Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial from 1951
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
stating it was checked as an observatory watch and rated as such. We seldom see this model with this dial
Category
Observatory Watch
Omega 18 Karat Gold Constellation Observatory Chronometer, circa 1950-1960
$7,200
H 1.74 in Dm 1.38 in
Omega 18 Karat Gold Constellation Observatory Chronometer, circa 1950-1960
By Omega
Located in Long Beach, CA
COMMITMENT This is one of Omega's legendary watches, the Constellation. The watch is adjusted to 5 positions
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Recent Sales
Vintage Rolex Prince Observatory Doctor's Stainless Steel Watch, 1930s
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1930's Vintage Rolex Prince Observatory Steel Doctor's watch with Two Tone Silver and Gray Dial
Category
Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex Prince Imperial Observatory Quality Bi-Colour Gold Dress Pocket Watch 1930
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Prince Imperial 9ct Bi-Colour Gold Keyless Lever Dress Pocket Watch with Glasgow import
Category
Vintage 1930s Swiss Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Omega 18 Karat Gold Constellation Observatory Chronometer, circa 1950-1960
By Omega
Located in Long Beach, CA
COMMITMENT This is one of Omega's legendary watches, the Constellation. The watch is adjusted to 5 positions
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Rolex A 9CT Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Open Face Observatory Quality Pocketwatch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Observatory quality pocket watch. It is very rare to find Rolex pocket watches with their original
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vacheron Constantin Historiques Chronometre Royal 1907 Rose Gold 86122/000r-9362
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Mayfair, London, London
the Historiques collection - commemorating the 100th anniversary of the brand's first observatory
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rolex. Asprey. A Rare Gold Observatory Pocket watch C1920
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex, Retailed by Asprey. A Very Rare Gold Observatory 18ct Two Colour Gold Keyless Lever Pocket
Category
Vintage 1920s Swiss Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Royalite Observatory Wristwatch circa 1942
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Royalite Observatory wristwatch scarce WWII-era model with exceptional
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Royalite Observatory Wristwatch circa 1942
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rolex stainless steel Oyster Royalite Observatory wristwatch, serial number 227,XXX, circa 1942/43
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Oyster Everest Observatory Ref# 4647, circa 1940s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Scarce model vintage Rolex Oyster Everest Observatory model ref 4647 circa 1940’s. Featuring a 30
Category
Vintage 1940s Unknown Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rare 18k Gold Rolex Observatory Prince Imperial Dress Pocket Watch, circa 1950s
By Rolex
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful rare and very fine quality 45mm diameter gold pocket watch is in good working
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold
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Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Rainer Brand Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Wrist Watch, Brand New In Box With all Warranty Papers, Rare Collectors Watch Case : 18 Kt Solid Gold, Diameter 39.5 mm Strap :...
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20th Century Swiss Artisan Wrist Watches
Materials
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Vacheron Constantin Vintage Watch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite 1940s Vacheron Constantin dress watch is an early testament to the Maison’s dedication to detail and elegance. Housed in a strong 18k yellow gold case. It carries both...
Category
Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Rolex 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Rare "Bubble Back" with Factory Original Dial 1948
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual "Bubble Back" / Reference 5011 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1948 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500. 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1520 Automatic, Self winding movement, excellent Mint condition Silver Satin "Sunburst"...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel
Patek Philippe Calatrava Gold Men's Watch - 3520
By Patek Philippe
Located in istanbul, TR
Brand : Patek Philippe Collection : Calatrava Model : Calatrava Clous De Paris Reference : Patek Philippe - 3520 Category : Wrist Watch Period : 1990's Movement : manuel wind Case ma...
Category
1990s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Rare Omega Seamaster Automatic Ref 1660257 Octagon Gold Plated Mens Watch
By Omega
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand: Omega Model: Seamaster Reference Number: 1660257 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Material: Gold Plated Stainless steel Measurements : Case...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold Plate
Rolex Ref 6426 Classic 1950s Steel Manual wind Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1959 Rolex Reference 6426 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster Case, 17 Jewel Caliber 1210 Manual Wind Nickle Lever Movement, Beautiful Original Mint Condition S...
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel
Rolex Rare Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual from 1952 Oversized Bubble Back Movement
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm...
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches
Rolex Steel Early Speedking with Original Dial from 1941 or 1942
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 3373 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 36mm X Diameter 30mm CIRCA / YEAR: 1941 / 1942...
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Cartier Vintage Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Cartier Mid Size Wrist Watch, 30 M.M. X 6 M.M thick 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, Cartier Inc. 17 jewel mechanical, Manual wind movement. Silver Satin Dial with raised Gol...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Stainless Steel Bubble Back Rare Roman Dial Perpetual Wind Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Bubble Back METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 32mm CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perp...
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Rolex 18Kt Solid Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1946
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 9488 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1946 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm "Lug Tip to Lug ...
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual Very Rare Deepsea From 1954 / 55 Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6332 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1954 / 55 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diamet...
Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold
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 ...
Category
Vintage 1940s Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
9k Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Paris Centure Collection Wrist Watch, 18k Yellow Gold 27 X 27 M.M. 2 Piece stepped case. 17 jewel mechanical, manual wind movement. White Dial with Black Roman nu...
Category
Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Omega Automatic Seamaster Deville - 1970's "Rare Tone on Tone Dial" Fabulous
By Omega
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Omega Automatic Seamaster Deville - 1970's, "Tone on Tone Dial" Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sal...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
Mixed Metal, Stainless Steel
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Observatory Watch For Sale on 1stDibs
You are likely to find exactly the observatory watch you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, yellow gold and steel. Find an antique version now, or shop for 12 vintage or 2 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. You’re likely to find the perfect observatory watch among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic observatory watch over the years, but those made by Omega, Rolex and Thomas Russell & Son are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Finding an observatory watch for sale for men should be easy, but there are 2 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as women, too.
How Much is a Observatory Watch?
The price for an observatory watch starts at $1,959 and tops out at $55,435 with these watches, on average, selling for $7,680.
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.
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