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National Watch Co

Rare Mid-Century Lord Elgin:14K Gold-Filled Wristwatch, Hooded Scalloped Lugs
Rare Mid-Century Lord Elgin:14K Gold-Filled Wristwatch, Hooded Scalloped Lugs

Rare Mid-Century Lord Elgin:14K Gold-Filled Wristwatch, Hooded Scalloped Lugs

By Lord Elgin

Located in Wailea, HI

The interior of the case back is officially signed by the Elgin National Watch Co. and confirms its 14K gold-filled composition.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Gold-filled

Recent Sales

14 Karat Gold Filled 1940s Elgin National Watch Co. Mechanical Wristwatch
14 Karat Gold Filled 1940s Elgin National Watch Co. Mechanical Wristwatch

14 Karat Gold Filled 1940s Elgin National Watch Co. Mechanical Wristwatch

By Elgin

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful vintage 21mmlong by 21mm wide hand winding watch is in good working condition and it is ticking well. It has recently been serviced and it runs well ( It keeps a good ...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Art Deco 10k Gold Filled Gents Wrist Watch By Elgin, Fully Serviced , c1946
Art Deco 10k Gold Filled Gents Wrist Watch By Elgin, Fully Serviced , c1946

Art Deco 10k Gold Filled Gents Wrist Watch By Elgin, Fully Serviced , c1946

By Elgin

Located in Westward ho, GB

Inside the back is signed: CASED AND TIMED BY ELGIN NATIONAL WATCH CO. ILLINOIS WATCH CASE CO. ELGIN 7641652.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

10k Gold, Gold-filled

Elgin Yellow Gold Ornate Box-Hinge Hunter Case Pocket Watch
Elgin Yellow Gold Ornate Box-Hinge Hunter Case Pocket Watch

Elgin Yellow Gold Ornate Box-Hinge Hunter Case Pocket Watch

By Elgin

Located in Wallkill, NY

The movement is marked Elgin National Watch Co, serial number 16654345, 15 jewels, and dates to 1911 according to the serial number.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Elgin Pocket Watch, 14 Karat White Gold Filled, 1928, 17 Jewel
Elgin Pocket Watch, 14 Karat White Gold Filled, 1928, 17 Jewel

Elgin Pocket Watch, 14 Karat White Gold Filled, 1928, 17 Jewel

By Elgin

Located in San Diego, CA

Elgin Pocket Watch, 14k White Gold filled, 1928, 17 Jewel, 44 mm Case, Chronograph, Excellent Condition, Elgin National Watch Co., Size 12s This watch has not been serviced with a c...

Category

Vintage 1920s American Pocket Watches

1924 Elgin Pocketwatch, Working, 21 Jewel, BW Raymond, Gold Filled
1924 Elgin Pocketwatch, Working, 21 Jewel, BW Raymond, Gold Filled

1924 Elgin Pocketwatch, Working, 21 Jewel, BW Raymond, Gold Filled

By Elgin

Located in San Diego, CA

1924 Elgin Pocketwatch, Working, 21 Jewel, BW Raymond, Gold Filled, 50mm, Adjusted 5pt, Elgin National Watch Co., Chronograph. Acrylic crystal, White Face.

Category

Vintage 1920s Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Vintage Gold-Plated Elgin Pocket Watch, Year 1883, Working, 11 Jewel
Vintage Gold-Plated Elgin Pocket Watch, Year 1883, Working, 11 Jewel

Vintage Gold-Plated Elgin Pocket Watch, Year 1883, Working, 11 Jewel

By Elgin

Located in San Diego, CA

Vintage Gold Plated Elgin Pocket Watch, Year 1883, Working, 11 Jewel, Size 8s, Hunting, Elgin National Watch Company, American Co. 41mm Case.

