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Stop Watch

Findlay & Co. Silver Plate Stopwatch
Located in New York, NY
Silver-plated stop watch, London, 1930's, Findlay & Co. - makers. Excellent working order; @2
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Pocket Watches

Vetta Stop Second, Antimagnetique, Rare Watch, 1950s
Located in Roma, Lazio
Vetta Stop Second, Antimagnetique, rare, 50’ Movement and functions: hand-winding cal. E1168
Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

FURLA scribble butterfly logo silver disc chain watch bracelet
Located in Hong Kong, NT
scratched but protective plastic at back of watch is still intact. Watch is stopped now, may need to be
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver

Breguet Yellow Gold Pin Set Manual Wind Watch, circa 1900's
By Breguet
Located in Long Beach, CA
century. The hand constructed lugs were expertly fitted to this rare watch which had stopped being
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Rolex Pre Daytona Oyster Chronograph 6234 Watch 36mm Manual Wind
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
overlapping sub dials were a hangover from the 6034 and eventually Rolex stopped designing watches with
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rectangular Art Deco Style "Olsen" Watch with Leather Strap by Benrus, 1930s
By Benrus
Located in McKinney, TX
sometimes even shipping a watch can cause the movement to stop working. Watch movements can be replaced by a
Category

Vintage 1930s American Modern Wrist Watches

Mid Century Floral Watch Pendant Necklace By Caravelle, 1960s
Located in McKinney, TX
the watch will continue to work as sometimes even shipping a watch can cause the movement to stop
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Recent Sales

Antique Silver Plated Stop Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This pre-owned 50mm diameter watch case mechanical stop watch is in good working condition. Visible
Category

Vintage 1920s British Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Mechanical Silver Plated Stop Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This pre-owned 52mm diameter watch case mechanical stop watch is in good working condition. Visible
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver Plate

Rare Antique Silver Pocket / Stop Watch Signed John Johnson Preston
Located in Carlisle, GB
Rare Antique Silver Pocket / Stop Watch Signed John Johnson Preston. This beautiful 52mm silver
Category

Antique 1880s British Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Elgin Military Stop Watch Suspended from a Leather Holster, an Equestrians Must
By Elgin
Located in New York, NY
An equestrians stop watch suspended in a leather holster in excellent shape.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Post-War Pocket Watches

Materials

Steel

Smiths Sport Timer 1/10 TH Jewelled Stop Watch Handheld Fitness Sports
Located in Carlisle, GB
and light scratches on the glass and on the watch case. Please study the images carefully as form part
Category

Vintage 1980s British Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Heuer Monopoussoir Stainless Steel Watch, 1950s
By Heuer
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
watch with Original Black Dial with Brown Luminous Arabic Numbers. These Heuer Monoppoussoir watches
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Daytona, 116503-0001, Unworn Watch, 2022, B+P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
case back made. Chronograph/Stop watch function: large central seconds counter hand - accurate up to 1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Daytona, Black Diamonds Dial, 116503-0011, Unworn Watch, 2022, B+P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
. Chronograph/Stop watch function: large central seconds counter hand - accurate up to 1/8th of a second; 30
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

18 Karat Gold 1/5 Centre Seconds Chronograph Pocket Watch, Thomas Carr 1879-1880
Located in Rome, IT
slide activated and stops the movement. The watch is key wound and set. Case nr. 3716. Diameter 54 mm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

2022 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116505-0014 Metorite Dial
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
continues to transcend time. START, DRIVE, STOP THE ULTIMATE RACING TOOL WATCH The Daytona’s chronograph
Category

2010s Wrist Watches

F.P. Journe Platinum Octa Auto Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
in 2004, when Journe stopped producing watches with movements made of brass, and started producing
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

