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Gold German Watches

Gubelin 1960s Gold Watch
Gubelin 1960s Gold Watch

Gubelin 1960s Gold Watch

By Gubelin

Located in New York, NY

1970s 18k gold lady's Gubelin watch with leather velvet band and gold tone buckle. Case is 29mm x 32mm. Band is 8" long. Manual wind movement.

Category

20th Century German Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

Julius Assmann. A Heavy Gold Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1880s
Julius Assmann. A Heavy Gold Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1880s

Julius Assmann. A Heavy Gold Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1880s

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Julius Assmann. A Heavy 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1880s Dial: The beautiful silver and gold dial with raised gold floral garlands to the centre of th...

Category

Antique 1880s German Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold

A. Lange & Söhne 18 Karat Gold Savonette Pocket Watch, 52mm
A. Lange & Söhne 18 Karat Gold Savonette Pocket Watch, 52mm

A. Lange & Söhne 18 Karat Gold Savonette Pocket Watch, 52mm

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in Berlin, DE

This elegant A. Lange & Söhne triple-hinged savonette pocket watch is a refined example of Glashütte’s finest watchmaking traditions. Crafted from solid 18K yellow gold, the case is ...

Category

20th Century German Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

A. Lange & Söhne, 18 Karat Gold, Chronograph Pocket Watch, 1898 Constantinopel
A. Lange & Söhne, 18 Karat Gold, Chronograph Pocket Watch, 1898 Constantinopel

A. Lange & Söhne, 18 Karat Gold, Chronograph Pocket Watch, 1898 Constantinopel

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in Berlin, DE

This exquisite and rare pocket watch from A. Lange & Söhne represents an extraordinary combination of historical craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Manufactured around 1898, it emb...

Category

Antique 19th Century German Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

A. Lange & Sohne. A Rare Rose Gold Open Face Pocket Watch C1900
A. Lange & Sohne. A Rare Rose Gold Open Face Pocket Watch C1900

A. Lange & Sohne. A Rare Rose Gold Open Face Pocket Watch C1900

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in Mayfair, London, London

This watch is rare as it is unusual to find Lange watches made in 18ct gold.

Category

20th Century German Art Nouveau Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

A. Lange & Sohne DUF Pocket Watch 14k Gold Near NOS Condition 1930s
A. Lange & Sohne DUF Pocket Watch 14k Gold Near NOS Condition 1930s

A. Lange & Sohne DUF Pocket Watch 14k Gold Near NOS Condition 1930s

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in London, GB

This beautiful pristine 14ct Yellow Gold Full Hunter pocket watch with a champagne two tone satin finished dial signed D U F with Arabic numerals outer minute track and original Breg...

Category

Vintage 1930s German Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Rare Heavy 18CT Gold Keyless Lever Independent Second Full Hunter Pocket Watch
Rare Heavy 18CT Gold Keyless Lever Independent Second Full Hunter Pocket Watch

Rare Heavy 18CT Gold Keyless Lever Independent Second Full Hunter Pocket Watch

Located in Mayfair, London, London

W. Ehrhardt. A Rare Heavy 18ct Gold Keyless Lever Independent Seconds Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1884. Dial: The white enamel numbered Roman Dial with outer minute track subsidiary s...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

A. Lange & Söhne 1A 18 Karat Gold Pocket Watch, "Lucia" Case, Empire Numerals
A. Lange & Söhne 1A 18 Karat Gold Pocket Watch, "Lucia" Case, Empire Numerals

A. Lange & Söhne 1A 18 Karat Gold Pocket Watch, "Lucia" Case, Empire Numerals

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in Berlin, DE

This exquisite A. Lange & Söhne pocket watch embodies the pinnacle of Glashütte craftsmanship. Encased in solid 18K yellow gold with a refined “Lucia” case design, this timepiece sho...

Category

20th Century German Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Rare 14k Pocket Watch J.Assmann Glassutte from 1890
Rare 14k Pocket Watch J.Assmann Glassutte from 1890

Rare 14k Pocket Watch J.Assmann Glassutte from 1890

Located in London, GB

The stunning 52mm Cyrillic engraved Full Hunter case is signed J. Assman and with German Hallmarks for 14ct Gold with a gross weight of 98.2g.

