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Gubelin Art Deco Watch

Gubelin Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Manual Winding Dress Watch, circa 1930s
Gubelin Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Manual Winding Dress Watch, circa 1930s

Gubelin Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Manual Winding Dress Watch, circa 1930s

By Gubelin

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gubelin Jewelers STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum DIMENSIONS

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Art Deco Fancy Gubelin Platinum & 1.58ctw Diamond Wrist Watch & Gray Cor
Antique Art Deco Fancy Gubelin Platinum & 1.58ctw Diamond Wrist Watch & Gray Cor

Antique Art Deco Fancy Gubelin Platinum & 1.58ctw Diamond Wrist Watch & Gray Cor

By Gubelin

Located in Montclair, NJ

wrist Movement: Gubelin Mechanical Hand Wound - 17 Jewels - Swiss Made Weight: 18.8 Grams Condition

Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Gubelin of Switzerland Art Deco Desk Clock, circa 1930s
Gubelin of Switzerland Art Deco Desk Clock, circa 1930s

Gubelin of Switzerland Art Deco Desk Clock, circa 1930s

By Gubelin

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gubelin STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Gilt Bronze CIRCA / YEAR

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Gubelin 14K White Gold Diamond Bezel Deco Dial Snake Bracelet
Gubelin 14K White Gold Diamond Bezel Deco Dial Snake Bracelet

Gubelin 14K White Gold Diamond Bezel Deco Dial Snake Bracelet

By Gubelin Lucerne

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

The watch is a remarkable piece from 1940, showcasing a classic rectangular design that makes it

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Exquisite Gubelin Art Deco Diamond Platinum Enamel Dragon Pendant Lapel Watch
Exquisite Gubelin Art Deco Diamond Platinum Enamel Dragon Pendant Lapel Watch

Exquisite Gubelin Art Deco Diamond Platinum Enamel Dragon Pendant Lapel Watch

By Gubelin

Located in New York, NY

2003 lot 219 for a diamond lapel watch by Gubelin. Art Deco diamond lapel watches by Gubelin are rare

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Enamel

Gubelin 1920 Art Deco Necklace Enameled Watch In Platinum With European Diamonds
Gubelin 1920 Art Deco Necklace Enameled Watch In Platinum With European Diamonds

Gubelin 1920 Art Deco Necklace Enameled Watch In Platinum With European Diamonds

$6,712Sale Price|25% Off

H 2.01 in W 1 in D 0.45 in L 19 in

Gubelin 1920 Art Deco Necklace Enameled Watch In Platinum With European Diamonds

By Gubelin Lucerne

Located in Miami, FL

in Switzerland during the art deco period by Eduard Jakob Gübelin for Gübelin & Co., back in the 1925

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum, Enamel

Gübelin 18K Gold Champagne Dial Mesh Bracelet Ladies Watch
Gübelin 18K Gold Champagne Dial Mesh Bracelet Ladies Watch

Gübelin 18K Gold Champagne Dial Mesh Bracelet Ladies Watch

By Gubelin Lucerne

Located in Miami, FL

A refined vintage ladies’ wristwatch from Gübelin, showcasing timeless Swiss craftsmanship in a

Category

Vintage 1950s Art Deco Chain Bracelets

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Art Deco White Gold Black Enamel Ultra Thin Gubelin Pocket Watch c.1924
Art Deco White Gold Black Enamel Ultra Thin Gubelin Pocket Watch c.1924

Art Deco White Gold Black Enamel Ultra Thin Gubelin Pocket Watch c.1924

By Gubelin

Located in Cape May, NJ

Art Deco 18K White Gold Black Enamel Ultra Thin Pocket Watch c.1924 The watch is in excellent

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond Watch by Gübelin in Platinum 950 and White Gold 750
Art Deco Diamond Watch by Gübelin in Platinum 950 and White Gold 750

Art Deco Diamond Watch by Gübelin in Platinum 950 and White Gold 750

By Gubelin Lucerne

Located in Lucerne, CH

This beautiful Art Deco wristwatch by Swiss jeweller Gübelin is an elegant and timeless bijou with

