Daytona 18k Gold Diamond Dot Dial 1999 Model - Solid 18k Yellow gold Daytona watch with

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Two-Toned Logo Face Datejust Watch
Rolex Two-Toned Logo Face Datejust Watch

Rolex Two-Toned Logo Face Datejust Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel with a fluted bezel and Round Brilliant cut

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex. A Rare Gold Bow Tie Dial Open Face Pocket Watch C1936
Rolex. A Rare Gold Bow Tie Dial Open Face Pocket Watch C1936

Rolex. A Rare Gold Bow Tie Dial Open Face Pocket Watch C1936

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Rolex. A Rare Bow TIe Dial 9ct Yellow Gold Open Face Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1930s Dial: The

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

Rolex Submariner 18K Yellow Gold Blue Face
Rolex Submariner 18K Yellow Gold Blue Face

Rolex Submariner 18K Yellow Gold Blue Face

Located in New York, NY

Description - This absolutely stunning 18k Yellow Gold Blue Face Rolex Submariner. Amazing life and

Category

2010s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Recent Sales

18K Yellow Gold Blue Face Rolex Submariner
18K Yellow Gold Blue Face Rolex Submariner

18K Yellow Gold Blue Face Rolex Submariner

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

18K yellow gold Rolex Submariner, style #16618, serial number E868796, Blue face and rotating

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Ladies Gold Black Face Watch

Rolex Ladies Gold Black Face Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

An 18 karat yellow gold ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust watch by Rolex with black face.

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Black Face/Diamond Bezel Rolex in 18k Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Black Face/Diamond Bezel Rolex in 18k Yellow Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Black Face/Diamond Bezel Rolex in 18k Yellow Gold

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch Co. 18k gold wristwatch, rhodium-plated cal. 1400 movement with

Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Rare Rose Gold Prince Imperial Open Face Pocket Watch
Rolex Rare Rose Gold Prince Imperial Open Face Pocket Watch

Rolex Rare Rose Gold Prince Imperial Open Face Pocket Watch

By Rolex

Located in Dallas, TX

Rolex rare 18k rose gold Prince Imperial open face pocket watch, circa. 1940s, manual-wind movement

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 18k yellow gold and diamond face Ladies size
Rolex Datejust 18k yellow gold and diamond face Ladies size

Rolex Datejust 18k yellow gold and diamond face Ladies size

By Rolex

Located in Brisbane, AU

This stunning Ladies Rolex Datejust features a 26mm stainless steel case, champagne dial with

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Rolex Cellini 27mm Dial Manual Winding Watch Face
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Rolex Cellini 27mm Dial Manual Winding Watch Face

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Rolex Cellini 27mm Dial Manual Winding Watch Face

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

A rare vintage Rolex Cellini watch face in solid 18K yellow gold, featuring a classic 27mm dial

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Orchid Blue Dial 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ladies Watch Face
Rolex Orchid Blue Dial 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ladies Watch Face

Rolex Orchid Blue Dial 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ladies Watch Face

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

Rolex Orchid Blue Dial 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ladies Watch Face. 18K gold case and gold

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Yellow Gold

Rolex A 9CT Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Open Face Observatory Quality Pocketwatch
Rolex A 9CT Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Open Face Observatory Quality Pocketwatch

Rolex A 9CT Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Open Face Observatory Quality Pocketwatch

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Rolex 43mm A 9ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Open Face Observatory Quality Pocket Watch C1930s with

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Day-Date II President Yellow Gold Black Wave Dial Face Watch 218238
Rolex Day-Date II President Yellow Gold Black Wave Dial Face Watch 218238

Rolex Day-Date II President Yellow Gold Black Wave Dial Face Watch 218238

By Rolex

Located in Aventura, FL

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date II Watches. The Rolex President. 218238 41mm 18K yellow gold case

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Rare Art Deco Open Face Pocket Watch Vintage 9 Karat Gold Silver Dial
Rolex Rare Art Deco Open Face Pocket Watch Vintage 9 Karat Gold Silver Dial

Rolex Rare Art Deco Open Face Pocket Watch Vintage 9 Karat Gold Silver Dial

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Rare 9k Yellow Gold Art Deco Open Face Vintage Gents 40mm Pocket Watch, silver dial with art deco

Category

Vintage 1920s Pocket Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Rolex Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Military Style Pocket Watch
Rolex Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Military Style Pocket Watch

Rolex Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Military Style Pocket Watch

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Pocket Watch / Open Faced METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Pocket Watches

Rolex Gold 14 Size Open Face Pocket Watch ref. 2441
Rolex Gold 14 Size Open Face Pocket Watch ref. 2441

Rolex Gold 14 Size Open Face Pocket Watch ref. 2441

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18K YG 14 size open face pocket watch ref 2441 circa 1940's. Original matte silver dial with

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex 18K Gold 14 size open face pocket watchcirca 1930's.
Rolex 18K Gold 14 size open face pocket watchcirca 1930's.

