Retro Watches
Price
Shipping Options
Sort By
Boucheron Retro 18 Carat Yellow Gold Bracelet Watch
By Boucheron
Located in Mayfair, GB
Boucheron Retro 18 carat Yellow Gold Bracelet Watch
An unusual heavy 18ct yellow gold wristwatch by world renowned design house Boucheron. The concealed face means this stylish piece...
Category
Mid-20th Century Retro Retro Bracelets
Materials
Yellow Gold
Gubelin 1940s Retro Coverd Diamond Bracelet 18 Karat Gold Watch
By Gubelin
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage ladies Retro covered diamond bracelet watch in 18k white gold link motif with original mechanical Gubelin watch opens to reveal a rectangular silver white dial with maker n...
Category
Vintage 1950s Retro Retro Bracelets
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Retro 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wristwatch with Diamond Tiffany & Co.
Located in Firenze, IT
17 jewel movement, rectangular cream dial with inset baton and dot markers, deco style case with integral catch on triple snake link bracelet, movement signed, highlighted by round b...
Category
Vintage 1950s Retro Retro Bracelets
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Wide Link Gold Bracelet Wristwatch
Located in San Francisco, CA
Fun, funky, and practical! The 14k gold bracelet from the 1940/50's is full of charm with pyramid links typical of the era. And as an added bonus, it has a hidden watch under a hinge...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Bracelets
Materials
14k Gold
David Webb Hidden Watch
By David Webb
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Incredible David Webb woven bracelet with a hidden watch.
This stunning piece is comprised of 18kt yellow gold with the watch components being made from 14kt. The bracelet is compos...
Category
Vintage 1960s Retro Retro Bracelets
Materials
14k Gold, 18k Gold
Chaumet Wristwatch in 18 Carat Yellow Gold
By Chaumet
Located in Mayfair, GB
Chaumet Wristwatch in 18 carat Yellow Gold
A very stylish wristwatch by French fashion house Chaumet in 18 carat yellow gold. The watch face and reverse are both signed Chaumet toge...
Category
Vintage 1980s Contemporary Retro Bracelets
Materials
Yellow Gold
Bulgari Lady's Tricolor Gold Tubogas mechanical Wristwatch
By Bvlgari
Located in New York, NY
A Bulgari Tri-Colour Gold Lady’s Wristwatch with mechanical movement. Made in Italy, circa 1965.
Category
Vintage 1960s Retro Bracelets
Materials
18k Gold
Unusual Black Yellow Bulgari Tubogas Ladies Watch
By Bvlgari
Located in New York, NY
An unusual version of the iconic Bulgari tubogas lady's watch, with alternated blackened and yellow 18kt gold, oval shaped dial, carrying a mechanical Movado movement. Made in Italy,...
Category
Vintage 1960s Retro Bracelets
Materials
18k Gold
Bulgari Tricolor Gold Lady's Tubogas Wristwatch
By Bvlgari
Located in New York, NY
A tricolor (white, yellow and pink) 18kt gold Tubogas lady’s wristwatch by Bulgari, carrying a Gerald Genta movement. Made in Italy, circa 1965.
Category
Vintage 1960s Retro Bracelets
Materials
18k Gold
Boucheron Yellow Gold Dollar Sterling Franc Gold Coin Bracelet Wristwatch
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite item by the esteemed French house Boucheron, made in France (visible eagle marks) yet retailed in the late 1940s in their prestigious London address. The bracelet compos...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Bracelets
Materials
18k Gold
Rolex Retro Watch Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
A retro 18kt yellow gold Rolex watch link-bracelet. Made in Switzerland, circa 1950
Category
Vintage 1950s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Retro Gold Diamond Ruby Watch
Located in New York, NY
Retro mid-century 14k gold watch bracelet, set with rubies and approx. 1.60ctw in diamonds. Watch is manual wind, running order. Bracelet is 6.25" long, widest point of the bracelet ...