Category

Antique 1890s German Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Yellow Sapphire Diamond Wristwatch in 18k 750 Yellow Gold Vintage Hemmerle
Yellow Sapphire Diamond Wristwatch in 18k 750 Yellow Gold Vintage Hemmerle

Yellow Sapphire Diamond Wristwatch in 18k 750 Yellow Gold Vintage Hemmerle

By Hemmerle

Located in München, DE

DETAILS Designer: Hemmerle Origin: Germany Period: Late 20th century, approx. early 1990s Material: 18k yellow gold 750/1000, leather Gemstones: Yellow sapphires, Diamonds Dial: Moth...

Category

20th Century German Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Union Glashütte Chronograph 18 Karat Gold, Automatic, Limited to 50, Saxony.
Union Glashütte Chronograph 18 Karat Gold, Automatic, Limited to 50, Saxony.

Union Glashütte Chronograph 18 Karat Gold, Automatic, Limited to 50, Saxony.

Located in Berlin, DE

Extremely rare Union Glashutte (Saxony) Chronograph in 18 carat solid gold, limited to 50 pieces! Including original Box and Papers! From private collection.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Ebel Ladies Pocket Jewelry Watch Pendant, Enhancer, 18 Karat Gold
Ebel Ladies Pocket Jewelry Watch Pendant, Enhancer, 18 Karat Gold

Ebel Ladies Pocket Jewelry Watch Pendant, Enhancer, 18 Karat Gold

By Ebel

Located in Berlin, DE

Charming Ebel ladies watch as pendant, 18k gold. Case made of solid 18k yellow gold. Sapphire crystal. Crown with sapphire cabochon. Mechanical hand-wound movement. Fully functiona...

Category

20th Century German Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Meissen Porcelain Figure, Noble Gentleman with Gold Watch
Antique Meissen Porcelain Figure, Noble Gentleman with Gold Watch

Antique Meissen Porcelain Figure, Noble Gentleman with Gold Watch

Located in København, Copenhagen

Antique Meissen porcelain figure. A noble gentleman with a gold watch. Late 19th century. Measures: 19 x 9 cm. In excellent condition. Signed. 1st Factory quality.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Rococo Revival Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Recent Sales

Vintage Gold plated Steam Train Pocket Watch
Vintage Gold plated Steam Train Pocket Watch

Vintage Gold plated Steam Train Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful vintage battery operated pocket is in good working condition and it is running. Please study the images carefully as form part of the description.

Category

Early 2000s German Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Glashutte Original PanoMaticInverse Rose Gold Automatic Watch 19102010530
Glashutte Original PanoMaticInverse Rose Gold Automatic Watch 19102010530

Glashutte Original PanoMaticInverse Rose Gold Automatic Watch 19102010530

By Glashütte Original

Located in New York, NY

Glashutte Original PanoMaticInverse Men's Watch Model Number: 1-91-02-01-05-30 100% Authentic Brand New Comes with original Glashutte Original box and papers 18 Karat Rose Gold ...

Category

2010s German Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Vintage 1970s Gold-Plated Junghans Quartz Gents Watch
Vintage 1970s Gold-Plated Junghans Quartz Gents Watch

Vintage 1970s Gold-Plated Junghans Quartz Gents Watch

By Junghans Uhren GmbH

Located in Carlisle, GB

This charming pre-owned vintage battery operated watch is in good working condition and it is running well. Visible signs of wear and ageing with slight scratches on the glass and so...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

A. Lange & Söhne Rose Gold Hunter Pocket Watch
A. Lange & Söhne Rose Gold Hunter Pocket Watch

A. Lange & Söhne Rose Gold Hunter Pocket Watch

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in Munich, Bavaria

Taschenuhr Very nice and rare hunter pocket watch ALS 1A-quality, with grazed movement CASE pink-gold MOVEMENT Gilt A. Lange & Söhne 3/4-plate, glassed movement, 1A-quality,...

