Skip to main content

Patek Philippe 1839

Vintage 1940s Patek Philippe Gents Manual Wristwatch
Vintage 1940s Patek Philippe Gents Manual Wristwatch

Vintage 1940s Patek Philippe Gents Manual Wristwatch

By Patek Philippe

Located in London, GB

the Caribbean. Patek Philippe was founded in 1839 and is widely considered to be one of the most

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

Patek Philippe Lapis Lazuli and 18K Gold Pendant Necklace, c. 1970
Patek Philippe Lapis Lazuli and 18K Gold Pendant Necklace, c. 1970

Patek Philippe Lapis Lazuli and 18K Gold Pendant Necklace, c. 1970

By Patek Philippe

Located in New York, NY

This striking lapis lazuli and 18-karat yellow gold pendant, made by Patek Philippe circa 1970, is

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Patek Philippe "Jumbo UFO" Automatic Steel Purple 35mm Dial Leather Strap Watch
Patek Philippe "Jumbo UFO" Automatic Steel Purple 35mm Dial Leather Strap Watch

Patek Philippe "Jumbo UFO" Automatic Steel Purple 35mm Dial Leather Strap Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Miami, FL

Patek Philippe Founded in 1839 in Geneva, Patek Philippe represents the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking

Category

Vintage 1970s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Recent Sales

Patek Philippe 175th Anniversary Chronograph Yellow Gold Silver Opaline Dial
Patek Philippe 175th Anniversary Chronograph Yellow Gold Silver Opaline Dial

Patek Philippe 175th Anniversary Chronograph Yellow Gold Silver Opaline Dial

By Patek Philippe

Located in Mayfair, London, London

deployant clasp engraved with "Patek Philippe 1839 - 2014," sapphire glass, 18k yellow gold caseback

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Silver

Vintage 1940s Patek Philippe Gents Manual Wristwatch
Vintage 1940s Patek Philippe Gents Manual Wristwatch

Vintage 1940s Patek Philippe Gents Manual Wristwatch

By Patek Philippe

Located in London, GB

the Caribbean. Patek Philippe was founded in 1839 and is widely considered to be one of the most

Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Silver

Vintage 1960s Patek Philippe Gents Diamond Manual Wristwatch Ref 2591/1
Vintage 1960s Patek Philippe Gents Diamond Manual Wristwatch Ref 2591/1

Vintage 1960s Patek Philippe Gents Diamond Manual Wristwatch Ref 2591/1

By Patek Philippe

Located in London, GB

timeless watch is a stylish today as it would have been 50 years ago. Patek Philippe was founded in 1839

Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Silver

Vintage 1950s Patek Philippe Calatrava Gents Manual Wristwatch Ref 2484
Vintage 1950s Patek Philippe Calatrava Gents Manual Wristwatch Ref 2484

Vintage 1950s Patek Philippe Calatrava Gents Manual Wristwatch Ref 2484

By Patek Philippe

Located in London, GB

would have been 60 years ago. Patek Philippe was founded in 1839 and is widely considered to be one of

Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Patek Philippe Ladies Cocktail Watch with Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe Ladies Cocktail Watch with Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Ladies Cocktail Watch with Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

By Patek Philippe

Located in Lucerne, CH

back to 1839, Patek Philippe has been synonymous with excellence and quality. Collaborating with

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe 3718A Stainless Steel Watch, Made for the Japanese Market
Patek Philippe 3718A Stainless Steel Watch, Made for the Japanese Market

Patek Philippe 3718A Stainless Steel Watch, Made for the Japanese Market

By Patek Philippe

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Philippe 1839-1989 and Calatrava cross in relief, stainless steel Patek Philippe buckle, case, dial and

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

PATEK PHILIPPE Gold Bracelet Watch, 8", Documents
PATEK PHILIPPE Gold Bracelet Watch, 8", Documents

PATEK PHILIPPE Gold Bracelet Watch, 8", Documents

By Patek Philippe

Located in San Marcos, CA

since 1839 - PATEK PHILIPPE. While this stunning watch began as a gentleman's dress watch

Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe 2461 Tegola 18k Solid Gold Tank Tegolino Ciraca 1955
Patek Philippe 2461 Tegola 18k Solid Gold Tank Tegolino Ciraca 1955

Patek Philippe 2461 Tegola 18k Solid Gold Tank Tegolino Ciraca 1955

By Patek Philippe

Located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, IDF

PATEK PHILIPPE Genève Founded in 1839 For the discerning ones Wear Patek Philippe watch it's

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

Rare Large 1960s Patek Philippe Gilbert Albert 18 Kt Asymmetrical Wristwatch
Rare Large 1960s Patek Philippe Gilbert Albert 18 Kt Asymmetrical Wristwatch

Rare Large 1960s Patek Philippe Gilbert Albert 18 Kt Asymmetrical Wristwatch

By Patek Philippe

Located in New york, NY

Presentation Box Patek Philippe, founded in 1839 in the Swiss city of Geneva, prides itself as one of the last

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe Calatrava Full Set with 36 Diamonds Lady 4820 18k White Gold
Patek Philippe Calatrava Full Set with 36 Diamonds Lady 4820 18k White Gold

