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Vintage Ebel Watches

14K Gold EBEL Art Deco Watch with 0.11ct Diamond Accents, USA 1980
14K Gold EBEL Art Deco Watch with 0.11ct Diamond Accents, USA 1980

14K Gold EBEL Art Deco Watch with 0.11ct Diamond Accents, USA 1980

Located in Palm Desert, CA

This elegant EBEL watch is crafted in 14K gold and features a sophisticated design highlighted by a distinctive, decorative top.

Category

1980s American Art Deco Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 1940s Retro Ebel Gold Watch with Rubies
Vintage 1940s Retro Ebel Gold Watch with Rubies

Vintage 1940s Retro Ebel Gold Watch with Rubies

By Ebel

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with French cut Rubies. Signed by Ebel Circa 1942 Size 7 1/4 inches

Category

1940s Retro Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Ebel Beluga 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Quartz Watch 866960
Ebel Beluga 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Quartz Watch 866960

Ebel Beluga 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Quartz Watch 866960

By Ebel

Located in Dallas, TX

Ebel Beluga 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Quartz Watch 866960 - Quartz movement.

Category

20th Century Swiss Vintage Ebel Watches

Ebel Sport Classic 18k Yellow Gold Quartz Women’s Watch Ref. 8157111
Ebel Sport Classic 18k Yellow Gold Quartz Women’s Watch Ref. 8157111

Ebel Sport Classic 18k Yellow Gold Quartz Women’s Watch Ref. 8157111

By Ebel

Located in New York, NY

A sophisticated Ebel timepiece, this watch offers strong appeal for collectors of fine Swiss ladies’ watches and 18k gold designer wristwatches.

Category

20th Century Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage 1960s Ebel White Gold Watch with Diamonds and Sapphires
Vintage 1960s Ebel White Gold Watch with Diamonds and Sapphires

Vintage 1960s Ebel White Gold Watch with Diamonds and Sapphires

By Ebel

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 18k white gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 1.40 carats and Round cut Sapphires weighing approximately a total of 3.00 carats...

Category

1960s Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Ebel Discovery Rare Ruby & Diamond Bezel 18K Gold Quartz Watch 139
Ebel Discovery Rare Ruby & Diamond Bezel 18K Gold Quartz Watch 139

Ebel Discovery Rare Ruby & Diamond Bezel 18K Gold Quartz Watch 139

By Ebel

Located in Miami, FL

Ebel Discovery 139 with a rare factory set ruby and diamond bezel. 28mm Ladies quartz watch in 18K yellow gold featuring cream Roman numeral dial with fluted bezel set with 11 natura...

Category

1990s Contemporary Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Ebel Classic Wave Two Tone Diamond Bezel MOP Dial Women's Quartz Watch
Ebel Classic Wave Two Tone Diamond Bezel MOP Dial Women's Quartz Watch

Ebel Classic Wave Two Tone Diamond Bezel MOP Dial Women's Quartz Watch

By Ebel

Located in New York, NY

Ebel’s Classic Lady Wave design brings a polished jewelry-watch feel to this two tone quartz timepiece.

Category

1990s Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Ebel Sports Classic Wave 183909 Date 18k Gold  Steel 32MM Watch
Ebel Sports Classic Wave 183909 Date 18k Gold  Steel 32MM Watch

Ebel Sports Classic Wave 183909 Date 18k Gold Steel 32MM Watch

By Ebel

Located in Toronto, CA

Ebel Sportwave Classic Wave 18kt 750 Gold Steel Ref 181909 Comes With Original Box - Travel Case Brand: Ebel Model: Sportwave Classic Wave Reference Number: 181909 Country Of Ma...

Category

1990s Swiss Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, 18k Gold

Ebel Discovery Gold Lady
Ebel Discovery Gold Lady

Ebel Discovery Gold Lady

By Ebel

Located in PARIS, FR

Discover the elegant Ebel Discovery 183912, a true blend of precision and style.

Category

1990s European Art Deco Vintage Ebel Watches

Ebel 1911 Ref 8187241 Solid 18k Yellow Gold Swiss Made Quartz 37mm Watch
Ebel 1911 Ref 8187241 Solid 18k Yellow Gold Swiss Made Quartz 37mm Watch

Ebel 1911 Ref 8187241 Solid 18k Yellow Gold Swiss Made Quartz 37mm Watch

By Ebel

Located in Providence, RI

Add this exquisite Ebel 1911 watch to your collection and make a statement with your timeless sense of style.