Category
20th Century Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Patek Philippe Retro Gold Watch Bracelet
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Retro Mic Century 14k gold Patek Philippe watch bracelet. Case measuring 21mm at widest point s 40mm. Entire length of the bracelet is 6 5/8". Manual wind movement in working order. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold
Retro Diamond Gold Cover Watch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Retro 1940s beauty was created in 14KT yellwo gold evoking the essence of the era. The watch itself has a gold over enhanced with a sparkling Trapezoid cut Diamond weighing app...
Category
Mid-20th Century Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
1940s Retro Vulcain Stainless Steel Wristwatch
By Vulcain
Located in Hicksville, NY
This Rare 1940s Vulcain Unisex Automatic Stainless Steel Retro Wrist Watch has an Extra Large 45mm wide without the crown by 40mm long watch case . The deep blue stick dial features ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
IWC Retro Gold Buckle Honeycomb Bracelet Watch
By IWC
Located in New York, NY
Retro mid century 18k gold honeycomb buckle design bracelet with IWC watch. Bracelet is 6 5/8" long, widest point of the buckle - 30mm wide. Weight - 125. 7 grams.
Category
20th Century Retro More Bracelets
Materials
Gold
Tiffany & Co Retro Ruby Gold Ladies Watch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Retro 14k gold lady's watch case by Tiffany & Co with fabric black band gold tone buckle. Case decorated with rubies, measures 14mm excl crown x 28mm. Band is 6 7/8" long. Manual win...
Category
20th Century Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Ruby, Gold
1960s Retro Yellow Gold Lip Ladies Wristwatch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Watch and bracelet in 18 karats yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark.
Lip Women's Watch.
Round case in 18 karats yellow gold.
Total length: 17 cm, width of the bracelet at the widest: ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 1940s Ruby Diamond Gold Watch Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Retro circa 1940s iconic design watch bracelet, adorned with rubies, and approx. 1.12ctw in diamonds. The bracelet is 7.25" long, watch case is 30mm x 23mm. Weighs 65.5 grams. Tested...
Category
Mid-20th Century Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Mauboussin Retro Sapphire Diamond Gold Mystery Watch Bracelet
By Mauboussin
Located in New York, NY
A retro Mauboussin mystery watch bracelet, the central motif set with calibré-cut sapphires and circular-cut diamonds, opening to reveal a square dial. Length approximately 170mm, si...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Rare Patek Philippe Retro Tank Cuff Bracelet Watch, 1942
By Patek Philippe
Located in London, GB
A stylish Retro gold Tank bracelet by Patek Philippe 1942, the wide bracelet of open design formed of seven ribbed baton links, the central one larger than the others and concealing ...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boucheron Retro Emerald Diamond Sapphire Mystery Watch-Bracelet
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
A retro Boucheron Paris 18 karat yellow gold mystery watch-bracelet with brilliant cut sapphires, emeralds, and 0.70 carats of diamonds. Weighs 54.6 grams. Made in France, circa 1940.
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Cartier Sapphire Yellow Gold Covered Dial Watch Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful retro Covered Dial watch bracelet featuring a panel of sapphires that opens to reveal a dial. Circa 1940s.
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Cuff Bracelets
Materials
Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage Retro Equestrian Theme Ruby and Diamond Ladies Watch
By Bulova Watch Company
Located in Stamford, CT
Following the equestrian motif similar to that of Cartier and Hermes, and various jewelers around the world, this watch is the epitome of feminine refinement. The double snake chain ...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Retro Platinum Yellow Gold Diamond Burma Ruby Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
This unique Retro 1940s ladies wristwatch is designed with alternating discs of rubies set in yellow gold and round brilliant cut diamonds set in platinum, graduating in size and are...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Retro Diamond Cocktail Dress Watch in Platinum, Movement Swiss Emka
Located in London, GB
A retro, 1960's cocktail watch created with sophistication and elegance. A small off-white watch face accompanied with gold time intervals is bordered with a thick diamond rim set in...
Category
Vintage 1960s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Extremely Unique Harman Multi-Color Gold Retro Cuff Ladies Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Extremely Unique Harman Multicolor Gold Retro Cuff Ladies Watch - Manual winding. Oversize Rose Gold and Green Gold with Diamonds and Rubies on case cover ( 22 x 25 mm ) Case cover ...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby
Cartier Retro Gold Concealed Dial Backwinder Wristwatch with Alligator Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Retro gold backwinder concealed dial wrist watch with sliding cover, completed by a later sea green alligator band, in 18k. Cartier, France.
