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Mechanical Watches

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Patek Philippe Calatrava 5196R 18K Rose Goldn Watch Box & Papers
Patek Philippe Calatrava 5196R 18K Rose Goldn Watch Box & Papers

Patek Philippe Calatrava 5196R 18K Rose Goldn Watch Box & Papers

By Patek Philippe

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

case back. The movement is powered by the Caliber 215 PS mechanical hand-winding mechanism, offering a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Longines Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Automatic Leather Strap Watch Circa 1950
Longines Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Automatic Leather Strap Watch Circa 1950

Longines Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Automatic Leather Strap Watch Circa 1950

By Longines

Located in Baltimore, MD

the dial and crystal. 12-Month Samuelson's warranty against mechanical failure included KDD F35001725

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Piaget Octagonal Diamond 9341 A6 18K White Gold Onyx Dial Ladies Watch
Piaget Octagonal Diamond 9341 A6 18K White Gold Onyx Dial Ladies Watch

Piaget Octagonal Diamond 9341 A6 18K White Gold Onyx Dial Ladies Watch

By Piaget

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

A6 Case: 27 mm x 24 mm Total length: 14,6 cm Movement: mechanical, winding. The watch is in a very

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Elegant Vintage White Gold Cushion Shaped Piaget Watch w/ Baguette Diamond Bezel
Elegant Vintage White Gold Cushion Shaped Piaget Watch w/ Baguette Diamond Bezel

Elegant Vintage White Gold Cushion Shaped Piaget Watch w/ Baguette Diamond Bezel

By Piaget

Located in Palm Beach, FL

beautiful timepiece is powered by Piaget's highly regarded 9p ultra-thin mechanical movement and

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Breguet La Marine 18k Gold Stainless Steel Date Automatic Women's Watch
Breguet La Marine 18k Gold Stainless Steel Date Automatic Women's Watch

Breguet La Marine 18k Gold Stainless Steel Date Automatic Women's Watch

By Breguet

Located in New York, NY

date function add the convenience and mechanical substance collectors appreciate. In great condition

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1990s Cartier Santos Galbee LM 1564 Steel White Roman Quartz 29 mm
Vintage 1990s Cartier Santos Galbee LM 1564 Steel White Roman Quartz 29 mm

Vintage 1990s Cartier Santos Galbee LM 1564 Steel White Roman Quartz 29 mm

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

room. Performance Verified Mechanically, the Cartier quartz movement is performing exactly as

Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Piaget Model 9559 Hexagon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx Watch
Vintage Piaget Model 9559 Hexagon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx Watch

Vintage Piaget Model 9559 Hexagon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx Watch

By Piaget

Located in New York, NY

guaranteed to be genuine and authentic.  We also guarantee the proper functioning of your watch’s mechanical

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Chopard Model 46945 18 Karat yellow Gold and Lapis Watch
Vintage Chopard Model 46945 18 Karat yellow Gold and Lapis Watch

Vintage Chopard Model 46945 18 Karat yellow Gold and Lapis Watch

By Chopard

Located in New York, NY

guaranteed to be genuine and authentic.  We also guarantee the proper functioning of your watch’s mechanical

Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage LeCoultre 14k Yellow Gold Powermatic Automatic Watch
Vintage LeCoultre 14k Yellow Gold Powermatic Automatic Watch

Vintage LeCoultre 14k Yellow Gold Powermatic Automatic Watch

Located in New York, NY

, this LeCoultre Powermatic offers both mechanical interest and classic vintage appeal. Brand: LeCoultre

Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Breitling Superocean 42mm Automatic Chronometer Wrist Watch Ref. A17364
Breitling Superocean 42mm Automatic Chronometer Wrist Watch Ref. A17364

Breitling Superocean 42mm Automatic Chronometer Wrist Watch Ref. A17364

By Breitling

Located in Montclair, NJ

Watchmaker: Breitling Movement: Mechanical - Self Winding - Swiss Made Case Material: Stainless

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

TAG Heuer Monza CR2111 – Automatic Chronograph – 38mm
TAG Heuer Monza CR2111 – Automatic Chronograph – 38mm

TAG Heuer Monza CR2111 – Automatic Chronograph – 38mm

By TAG Heuer

Located in London, GB

insured shipping and a 12‑month mechanical guarantee. With its 38mm case, white dial and original TAG

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Omega Genève 136.018 – 1965 – Small Size – Manual Wind Calibre 601
Omega Genève 136.018 – 1965 – Small Size – Manual Wind Calibre 601