Concord Chronograph Stainless Steel Wristwatch
By Concord Watch
Located in Aspen, CO
Concord wristwatch with 3 subsidiary dials, a date window, stop watch function. This large Concord
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe 5170G-010 Chronograph 18 Karat White Gold Men's Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Miami, FL
beautiful dress men's watch . This elegant chronograph features applied Breguet numerals. Subtle rounded
Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Omega Chronostop Men, 1960-1969
By Omega
Located in Braintree, GB
crown are signed Omega. Circa 1960-1969 Gender: Men's Functions and features: Stop watch Case Size
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

De Grisogono Power Breaker N01 Formula 1 Flavio Briatore Men's Watch
By De Grisogono Geneve
Located in London, GB
stop watch functions with the operating button sleekly recessed & hidden in the case edge. The back is
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Zenith El Primero Pilot Chronograph model 03.2117.4002
By Zenith Watch Company
Located in London, GB
meters. The famous El Primero Chronograph Stop watch and chronograph function. Currently fitted to a
Category

2010s British Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Audemars Piguet 'Stop Seconds' Yellow Gold Watch 5065BA
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Southampton, PA
The Audemars Piguet 'Stop Seconds' Watch, reference number 5065BA, is a vintage watch with a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Milgauss Watch 116400GV-0002
By Rolex
Located in Southampton, PA
reserve of approximately 48 hours. The watch includes hours, minutes seconds, and stop seconds. The watch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Breguet Yellow Gold Pin Set Manual Wind Watch, circa 1900's
By Breguet
Located in Long Beach, CA
century. The hand constructed lugs were expertly fitted to this rare watch which had stopped being
Category

Early 20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

FURLA scribble butterfly logo silver disc chain watch bracelet
Located in Hong Kong, NT
scratched but protective plastic at back of watch is still intact. Watch is stopped now, may need to be
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Elgin WWII US Military Ordinance Bombardier's Stop Watch
By Elgin
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Own a timepiece of history with this rare find military stop watch designed exclusively for timing
Category

Vintage 1940s American Pocket Watches

Materials

Other

Breguet Yellow Gold Quarter Repeater Large Hunter Case Pocket Stop Watch
By Breguet
Located in Southampton, PA
14k rose gold hunting cased quarter repeater Swiss large 59mm pocket and stop watch by Breguet
Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Concord 18k Solid Gold 43.5mm Chronograph Wristwatch
By Concord Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Concord wristwatch with 3 subsidiary dials, a date window, stop watch function. This large 18k gold
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Caravelle by Bulova White & Rose Gold Ceramic Watch
Located in Eagan, MN
This is a beautiful watch by Bulova. It is a Chronographic watch meaning it has a stop-watch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Leather Strap by Illinois, 1920s
By Illinois Watch Company
Located in McKinney, TX
a watch can cause the movement to stop working. Watch movements can be replaced by a watch repair
Category

Vintage 1920s American Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Gold Plated Rectangular Art Deco Style Watch w Crocodile Strap by Waltham, 1940s
By Waltham Watch Company
Located in McKinney, TX
movement to stop working. Watch movements can be replaced by a watch repair shop for a relatively low price
Category

Vintage 1940s American Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Art Deco Style Watch with Diamond Details & Lizard Leather Strap by Gruen, 1940s
By Gruen
Located in McKinney, TX
sometimes even shipping a watch can cause the movement to stop working. Watch movements can be replaced by a
Category

Vintage 1940s American Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond

Gold Plated Art Deco Style Watch with Lizard Leather Strap by Bulova, 1953
By Bulova
Located in McKinney, TX
a watch can cause the movement to stop working. Watch movements can be replaced by a watch repair
Category

Vintage 1950s American Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Rolex Air King with Box, circa 2019
By Rolex
Located in Southbury, CT
. And even though I stopped wearing watches on a daily basis many years ago, I do wear a watch when I'm
Category

2010s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rare Swatch Grand Prix SCJ101
By Swatch
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
launched in the 1990s. The watch has a stop function, is water resistant and has a precision quartz
Category

