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Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Hamilton Vintage 1950's Ladies Platinum Diamond Watch
Hamilton Vintage 1950's Ladies Platinum Diamond Watch

Hamilton Vintage 1950's Ladies Platinum Diamond Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Dallas, TX

Hamilton Vintage 1950's Ladies Platinum Diamond Watch - Manual winding.

Category

20th Century Swiss Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Recent Sales

Vintage Hamilton Platinum 4.44ct Round Diamond Ladies Fancy Dress Watch Bracelet
Vintage Hamilton Platinum 4.44ct Round Diamond Ladies Fancy Dress Watch Bracelet

Vintage Hamilton Platinum 4.44ct Round Diamond Ladies Fancy Dress Watch Bracelet

By Hamilton

Located in Montclair, NJ

Here we have a very fancy vintage Hamilton ladies' watch that was mounted in the most elegantly designed case and bracelet, both crafted in solid platinum and are completely covered ...

Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940s Hamilton Ladies Cocktail Watch
Vintage 1940s Hamilton Ladies Cocktail Watch

Vintage 1940s Hamilton Ladies Cocktail Watch

By Hamilton

Located in New York, NY

This elegant vintage 1940s Hamilton ladies cocktail watch captures the refined glamour and delicate craftsmanship of the era.

Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage Hamilton Platinum Round & Baguette 6.70ctw Diamond Hidden Watch Bracelet
Vintage Hamilton Platinum Round & Baguette 6.70ctw Diamond Hidden Watch Bracelet

Vintage Hamilton Platinum Round & Baguette 6.70ctw Diamond Hidden Watch Bracelet

By Hamilton

Located in Montclair, NJ

Here we have a very fancy vintage Hamilton ladies' watch that was mounted in the most elegantly and uniquely designed case and bracelet, both crafted around the 1950's in solid plati...

Category

1950s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Ladies Hamilton 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch
Vintage Ladies Hamilton 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch

Vintage Ladies Hamilton 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Dallas, TX

Vintage Ladies Hamilton 14K Yellow Gold Watch - Manual winding. 14K yellow gold case (14mm x 29mm).

Category

20th Century American Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

1960s Vintage Hamilton Diamond Platinum Ladies Cocktail Watch
1960s Vintage Hamilton Diamond Platinum Ladies Cocktail Watch

1960s Vintage Hamilton Diamond Platinum Ladies Cocktail Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Miami, FL

This Vintage Hamilton Ladie's cocktail is watch crafted in solid Platinum. With an off-white dial & silver-tone hand markers. Manual mechanical winding movement. It with A round diam...

Category

1960s Swiss Retro Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Ladies Vintage Hamilton 14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Watch
Ladies Vintage Hamilton 14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Watch

Ladies Vintage Hamilton 14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Dallas, TX

Ladies Vintage Hamilton 14k White Gold & Diamond Watch - Manual winding. 14k white gold case with diamond bezel with diamond bows on lugs (17 mm diameter).

Category

20th Century Swiss Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Vintage Ladies' Hamilton Platinum 6.95ctw Diamond Fancy Bracelet Dress Watch
Vintage Ladies' Hamilton Platinum 6.95ctw Diamond Fancy Bracelet Dress Watch

Vintage Ladies' Hamilton Platinum 6.95ctw Diamond Fancy Bracelet Dress Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Montclair, NJ

Here we have a gorgeous vintage ladies' Hamilton wrist watch with an elegantly designed solid .900 platinum case and bracelet.

Category

1950s American Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hamilton Manual Wind Ladies Watch
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hamilton Manual Wind Ladies Watch

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hamilton Manual Wind Ladies Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Birmingham, AL

This Gorgeous Vintage Hamilton Watch is made in 14K yellow Gold. It has a 7 inch bracelet and is 15.5 mm wide. It is manual wind and weighs 36.2 grams. Movement # 427284. It has a be...

Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage 14k White Gold Hamilton Ladies Diamond Hidden Watch 2.64cttw - 25.4g
Vintage 14k White Gold Hamilton Ladies Diamond Hidden Watch 2.64cttw - 25.4g

Vintage 14k White Gold Hamilton Ladies Diamond Hidden Watch 2.64cttw - 25.4g

By Hamilton

Located in Providence, RI

This elegant ladies' Hamilton wristwatch blends luxury with vintage charm.

