Vintage IWC Watch, c.1960s
By IWC
Located in London, GB
This wonderful IWC watch dates to the 1960s. The 18 carat rose gold case is 37mm in diameter and
Vintage 1960s Unknown Wrist Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage IWC Watch, c.1960s
By IWC
Located in London, GB
This wonderful IWC watch dates to the 1960s. The 18 carat rose gold case is 37mm in diameter and
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Yellow Gold & Natural Diamond IWC Ladies Watch
By IWC
Located in Lexington, KY
This elegant ladies' timepiece was made by the renowned International Watch Co. (IWC) in striking
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
IWC Vintage Rose gold case and Pink dial
By IWC
Located in MADRID, ES
This is a collector piece from 1960s. This IWC for gentleman has a rose gold case and leather
Rose Gold
IWC Vintage Ingenieur Anti-Magnetic Stainless Steel 36mm
By IWC
Located in Mayfair, London, London
This vintage IWC Ingenieur features a 36mm stainless steel case designed for durability and
Stainless Steel
IWC Schaffhausen 1960s Mens 35mm Vintage Swiss Automatic Unrestored RA643
By IWC
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless excellence, Men's IWC Schaffhausen automatic, c.1960s, in excellent working condition
$1,869
H 1.58 in W 1.38 in
1969 IWC Vintage Mens Watch, Cal. 8541 Automatic, Black Dial with Date - SS
By IWC
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1969 IWC Vintage Mens Watch, Cal. 8541 Automatic, Black Dial with Date - Stainless Steel Beautiful
$2,306
H 1.58 in W 1.38 in
1969 IWC Vintage Mens Full Size Watch, Cal. 8541B Pellaton Automatic with Date
By IWC
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1969 IWC Vintage Mens Full Size Watch, Cal. 8541B Pellaton Automatic with Date - Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
I.W.C. International Steel Mid-Century Automatic 1960's with Original Dial
By IWC
Located in Long Beach, CA
timeless watch sometime in the early 1960's. We have never seen such a flawless example of this famous
Fine IWC Pellaton Automatic in Stainless Steel from 1960
By IWC
Located in Berlin, DE
The Automatic Movement Cal. 853 by IWC was a factory-construction and production, an automatic
Stainless Steel
IWC Ingenieur Ref. 666 Steel Wrist Watch
By IWC
Located in Munich, Bavaria
IWC 853 system Pellaton, automatic DIAL original Tritium.dial and hands BRACELET leather
IWC Stainless Steel Classic Automatic Wristwatch
By IWC
Located in Paris, FR
Fine stainless steel self winding (Cal C85) wristwatch circa 1960s
Stainless Steel
IWC for Cartier Yellow Gold Automatic Wristwatch
By IWC
Located in New York, NY
International Watch Company, 18kt yellow Gold automatic for Cartier London Circa: 1960's
18k Gold
Unavailable
IWC Yellow Gold Automatic De Luxe Wristwatch
By IWC
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage IWC Yellow Gold Automatic De Luxe Wristwatch circa 1960s. Great looking model with mint
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IWC Fliegeruhr Ref. Mark XI Steel Wrist Watch
By IWC
Located in Munich, Bavaria
, Antimagentic, d=36mm MOVEMENT caliber IWC 89, manual wind, hack seconds DIAL original Tritium.dial
IWC Rose Gold Ingenieur Wristwatch with Date circa 1960s
By IWC
Located in Paris, FR
An 18k rose gold IWC Ingenieur wristwatch with date, self-winding movement.