1990s Modern Bracelets

IWC Ingenieur Automatic Chronograph Black Dial Men's Watch IW372501
By IWC
Located in Atlanta, GA
with Stop-Watch Functions. Power Reserve of approximately 44 hours. Stainless steel case 42.5 mm in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Breguet Aeronavale Type XX Flyback Black Dial Steel Mens Watch 3800
By Breguet
Located in Atlanta, GA
push of the button instead of stop and reset the stop-watch). Stainless steel round case 39.5 mm in
Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Breguet Type XXI Flyback Le Black Dial Titanium Mens Watch 3815TI Box Papers
By Breguet
Located in Atlanta, GA
single push of the button instead of stopping and resetting the stop-watch). Titanium round case 42 mm in
Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Titanium

Omega Stainless Steel Seamaster Chronostop Automatic Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Epsom, Surrey
The Omega Seamaster Chronostop is a watch with a single pusher which operates the stop watch
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Breguet Transatlantique Type XXI Flyback Titanium Watch 3810 Box Papers
By Breguet
Located in Atlanta, GA
push of the button instead of stop and reset the stop-watch). Titanium round case 42.5 mm in diameter
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Titanium

Glashutte PanoMatic Chrono XL in Platinum 95-01-05-15-04 Limited Edition
By Glashütte Original
Located in Greenwich, CT
approximately 42 hours, 30 minute stop watch with a flyback function, blue tapestry guilloche dial with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

Jaeger-LeCoultre Stainless Steel Master Compressor Chronograph Wristwatch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Functions The stop-watch features a centered seconds hand, 30 minute sub-dial at the 3 o'clock & hour sub
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Omega Constellation 18 Karat Rose Gold Gents Vintage Automatic Watch 1958
By Omega
Located in Carlisle, GB
This Classic & Elegant Excellent Quality Pre-own 18K Rose Gold Watch is in good Working condition
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Moonphase Mens Watch 5066f-1140-52b Box Card
By Blancpain
Located in Atlanta, GA
chronograph with a single push of the button instead of the need to stop, reset and restart the stop-watch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Vintage Elgin Octagonal-Shaped Nickle Watch, 1928
By Elgin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1928 Vintage Elgin watch. Octagonal/Stop-sign shaped case. Nickel. Original, but restored dial with
Category

Vintage 1920s American Wrist Watches

Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier Automatic Watch Stainless Steel with Diamond
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Condition: Outlet. Watch movement is damaged, Watch stops, does not run dial down. Full servicing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier Automatic Watch Stainless Steel with Diamond
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Condition: Outlet. Watch movement is damaged, Watch stops, does not run dial down. Full servicing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Cartier Gents Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Panthere Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The classic Gents Cartier Panthere watch in stainless steel and yellow gold. Cartier stopped
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer II ref 16570 Tiffany & Co retailer
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
model. Tiffany & Co stopped selling Rolex watches in the early 1990's and all so called "Double Name
Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Moritz Grossmann Atum Enamel, Moritz Grossmann
Located in Greenwich, CT
wheel; raised gold chatons with pan-head screws; separately removable clutch winder; stop seconds for
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Wrist Watches

Antique Silver Key-Wind Pocket / Stop Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This Charming Antique Silver pocket watch with a stop watch mechanism is working and it is ticking
Category

Antique 1880s British Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Vintage Chrome Garrard Swiss Mechanical Stop Watch
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful vintage hand winding Stop Watch was retailed by the top London Jewellers GARRARD. It
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage German Hanhart Chrome 7 Jewel 1/10 Second Stop Watch
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
stop watch by, Han Hart, Germany. Features, anti-magnetic, shockproof, water-protected, self
Category

20th Century German More Jewelry

Vintage Sekonda Mechanical Stopwatch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful pre-owned 54mm vintage hand winding stop watch is in good working condition and it
Category