Category

20th Century Swiss Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ebel Lady's Gold and Diamond Cocktail Wristwatch In 18k
Ebel Lady's Gold and Diamond Cocktail Wristwatch In 18k

Ebel Lady's Gold and Diamond Cocktail Wristwatch In 18k

By Ebel

Located in New York, NY

Ebel Lady's Gold and Diamond Cocktail Wristwatch In 18k Yellow Gold.

Category

Late 20th Century European Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Ebel Tanis travel and table clock with quartz alarm clock new
Ebel Tanis travel and table clock with quartz alarm clock new

Ebel Tanis travel and table clock with quartz alarm clock new

By Ebel

Located in Perugia, IT

Ebel Tanis travel and table clock with alarm clock made of steel and metal NOS (New Old Stock) New condition. Dimensions mm 90 x 40 x 55 Net weight 455 g Swiss Made Quartz Movement ...

Category

1990s Italian Modern Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Steel

Ebel 1911 18K gold automatic wristwatch ref 8172221 new
Ebel 1911 18K gold automatic wristwatch ref 8172221 new

Ebel 1911 18K gold automatic wristwatch ref 8172221 new

By Ebel

Located in Perugia, IT

Ebel 1911 18K gold automatic wristwatch ref 8172221 new, new old stock Total weight 110.2 g Case and bracelet with satin and polished finish Automatic movement with power reserve abo...

Category

1990s Swiss Modern Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Ebel Diamond Yellow Gold Swiss Watch
Ebel Diamond Yellow Gold Swiss Watch

Ebel Diamond Yellow Gold Swiss Watch

Located in New York, NY

This is a fabulous 18k yellow gold diamond Ebel women's Swiss watch. The watch features black dial with gold bars time markers and diamond accent.

Category

20th Century Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Unique Ebel Brooch Watch 18k Yellow Gold
Unique Ebel Brooch Watch 18k Yellow Gold

Unique Ebel Brooch Watch 18k Yellow Gold

By Ebel

Located in Berlin, BE

The Ebel brooch watch is a true work of art, crafted with unparalleled attention to detail and quality.

Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Ebel Discovery 1911 Waches Gold 18 Carats
Ebel Discovery 1911 Waches Gold 18 Carats

Ebel Discovery 1911 Waches Gold 18 Carats

Located in Vannes, FR

The Ebel Discovery 1911 watch features a 35 mm 18ct gold case without crown, a cream-colored Roman numeral dial with date ring, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

Category

20th Century Swiss Retro Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ebel Ladies Pocket Jewelry Watch Pendant, Enhancer, 18 Karat Gold
Ebel Ladies Pocket Jewelry Watch Pendant, Enhancer, 18 Karat Gold

Ebel Ladies Pocket Jewelry Watch Pendant, Enhancer, 18 Karat Gold

By Ebel

Located in Berlin, DE

Charming Ebel ladies watch as pendant, 18k gold. Case made of solid 18k yellow gold.

Category

20th Century German Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ebel Sportwave Steel and Gold Ladies Quartz Wristwatch
Ebel Sportwave Steel and Gold Ladies Quartz Wristwatch

Ebel Sportwave Steel and Gold Ladies Quartz Wristwatch

Located in Braintree, GB

A ladies Ebel Sportwave wristwatch in stainless steel and gold, fitted on a bright pink leather strap with an Ebel deployant clasp.

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Ebel Watch Steel
Ebel Watch Steel

Ebel Watch Steel

Unavailable

H 8.27 in W 0.73 in L 43.31 in

Ebel Watch Steel

By Ebel

Located in PARIS, FR

Women's watch. signed from home Ebel Brasilia model. stainless steel. quartz movement. white dial.

Category

20th Century French Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Steel

Ebel Sportwave 4028 18 Karat and Steel Quartz Watch
Ebel Sportwave 4028 18 Karat and Steel Quartz Watch

Ebel Sportwave 4028 18 Karat and Steel Quartz Watch

By Ebel

Located in Miami, FL

Circa 1990s. Fine Pre-owned Ebel Watch. Certified preowned Ebel Sportwave 4028 watch is made out of Stainless steel on a 18k & Stainless Steel bracelet with a Stainless Steel Clasp b...