Rolex 18K Gold 14 size open face pocket watchcirca 1930's.

By Rolex

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Rolex 18K gold 14 size open face pocket watch circa 1940's. Original matte silver dial with Roman

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex 18 KCarat Yellow Gold Gentleman's Open Faced Keyless Pocket Watch
Rolex 18 KCarat Yellow Gold Gentleman's Open Faced Keyless Pocket Watch

Rolex 18 KCarat Yellow Gold Gentleman's Open Faced Keyless Pocket Watch

By Rolex

Located in Windsor Forest, Berkshire

A stunning Gentleman's 18 Carat yellow gold open faced keyless wind pocket watch by Rolex. The

Category

Vintage 1910s British George V Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

People Also Browsed

Rolex Lady's Watch
Rolex Lady's Watch

Rolex Lady's Watch

On Hold|$2,500

H 0.67 in W 0.67 in

Rolex Lady's Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Created by Rolex, this wristwatch's head is made out of 18 karat gold. Its straps are gold-filled. Total weight: 23.4 grams. Case measurements width: 1.7 cm, length: 1.7 cm. Serial N...

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

LOUIS VUITTON Galet taupe Mahina leather BABYLONE PM Hobo Bag
LOUIS VUITTON Galet taupe Mahina leather BABYLONE PM Hobo Bag

LOUIS VUITTON Galet taupe Mahina leather BABYLONE PM Hobo Bag

By Louis Vuitton

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Louis Vuitton Babylone PM hobo monogram in galet taupe Mahina leather. The design features a espresso brown rolled and braided leather handle and is lined in dark brow...

Category

2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel Nano Kelly Bag NEW Lilac Gold Hardware
Chanel Nano Kelly Bag NEW Lilac Gold Hardware

Chanel Nano Kelly Bag NEW Lilac Gold Hardware

$5,897

H 3.15 in W 4.73 in D 1.19 in

Chanel Nano Kelly Bag NEW Lilac Gold Hardware

By Chanel

Located in Roosendaal, NL

From the collection of SAVINETI we offer this NEW Chanel Nano Kelly Bag: - Brand: Chanel - Model: Nano Kelly - Color: Lilac - Year: 2024 - Condition: NEW (unused) - Materials: Shiny...

Category

2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags

HERMES black Swift & Tuffetage corduroy BIRKIN 30 COTE-A-COTE Bag
HERMES black Swift & Tuffetage corduroy BIRKIN 30 COTE-A-COTE Bag

HERMES black Swift & Tuffetage corduroy BIRKIN 30 COTE-A-COTE Bag

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Hermès Birkin 30 Côté-a-Côté in black corduroy with Veau Swift leather trim and gussets. Features palladium plated hardware and cleaning brush for corduroy. Brand new ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Tote Bags

Hermes Birkin Limited Edition 35 Diamond Bordeaux Porosus Crocodile Bag
Hermes Birkin Limited Edition 35 Diamond Bordeaux Porosus Crocodile Bag

Hermes Birkin Limited Edition 35 Diamond Bordeaux Porosus Crocodile Bag

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers an exceptional limited edition Hermes Birkin 35 Diamond Porosus Crocodile bag featured in stunning jewel-toned Bordeaux. This rare masterpiece features 18K White Go...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Birkin 40 Bag Blue de Prusse Palladium Hardware Togo Leather
Hermes Birkin 40 Bag Blue de Prusse Palladium Hardware Togo Leather

Hermes Birkin 40 Bag Blue de Prusse Palladium Hardware Togo Leather

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Birkin 40 bag featured in Bleu de Prusse. Hermes leather in soft Togo is supple and scratch resistant. Crisp with palladium hardware. This ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

S/S 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Yellow Alligator Serpent Horsebit Small Shoulder Bag
S/S 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Yellow Alligator Serpent Horsebit Small Shoulder Bag

S/S 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Yellow Alligator Serpent Horsebit Small Shoulder Bag