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Gubelin Ladies Vintage White Gold and Diamond Dress Watch
Gubelin Ladies Vintage White Gold and Diamond Dress Watch

Gubelin Ladies Vintage White Gold and Diamond Dress Watch

By Gubelin

Located in Dallas, TX

Gubelin Ladies Vintage White Gold & Diamond Dress Watch - Manual winding. 18K white gold ( 15.5 mm

Category

20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

1920s Gubelin Platinum Diamond Lapel Watch
1920s Gubelin Platinum Diamond Lapel Watch

1920s Gubelin Platinum Diamond Lapel Watch

By Gubelin Lucerne

Located in New York, NY

Stunning Art Deco E. Gubelin Lucerne Platinum Diamond Lapel Watch set with 71 old European and

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Guebelin Art Deco Sterling and Enamel Purse Watch, circa 1920s
Guebelin Art Deco Sterling and Enamel Purse Watch, circa 1920s

Guebelin Art Deco Sterling and Enamel Purse Watch, circa 1920s

By Gubelin Lucerne

Located in Long Beach, CA

watch from the 1920's is a classic Art Deco style. The case and dial are done in Sterling Silver and

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Audemars Piguet Retailed by Gübelin Yellow Gold Pocket Watch, circa 1920
Audemars Piguet Retailed by Gübelin Yellow Gold Pocket Watch, circa 1920

Audemars Piguet Retailed by Gübelin Yellow Gold Pocket Watch, circa 1920

By Audemars Piguet

Located in New Orleans, LA

This handsome Art Deco-period pocket watch was created by a firm considered to be the leader in

Category

20th Century Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Gubelin 18kt. Yellow and White Gold Handmade Art Deco Ladies Watch, circa 1940s
Gubelin 18kt. Yellow and White Gold Handmade Art Deco Ladies Watch, circa 1940s

Gubelin 18kt. Yellow and White Gold Handmade Art Deco Ladies Watch, circa 1940s

By Gubelin

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gubelin, Lucerne STYLE / REFERENCE: Moderne / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

E. Gubelin Art Deco Sweep Seconds Fancy Gilt Dial Mens Dress Wrist Watch
E. Gubelin Art Deco Sweep Seconds Fancy Gilt Dial Mens Dress Wrist Watch

E. Gubelin Art Deco Sweep Seconds Fancy Gilt Dial Mens Dress Wrist Watch

By Gubelin Lucerne

Located in Boston, MA

Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A refined E. Gubelin Lucerne wristwatch crafted in stainless steel

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Elegant Platinum Art Deco Wristwatch with Diamonds, Signed Gübelin
Elegant Platinum Art Deco Wristwatch with Diamonds, Signed Gübelin

Elegant Platinum Art Deco Wristwatch with Diamonds, Signed Gübelin

Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse

geometric form reflecting the typical Art Deco style. Manual winding.

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Gubelin White Gold Art Deco High Grade Manual Wind Wristwatch
Gubelin White Gold Art Deco High Grade Manual Wind Wristwatch

Gubelin White Gold Art Deco High Grade Manual Wind Wristwatch

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: E. Gubelin / Lucerne Switzerland STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Square Dial METAL

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

E. Gubelin Art Deco .75 Carat Diamond Platinum Ladies Wristwatch
E. Gubelin Art Deco .75 Carat Diamond Platinum Ladies Wristwatch

E. Gubelin Art Deco .75 Carat Diamond Platinum Ladies Wristwatch

Located in Stamford, CT

Ladies 1920's E. Gubelin Art Deco diamond ladies wristwatch. 17 jewel movement adjusted to 3

Category

Early 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Patek Philippe Platinum Ladies Art Deco Dress Watch circa 1920's
Patek Philippe Platinum Ladies Art Deco Dress Watch circa 1920's

Patek Philippe Platinum Ladies Art Deco Dress Watch circa 1920's

By Patek Philippe

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe for E. Gubelin Switzerland STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Dress Watch

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Exemplary Enamel Pendant Watch Necklace by Gubelin
Exemplary Enamel Pendant Watch Necklace by Gubelin