Category

1990s Modern Vintage Ebel Watches

Ebel 1911 8255F41/6235134 18 Karat Auto Watch
Ebel 1911 8255F41/6235134 18 Karat Auto Watch

Ebel 1911 8255F41/6235134 18 Karat Auto Watch

By Ebel

Located in Miami, FL

Ref 8255F41/6235134. Fine Pre-owned Ebel Watch. Certified preowned Dress Ebel 1911 8255F41/6235134 watch is made out of yellow gold on a Brown Leather strap with a 18k Deploy buckle.

Category

1990s Modern Vintage Ebel Watches

Ebel Classic Wave 12976 Stainless Steel White Dial Quartz Watch
Ebel Classic Wave 12976 Stainless Steel White Dial Quartz Watch

Ebel Classic Wave 12976 Stainless Steel White Dial Quartz Watch

By Ebel

Located in Miami, FL

Wrist size 6 inches. Fine Pre-owned Ebel Watch. Certified preowned Classic Ebel Classic Wave 12976 watch is made out of Gold and steel on a 18k & Stainless Steel bracelet with a Stai...

Category

1990s Modern Vintage Ebel Watches

Ebel 1911 1911 BTR, Certified and Warranty
Ebel 1911 1911 BTR, Certified and Warranty

Ebel 1911 1911 BTR, Certified and Warranty

By Ebel

Located in Miami, FL

Circa 1990s. Fine Pre-owned Ebel Watch. Certified preowned Classic Ebel 1911 1911 watch is made out of Gold and steel on a Gold & Steel Link band with a Stainless Steel Deploy buckle.

Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Ebel Watches

Ebel 1911 8255F41, Case, Certified and Warranty
Ebel 1911 8255F41, Case, Certified and Warranty

Ebel 1911 8255F41, Case, Certified and Warranty

By Ebel

Located in Miami, FL

Ref 8255F41/6235134. Fine Pre-owned Ebel Watch. Certified preowned Dress Ebel 1911 8255F41/6235134 watch is made out of yellow gold on a Brown Leather Strap band with a 18k Deploy bu...

Category

1990s Swiss Vintage Ebel Watches

Ebel 1911 8255F41, White Dial, Certified and Warranty
Ebel 1911 8255F41, White Dial, Certified and Warranty

Ebel 1911 8255F41, White Dial, Certified and Warranty

By Ebel

Located in Miami, FL

Ref 8255F41/6235134. Fine Pre-owned Ebel Watch. Certified preowned Dress Ebel 1911 8255F41/6235134 watch is made out of yellow gold on a Brown Leather Strap band with a 18k Deploy bu...

Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Ebel Watches

Ebel Wave Unknown, White Dial, Certified and Warranty
Ebel Wave Unknown, White Dial, Certified and Warranty

Ebel Wave Unknown, White Dial, Certified and Warranty

By Ebel

Located in Miami, FL

Circa 1990s. Fine Pre-owned Ebel Watch. Certified preowned Classic Ebel Classic Wave 12976 watch is made out of Gold and steel on a Gold & Steel Link band with a Stainless Steel Two ...

Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Ebel Watches

Ebel 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Vintage Ladies Watch
Ebel 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Vintage Ladies Watch

Ebel 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Vintage Ladies Watch

By Ebel

Located in Antwerp, BE

Please take a look at my other pieces of jewellery and watches on 1stdibs

Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

EBEL Yellow Gold Wristwatch
EBEL Yellow Gold Wristwatch

EBEL Yellow Gold Wristwatch

Unavailable

Dm 1.37 in

EBEL Yellow Gold Wristwatch

By Ebel

Located in New York, NY

A 14K yellow gold thin wristwatch from the 1960s. Silvered dial, applied Arabic and baton indexes, inner minutes track, dauphine hands, manual-wind movement.

Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

14k Gold

14k Yellow Gold Vintage Ebel Hand-Winding Watch Brown Leather Band Round Dial
14k Yellow Gold Vintage Ebel Hand-Winding Watch Brown Leather Band Round Dial

14k Yellow Gold Vintage Ebel Hand-Winding Watch Brown Leather Band Round Dial

By Ebel

Located in Sherman Oaks, CA

14k Yellow Gold Vtg Ebel Hand-Winding Watch w/ Brown Leather Band 14k Yellow Gold Case 31 mm in Diameter (33 mm w/ Crown) Lug-to-Lug Distance = 39 mm Thickness = 9 mm Champagne Dia...

Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Ebel Women's Hand-Winding Watch with Leather Band
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ebel Women's Hand-Winding Watch with Leather Band

18 Karat Yellow Gold Ebel Women's Hand-Winding Watch with Leather Band

By Ebel

Located in Sherman Oaks, CA

Movement #78 ETA 2512 Case #878-41 18k Yellow Gold Square Case 21 mm Wide (22 mm w/ Crown) 21 mm Long Lug-to-Lug Width = 15 mm Lug-to-Lug Distance = 28 mm Thickness = 6 mm Gold Dial ...

Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Ebel 1911 Ladies Wristwatch – 18K Yellow Gold  Quartz  Leather Strap  879901
Ebel 1911 Ladies Wristwatch – 18K Yellow Gold  Quartz  Leather Strap  879901

Ebel 1911 Ladies Wristwatch – 18K Yellow Gold Quartz Leather Strap 879901

By Ebel

Located in Berlin, DE

Timeless elegance – the Ebel 1911 ladies’ watch combines luxurious materials with clean lines and subtle sophistication.

Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Ladies Yellow Gold Tubogas Ebel Automatic Bracelet Wristwatch Ref 2527
Bulgari Ladies Yellow Gold Tubogas Ebel Automatic Bracelet Wristwatch Ref 2527

Bulgari Ladies Yellow Gold Tubogas Ebel Automatic Bracelet Wristwatch Ref 2527

By Bulgari

Located in Paris, FR

BULGARI - a lady's Tubogas bracelet watch. Yellow metal case, stamped 18K, 0.750. Reference 2527, serial G.1163-4.

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

18k Gold

1950s Diamond Mesh Gold Ebel Watch Buckle Bracelet
1950s Diamond Mesh Gold Ebel Watch Buckle Bracelet

1950s Diamond Mesh Gold Ebel Watch Buckle Bracelet

Located in Napoli, NA

A unique and beautiful made knitted in 18k yellow gold bracelet, dated circa 1950, it is adorned with Round Brilliant Diamonds of the finest Vvs quality, graded G color total weight ...

Category

1940s Retro Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Ebel Stainless Steel Brown Leather Band Black Dial Quartz Watch 9187241
Ebel Stainless Steel Brown Leather Band Black Dial Quartz Watch 9187241

Ebel Stainless Steel Brown Leather Band Black Dial Quartz Watch 9187241

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Ebel Men's Watch Model: 9187241 Serial: E9187241 This authentic ebel watch is Quartz Stainless Band with extra links, box and papers included Case is 42mm with crown.

Category

20th Century Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ebel Yellow Gold Stainless Steel 640 Chronograph Automatic Wristwatch
Ebel Yellow Gold Stainless Steel 640 Chronograph Automatic Wristwatch

Ebel Yellow Gold Stainless Steel 640 Chronograph Automatic Wristwatch

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Ebel Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Two Tone Gold Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Automatic DIMENSIONS: 42mm X 36mm CIRCA: 1980's ...

Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Ebel Watches

EBEL Swiss 1960 Modernist Wristwatch In 18Kt Gold With Lapis Lazuli
EBEL Swiss 1960 Modernist Wristwatch In 18Kt Gold With Lapis Lazuli

EBEL Swiss 1960 Modernist Wristwatch In 18Kt Gold With Lapis Lazuli

By Ebel

Located in Miami, FL

Retro modernist wristwatch designed by Ebel. Fabulous and very chick wristwatch, created in Switzerland by the Ebel Watch Company, back in the 1960's.

Category

1960s Swiss Modernist Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Paul Breguette Estate 14 Karat Gold and Diamond Tuxedo Watch with Leather Band
Paul Breguette Estate 14 Karat Gold and Diamond Tuxedo Watch with Leather Band

Paul Breguette Estate 14 Karat Gold and Diamond Tuxedo Watch with Leather Band

Located in Birmingham, AL

The name Paul Breguette is a vestige of the EBEL watch company when they wanted to create watches specifically for the American market in the late 1920's.