Omega Genève 136.018 – 1965 – Small Size – Manual Wind Calibre 601

By Omega

Located in London, GB

presentation box • Guarantee: 12‑month mechanical guarantee Condition Report Case: Excellent vintage condition

Category

Vintage 1960s European Wrist Watches

Vintage Omega OT 10935 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Ladies Watch
Vintage Omega OT 10935 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

Vintage Omega OT 10935 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Ladies Watch

By Omega

Located in Westport, CT

cover, and a functioning mechanical manual winding movement. This elegant watch is completed with an

Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1980s Piaget Classic 18K YG 8163 Quartz Gold Gadroon 20mm
Vintage 1980s Piaget Classic 18K YG 8163 Quartz Gold Gadroon 20mm

Vintage 1980s Piaget Classic 18K YG 8163 Quartz Gold Gadroon 20mm

By Piaget

Located in New York, NY

been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear. Confident, Classic, And Collectible This

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Waltham Model 1894 No. 220 12s Pocket Watch 14k Gold Swing-Out Case
Antique Waltham Model 1894 No. 220 12s Pocket Watch 14k Gold Swing-Out Case

Antique Waltham Model 1894 No. 220 12s Pocket Watch 14k Gold Swing-Out Case

By American Waltham Watch Co.

Located in Montclair, NJ

1894 - Mechanical - Hand Wound - 15 Jewels - Size 12s - American Made Movement Serial No.: 23406199

Category

Antique 19th Century American Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Bulgari Sotirio Calibro 168 Custom Edition for Circolo Canottieri Aniene
Bulgari Sotirio Calibro 168 Custom Edition for Circolo Canottieri Aniene

Bulgari Sotirio Calibro 168 Custom Edition for Circolo Canottieri Aniene

By Bulgari

Located in Zurich, CH

the day. In-House Mechanical Engineering: Housed in a commanding 43mm polished stainless steel case

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" Dial circa 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" Dial circa 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" Dial circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

specifications. However, it did not originally come on this watch. All the other mechanical parts on this watch

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" Dial circa 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" Dial circa 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made "Mickey" Dial circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

specifications. However, it did not originally come on this watch. All the other mechanical parts on this watch

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Audemars Piguet Ultra Thin Watch. AP 18k White Gold 24mm 90331
Audemars Piguet Ultra Thin Watch. AP 18k White Gold 24mm 90331

Audemars Piguet Ultra Thin Watch. AP 18k White Gold 24mm 90331

By Audemars Piguet

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Authentic Audemars Piguet Ladies Ultra Thin Watch 18k White Gold Ref. 90331 Windup Mechanical

Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Lucien Piccard Seashark Automatic Men's Watch
Vintage Lucien Piccard Seashark Automatic Men's Watch

Vintage Lucien Piccard Seashark Automatic Men's Watch

By Lucien Piccard

Located in New York, NY

shift toward self-winding convenience without sacrificing mechanical integrity. The case retains a

Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Cartier Panthère Mini Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch
Vintage Cartier Panthère Mini Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch

Vintage Cartier Panthère Mini Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

authentic.  We also guarantee the proper functioning of your watch’s mechanical movement for one (1) year

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 18k White Gold Jaeger LeCoultre Diamond Backwind Ladies Watch
Vintage 18k White Gold Jaeger LeCoultre Diamond Backwind Ladies Watch

Vintage 18k White Gold Jaeger LeCoultre Diamond Backwind Ladies Watch

By Jaeger-LeCoultre

Located in New York, NY

mechanical character and traditional craftsmanship of hand-wound vintage dress watches. Its slender

Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 1980s Patek Philippe Ellipse 18K YG 3948 Manual White 29mm
Vintage 1980s Patek Philippe Ellipse 18K YG 3948 Manual White 29mm

Vintage 1980s Patek Philippe Ellipse 18K YG 3948 Manual White 29mm

By Patek Philippe

Located in New York, NY

. This element provides a touch of mechanical animation to the otherwise serene white dial, creating a

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe 18k White Gold Diamond Bezel Cocktail Watch, 1960s
Patek Philippe 18k White Gold Diamond Bezel Cocktail Watch, 1960s

Patek Philippe 18k White Gold Diamond Bezel Cocktail Watch, 1960s

By Patek Philippe

Located in Zurich, CH

watch remains a testament to Patek Philippe’s ability to miniaturize high-performance mechanical

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage Patek Phillipe Platinum and Diamond Ladies Wristwatch Ref. 3128
Vintage Patek Phillipe Platinum and Diamond Ladies Wristwatch Ref. 3128