Exemplary Enamel Pendant Watch Necklace by Gubelin

By Gubelin

Located in San Francisco, CA

and diamond embellished watch is inset into a dainty, decorative platinum and rose cut diamond box

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1920s Art Deco Platinum Diamond Set Gubelin Marquis Floral Motif Bracelet Watch
1920s Art Deco Platinum Diamond Set Gubelin Marquis Floral Motif Bracelet Watch

1920s Art Deco Platinum Diamond Set Gubelin Marquis Floral Motif Bracelet Watch

By Gubelin

Located in New york, NY

The present Timepiece is an elegant and sophisticated 1920s Art Deco, Platinum Diamond Set Bracelet

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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Rolex Art Deco Ladies Wristwatch, 18 Karat White Gold and Diamonds
Rolex Art Deco Ladies Wristwatch, 18 Karat White Gold and Diamonds

Rolex Art Deco Ladies Wristwatch, 18 Karat White Gold and Diamonds

By Rolex

Located in Berlin, DE

Enchanting Rolex Art Deco women's wristwatch - a timeless jewel in white gold and diamonds This Rolex Art Deco women's wristwatch is not only an expression of the finest watchmaking...

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Façade 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Watch
Van Cleef & Arpels Façade 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Watch

Van Cleef & Arpels Façade 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Watch

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Van Cleef & Arpels Façade 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Watch - Quartz. 18K Yellow Gold (22 mm x 33 mm) with red cabochin rubies on bezel. White dial with Arabic numerals. Wrist size 6.75 ...

Category

20th Century French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2003 "Irere" Tan Knit Button Embellished Plunge Blouse Top
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2003 "Irere" Tan Knit Button Embellished Plunge Blouse Top

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2003 "Irere" Tan Knit Button Embellished Plunge Blouse Top

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Thiensville, WI

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2003 "Irere" Tan Cotton Knit Button Embellished Plunge Blouse Top Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: S/S 2003 "Irere" Designer: Alexander McQu...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Blouses

1.52 Carat Aquamarine and 2.92 Carat Diamond, 18k White Gold Double Clip Brooch
1.52 Carat Aquamarine and 2.92 Carat Diamond, 18k White Gold Double Clip Brooch

1.52 Carat Aquamarine and 2.92 Carat Diamond, 18k White Gold Double Clip Brooch

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.52 carat aquamarine and 2.92 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set double clip brooch; part of our antique 1920s jewelry colle...

Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Rolex 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1954
Rolex 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1954

Rolex 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1954

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 965 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm "Lug Tip t...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Tiffany & Company 1920s Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch
Tiffany & Company 1920s Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch

Tiffany & Company 1920s Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1920s Tiffany & Company retailed Platinum and Diamond Ladies Wrist Watch, 18 x 18 M.M. Cushion shape case with Hand Engraving work and single cut Diamonds set into the beze...

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Edwardian Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Rolex Precision 10K White Gold Retro c1950's Manual Cocktail Ladies Wristwatch.
Rolex Precision 10K White Gold Retro c1950's Manual Cocktail Ladies Wristwatch.

Rolex Precision 10K White Gold Retro c1950's Manual Cocktail Ladies Wristwatch.

By Rolex

Located in MELBOURNE, AU

This sophisticated ladies’ timepiece is a classy & elegant Retro Rolex Precision, performed in 10K White Gold An epitome of timeless luxury & class, this ladies’ dress watch is ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold, 10k Gold

Cartier Carved Tourmaline 18K Yellow Gold Ring, Circa 1991
Cartier Carved Tourmaline 18K Yellow Gold Ring, Circa 1991

Cartier Carved Tourmaline 18K Yellow Gold Ring, Circa 1991

By Cartier

Located in Malmö, Skåne län

Cartier Tourmaline ring set with three carved pink tourmalines and round brilliant cut diamonds. Made in 18 karat yellow gold the ring features approximately 0.45ctw of brilliant rou...