Vintage 1980s Russian Pocket Watches

Materials

Base Metal

Rare 1940s Military Chronograph Stopwatch with Split-Seconds PATT. 4 No. 11643
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful and rare hand winding military stop watch is in good working condition and it is
Category

Vintage 1940s British Pocket Watches

Breguet Transatlantique Type XX Flyback Black Dial Steel Watch 3820
By Breguet
Located in Atlanta, GA
push of the button instead of stop and reset the stop-watch). Stainless steel round case 39.5 mm in
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Art Deco Gents c1946, Fully Serviced, 10k GF Watch By Hamilton
By Hamilton
Located in Westward ho, GB
, production of consumer watches was stopped, with all watches manufactured being shipped to troops. More than
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

10k Gold, Gold-filled

Art Deco Gents 14k GF, 19 Jewels Watch By Hamilton , USA, c1941, Fully Serviced
By Hamilton
Located in Westward ho, GB
1893. During World War II, production of consumer watches was stopped, with all watches manufactured
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Gold-filled

Art Deco Gentleman's Manual Wristwatch by Services, circa 1930
Located in Westward ho, GB
sometime in 1926/27, it was dissolved on 26/11/2002. Services watches stopped being produced in the late
Category

Mid-20th Century British Art Deco Wrist Watches

People Also Browsed

Tiffany & Co. Two Tone 18Kt. Yellow & Platinum Art Deco Watch from 1920's
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Haas Neveux for Tiffany & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum & Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 27mm X Width 2...
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Vintage Eska Steel Military Style Men's Wrist Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Add this great post-war, Swiss-made Eska Military Style Wrist Watch to your vintage collection. In brushed steel, this 31mm watch has its original mat silver-toned face with Roman nu...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Concord Stainless Steel WWII Era 24 Hour Dial Men's Wrist Watch
By Concord Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Enjoy this retro time find, circa mid 1940s. This 29mm Concord Stainless Steel WWII Era Men's Wrist Watch has an interesting 24 Hour Military style dial with illuminated spear hands....
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Burberry The Classic Round Steel Silver Guilloche Quartz Ladies Watch BU10113
By Burberry
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Burberry The Classic BU10113 is a beautiful Ladie's timepiece that is powered by quartz (battery) movement which is cased in a stainless steel case. It has a round sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Wrist Watches

Gucci Estate Swiss Made Stainless Steel Ladies Wristwatch
By Gucci
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Gucci Estate Swiss Made Stainless Steel Ladies Wristwatch G43 This iconic Gucci stainless steel watch is a timeless piece of luxury and style. The sleek design is crafted...
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Universal Geneve Stainless Steel Uni Compax Chronograph circa 1940s
By Universal Genève
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Universal Geneve Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Uni Compax 2 Register Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Universal Geneve 18k Pink Gold Wristwatch
By Universal Genève
Located in Montreal, QC
Universal Geneve 18k pink gold men's wristwatch, case #10959-1027889. Measures 39mm x 29mm, 15 jewels and manual wind movement, caliber 264, acrylic crystal silver dial, case in good...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 1960's Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14k Yellow Gold 34mm Wrist Watch Ref 6084
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case Material: 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 50.1 Grams Case Size (Diameter): 34mm (not including the crown) Height: 39mm...
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Jaeger LeCoultre Stainless Steel Wristwatch, circa 1950
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Montreal, QC
Jaeger LeCoultre stainless steel wristwatch circa 1950 medium size case 30mm. Acrylic crystal manual wind movement. Original two-tone antique salmon colour dial, wear visible. Leathe...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe 565R Vintage Water Resistant Calatrava Rose Gold Watch Circa 1949
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Patek Philippe 565R Vintage Calatrava in 18K Rose gold, Arabic numeral dial, water resistant screw down back. This example is not over polished or restored, original d...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Patek Philippe Ultra Thin, 18Kt Solid Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe et Cie STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch / Reference 3571-1 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm X Width...
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Victorian silk albertina and gilt compass
Located in NEWARK, GB
A lovely antique Victorian era black silk ribbon fob with a gilt compass. The long black silk fob is sleek with rich gilt end caps and a chain length suspended from the bottom. The...
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Rolex 9Ct. Prince in Nearly New Condition Silver Enamel Dial from 1935 or 36
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Prince Model METAL / MATERIAL: 9KT Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1935 / 36 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Width 20mm MOVEMENT: ...
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Cartier Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Stamford, CT
Cartier Stainless Steel Tank Francaise Wristwatch embodies timeless sophistication. Its sleek stainless steel case exudes a modern charm, while the iconic dial showcases a blend of l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe 1940s Rose Gold Gents Mechanical Bracelet Wristwatch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Patek Philippe, 34 X 20 M.M. Rectangular 2 Piece 18K Rose Gold Case, 18 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind Nickel Lever Movement, Matt Rose finished dial with Raised Rose Gold...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