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This Gucci by Tom Ford small shoulder bag from Spring/Summer 2004 is crafted from GG canvas with genuine alligator leather accents in bold yellow and purple tones. Multiple bags and ...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Gold Ceramic Steel Black Dial Men Watch 116519LN
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Gold Ceramic Steel Black Dial Men Watch 116519LN

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18K Gold Ceramic Steel Black Dial Men Watch 116519LN

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Unworn. 2022 card. Comes with the original box and papers. Brand and Model Brand: Rolex Model: Cosmograph Daytona Model Number: 116519LN Design and Style Style: Luxury Watch Shape: ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Historical  Rolex Cosmograph Daytona  Big Red 6263 steel  1979
Historical  Rolex Cosmograph Daytona  Big Red 6263 steel  1979

Historical Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Big Red 6263 steel 1979

By Rolex

Located in Neguri, Vizcaya

First launched in 1963 and created specifically for the world of automotive racing, the Rolex Daytona collection is arguably one of the most popular and universally respected lines o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Vintage 1980s Piaget Gold Watch
Vintage 1980s Piaget Gold Watch

Vintage 1980s Piaget Gold Watch

By Piaget

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold. Signed by Piaget 32mm face Model #13427 A4 Automatic movement Circa 1980s

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

GUCCI Unworn Black Exotic Ostrich Skin Horsebit Flap Bag Clutch
GUCCI Unworn Black Exotic Ostrich Skin Horsebit Flap Bag Clutch

GUCCI Unworn Black Exotic Ostrich Skin Horsebit Flap Bag Clutch

By Gucci

Located in Switzerland, CH

Beautiful Black Gucci Flap Bag A timeless Gucci piece Signature horsebit detail Luxurious black ostrich skin Fully lined with suede skin One inner pocket Mat-golden hardware Detacha...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

Patek Philippe 14 Karat Gold Pocket Watch, sold by W. Lennartz-Michels
Patek Philippe 14 Karat Gold Pocket Watch, sold by W. Lennartz-Michels

Patek Philippe 14 Karat Gold Pocket Watch, sold by W. Lennartz-Michels

By Patek Philippe

Located in Berlin, DE

Patek Philippe Gold Pocket Watch, Arabic Enamel Dial Slight signs of wear due to age on the case. Hands possibly replaced. Diameter measured without the crown. The pocket watch can...

Category

Antique 19th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Pocket Watch

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Pocket Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Dallas, TX

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Pocket Watch - Manual winding . 18K Yellow Gold Case, monogrammed. Signed Patek Philippe & Co. ( 45 mm ) with black enamel . Silver dial with Arabic raised...

Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Vintage Pocket Watch
Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Vintage Pocket Watch

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Vintage Pocket Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1920s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch, 45 M.M. X 9 M.M. thick 18K Yellow Gold 3 piece hinged case with Gold inside Dust cover. 18 Jewel mechanical, Manual wind nickle lever movemen...

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Hermes Jypsiere 28 Matte Crocodile Niloticus Skin Bag
Hermes Jypsiere 28 Matte Crocodile Niloticus Skin Bag

Hermes Jypsiere 28 Matte Crocodile Niloticus Skin Bag

By Hermès

Located in London, GB

Rare Item - Hermes Jypsiere 28 Matte Crocodile Niloticus Skin Bag Crossbody bag crafted from matte crocodile Niloticus skin in Ficelle. Designed with branded, palladium hardware an...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

EXCEPTIONAL GIA Certified 7 Carat Oval Diamond Platinum Ring
EXCEPTIONAL GIA Certified 7 Carat Oval Diamond Platinum Ring

EXCEPTIONAL GIA Certified 7 Carat Oval Diamond Platinum Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Exquisite Elegance: GIA Certified 7 Carat Oval Diamond Ring Experience unparalleled brilliance with this breathtaking GIA Certified 7 Carat Oval Diamond Platinum Ring. Featuring a f...

Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Gold Face Rolex", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Gold Face Rolex For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate gold face rolex for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 15 vintage editions and 2 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a gold face rolex from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. While most can agree that any gold face rolex from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 2 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. 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 alternatives. There aren’t many items for women if you’re seeking a gold face rolex, as most of the options available are for men and unisex.

How Much is a Gold Face Rolex?

On average, a gold face rolex at 1stDibs sells for $5,888, while they’re typically $3,200 on the low end and $56,500 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Rolex for sale on 1stDibs

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

Finding the Right Watches for You

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

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

Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory. 

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist

When shopping for a watch, it’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors. 

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