Category

1990s French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Paris Yellow Gold Lady's Classic Watch
Cartier Paris Yellow Gold Lady's Classic Watch

Cartier Paris Yellow Gold Lady's Classic Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Classic 18k gold oval case lady's watch by Cartier Paris. Case measures 30mm x 22mm excl. crown. Cartier leather band with 18k gold Cartier deployant buckle. Quartz movement. Case ba...

Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

10k Yellow Gold 10.21 Carat Prasiolite & Diamond Pendant w 14k Yellow Gold Chain
10k Yellow Gold 10.21 Carat Prasiolite & Diamond Pendant w 14k Yellow Gold Chain

10k Yellow Gold 10.21 Carat Prasiolite & Diamond Pendant w 14k Yellow Gold Chain

Located in Eagan, MN

What a gorgeous pendant! I just love the pale green color of Prasiolite stones. These particular stones are just magnificently cut. They are a convex radiant cut beautifully facet...

Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hamilton 14 Karat Solid Gold Art Deco Ladies Diamond Dress Watch from 1940s
Hamilton 14 Karat Solid Gold Art Deco Ladies Diamond Dress Watch from 1940s

Hamilton 14 Karat Solid Gold Art Deco Ladies Diamond Dress Watch from 1940s

By Hamilton

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Bracelet Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Width ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Vintage 1940s Retro Pierre Piccard Gold Watch with Diamonds and Rubies
Vintage 1940s Retro Pierre Piccard Gold Watch with Diamonds and Rubies

Vintage 1940s Retro Pierre Piccard Gold Watch with Diamonds and Rubies

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 14k rose gold and platinum with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds and Round cut Rubies. Signed by Pierre Piccard Circa 1940s Size 6 inches

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Vintage 7.50ct Diamond Hamilton Cover Watch Bracelet
Vintage 7.50ct Diamond Hamilton Cover Watch Bracelet

Vintage 7.50ct Diamond Hamilton Cover Watch Bracelet

By Hamilton

Located in New York, NY

This is a lovely platinum diamond cover watch bracelet from the 1950s. The watch bracelet is set with sparkling baguette, pear, marquise and round cut diamonds that weigh approximate...

Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Ladies Rolex w/ Diamond Sapphire & Emerald in 18K w/ Clips
Vintage Ladies Rolex w/ Diamond Sapphire & Emerald in 18K w/ Clips

Vintage Ladies Rolex w/ Diamond Sapphire & Emerald in 18K w/ Clips

By Rolex

Located in Chevy Chase, MD

A rare vintage ladies Rolex 18 karat yellow gold watch with Diamond, Sapphire and Emerald accents. The Diamonds, Sapphires and Emeralds are all round cut stones accenting a white ce...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex 9Ct. Prince in Nearly New Condition Silver Enamel Dial from 1935 or 36
Rolex 9Ct. Prince in Nearly New Condition Silver Enamel Dial from 1935 or 36

Rolex 9Ct. Prince in Nearly New Condition Silver Enamel Dial from 1935 or 36

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince Model METAL / MATERIAL: 9KT Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1935 / 36 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Width 20mm MOVEMENT: ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Vintage Gubelin 14mm Watch 18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Link Bracelet
Vintage Gubelin 14mm Watch 18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Link Bracelet

Vintage Gubelin 14mm Watch 18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Link Bracelet

By Gubelin

Located in Montclair, NJ

This stunning vintage ladies' Gubelin wrist watch features a 14mm solid 18k yellow gold square shaped case that is hidden under a unique diamond encrusted case cover. The beautiful b...

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

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Gubelin Art Deco Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate gubelin art deco watch for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, Platinum and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. Finding an appealing gubelin art deco watch — no matter the origin — is easy, but Gubelin, Audemars Piguet and Gubelin Lucerne each produced a popular version that is worth a look. A gubelin art deco watch of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 4, is particularly popular. 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 marquise cut alternatives. Most of our gubelin art deco watch for sale are for women, but there are 11 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Gubelin Art Deco Watch?

Prices for a gubelin art deco watch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $2,350 and can go as high as $8,850, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,700.

A Close Look at Art Deco Jewelry

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.

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.