Dimensions of timepiece including lug...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Gold
Late Retro Ladies Hamilton Platinum and Diamond Wristwatch, c1950
By Hamilton
Located in valatie, NY
Late Retro Ladies Hamilton Platinum and Diamond Wristwatch, c1950 with assorted diamonds. Total diamond weight approximately 1.02 carats. The original 17 jewel movement housed in a e...
Category
20th Century Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Retro 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Watch
Located in Great Neck, NY
Vintage Retro yellow gold ladies wrist watch with diamonds and french cut rubies. In very good condition.
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
Weight: 43.7 Grams
Diamond Weight: Approximately ...
Category
Vintage 1950s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Audemars Piguet 1940s Retro Yellow Gold Back Wind Mechanical Bracelet Watch
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Audemars Piguet Ladies 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet Wrist Watch, measuring 6 7/8 inches in length and 1/4 inch wide, a very soft and flexible integrated link Bracelet. 17 jew...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Fabulous Retro Bracelet Watch
Located in New York, NY
14k yellow gold with 14k white gold trim<br />
26 diamonds 2.00 carats
Retro All in 18 Karat Yellow Gold Eterna Women's Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Lady's wristwatch in 18 karat yellow gold, owl and weevil hallmarks.
It is rectangular in shape with slightly rounded angles. The glittery dial has stick figures.
The bracelet is bas...
Category
Vintage 1960s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Retro Mechanical Wristwatch, 1940s
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ladies watch.
Bracelet and rectangular case in 18 carats yellow gold.
Background of the case of gold color.
Overall length: 18,3 cm, Width at the widest: 1,8 cm, Thickness at the wid...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Retro Omega De Ville 18 Karat Gold Men's Watch
By Omega
Located in Poitiers, FR
Omega De Ville men's watch.
Square case in 18 karats yellow gold, owl hallmark.
Total length: 20.5 cm, width of the bracelet: 2.2 cm to 0.6 cm,
Case: Side: 2.8 cm, thickness: 5.8 mm...
Category
Vintage 1960s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Girard Perregaux Ladies Diamond Wristwatch Retro Midcentury 14K
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous Tiffany & Co Girard Perregaux Ladies Diamond Wristwatch in 14 Karat Gold. The watch portion is 14K white gold set with 30 radiant round brilliant cut Diamonds. The band ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold
Free Shipping
W .5 in. L 6.25 in.
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Retro Mystery Watch-Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A chic retro mystery watch-bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels in 18 karat yellow gold, embellished with round brilliant cut sapphires and old cut diamonds. The gold case opens to reveal ...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
1940s Retro Rose Gold and Gem set Large Hidden Surprise Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940 Retro, hidden Surprise Watch. The 14K Rose Gold center section measures 1 1/4 inch wide, depressing the Rubies on the case side operates a spring loaded flip up cover to r...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Retro Omega Gold Dress Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Make a bold gold statement with this retro eighteen karat 18k yellow satin gold Omega 620 dress bracelet watch. Circa 1960's, this sleek design with square case has a silver-toned fa...
Category
Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Tubogas Retro Watch Wrap Bracelet by Neiman Marcus, 1950s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare tubogas wrap bracelet watch commissioned by Neiman Marcus with a Swiss watch company Blancpain. Trendy, timeless and wearable, the watch is a great addition to your jewelry coll...
Category
Vintage 1950s Retro More Bracelets
Materials
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Free Shipping
W 0.5 in. L 13.5 in.
Blancpain T & H-M Retro Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Driver Ladies Watch
By Blancpain
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Special retro 1940's ladies Blancpain watch designed in 14 karat yellow gold. Snake chain with polished center bar for potential sizing. Fold over clasp contains square sapphires and...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Free Shipping
W 1.78 in. L 0.48 in.
Retro Ladies Rose Gold Diamond Citrine Wristwatch, Circa 1940s
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This beautiful pink gold watch dates from the 1940's. It has a 14k pink gold square head that is accented by 3 diamonds on either side then a faceted citrine followed by a diamond....