Category

Antique 1890s German Pocket Watches

Vintage 1980s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Back Mechanical Watch
Vintage 1980s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Back Mechanical Watch

Vintage 1980s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Back Mechanical Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful pre-owned vintage hand winding watch is in good working condition and it is running well. Visible signs of ageing and wear with light scratches on the glass and on the...

Category

Vintage 1980s German Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

A. Lange & Söhne Pink Gold Quarter Repeating Hunting Cased Pocket Watch
A. Lange & Söhne Pink Gold Quarter Repeating Hunting Cased Pocket Watch

A. Lange & Söhne Pink Gold Quarter Repeating Hunting Cased Pocket Watch

Located in Munich, Bavaria

A. Lange & Söhne Taschenuhr Very nice and rare hunting cased pocket watch with quarter repeater Case 18k pink gold, no. 60103 Movement A. Lange & Söhne 3/4-plate, movement ...

Category

20th Century German Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Ladies Tiffany & Co. & Chopard Rare Vintage 18 Karat Gold Mechanical Watch
Ladies Tiffany & Co. & Chopard Rare Vintage 18 Karat Gold Mechanical Watch

Ladies Tiffany & Co. & Chopard Rare Vintage 18 Karat Gold Mechanical Watch

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Brand: Tiffany & Co & Chopard Case Size: 21mm Model: Vintage Lug Width: 15mm Face Color: Yellow Gold Gender: Women's Movement: Mechanical (Hand-winding) Age Group: Adult Display: An...

Category

Late 20th Century German Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Bubble Back Automatic Watch
Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Bubble Back Automatic Watch

Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Bubble Back Automatic Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This charming 36mm diameter vintage gold plated automatic watch is in good working condition and it is ticking well. It is recently been serviced. Visible signs of ageing and wear wi...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Vintage Mechanical Hand Winding Watch
Vintage Mechanical Hand Winding Watch

Vintage Mechanical Hand Winding Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This mechanical watch is in good working condition and it is running well. Visible signs of ageing and wear with some small light marks on the glass and on the watch case. Slight tar...

Category

1990s German Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

A. Lange & Söhne Rose Gold Open Faced Pocket Watch with Dead Beat Seconds
A. Lange & Söhne Rose Gold Open Faced Pocket Watch with Dead Beat Seconds

A. Lange & Söhne Rose Gold Open Faced Pocket Watch with Dead Beat Seconds

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in Munich, Bavaria

A. Lange & Söhne Taschenuhr Very rare seconde morte complication Case 18k rose gold Movement Gilt 3/4 plate, seconde morte (dead beat seconds), manual wind Dial Perfect...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Art Nouveau Pocket Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Ladies Tiffany & Co. and Chopard Rare Vintage 18 Karat Gold Mechanical Watch
Ladies Tiffany & Co. and Chopard Rare Vintage 18 Karat Gold Mechanical Watch

Ladies Tiffany & Co. and Chopard Rare Vintage 18 Karat Gold Mechanical Watch

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Brand Tiffany & Co. Model Vintage Gender Ladies Condition Pre - Owned Movement Swiss Mechanical Case Material 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet / Strap Material 18K Yellow Gold Clasp / Buckle...

Category

Late 20th Century German Wrist Watches

Glashutte Original Senator Moonphase Skeletonized Edition Watch 1491315340430
Glashutte Original Senator Moonphase Skeletonized Edition Watch 1491315340430

Glashutte Original Senator Moonphase Skeletonized Edition Watch 1491315340430

By Glashütte Original

Located in New York, NY

Glashutte Original Senator Moon Phase Skeletonized Edition Men's Watch Model Number: 1-49-13-15-0430 100% Authentic Brand New Comes with original Glashutte Original box and paper...

Category

2010s German Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Glashutte Original Senator Chronometer Men's Watch 1-58-01-05-34-30
Glashutte Original Senator Chronometer Men's Watch 1-58-01-05-34-30

Glashutte Original Senator Chronometer Men's Watch 1-58-01-05-34-30

By Glashütte Original

Located in New York, NY

Glashutte Original Senator Chronometer Men's Watch Model Number: 1-58-01-05-34-30 100% Authentic Brand New Comes with original Glashutte Original box and papers 18 Karat White G...