Patek Philippe Calatrava Full Set with 36 Diamonds Lady 4820 18k White Gold

By Patek Philippe

Located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, IDF

PATEK PHILIPPE & Cie Genève Founded in 1839 For the discerning ones Wear Patek Philippe watch

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, White Gold

Patek Philippe Calatrava 2591 18k Gold 23-300 Geneva 1950 Ellipse Disco Volante
Patek Philippe Calatrava 2591 18k Gold 23-300 Geneva 1950 Ellipse Disco Volante

Patek Philippe Calatrava 2591 18k Gold 23-300 Geneva 1950 Ellipse Disco Volante

By Patek Philippe

Located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, IDF

PATEK PHILIPPE Genève Founded in 1839 For the discerning ones Wear Patek Philippe watch it's

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe Calatrava with 36 Diamonds Lady 4820/001 Full 750 18k Solid Gold
Patek Philippe Calatrava with 36 Diamonds Lady 4820/001 Full 750 18k Solid Gold

Patek Philippe Calatrava with 36 Diamonds Lady 4820/001 Full 750 18k Solid Gold

By Patek Philippe

Located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, IDF

PATEK PHILIPPE & Cie Genève Founded in 1839 For the discerning ones Wear Patek Philippe watch

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

People Also Browsed

Vintage Patek Philippe Calatrava Yellow Gold Wristwatch Ref. 2452J
Vintage Patek Philippe Calatrava Yellow Gold Wristwatch Ref. 2452J

Vintage Patek Philippe Calatrava Yellow Gold Wristwatch Ref. 2452J

By Patek Philippe

Located in New York, NY

A vintage manual wind Patek Philippe watch from the Calatrava collection, featuring a 35 mm case diameter with a silver white dial and gold hour markers, a seconds subdial on the 6 o...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Geometric Diamond and Ruby Platinum Ring
Geometric Diamond and Ruby Platinum Ring

Geometric Diamond and Ruby Platinum Ring

Located in Derby, NY

Diamond and Ruby Platinum Ring A refined 1980s platinum ring defined by its geometric architecture and commanding presence. A round brilliant diamond anchors the center, its classic ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Hamilton Platinum Art Deco Tank Style 1940's with Medallion Series Movement.
Hamilton Platinum Art Deco Tank Style 1940's with Medallion Series Movement.

Hamilton Platinum Art Deco Tank Style 1940's with Medallion Series Movement.

By Hamilton

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 22mm MOVEMENT...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

Christian Dior Runway/Editorial Tarot Gown Spring/Summer 2017 Size 34FR
Christian Dior Runway/Editorial Tarot Gown Spring/Summer 2017 Size 34FR

Christian Dior Runway/Editorial Tarot Gown Spring/Summer 2017 Size 34FR

By Christian Dior

Located in Saint Petersburg, FL

Christian Dior Runway/Editorial Tarot Gown Spring/Summer 2017 Size 34FR The dress is a runway sample and missing size and fabric tags. Measurements: Bust 32" Waist 24" Estimated to...

Category

2010s French Evening Gowns

Alexander McQueen Gown The Cosmic Rain Dress  Embroidery Corset
Alexander McQueen Gown The Cosmic Rain Dress  Embroidery Corset

Alexander McQueen Gown The Cosmic Rain Dress Embroidery Corset

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Berlin, BE

Breathtaking Alexander Mcqueen Corset Gown. Cosmic rain, comet and astral crystal embroideries are hand-sewn to this stunnig evening gown. Powder blue Paris net bustier dress featuri...

Category

2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

HERMES Vert Criquet Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw
HERMES Vert Criquet Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw

HERMES Vert Criquet Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw

By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Vert Criquet (pastel green) Veau Epsom leather is a stunning display of the brand's signature elegance. The structured silhouette i...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

CLAIRE PETTIBONE 2015 Sample Golden Bridal Gown Backless Wedding Maxi Dress
CLAIRE PETTIBONE 2015 Sample Golden Bridal Gown Backless Wedding Maxi Dress

CLAIRE PETTIBONE 2015 Sample Golden Bridal Gown Backless Wedding Maxi Dress

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Claire Pettibone Romantique Collection Sample Wedding Dress White and Golden Yellow Very Shimmery Deep low back Size 10 but see measurements below fits smaller Pristine Measurements ...

Category

2010s Wedding Dresses

Zuhair Murad Couture white silver gold beaded sequin mini wedding backless dress
Zuhair Murad Couture white silver gold beaded sequin mini wedding backless dress

Zuhair Murad Couture white silver gold beaded sequin mini wedding backless dress

By Zuhair Murad

Located in Milano, Lombardia

LOVE LALI VINTAGE An incredibly rare dress from Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Fall 2006 This really is a work of art, a tasseled flapper style mini dress. The dress is sheer mesh and i...