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Ebel Yellow Gold 1911 Quartz Watch
Ebel Yellow Gold 1911 Quartz Watch

Ebel Yellow Gold 1911 Quartz Watch

By Ebel

Located in Coral Gables, FL

Pre-owned Ebel 1911 quartz watch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold with factory diamond bezel and dial on dual finish gold bracelet with folding clasp.

Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lady's Ebel Sportwave Two Tone Quartz Watch
Lady's Ebel Sportwave Two Tone Quartz Watch

Lady's Ebel Sportwave Two Tone Quartz Watch

By Ebel

Located in Coral Gables, FL

Ebel Sportwave 23mm quartz watch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and steel with champagne dial.

Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ebel Beluga 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Wrist Watch
Ebel Beluga 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Wrist Watch

Ebel Beluga 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Wrist Watch

By Ebel

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Ebel Beluga collection wristwatch in 18k yellow gold with a pave-set diamond bezel. Quartz Movement. Mother-of-pearl dial with diamonds set in place of numerals. Reverse of case mark...

Category

1990s Swiss Modern Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Ebel Beluga 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Watch 866960
Ebel Beluga 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Watch 866960

Ebel Beluga 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Watch 866960

By Ebel

Located in Dallas, TX

Ebel Beluga 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch 866960 - Quartz. 18K Yellow gold ( 24 mm ).

Category

20th Century Swiss Vintage Ebel Watches

Ebel for Watches of Switzerland Manual Wind Calatrava RARE
Ebel for Watches of Switzerland Manual Wind Calatrava RARE

Ebel for Watches of Switzerland Manual Wind Calatrava RARE

By Ebel

Located in New York, NY

This is an ultra rare Ebel Calatrava made for Watches of Switzerland in the 1970's.

Category

1970s Swiss Retro Vintage Ebel Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ebel Chronograph 1911 Men's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Automatic Watch
Ebel Chronograph 1911 Men's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Automatic Watch

Ebel Chronograph 1911 Men's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Automatic Watch

By Ebel

Located in Dallas, TX

Ebel Chronograph 1911 Men's 18k Yellow Gold Automatic Watch - Automatic winding with date. 18k yellow gold case (38 mm).

Category

20th Century Swiss Vintage Ebel Watches

Ebel 1911 Classic Wave 18k Gold Watch Sportwave Bracelet Quartz
Ebel 1911 Classic Wave 18k Gold Watch Sportwave Bracelet Quartz

Ebel 1911 Classic Wave 18k Gold Watch Sportwave Bracelet Quartz

By Ebel

Located in Dallas, TX

Ebel 1911 Classic Wave 18k Gold Watch Sportwave Bracelet Quartz - Quartz. 18k yellow gold case (24mm diameter).

Category

20th Century Swiss Vintage Ebel Watches

Ebel 1911 Chronograph Men's 18K Yellow Gold Watch  Ref. 8134901
Ebel 1911 Chronograph Men's 18K Yellow Gold Watch  Ref. 8134901

Ebel 1911 Chronograph Men's 18K Yellow Gold Watch Ref. 8134901

By Ebel

Located in Dallas, TX

Ebel 1911 Chronograph Men's 18K Yellow Gold Watch Ref. 8134901 - Automatic. 18k yellow gold case with 18K yellow gold bezel (38 mm).

Category

20th Century Swiss Vintage Ebel Watches

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Vintage Ebel Watches For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of vintage ebel watches for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Stainless Steel, these items were constructed with great care. Our inventory is broad and distinctive, with accessories on offer that were made as long ago as the 20th Century to those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Contemporary and Modern are consistently popular styles when it comes to vintage ebel watches. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Ebel, Bulgari and Ebel Beluga are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Browse our collection of 30 Diamond versions today to add the perfect touch to your look. Today, if you’re looking for round cut vintage ebel watches and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and single cut alternatives. If you’re browsing the variety of vintage ebel watches for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.

How Much are Vintage Ebel Watches?

Prices for vintage ebel watches start at $380 and top out at $498,000 with these watches, on average, selling for $3,800.

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.