Rose Gold, 18k Gold
IWC Stainless Steel Ingenieur Big Crown Automatic Wristwatch Ref 866
By IWC
Located in Munich, Bavaria
caliber IWC 854 system Pellaton, automatic, hack seconds, date DIAL original Tritium.dial and hands
IWC Schaffhausen 18k Rose Gold Mechanical Watch Cal 89 w/ Leather Band
By IWC
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
IWC Schaffhausen 18k Rose Gold Mechanical Watch Cal 89 w/ Leather Band Caliber 89 Case #1725596
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage IWC Automatic Stainless Steel Watch, 1960
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1960 Vintage International Watch Company (IWC) Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with
Rose Gold IWC Watch Bracelet
Located in Paris, IDF
A 18K rose gold International watch Compagnie large bracelet mysterious watch, made with nine gold links rows. Mysterious watch hiding under a hood imitating the pattern of the brac...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable
Vintage IWC in Stainless Steel Watch, 1969
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1969 Vintage International Watch Company (IWC) Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with
IWC Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch with Date circa 1960
By IWC
Located in Chicago, IL
IWC Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch with Date circa 1960
Stainless Steel
1960 IWC Vintage Mens Watch, Cal. 853 Automatic - Stainless Steel
By IWC
Located in Suwanee, GA
constructed and beautifully finished." IWC built the movement of this very fine wristwatch in 1960 at the
Stainless Steel
IWC Stainless Steel Aquatimer Automatic Wristwatch Ref 816-A 1960
By IWC
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: COM668 Model: Ref 816-A Condition: 8.5 - Good condition Age: 1960 Case Diameter: 40 mm Case
Stainless Steel
Vintage IWC Automatic, Lightly Patinated Dial, Superb Patinated Dial, Circa 1960
By IWC
Located in Canterbury, England
strap and tang buckle are fitted and a IWC Service box is included. We date this IWC to circa 1960. A
IWC Calatrava 18K Yellow Gold Automatic
By IWC
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the IWC (International Watch Co.) vintage 1960's wristwatch, a timeless embodiment of
Yellow Gold
IWC Vintage Date 1960s in Mint Condition
By IWC
Located in New York, NY
IWC Vintage Date IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN Analog display Automatic Band leather - not original Case Size
Stainless Steel
IWC Vintage Stainless Steel Women's C.44
By IWC
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: COM1280 Manufacturer: IWC Model: Vintage Model Ref: C.44 Age: Circa 1960's Gender: Women's Box
Stainless Steel
IWC Vintage Stainless Steel Unisex 803A, 1963
By IWC
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: COM905 Model: 803A Condition: 9 - Excellent condition Age: - N/A Case Diameter: 35 mm Case Size: 35mm Box and Papers: Box Only Movement: Automatic Case: Stainless Steel Dial: Si...
IWC Rose Gold Cal.89 Mechanical Wind Wristwatch 1960s
By IWC
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: COM784 Serial: 146**** Condition: 9 - Excellent condition Age: 1960's Case Diameter: 36 mm
18k Gold, Rose Gold
IWC Yacht Club Stainless Steel R 811 AD
By IWC
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Reference: COM1357 Manufacturer: IWC Model: Yacht Club Model Reference: R 811 AD Age: Circa 1964
Stainless Steel
IWC Vintage Shark Fin 18 Karat Rose Gold Gents, 1960s
By IWC
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: COM1282 Serial Number: 159**** Condition: 9 - Excellent Condition Age: 1960's Case Size: 37mm
18k Gold, Rose Gold
IWC Stainless Steel Cal.443 Mechanical Wind Wristwatch Ref 2191361 1960s
By IWC
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: COM787 Model: 2191361 Condition: 9 - Excellent condition Age: 1960's Case Diameter: 34 mm Case
Stainless Steel
1963 IWC Vintage Mens Watch, Cal. 853 Automatic - Stainless Steel
By IWC
Located in Suwanee, GA
other online sites. 1963 IWC Vintage Mens Watch, Cal. 853 Automatic - Stainless Steel Gorgeous
Stainless Steel
1963 IWC Vintage Mens Square Watch, Cal. 854 Automatic - Stainless Steel
By IWC
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1963 IWC Vintage Mens Square Watch, Cal. 854 Automatic - Stainless Steel Gorgeous Restored Condition
Stainless Steel
1962 IWC Vintage Mens Full Size Automatic Cal. 853 Isomura Watch - Platinum
By IWC
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1962 IWC Vintage Mens Full Size Automatic Cal. 853 Isomura Watch - Platinum Beautiful Restored
Platinum
1967 IWC Vintage Mens Full Size Watch, Cal. 854 Automatic - Stainless Steel
By IWC
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1967 IWC Vintage Mens Full Size Watch, Cal. 854 Automatic - Stainless Steel Gorgeous Original