1970s Christian Dior by Bulova 14K Gold Green Oval Dial Watch
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
14K gold plated Dior by Bulova wrist wind up watch, fully working, green and white face, original black leather strap Condition: Early 1970s, gold metal ware is in very good conditi...
Category

Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Gold Plate, Gold

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Stop Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact stop watch you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Silver and 14k Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 14 vintage editions and 1 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect stop watch may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a stop watch has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Audemars Piguet, Breguet and Elgin are consistently popular. While most can agree that any stop watch from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Amethyst version from the 1 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Most of our stop watch for sale are for men, but there are 9 pieces available to browse for women.

How Much is a Stop Watch?

On average, a stop watch at 1stDibs sells for $788, while they’re typically $115 on the low end and $55,000 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. 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.

Questions About Stop Watch
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024
    Elgin stopped making watches in 1968. However, that wasn't the end of the Elgin brand. The Elgin National Watch Company sold the rights to its brand name to a Chinese company called MZ Berger Inc., which continues to manufacture watches under it to this day. Shop a collection of Elgin watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023
    Yes, Rolex watches can stop running. Because they are automatic timepieces, they self-wind in response to your natural movements. If you put your watch away for a few days, it may stop running, but you can wind it again by following the instructions included with your timepiece. You can also prevent this problem by placing your watch on a winder when you're not wearing it. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of Rolex watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Waltham stopped making its watches in 1957, and became known as the Waltham Precision Instruments Company. During its time, Waltham made over 40 million watches. On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of authentic Waltham pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    Garrard stopped making watches more than 20 years ago. Master silversmith George Wickes founded Garrard in 1735 and quickly gained a regal platform with patronage from Frederick, Prince of Wales. Although it is no longer in watchmaking, the house still produces jewelry pieces that captivate new generations of wearers all over the world, just as it has for hundreds of years. On 1stDibs, explore an assortment of Garrard watches and jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024
    Gruen stopped making watches in 1977. However, the family that originally owned the American watchmaker had exited the business prior to the shuttering of the company. The Gruen family sold the brand in 1955 and subsequently relocated from Cincinnati, Ohio, to New York City, New York. Find a selection of Gruen watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024
    People never stopped using pocket watches entirely. In fact, many luxury watchmakers continue to release new pocket watches. Some notable contemporary models include the Patek Philippe Grand Complications Pocket Watch, the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Pocket Watch, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Pocket Watch, the Breguet Classique Pocket Watch and the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Pocket Watch. As to when wristwatches became more popular than pocket watches for daily wear, the shift happened in the years following World War I. Although the first wristwatches date back to the 19th century, it wasn't until soldiers who had worn wristwatches in the field returned home that demand for the timepieces really grew. Many watchmakers had developed new designs and technologies to contribute to the war effort, adding to the increased popularity of wristwatches during the 1920s and ’30s. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of pocket watches.