Category
Mid-20th Century Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Free Shipping
W .55 in. D .25 in. L 7.25 in.
Van Cleef & Arpels Lady's Yellow Gold, Ruby and Diamond Retro Bracelet Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fabulous lady's Retro bracelet watch created by Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1940s. Features carved rubies accented with diamonds set in yellow gold. Chic and feminine.
The watch fits...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Ruby, 18k Gold
Free Shipping
W 0.5 in. D 0.25 in. L 6.5 in.
Ladies Retro 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Bracelet Watch, c1940s
Located in valatie, NY
Ladies Retro 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Bracelet Watch, c1940's. The bracelet consists of eleven ribbed, articulating lobed orbs with a hidden clasp and safety chain. The modified t...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Ladies 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond, and Ruby Bracelet Wristwatch, c1940
Located in valatie, NY
Ladies Retro 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond, and Ruby Bracelet Wristwatch, c1940. The watch features 14 single-cut diamonds and two rectangular rubies set in white gold. Marked: 18K. The b...
Category
20th Century Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Free Shipping
H .65 in. W 2 in.
Mauboussin, Retro, Diamond and Emerald Watch in 18 Carat White Gold, Automatic
By Mauboussin
Located in London, GB
Exceptional quality Vintage watch by Mauboussin, in 18 carat white gold, automatic with emerald, diamond and onyx.
Stunning Mauboussin watch in a glamourous white gold base. The wat...
Category
1990s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Onyx, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Free Shipping
W 1.38 in. L 6.15 in.
Retro Covered Ladies White Gold Diamond Ruby Evening Dress Watch by Altair
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Stunning evening ladies dress watch from the Retro period, It looks like a bracelet, but when you open the flap and you have the time. This 1940s wristwatch by Altair is 14k white ...
Category
Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Free Shipping
H .75 in. W 6.25 in.
Gerald Genta Retro Sport Jumping Hour
By Gérald Genta
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gerald Genta Retro Sport Jumping Hour
Reference number: RSP.X.10
Movement: automatic
Functions: jumping hour
Case: stainless steel, bezel set with diamonds, diameter: 41 mm, heig...
Category
Early 2000s Artist Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Fluva France 1940s Retro Diamond Gold Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1940s Retro French-made Fluva 18k gold watch, decorated with approx. 0.50ctw in diamonds. Bracelet is 6.25" long, case - 38mm x 26mm. Bracelet and case back bear French gold as...
Category
Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Retro Mystery Watch/Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An 18k yellow gold Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet/mystery watch with diamonds. Circa 1940s. Circular-cut diamonds, gold and platinum, manual movement, opening to reveal dial, wristwatch...
Category
Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Retro Rose Gold Oversized Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An exceptional example of a mid-century Rolex creation made of 18 karat rose gold, this highly stylized bracelet is comprised of polished butterfly- or bowtie-shaped links, the patte...
Category
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ladies Platinum Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Retro Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
Alternating discs of rubies set in yellow gold and round brilliant cut diamonds set in platinum, graduating in size, connect to two bands of rope chained yellow gold links. The cente...
Category
Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Gerald Genta Retro Classic G.3624, Beige Dial, Certified
By Gérald Genta
Located in Miami, FL
Gerald Genta Retro Classic Reference #: G.3624. Womens Quartz Watch Stainless Steel Beige 27 MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Category
1990s Contemporary Wrist Watches
Rolex Lady’s Retro Diamond and Ruby Bracelet Watch
By Rolex
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This gorgeous creation would be a special addition to the collection of any vintage jewelry or watch enthusiast. The fact that it is signed Rolex makes it exceptional. Made of 18 kar...
Category
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Hamilton Retro Ruby and Diamond Pink Gold Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Miami, FL
Retro ruby and diamond watch featuring 16 diamonds with an estimated total weight of .70cts and 9 rubies with an estimated total weight of .90cts. This fine example of Retro era desi...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Omega Constellation Rare 18 Karat Yellow Gold Retro Watch
By Omega
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: automatic caliber 1020
Function: hours, minutes
Case: 35x22.3mm oblong 18k yellow gold case, sapphire crystal, tigers eye cabochon crown
Band: 18k yellow gold satin finish ...