Category

Antique 1880s American Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Elgin National Watch Co. Antique Pocket Watch with Gold Inlaid Back
Elgin National Watch Co. Antique Pocket Watch with Gold Inlaid Back

Elgin National Watch Co. Antique Pocket Watch with Gold Inlaid Back

By Elgin

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

A beauty by Elgin National Watch Co. , circa 1890. With noticeable heft, this size 18S Model 5 Men's pocket watch is made with Fahys coin silver case #E656 and inlaid with a figure o...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, Silver

Elgin National Watch Co Ladies Antique Pocket Watch with Chain Pendant Necklace
Elgin National Watch Co Ladies Antique Pocket Watch with Chain Pendant Necklace

Elgin National Watch Co Ladies Antique Pocket Watch with Chain Pendant Necklace

By Elgin

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

Circa 1891, Elgin National Watch Co. Ladies Pocket Watch. Size 18, 44.54mm in fourteen karat 14K rose gold plate.

Category

Antique 1890s American Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, Gold Plate

Elgin National Watch Co. Solid 14K Gold Pocket Watch in Mint Condition
Elgin National Watch Co. Solid 14K Gold Pocket Watch in Mint Condition

Elgin National Watch Co. Solid 14K Gold Pocket Watch in Mint Condition

By Elgin

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Circa 1900 Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch has Ornate Cobalt Blue Hands and dedicated seconds dial 14k Solid Gold Case with Beautiful Engraving on both sides Black Arabic Numer...

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Antique Elgin Men's Pocket Watch with Skeleton Display Back
Antique Elgin Men's Pocket Watch with Skeleton Display Back

Antique Elgin Men's Pocket Watch with Skeleton Display Back

By Elgin

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

By Elgin National Watch Co., this circa 1912 American made brass pocket watch model #303 has been restored with a display back for a mesmerizing view of its beautiful fancy acid etch...

Category

Early 20th Century American Pocket Watches

Materials

Brass

Elgin Multicolor Gold Diamond Hunter Case Pocket Watch
Elgin Multicolor Gold Diamond Hunter Case Pocket Watch

Elgin Multicolor Gold Diamond Hunter Case Pocket Watch

By Elgin

Located in Montreal, QC

Marked on ¾ plate movement: (serial #) 2030496617 Jewel Double Rolled Adjusted Elgin National Watch Co. Back case marked: ROY 14K 585/1000 FINE (serial #) 008294.

Category

20th Century American Edwardian Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Elgin Gold Plated Pocket Watch, 53mm, 1886 Year, Hunting, Full Serviced/Warranty
Elgin Gold Plated Pocket Watch, 53mm, 1886 Year, Hunting, Full Serviced/Warranty

Elgin Gold Plated Pocket Watch, 53mm, 1886 Year, Hunting, Full Serviced/Warranty

By Elgin

Located in San Diego, CA

Gold-plated Elgin National Watch Co. 53mm pocket watch featuring a white face and black Roman numerals.

Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Art Deco 14 Karat Gold Cherry Red Gents Wristwatch by Elgin
Art Deco 14 Karat Gold Cherry Red Gents Wristwatch by Elgin

Art Deco 14 Karat Gold Cherry Red Gents Wristwatch by Elgin

By Elgin

Located in Westward ho, GB

Markings on Case: "Cased and Timed by ELGIN National Watch Co., Schwab and Wiiischpard, 14K Gold Filled, 353190, S&W (Trademark). " Strap: **NEW** - NOS - Matching Top Quality Textur...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Gold-filled

Small Antique Gold-Plated Full Hunter Elgin National Watch Co. Pocket Watch
Small Antique Gold-Plated Full Hunter Elgin National Watch Co. Pocket Watch

Small Antique Gold-Plated Full Hunter Elgin National Watch Co. Pocket Watch

By Elgin

Located in Carlisle, GB

Elgin National Watch Co. gold plated lever hunter fob watch, circa 1898, seven jewels, no. 7953068, signed dial with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds, engine turned case, 36mm w...

Category

Antique 1890s American Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Gold Filled Elgin National Watch Co. 1925 Pocket Watch
Gold Filled Elgin National Watch Co. 1925 Pocket Watch

Gold Filled Elgin National Watch Co. 1925 Pocket Watch

By Elgin

Located in MELBOURNE, VIC

Elgin pocket watch, attributed to 1925 production. Grade 387, 16S, 17J movement #27868382 10 carat gold plated case with screw back Fancy art-deco pattern, open face with porcelain e...

Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Art Deco Gents 10k Gold Filled Watch by Elgin, Fully Serviced, c1946
Art Deco Gents 10k Gold Filled Watch by Elgin, Fully Serviced, c1946

Art Deco Gents 10k Gold Filled Watch by Elgin, Fully Serviced, c1946

By Elgin

Located in Westward ho, GB

Inside the back is signed: CASED AND TIMED BY ELGIN NATIONAL WATCH CO. ILLINOIS WATCH CASE CO. ELGIN 72057.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

10k Gold, Gold-filled

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Contemporary Pearl and Diamond Beaded Bracelet, Sterling Silver Clasp
Contemporary Pearl and Diamond Beaded Bracelet, Sterling Silver Clasp

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Located in Nantucket, MA

A three strand beaded pearl bracelet with 4 diamond bars between the pearls and a sterling silver and diamond snap-shut clasp. Pearls total 39.50 carats, Diamonds total 1.11 Inside...

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Exceptional Hermès Vintage Glika Bag Rouge H Box Leather Golden Hdw 28 cm
Exceptional Hermès Vintage Glika Bag Rouge H Box Leather Golden Hdw 28 cm

Exceptional Hermès Vintage Glika Bag Rouge H Box Leather Golden Hdw 28 cm

$5,681Sale Price|20% Off

H 9.06 in W 3.35 in L 11.03 in

Exceptional Hermès Vintage Glika Bag Rouge H Box Leather Golden Hdw 28 cm

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Beautiful and Rare Authentic Hermès Bag "GLIKA" Made in France Vintage item Outside made of Box Smooth Leather, Inside lined with finely grained leather Colorway: Rouge H (Hermè...

Category

1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags

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

Chanel Nano Kelly Bag NEW Lilac Gold Hardware

$5,859

H 3.15 in W 4.73 in D 1.19 in

Chanel Nano Kelly Bag NEW Lilac Gold Hardware

By Chanel

Located in Roosendaal, NL

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

Category

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Rolex Gold Filled Standard Art Deco Ladies Watch circa 1950's
Rolex Gold Filled Standard Art Deco Ladies Watch circa 1950's

Rolex Gold Filled Standard Art Deco Ladies Watch circa 1950's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Standard METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 27mm "Lug Tip to Lug Tip" X D...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Alexander McQueen New Cashmere "DANTE" A/W 1996 Dress
Alexander McQueen New Cashmere "DANTE" A/W 1996 Dress

Alexander McQueen New Cashmere "DANTE" A/W 1996 Dress

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous black cashmere blend mini dress with a dramatic stand up collar from Alexander McQueen. It is double breasted with a stand up lapel collar which frames the face beautifull...

Category

1990s Italian Mini Dresses

16.97 Carat Octagon Brazilian Emerald Tennis Line Yellow Gold Bracelet
16.97 Carat Octagon Brazilian Emerald Tennis Line Yellow Gold Bracelet

16.97 Carat Octagon Brazilian Emerald Tennis Line Yellow Gold Bracelet

$5,520Sale Price / item|20% Off

W 0.2 in L 6.78 in

16.97 Carat Octagon Brazilian Emerald Tennis Line Yellow Gold Bracelet

By Vaibhav Dhadda

Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan

The 14 karat gold 16.97 carat octagon Brazilian emerald tennis line bracelet is a masterpiece of fine jewelry that exudes luxury and elegance. This bracelet showcases a stunning coll...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Ring natural 10ct Aquamarine solid 18K Gold Ø7.25 US / 5 gr
Antique Ring natural 10ct Aquamarine solid 18K Gold Ø7.25 US / 5 gr

Antique Ring natural 10ct Aquamarine solid 18K Gold Ø7.25 US / 5 gr

Located in SE

A Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with plain shoulders decorated with claw set natural oval cut Aquamarine of vivid Blue color with tint of Green, measuring 15.25 mm x 11.25mm x 10mm...