Category

2010s German Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

A. Lange & Sohne Rose Gold Datograph Flyback Date Chronograph Wristwatch
A. Lange & Sohne Rose Gold Datograph Flyback Date Chronograph Wristwatch

A. Lange & Sohne Rose Gold Datograph Flyback Date Chronograph Wristwatch

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in Chestnut Hill, MA

A. Lange & Sohne 18k rose gold Datograph Flyback chronograph with date, Ref. 403.032, with exhibition case back and column wheel movement. Silvered dial with luminescent hands an...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Back 25Jewels Automatic Wristwatch
Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Back 25Jewels Automatic Wristwatch

Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Back 25Jewels Automatic Wristwatch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful vintage pre-owned automatic watch is in good working condition and it is running well (keeps a good time) visible signs of ageing and wear with visible scratches on th...

Category

Vintage 1960s German Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Glashütte Rose Gold Original PanoMatic Chronograph Wristwatch
Glashütte Rose Gold Original PanoMatic Chronograph Wristwatch

Glashütte Rose Gold Original PanoMatic Chronograph Wristwatch

Located in Munich, Bavaria

PanoMatic Ref. 95-01-15 01-04 PanoMaticChrono Flyback CASE screwed case, pink-gold, sapphire crystal, sapphire crystal case back, d=39.4mm MOVEMENT caliber GUB 95, Flyback, ...

Category

Early 2000s German Wrist Watches

A. Lange & Sohne White And Rose Gold Luna Mundi Wristwatch Set circa 2012
A. Lange & Sohne White And Rose Gold Luna Mundi Wristwatch Set circa 2012

A. Lange & Sohne White And Rose Gold Luna Mundi Wristwatch Set circa 2012

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in Paris, FR

A. Lange & Sohne set of 18k white gold and rose gold manual-wind wristwatches with moon phase, power reserve and oversized date aperture. Matching numbers. Box and papers.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

A. Lange & Sohne Glashutte Yellow Gold German Pocket Watch c1897
A. Lange & Sohne Glashutte Yellow Gold German Pocket Watch c1897

A. Lange & Sohne Glashutte Yellow Gold German Pocket Watch c1897

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in Cape May, NJ

Lange & Sohne Glashutte I/S 43mm German 14K Gold Pocket Watch Circa 1897. The watch is in excellent estate condition and ready to use. .

Category

Antique 1890s German Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

14k Yellow Gold Diamond Watch
14k Yellow Gold Diamond Watch

14k Yellow Gold Diamond Watch

Sold

H 0.28 in W 0.99 in Dm 0.79 in

14k Yellow Gold Diamond Watch

Located in New York, NY

This elegant timepiece boasts a luxurious 14k yellow gold fold with a weight of 31.5g, making it a statement accessory for any occasion. The watch face is adorned with a stunning 2.5...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Late Victorian Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

A. Lange & Sohne Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
A. Lange & Sohne Yellow Gold Pocket Watch

A. Lange & Sohne Yellow Gold Pocket Watch

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in Southampton, PA

A. Lange & Sohne 18k yellow gold pocket watch. Details: Diameter: 36mm; Thickness: 10.5mm Weight: 45.2 grams *Free Shipping within the United States*

Category

20th Century German Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Modernist 14K Gold Merano Mechanical Oval Textured Swirl Wrist Watch Bracelet
Modernist 14K Gold Merano Mechanical Oval Textured Swirl Wrist Watch Bracelet

Modernist 14K Gold Merano Mechanical Oval Textured Swirl Wrist Watch Bracelet

Located in Montclair, NJ

Here we have a very elegant vintage Merano wrist watch crafted from solid 14k yellow gold. This classy watch features a German-made mechanical movement that is in perfect working con...