Category
Antique 19th Century Modern Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gerald Genta Retro Gold and Steel Jumping Hours Automatic Wristwatch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Gerald Genta Retro collection Ref: G 3614, 33 M.M. diameter X 9 M.M. thick Stainless steel water resistant case with Coin Edge and 18K Yellow Gold Smooth Bezel. Automatic,...
Category
Early 2000s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Steel
Gerald Genta Retro Classic G.3624 Stainless Steel Beige Dial Quartz Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Gerald Genta Retro Classic Jump Hour in stainless steel. Quartz. 27 mm case size. With box and booklets. Ref G.3624. Circa 1990's. Fine Pre-owned Gerald Genta Watch. Certified preown...
Category
1990s Modern Wrist Watches
Retro 14 Karat Gold Folding Travel Picture Frame with Hidden Clock
Located in New York, NY
Fine and unusual folding picture frame with an incorporated hidden clock from the Retro Era, circa 1940s. The frame holds two pictures and is made of 14k yellow gold. The clock is ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Desk Accessories
Materials
14k Gold
Marvin Ladies Pink Gold Diamond Synthetic Rubies Retro Wristwatch, circa 1940s
By Marvin
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Beautifully made 1940's ladies watch featuring diamonds and commonly used synthetic rubies. Many of the pieces made in the 1940's have these scissor cut synthetic rubies.
This Watc...
Category
Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Free Shipping
H .55 in. W 6.5 in.
- 1
Retro Watches For Sale on 1stDibs
There is a broad range of retro watches for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 587 vintage editions and 19 modern creations to choose from as well. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 19th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. The designs in our inventory of retro watches bearing Retro or Art Deco hallmarks are very popular. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Omega, Rolex and Piaget are often thought to be among the most beautiful. While most can agree that any pick from our collection easily elevates most outfits, but the choice of Diamond versions from the 86 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. A selection of round cut, brilliant cut and baguette cut can be found today on these pages. Most of our retro watches for sale are for men, but there are 193 pieces available to browse for women.
How Much are Retro Watches?
On average, retro watches at 1stDibs sell for $4,500, while they’re typically $491 on the low end and $498,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.
Finding the Right Watches for You
Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. 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.
Modern-day timepieces are fashionable and functional. Watches have also 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, watches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner.
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 fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, many 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, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.
Questions About Retro Watches
Prices for most retro watches on 1stdibs are negotiable. You’ll see a "Make an Offer" button on the item details page, indicating that the seller is willing to consider a lower price. It’s not uncommon for customers to get 15–25% off the list price after negotiating. See our tips for negotiating like a pro.
Only experienced, professional sellers who have applied and been thoroughly vetted by our team of experts can sell retro watches and other quality items on our site. Learn more about becoming a 1stdibs seller.
The 1stdibs Buyer Protection Guarantee provides coverage for qualified purchases in the unlikely event that the item arrives not as described or is damaged. We’ll work with you and the seller to find a resolution, ensuring your satisfaction. View details
We have partnerships with the world's best shipping providers to facilitate seamless and fully-insured delivery from the seller's location directly to you, wherever you are in the world. Our logistics team is comprised of dedicated members who arrange all the details with our partners, servicing and supporting all shipments. Learn more about shipping on 1stdibs.
For your convenience, we offer multiple payment methods, including all major credit cards and PayPal. For many purchases we also offer financing options or wire transfer. Learn more about payment options on 1stdibs.
More Ways To Browse
Piaget With Lapis Face Round And Surrounded With Diamont Or Yellow Gold Or White Gold
Womens Elegant Evening Watches In White Gold Or Platinum
Rolex 14 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Midsize Oyster Perpetual From 1965 Or 1966
Elginpocket Watches That Are 5000 Or More In Price
Bulova Antique Watches Laies Or Girls 1920s
Bulova Antique Watches Laies Or Girls
Van Cleef Bracelet Or Jaune Coeurs Articules
Van Cleef Bracelet Or Jaune Coeurs
Rolex Daytona Or Rose
Omega Or Automatic 1968
J E Watch
L Watch