Category

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Ruby and Diamond Swiss Quartz Movement Watch in 18 Karat White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Swiss Quartz Movement Watch in 18 Karat White Gold

Ruby and Diamond Swiss Quartz Movement Watch in 18 Karat White Gold

By Dilys'

Located in Hong Kong, HK

A stunning work of wearable art, this one-of-a-kind Swiss Quartz movement ruby and diamond watch in 18 karat gold by Dilys’ represents the brand’s passion for exceptional gems and el...

Category

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Rolex Gold Top Tropical Series Steel Back Early Ladies Perpetual from 1947
Rolex Gold Top Tropical Series Steel Back Early Ladies Perpetual from 1947

Rolex Gold Top Tropical Series Steel Back Early Ladies Perpetual from 1947

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Ladies Bubble Back / Tropical Series METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Top with Steel Back CIRCA / YEAR: 1947 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Vintage Longines 14k Yellow Gold 22mm Mechanical Rectangular Fancy Lug Watch
Vintage Longines 14k Yellow Gold 22mm Mechanical Rectangular Fancy Lug Watch

Vintage Longines 14k Yellow Gold 22mm Mechanical Rectangular Fancy Lug Watch

By Longines

Located in Montclair, NJ

Watchmaker: Longines Movement: Mechanical - Hand Winding - 17 jewels - Swiss Made Case Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Gross Weight: 28.8 Grams (including case, movement, and strap) ...

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

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1940 Cresarrow Vintage Art Deco Ladies Watch - Palladium, Diamonds & Aquamarines
1940 Cresarrow Vintage Art Deco Ladies Watch - Palladium, Diamonds & Aquamarines

1940 Cresarrow Vintage Art Deco Ladies Watch - Palladium, Diamonds & Aquamarines

By Cresarrow

Located in Suwanee, GA

NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Palladium

Cartier Must de Cartier 5057001
Cartier Must de Cartier 5057001

Cartier Must de Cartier 5057001

$2,399

H 1.11 in W 0.79 in

Cartier Must de Cartier 5057001

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

Cartier Must de Cartier 5057001 Black Dial Gold-Plated Case  Box, Manuals, Papers (dated 1993), New Strap and Original strap make this a complete full set. A refined and elegant ...

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

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Gruen Gold Filled Art Deco Ladies Curvex with Original Period Bracelet 1937
Gruen Gold Filled Art Deco Ladies Curvex with Original Period Bracelet 1937

Gruen Gold Filled Art Deco Ladies Curvex with Original Period Bracelet 1937

By Gruen

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Curvex METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1937 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Width 13mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

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Jaeger-LeCoultre 14Kt Solid Gold Ladies Watch Mid Century Design circa 1950's
Jaeger-LeCoultre 14Kt Solid Gold Ladies Watch Mid Century Design circa 1950's

Jaeger-LeCoultre 14Kt Solid Gold Ladies Watch Mid Century Design circa 1950's

By Jaeger-LeCoultre

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Jaeger-LeCoultre STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Mid Century METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm "Lug Tip to Lug Tip"...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Day Date 18238 Men's Watch #23710
1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Day Date 18238 Men's Watch #23710

1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold President Day Date 18238 Men's Watch #23710

By Rolex

Located in Washington Depot, CT

1989 Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Presidential Day Date Watch Model: 18238 Serial: L327924 This elegant 18K yellow gold men's Rolex features day/date settings and quickset design. Champa...

Category

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National Watch Co For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact national watch co you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and yellow gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 15 vintage or 4 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a national watch co may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Creating a national watch co has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Elgin, Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. and Agassiz are consistently popular. Take a look at a national watch co featuring diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also mixed cut and old european cut versions for sale. Finding a national watch co for sale for women should be easy, but there are 10 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a National Watch Co?

The price for a national watch co starts at $325 and tops out at $68,000 with these watches, on average, selling for $2,250.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Watches for You

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

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

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

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

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

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

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