Vintage Patek Phillipe Platinum and Diamond Ladies Wristwatch Ref. 3128

By Patek Philippe

Located in New York, NY

, details that underscore the mechanical quality and craftsmanship behind the watch. The diamond accents add

Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Longines Swiss 18k White Gold Diamond Lady's Wrist Watch
Vintage Longines Swiss 18k White Gold Diamond Lady's Wrist Watch

Vintage Longines Swiss 18k White Gold Diamond Lady's Wrist Watch

By Longines

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

precision mechanical construction for which the brand is known. The bracelet measures 6.25 inches in length

Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1989 Audemars Piguet Round Cobra 18K WG Matte Silver Diamond Dial Manual 32mm
1989 Audemars Piguet Round Cobra 18K WG Matte Silver Diamond Dial Manual 32mm

1989 Audemars Piguet Round Cobra 18K WG Matte Silver Diamond Dial Manual 32mm

By Audemars Piguet

Located in New York, NY

their settings. The manual-wind movement has been verified for mechanical integrity, providing the slim

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Patek Philippe Silver Deck Chronometer
Patek Philippe Silver Deck Chronometer

Patek Philippe Silver Deck Chronometer

By Patek Philippe

Located in New Orleans, LA

extreme temperatures and positions, pushing the boundaries of mechanical accuracy. This particular

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

1974 Rolex Oysterdate 6694 Stainless Steel Champagne Dial Manual 34mm
1974 Rolex Oysterdate 6694 Stainless Steel Champagne Dial Manual 34mm

1974 Rolex Oysterdate 6694 Stainless Steel Champagne Dial Manual 34mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

, tool-watch origins. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 10k Gold Filled Gruen Curvex Mens Manual Wind Watch
Vintage 10k Gold Filled Gruen Curvex Mens Manual Wind Watch

Vintage 10k Gold Filled Gruen Curvex Mens Manual Wind Watch

By Gruen

Located in New York, NY

movement, the watch offers classic mechanical functionality paired with timeless vintage appeal. Brand

Category

20th Century Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

10k Gold

Antique Elgin Pocket Watch 11j 8s Grade 94 Etched Yellow Gold Tone Hunter Case
Antique Elgin Pocket Watch 11j 8s Grade 94 Etched Yellow Gold Tone Hunter Case

Antique Elgin Pocket Watch 11j 8s Grade 94 Etched Yellow Gold Tone Hunter Case

By Elgin

Located in Montclair, NJ

- Grade 94 - Mechanical - Hand Wound - 11 Jewels - Size 8s - American Made Movement Serial No.: 1071472

Category

Antique 19th Century American Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

1996 Men's Rolex 36mm DateJust Two Tone 18K Gold/ Stainless Steel Watch (Unworn)
1996 Men's Rolex 36mm DateJust Two Tone 18K Gold/ Stainless Steel Watch (Unworn)

1996 Men's Rolex 36mm DateJust Two Tone 18K Gold/ Stainless Steel Watch (Unworn)

By Rolex

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

. Case Dimensions: 36mm. Bezel Color: 18K Yellow Gold. Movement: Mechanical (Automatic). Metal Type: 18K

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Raketa Silver Steel Case Vintage Watch with Black Leather Strap
Raketa Silver Steel Case Vintage Watch with Black Leather Strap

Raketa Silver Steel Case Vintage Watch with Black Leather Strap

Located in New York, NY

strap. Mechanical wind-up movement, currently working. A timeless Soviet-era design with clean vintage

Category

20th Century Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1970s Audemars Piguet Cobra 18k Gold Diamond Dial Manual 26mm
Vintage 1970s Audemars Piguet Cobra 18k Gold Diamond Dial Manual 26mm

Vintage 1970s Audemars Piguet Cobra 18k Gold Diamond Dial Manual 26mm

By Audemars Piguet

Located in New York, NY

intricate texture. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is

Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1981 Rolex Day-Date 36 18039 18K White Gold Silver Dial Automatic 36mm
1981 Rolex Day-Date 36 18039 18K White Gold Silver Dial Automatic 36mm

1981 Rolex Day-Date 36 18039 18K White Gold Silver Dial Automatic 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

appropriate for the era. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

1973 Rolex Datejust 1601 Stainless Steel Grey Sunburst Dial 36mm
1973 Rolex Datejust 1601 Stainless Steel Grey Sunburst Dial 36mm

1973 Rolex Datejust 1601 Stainless Steel Grey Sunburst Dial 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear. The Perfect