Category

Vintage 1940s German Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

A. Lange & Sonhe Box Hinged 14K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
A. Lange & Sonhe Box Hinged 14K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch

A. Lange & Sonhe Box Hinged 14K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in Dallas, TX

A. Lange & Sonhe Box Hinged 14K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch - Manual winding. 18K Yellow gold case ( 52 mm ). Sunken White dial with Arabic numerals. Pre-owned with custom box.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Wrist Watches

A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Flyback Rose Gold Men's Watch 403.032
A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Flyback Rose Gold Men's Watch 403.032

A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Flyback Rose Gold Men's Watch 403.032

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in Dallas, TX

A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Flyback Rose Gold Men's Watch 403.032 - Manual winding. 18k rose gold case with exposition back to view movement (39mm diameter). Black dial with raised ro...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Wrist Watches

Lange & Sohne Saxonia 18 Karat White Gold Ref. 105.027 Watch
Lange & Sohne Saxonia 18 Karat White Gold Ref. 105.027 Watch

Lange & Sohne Saxonia 18 Karat White Gold Ref. 105.027 Watch

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in Dallas, TX

A. Lange & Sohne Saxonia 18K White Gold Ref. 105.027 Watch - Manual winding. 18K White Gold ( 34 mm ). Blue dial with stick hour markers; big date at 12 o'clock. A. Lange & Sohne Blu...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Wrist Watches

Lange & Sohne Saxonia 18 Karat White Gold Ref. 105.027 Watch
Lange & Sohne Saxonia 18 Karat White Gold Ref. 105.027 Watch

Lange & Sohne Saxonia 18 Karat White Gold Ref. 105.027 Watch

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in Dallas, TX

A. Lange & Sohne Saxonia 18K White Gold Ref. 105.027 Watch - Manual winding. 18K White Gold ( 34 mm ). Blue dial with stick hour markers; big date at 12 o'clock. A. Lange & Sohne Blu...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe Calatrava Gents Rose Gold Black Dial 5026R-001 Automatic Watch
Patek Philippe Calatrava Gents Rose Gold Black Dial 5026R-001 Automatic Watch

Patek Philippe Calatrava Gents Rose Gold Black Dial 5026R-001 Automatic Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Mayfair, London, London

An 18k Rose Gold Calatrava Gents Wristwatch, black dial with "moon" hands and applied Breguet style arabic numbers, small seconds between 4 and 5 0'clock, a fixed 18k rose gold bezel...

Category

Early 2000s German Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Antique A. Lange & Sohne. Rare Rose Gold Open Face Keyless Lever Pocket Watch
Antique A. Lange & Sohne. Rare Rose Gold Open Face Keyless Lever Pocket Watch

Antique A. Lange & Sohne. Rare Rose Gold Open Face Keyless Lever Pocket Watch

By A. Lange & Söhne

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Antique A. Lange & Sohne. A Rare 18ct Rose Gold Open Face Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1920 with it's Original Box and Paper and Matching Rose Gold Chain. Dial: The perfect fully sig...

Category

Vintage 1920s German Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Glashutte Original 18k Gold 34mm Automatic Moonphase Watch Ref. 39-45-07-05-04
Glashutte Original 18k Gold 34mm Automatic Moonphase Watch Ref. 39-45-07-05-04

Glashutte Original 18k Gold 34mm Automatic Moonphase Watch Ref. 39-45-07-05-04

Located in Montclair, NJ

Watchmaker: Glashutte Original Movement: German Made - Automatic Case Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 127.7 Grams (case and strap) Case Size (Width): 34mm (not including the...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Gold German Watches For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of gold german watches for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of gold, yellow gold and 18k gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our selection of items includes 20 vintage examples as well as 3 contemporary versions. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 20th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Pieces in our collection of gold german watches made by Art Deco jewelers — as well as those associated with Art Nouveau — are very popular. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by A. Lange & Söhne, Aigner and Ebel are consistently popular. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 8 diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. There are many brilliant cut, cabochon and round cut gold german watches for sale. Most of our gold german watches for sale are for women, but there are 9 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Gold German Watches?

Prices for gold german watches start at $273 and top out at $34,999 with these watches, on average, selling for $3,700.

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.