Stainless Steel
1967 IWC Yacht Club Vintage Large Mens Watch, Cal. 8541 Automatic - SS
By IWC
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1967 IWC YACHT CLUB Vintage Large Mens Watch with Forest Green Dial , Cal. 8541 - Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Mens IWC Schaffhausen 18k Rose Gold Manual Watch 1960s Vintage Luxury RA326
By IWC
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's large size IWC Schaffhausen solid 18k rose gold dress watch, c.1960s
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mens IWC Schaffhausen 18k Solid Gold Jumbo 37mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA440B
By IWC
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's 18k solid gold IWC Schaffhausen dress watch in jumbo 37mm size, c.1960s, in
18k Gold
Mens IWC Schaffhausen 18k Solid Gold Jumbo 37mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA440
By IWC
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's jumbo size IWC Schaffhausen solid 18k yellow gold dress watch, c.1960s, in
18k Gold
IWC Schaffhausen Yellow Gold Mechanical Vintage Wristwatch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 IWC International Watch Company, Schaffhausen Wrist Watch, 33 M.M. 18K Yellow Gold 3
18k Gold
Vintage IWC Automatic, Lightly Patinated Dial, Superb Patinated Dial, Circa 1960
By IWC
Located in Canterbury, England
strap and tang buckle are fitted and a IWC Service box is included. We date this IWC to circa 1960. A
IWC Yellow Gold Manual Wristwatch, circa 1950s / 1960s
By IWC
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage New Old Stock IWC Manual Men's Watch - Manual . 18K Yellow Gold original finish ( 32.5 mm
IWC International Watch Schaffhausen Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch
By IWC
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 IWC International Watch Company Schaffhausen Wrist Watch, 33 MM 18K Yellow Gold 2 Piece
18k Gold
IWC Schaffhausen Gold Plate Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch, 1960s
By IWC
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 I W C, International Watch Company Schaffhausen Gents Wrist Watch, 34 MM Gold Plate case
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
IWC White Gold Rectangular Wristwatch circa 1962
By IWC
Located in Stamford, CT
IWC 18k white gold rectangular wristwatch, circa 1962. Manual-wind movement. 18k white gold
White Gold, 18k Gold
IWC Rose Gold Wristwatch Retailed by Tiffany & Co.
By IWC
Located in Stamford, CT
IWC 18k Rose Gold Wristwatch Retailed by Tiffany & Co. Manual-wind movement. Retailed by Tiffany
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage IWC Automatic Yacht Club Gentlemen's Wristwatch, circa 1964
By IWC
Located in Braintree, GB
A Vintage IWC automatic Yacht Club gentlemen's wristwatch, Circa 1964 Model: Yacht Club Case
1962 IWC Vintage Mens Full Size Watch, Cal. 8531 Automatic - Stainless Steel
By IWC
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1962 IWC Vintage Mens Full Size Watch, Cal. 8531 Automatic - Stainless Steel Gorgeous Restored
Stainless Steel
IWC Stainless Steel Aquatimer Wristwatch circa 1960s
By IWC
Located in Miami Beach, FL
IWC stainless steel Aquatimer wristwatch. This is a rare model with a beautiful black original dial
Stainless Steel
1960 IWC Vintage Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By IWC
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
Vintage * *Complete with: Xupes Presentation Box dated 1960 *Case Size: 34mm *Strap: Brown
Yellow Gold
1960 IWC Vintage Cal.89 Rose Gold Wristwatch
By IWC
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
Vintage * *Complete with: Box Only dated 1960 *Case Size: 37mm *Strap: Brown Leather *Age
Rose Gold
Rare Cartier IWC Bombe 1960's Wristwatch
By IWC
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare oversized 36 X 48mm bombe style case IWC retailed by Cartier circa 1960's. Automatic sweep
IWC Sterling Silver Date Elmitex Bracelet Automatic Wristwatch circa 1960
By IWC
Located in West Hollywood, CA
High grade IWC automatic sporty style dress model with date model circa 1960. Featuring 34 X 42mm
Stainless Steel
1960's IWC Vintage Shark Fin Rose Gold Wristwatch
By IWC
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
Vintage * *Complete with: Box Only dated 1960's *Case Size: 37mm *Strap: Brown Crocodile
Rose Gold
1960's IWC Vintage Stainless Steel C.44 Wristwatch
By IWC
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
Vintage * *Complete with: Box Only dated 1960's *Case Size: 24mm *Strap: Stainless Steel *Age
Stainless Steel
IWC Cal.89 Stainless Steel
By IWC
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Ref: COM002434 Manufacturer: IWC Model: Cal.89 Model Ref: Age: 1960 Gender: Mens Complete With
Stainless Steel