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

1973 Rolex Datejust 1601 Stainless Steel Grey Sunburst Dial 36mm
1973 Rolex Datejust 1601 Stainless Steel Grey Sunburst Dial 36mm

1973 Rolex Datejust 1601 Stainless Steel Grey Sunburst Dial 36mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear. The Perfect

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1980s Universal Genève 18K YG Manual Skeleton Dial 30 mm
Vintage 1980s Universal Genève 18K YG Manual Skeleton Dial 30 mm

Vintage 1980s Universal Genève 18K YG Manual Skeleton Dial 30 mm

By Universal Genève

Located in New York, NY

with its original signed gold buckle. Mechanically, it's confirmed to be running well after passing by

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1985 Piaget 75608 18K YG Hawkeye Stone Dial Quartz 30 mm
Vintage 1985 Piaget 75608 18K YG Hawkeye Stone Dial Quartz 30 mm

Vintage 1985 Piaget 75608 18K YG Hawkeye Stone Dial Quartz 30 mm

By Piaget

Located in New York, NY

been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear. A strong Piaget from a material-driven era

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1970s Piaget Tank 9254 18K WG Lapis Lazuli Diamond Dial Manual 24mm
Vintage 1970s Piaget Tank 9254 18K WG Lapis Lazuli Diamond Dial Manual 24mm

Vintage 1970s Piaget Tank 9254 18K WG Lapis Lazuli Diamond Dial Manual 24mm

By Piaget

Located in New York, NY

ultra-thin dress watch, combining its record-breaking mechanical movements with an adventurous use of

Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage Tudor 1950s 9k Gold Men's Watch
Vintage Tudor 1950s 9k Gold Men's Watch

Vintage Tudor 1950s 9k Gold Men's Watch

By Tudor

Located in New York, NY

, mechanical character, and understated elegance that make mid-century dress watches so enduringly collectible

Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold

Rolex Explorer Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 114270
Rolex Explorer Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 114270

Rolex Explorer Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 114270

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Switzerland Model Rolex Explorer 114270 Style Luxury Movement Mechanical (Automatic) Band Color Steel Band

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Vacheron Constantin 31039 18K YG Ultra Thin Manual Diamond Dial 32mm 73g
Vacheron Constantin 31039 18K YG Ultra Thin Manual Diamond Dial 32mm 73g

Vacheron Constantin 31039 18K YG Ultra Thin Manual Diamond Dial 32mm 73g

By Vacheron Constantin

Located in New York, NY

slim a mechanical watch could be while maintaining its structural integrity. This reference 31039

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Oyster Ref 6480 All Original Mens 34mm 1950s Manual Wind Vintage RA416S
Rolex Oyster Ref 6480 All Original Mens 34mm 1950s Manual Wind Vintage RA416S

Rolex Oyster Ref 6480 All Original Mens 34mm 1950s Manual Wind Vintage RA416S

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

excellent condition. 17-jeweled Rolex cal.1210 hand-wind mechanical movement, in excellent running condition

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1968 Audemars Piguet Ultra Thin 5043BC 18K WG Grey Dial Manual 32mm
Vintage 1968 Audemars Piguet Ultra Thin 5043BC 18K WG Grey Dial Manual 32mm

Vintage 1968 Audemars Piguet Ultra Thin 5043BC 18K WG Grey Dial Manual 32mm

By Audemars Piguet

Located in New York, NY

strap with an in new condition. Mechanically, it is running in good condiiton suitable for its next

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Omega Speedmaster Date Chronometer Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm
Omega Speedmaster Date Chronometer Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm

Omega Speedmaster Date Chronometer Steel Black Dial Automatic 40mm

By Omega

Located in New York, NY

verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear. The Practical Icon This is the right choice for

Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made "Mickey" Dial circa 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made "Mickey" Dial circa 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made "Mickey" Dial circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

mechanical parts on this watch are original, in fact it still has its original factory rating. You can only

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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Mechanical Watches For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an expansive variety of mechanical watches available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of gold, stainless steel and 18k gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 9247 vintage editions and 6429 modern creations to choose from as well. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, has proven very popular over the years. The designs in our inventory of mechanical watches bearing modern or contemporary hallmarks are very popular. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by Rolex, Cartier and Omega are consistently popular. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 1318 diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. A selection of round cut, brilliant cut and baguette cut can be found today on these pages. If you’re browsing the variety of mechanical watches for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for men, but there are still pieces to choose from for women.

How Much are Mechanical Watches?

Prices for mechanical watches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $103 and can go as high as $1,251,163, while mechanical watches, on average, fetch $6,768.

Finding the Right Wrist Watches for You

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.