Steel By Design Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wrist Watches
White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Mantel Clocks
Steel
1990s Mantel Clocks
Steel
1990s Mantel Clocks
Steel
1990s Mantel Clocks
Steel
Vintage 1970s Danish Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Steel By Design Watches For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Steel By Design Watches?
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.
- Who makes designer watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Many brands make designer watches. The term “designer watch” refers to a timepiece designed by a particular person or brand, and too many brands fit this definition to list in their entirety. Some examples of designer brands in the luxury market include A. Lange & Söhne, Angelus, Arnold & Son, Audemars Piguet, Baume & Mercier, Blancpain, Breueget, Breitling, Bulgari, Cartier, Chopard, Frederique Constant, Girard-Perregaux, Glashütte Original, Harry Winston, Hublot, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Jaquet-Droz, Longines, Montblanc, Omega, Panerai, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, Rolex, TAG Heuer, Tudor, Ulysse Nardin, Vacheron Constantin and Zenith. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Opinions may vary on who the most famous watch designer is. One major contender for the title is Gérald Genta, who passed away in 2011. During his long career, he designed many now iconic watches, including the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the Patek Philippe Nautilus, the Omega Constellation "Golden Bridge," the IWC Ingenieur and the Bulgari Bulgari. Other notable watch designers include Carlo Crocco, the founder of Hublot; Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe, the founders of Patek Philippe; Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, the founders of Audemars Piguet; Abraham-Louis Breguet, the founder of Breguet; Louis-François Cartier, the founder of Cartier and Giovanni Panerai, the founder of Panerai. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024Jacob Arabo designs Jacob & Co. watches. After working as an apprentice watchmaker in New York City, Arabo founded his eponymous watch company in 1986. Since then, his brand has become widely known for producing watches with innovative kinetic displays and complications. Shop a selection of Jacob & Co. watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Which designer makes the best watches is largely subjective. However, some designers have become widely known for their innovative creations. One such designer is the late Gérald Genta, the visionary responsible for some of the most iconic watches in the world, including the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the Patek Philippe Nautilus, the Omega Constellation "Golden Bridge," the IWC Ingenieur and the Bulgari Bulgari. Among contemporary designers, Carlo Crocco of Hublot and Jacob Arabo of Jacob & Co. are often lauded for their timepieces. Many founders of luxury watch brands were also highly skilled designers. Some examples include Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe of Patek Philippe, Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet of Audemars Piguet, Abraham-Louis Breguet of Breguet, Louis-François Cartier of Cartier and Giovanni Panerai of Panerai. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024Many watches were designed by Gérald Genta. The first watch that the legendary designer ever created was the Polerouter. Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) presented the watch to the crew that manned the first airplane to ever fly from Copenhagen to Los Angeles via the North Pole. Other notable watches that Genta designed include the Omega Constellation, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the Patek Philippe Nautilus, the IWC Ingenieur and the Bulgari-Bulgari. Shop a wide range of watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Patek Philippe makes stainless steel watches. The Nautilus, Calatrava, Complications and Aquanaut collections all feature stainless steel models, as does the women's Twenty~4 Automatic collection. Depending on the line, you may have your choice of a stainless steel watch with a leather band or metal bracelet. Find a collection of Patek Philippine stainless steel watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Marcel Breuer designed tubular steel furniture with Mies van der Rohe. It was Breuer who came up with the idea for using the material as a base for chairs, tables and other furnishings after he became fascinated by the frame of his bicycle. You'll find a variety of vintage tubular steel furniture on 1stDibs.
Read More
Patek Philippe’s Calatrava Watch Is an Icon of Understated Elegance
Launched in 1932, the model has become emblematic of quality craftsmanship and timeless design.
Bulgari’s Serpenti Wristwatch Is the Power Piece of the Moment, Again
From Elizabeth Taylor to Zendaya, the Serpenti has been the accessory of choice for generations of it girls.
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With a tigereye dial and a most unusual bracelet, this cuff-style piece is a singular style statement.
This Sweet Diamond Watch Has a Literary Bent
Modeled on one of the most often quoted romances of the 20th century, the book-shaped timepiece has love written all over it.
Stylish Year-Round, This Pumpkin-Colored Patek Philippe Aquanaut Feels Especially Right for Fall
Celebrate the season with a Patek watch made for enjoying the outdoors.
These Watches with 1970s, 1980s and Early Aughts Flair Are Trending Right Now
Feeling a wave of Y2K nostalgia or craving disco-era glamour? Rewind with a chic retro timepiece.