Retrograde Watches
1990s Swiss Retro Retrograde Watches
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
Gold-filled
1970s Swiss Modernist Retro Retrograde Watches
1970s Swiss Modernist Retro Retrograde Watches
Late 20th Century Swiss Modernist Retro Retrograde Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
Gold-filled
Mid-20th Century American Retro Retrograde Watches
14k Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
1960s Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
1950s Swiss Modernist Retro Retrograde Watches
1960s Swiss Modern Retro Retrograde Watches
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
Stainless Steel
1960s Swiss Modern Retro Retrograde Watches
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
1950s Unknown Retro Retro Retrograde Watches
Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
1950s Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
Yellow Gold
1950s Swiss Retro Retro Retrograde Watches
Yellow Gold
1980s Swiss Retro Retro Retrograde Watches
18k Gold, 22k Gold
1950s Swiss Retro Retro Retrograde Watches
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Mid-20th Century American Retro Retrograde Watches
Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Retro Retrograde Watches
1950s Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
Stainless Steel, Steel
1970s Swiss Retro Retrograde Watches
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1950s Swiss Retro Retrograde Watches
Stainless Steel
1960s Swiss Retro Retrograde Watches
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Retro Retrograde Watches
1980s Swiss Retro Retrograde Watches
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
1960s Swiss Modern Retro Retrograde Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Swiss Retro Retrograde Watches
1950s Swiss Retro Retrograde Watches
1970s French Modern Retro Retrograde Watches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Swiss Retro Retrograde Watches
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
1950s Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
Mid-20th Century American Modern Retro Retrograde Watches
Diamond, Platinum
1990s American Modernist Retro Retrograde Watches
Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
18k Gold
1950s French Retro Retrograde Watches
14k Gold
1950s Swiss Contemporary Retro Retrograde Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s French Retro Retrograde Watches
Yellow Gold
1990s Swiss Contemporary Retro Retrograde Watches
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
White Gold, Gold, Gold-filled
Mid-20th Century Swiss Modernist Retro Retrograde Watches
Gold, 18k Gold
1950s Swiss Retro Retrograde Watches
18k Gold
1950s American Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
Gold-filled
1980s Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
1970s Swiss Retro Retrograde Watches
1950s Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Retro Retro Retrograde Watches
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
Late 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Retro Retrograde Watches
Yellow Gold
1970s Swiss Modern Retro Retrograde Watches
Stainless Steel
1950s Swiss Modern Retro Retrograde Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Swiss Retro Retrograde Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Retrograde Watches For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Retrograde Watches?
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, new and classic vintage 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, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.
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Made for 1930s Polo Players, This Art Deco Watch Looks Good on Everyone
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Audemars Piguet’s Iconic Royal Oak Watch Turns 50
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