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses

Worn in Sex and The City 2, Iconic John Galliano Christian Dior Newsprint Dress
Worn in Sex and The City 2, Iconic John Galliano Christian Dior Newsprint Dress

Worn in Sex and The City 2, Iconic John Galliano Christian Dior Newsprint Dress

By John Galliano for Christian Dior

Located in New York, NY

Being offered is the Iconic John Galliano for Christian Dior Autumn/Winter 2000-2001 Newsprint Dress WORN by Sarah Jessica Parker and lent by Vintage Luxury N.Y. for Sex and the Cit...

Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses

Playing Card Brooches and Gold Cuff by Cartier
Playing Card Brooches and Gold Cuff by Cartier

Playing Card Brooches and Gold Cuff by Cartier

By Cartier

Located in New Orleans, LA

Exuding the decadence of a bygone era, this pair of playing card clip brooches hail from the revered French jeweler Cartier. Each pin is crafted of red, white, blue and black enamel ...

Category

20th Century French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

Patek Philippe Calatrava Gold Men's Watch - 3520
Patek Philippe Calatrava Gold Men's Watch - 3520

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

9ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst, Peridot, Seed Pearl & Enamel Suffragette Pendant
9ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst, Peridot, Seed Pearl & Enamel Suffragette Pendant

9ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst, Peridot, Seed Pearl & Enamel Suffragette Pendant

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Suffragette Pendant 9ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 Celebrate the spirit of the Suffragette movement with this exquisite 9ct two colour gold pendant from the Edwardian era. ...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold, Enamel

Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 2.2 TCW Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ring, 1980
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 2.2 TCW Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ring, 1980

Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 2.2 TCW Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ring, 1980

By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Rare estate Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 2.2 TCW diamond double sphere east west 18K yellow gold and platinum cocktail ring 20th Century This fabulous double sphere diamond ring is f...

Category

20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

An 18k Gold Bulgari Parentesi Necklace with Sapphire and Diamond
An 18k Gold Bulgari Parentesi Necklace with Sapphire and Diamond

An 18k Gold Bulgari Parentesi Necklace with Sapphire and Diamond

By Bulgari

Located in Amsterdam, NL

An 18k yellow gold link necklace with 3 links in the center, each with an oval-cut sapphire (total app. 1.56 ct) with two diamonds on either side, alternating with 4 links set with d...

Category

1990s Italian Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Lapis And Coral 33 Inch Necklace
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Lapis And Coral 33 Inch Necklace

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Lapis And Coral 33 Inch Necklace

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in New York, NY

Van Cleef & Arpels long necklace crafted in 18K yellow gold, designed with alternating lapis lazuli and coral bead stations along a twisted rope-link chain. The composition balances ...

Category

20th Century French Modern Chain Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Vintage Snake Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold – 19cm
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Vintage Snake Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold – 19cm

Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Vintage Snake Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold – 19cm

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Tokyo, JP

■Item Number: 24150304 ■Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels ■Product Name: Diamond Vintage Gold Snake Bracelet ■Ref.: - ■Material: 6P diamonds, 750 K18 YG yellow gold ■Wrist Size: Approx. 19cm...

Category

Late 20th Century French Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Patek Philippe 1839", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Patek Philippe 1839 For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate patek philippe 1839 for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and white gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 16 vintage or 1 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a patek philippe 1839 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. A patek philippe 1839 of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring diamond, from our inventory of 4, is particularly popular. A baguette cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also brilliant cut and bead versions for sale. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a patek philippe 1839, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Patek Philippe 1839?

On average, a patek philippe 1839 at 1stDibs sells for $18,500, while they’re typically $9,500 on the low end and $155,773 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Patek Philippe for sale on 1stDibs

It shouldn’t be surprising that a Patek Philippe holds the world auction record for a watch ($31.2 million for a Patek Grandmaster Chime, sold at Christie’s). Known for impeccable craftsmanship and some of the most complicated timepieces ever created, the brand is considered by many to be the height of fine watchmaking. Collectors simply love Patek Philippe watches.

The house was founded in Geneva in 1839 by Polish expats Antoni Patek and Franciszek Czapek. Czapek left the firm, and in 1845, Patek partnered with French watchmaker Jean Adrien Philippe. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Catering to the glitterati of Europe, the pair counted among their clients Tolstoy, Pope Pius IX and Queen Victoria, as well as Countess Koscowicz of Hungary, for whom they created the first Swiss-made wristwatch in 1868. They also had their eye on the American market and in 1851 entered an arrangement with Tiffany & Co. still in effect today.

During the Great Depression, brothers Jean and Charles Stern, who had previously supplied Patek Philippe with watch dials, bought the company, and it continues to be run by the Stern family today.

Under the Sterns, the house has developed some of its most famous models, including the Calatrava, an elegantly minimal dress watch introduced in 1932 and named for the Calatrava Cross (the company’s logo since 1887), and the Nautilus, the brand’s first sports watch, conceived by legendary designer Gérald Genta in 1976.

Despite the house’s longevity, it’s rumored that it has manufactured fewer than a million Patek watches, making each one all the more coveted. (The brand's pieces are understandably attractive to counterfeiters — make sure you know how to spot a fake Patek Philippe watch.)

Find authentic Patek Philippe watches, cufflinks, bracelets and more on 1stDibs today.

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 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.