Iwc Schaffhausen 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch Ref 1721865
By IWC
Located in Surfside, FL
case size. Ref 1721865. Circa 1960. Fine Pre-owned IWC Watch. Certified preowned Vintage IWC
Yellow Gold
IWC Schaffhausen 1721865, Gold Dial, Certified and Warranty
By IWC
Located in Miami, FL
IWC Schaffhausen Reference #: 1721865. Mens Automatic Self Wind Watch Yellow Gold Gold 30 MM
IWC Stainless Steel Schaffhausen Automatic Wristwatch
By IWC
Located in West Hollywood, CA
IWC (International Watch Co) Stainless Steel Schafhausen Automatic circa 1960s. Case measuring 34.5
Stainless Steel
IWC Stainless Steel Automatic Dress Wristwatch
By IWC
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Man’s vintage large International Watch Co (IWC) Automatic Dress Wristwatch circa 1960s. Featuring
Stainless Steel
IWC Vintage C.8541 Men Stainless Steel Watch
By IWC
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
Age: 1960 Gender: Men Complete With: IWC Watch Dial: Gold/Champange Baton Glass: Plexiglass Case
Steel, Stainless Steel
1961 IWC Vintage Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By IWC
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
IWC Tang Buckle *Strap Width: At Case - 18mm/At Buckle - 16mm ** PLEASE NOTE: ALL INTERNATIONAL
Yellow Gold
IWC Men's Gold Dress Model circa 1960s
By IWC
Located in West Hollywood, CA
IWC 18K YG 33.5 X 44mm Bombe style case with large curved lugs, self winding dress model circa 1960
18k Gold
IWC Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch circa 1960s
By IWC
Located in West Hollywood, CA
IWC Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch circa 1960s. 35 X 42 heavy snap back case with extended
Stainless Steel
LeCoultre Yellow Gold 1950s Bradley ll "Ships Wheel" Wrist Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa mid 1950s LeCoultre Bradley ll Wrist Watch, 32 M.M. 14K Yellow Gold 2 piece case with Flared Lugs and Case Attachments at the Hour Markers. 17 Jewel mechanical, manual wind Nic...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Must de Cartier Tank Gold Dial Watch. Vermeil ARGENT Small Tank
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Iconic Tank Argent. Sterling Silver and 18k Gold plated (Vermeil). Ref 366001 RARE Gold Roman Dial New Gucci Leather Band. Condition: New Battery i...
Sapphire, Gold, Sterling Silver
Rare Vintage Rotary Gold Plated Automatic Wristwatch
Located in Portland, England
A striking and rare 1970s Swiss-made Rotary wristwatch, featuring a 25-jewel automatic movement housed in a polished gold-plated case. This timepiece perfectly captures the refined m...
Gold Plate
Omega Classic vintage Rose Gold case
By Omega
Located in MADRID, ES
Omega Classic vintage with rose gold case and leather bracelet, a collector piece from the 1960s.
Rose Gold
Vintage Jean Perret 18k Gold Blue & White Enamel Hidden Watch Cuff Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Jean Perret Case & Bracelet Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold w/ Blue & White Enamel Work Case Size: 14.8x8.3mm (not counting the crown) Case Thickness: 8.6mm Bracelet Leng...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 3121 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm
By Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Royal 3121 9k Yellow Gold Bezel and Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1943 Beautiful Watch. New Genuine Leather band. 29mm round case ...
9k Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Audemars Piguet 1970s Yellow Gold Tank Mechanical mid size Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Cartier classic Tank Wrist Watch, 20 x 20 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown. 20 Jewel, Audemars Piguet Manual wind, Nickle Lever movement. White Enamel Dia...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18Kt Yellow Gold IWC Wrist Watch, Caliber 89, Diameter 36.5mm
By IWC
Located in Antwerp, BE
18Kt Yellow Gold IWC Wrist Watch, Caliber 89, Diameter 36.5mm Calber: 89 Movement: Manual winding Functions: Hours, minutes Case: 18kt Yellow gold case 36.5mm x 9mm Dial: Goldi...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,475
H 1.38 in W 1.5 in Dm 1.66 in
Ebel Voyager Automatic Wrist Watch in Stainless Steel & Black Leather Band
By Ebel
Located in New York, NY
This Ebel Voyager Automatic Wrist Watch was crafted in Switzerland in 1990. In durable stainless steel with original Black Leather Crocodile Patterned Band. Features an off white Rom...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu 42mm Certified 18k Rose Gold
By Cartier
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Ballon Bleu 42mm CASE: 18k Rose Gold DIAL: White BAND: 18k Rose Gold WRIST SIZE: Apx. "19.1 MOVEMENT: Automatic Scratch on glass on I The rest of the watch in ...
Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
IWC Schaffhausen Manual 36mm 18K Gold Vintage Watch Circa 1940s
By IWC
Located in Miami, FL
1940s manual wind IWC Schaffhausen wristwatch featuring a clean 36mm dial and elegant 18K yellow gold casing. A timeless vintage piece with mechanical charm and refined detailing. D...
18k Gold
18 Kt Gold Iwc Wrist Watch Caliber 83
By IWC
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 kt Gold Iwc Wrist Watch Caliber 83 Extremely rare IWC in mint condition collectors watch Movement: Mechanical Manual Winding caliber 83 Case: 18kt Yellow gold, Diameter 36.1 mm...
Gold
Vintage IWC Watch, c.1950s
By IWC
Located in London, GB
This beautiful IWC watch dates to the 1950s. The 18 carat yellow gold case sits at 37mm with a stepped edging around the face and tear drop lugs holding the strap. Chevrons and Arab...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IWC Schaffhausen Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Watch Leather Band
By IWC
Located in Westport, CT
An authentic 18K yellow gold IWC (International Watch Company) Schaffhausen watch, circa 1960s. This beautiful watch features an 18K marked yellow gold case, mechanical movement, c...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Omega Turler Watch, c.1950s
By Omega
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Omega Turler watch dates to the 1950s. The 18 carat yellow gold case is 36mm in diameter and contains a manual winding cal.283 movement. Chevrons denote the hour marki...
18k Gold
Mens IWC Schaffhausen 18k Solid Gold Jumbo 37mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA513
By IWC
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, 18k solid gold Men's IWC Schaffhausen manual wind jumbo dress watch, c.1950s, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, I...
18k Gold
One of Switzerland’s major luxury watch companies was started by an American who saw the potential of bringing Switzerland’s superb watchmaking into the modern age through industrialized manufacturing and high-precision interchangeable parts. The New Hampshire–born watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones (1841–1916), who founded International Watch Company — known today as simply IWC — in 1868, was interested in “combining all the excellence of the American system of mechanism with the more skillful hand labor of the Swiss.”
Setting up the company with another American watchmaker, Charles Kidder, in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, Jones used hydropower from the River Rhine for his plant’s machinery. Rethinking watch design would lead to one of IWC’s early successes: the Pallweber pocket watch. Based on an 1883 patent by Austrian watchmaker Josef Pallweber, the watch employed numbered disks for jumping hour and minute displays, making it a pioneer in digital timekeeping.
After Johann Rauschenbach-Vogel took over the watch manufacturer in 1880, four generations of his family led IWC into the 20th century. In 1905, Ernst Jakob Homberger and his brother-in-law Carl Jung — the famed Swiss psychiatrist — acquired IWC. Homberger bought out Jung’s holdings in 1929, and in the 1930s, the company introduced pilot watches, which were particularly robust and aimed solely at the civil aviation industry. These durable wristwatches were designed specifically to remain operational during extreme temperature shifts. (As blue watch dials are particularly hot right now, IWC's blue-dial Big Pilot is having a moment.)
The company still operates alongside the river where it was founded, having gained an international reputation over the past 150 years for its elegant designs and expert craftsmanship. Vintage IWC watches are prized by collectors — of whom there are many these days — and while the company continues to guard its attention to detail and quality, it has pushed its classic designs forward with modern innovation intended to stand the test of time.
IWC’s 2013 Ingenieur watch collection, with its precision based on an inventive constant-force mechanism, looked back to a 1955 Ingenieur model that featured a durable soft-iron inner cage as well as a 1976 update by leading Swiss watch designer Gérald Genta that encased its mechanism in a sleek steel case. IWC has also had a recent push toward sustainability, designing watches that are made to last a lifetime and beyond and earning the highest environmental ranking of any Swiss watch company in a 2018 report published by the World Wide Fund for Nature Switzerland (WWF).
Find vintage IWC wristwatches, Art Deco–style pocket watches and more on 1stDibs.
Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.
Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.
Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.
Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.
Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.