Category

20th Century Unknown Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Ladies Hamilton Wristwatch 7.79ctw Fine Diamond Platinum Case Bracelet
Vintage Ladies Hamilton Wristwatch 7.79ctw Fine Diamond Platinum Case Bracelet

Vintage Ladies Hamilton Wristwatch 7.79ctw Fine Diamond Platinum Case Bracelet

By Hamilton

Located in Montclair, NJ

Clasp: Push Clasp w/ Fold-Under Safety Latch and 3.0" Safety Chain Width: 16mm including crown - 14.2mm case size - 4.42mm at the bracelet's square links Thickness: 8.66mm Movement S...

Category

1950s American Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Hamilton Platinum 0.45ctw Diamond Fancy Ladies Dress Wrist Watch
Vintage Hamilton Platinum 0.45ctw Diamond Fancy Ladies Dress Wrist Watch

Vintage Hamilton Platinum 0.45ctw Diamond Fancy Ladies Dress Wrist Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Montclair, NJ

Here we have an elegant and classic vintage Hamilton ladies' watch mounted in a solid platinum case that is covered with approximately 0.45 carats of fine quality diamonds.

Category

1940s American Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Hamilton Platinum 1.50ct Round Diamond Ladies Fancy Dress Watch Bracelet
Vintage Hamilton Platinum 1.50ct Round Diamond Ladies Fancy Dress Watch Bracelet

Vintage Hamilton Platinum 1.50ct Round Diamond Ladies Fancy Dress Watch Bracelet

By Hamilton

Located in Montclair, NJ

Here we have a fancy vintage Hamilton ladies' watch crafted in solid platinum and is covered throughout with approximately 2 carats of fine quality diamonds.

Category

1940s Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Antique Diamond Hamilton Platinum Ladies Watch
Vintage Antique Diamond Hamilton Platinum Ladies Watch

Vintage Antique Diamond Hamilton Platinum Ladies Watch

By Croton

Located in Addison, TX

A Vintage Hamilton wind-up ladies watch set with beautiful round cut diamonds in a luxury style.

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Hamilton 2.4CTW Diamond Watch. Vintage Ladies Hamilton Platinum and 14k WG.
Hamilton 2.4CTW Diamond Watch. Vintage Ladies Hamilton Platinum and 14k WG.

Hamilton 2.4CTW Diamond Watch. Vintage Ladies Hamilton Platinum and 14k WG.

By Hamilton

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Stunning watch piece. Hamilton fully mechanical wristwatch. PLATINUM Case with 14k White Gold Bracelet Condition: Watch winds up and ticks. Needs daily winding. Details: 18.4 gram...

Category

1940s Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Hamilton Ladies Diamond Watch 14 Karat. 1.00 Carat Diamonds
Vintage Hamilton Ladies Diamond Watch 14 Karat. 1.00 Carat Diamonds

Vintage Hamilton Ladies Diamond Watch 14 Karat. 1.00 Carat Diamonds

By Omega

Located in New York, NY

Hamilton Ladies Vintage Watch Circa 1960's High grade Swiss Quartz Movement. 1.00ct. natural round diamonds H-color / Vs-2 clarity Working Order. 6.5 inch / wearable l...

Category

20th Century American Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hamilton Manual Wind Ladies Watch
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hamilton Manual Wind Ladies Watch

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hamilton Manual Wind Ladies Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Birmingham, AL

This Gorgeous Vintage Hamilton Watch is made in 14K yellow Gold. It has a 7 inch bracelet and is 15.5 mm wide. It is manual wind and weighs 36.2 grams. Movement # 427284. It has a be...

Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

14k Gold

Ladies Hamilton Case Gold-Plated Watch, Model 26035-4, Working, Vintage
Ladies Hamilton Case Gold-Plated Watch, Model 26035-4, Working, Vintage

Ladies Hamilton Case Gold-Plated Watch, Model 26035-4, Working, Vintage

By Hamilton

Located in San Diego, CA

Vintage Ladies Hamilton 24mm Case Gold Plated Watch, Wind Movement Watch, Working, Model 26035-4, 1980's, Round White Face, Black Numerals, Gold, 5 inch bracelet, 10kt gold plated br...

Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage Hamilton 10 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Wrist Watch with Rope Bracelet
Vintage Hamilton 10 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Wrist Watch with Rope Bracelet

Vintage Hamilton 10 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Wrist Watch with Rope Bracelet

By Hamilton

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

Understated 1950s fashion , enjoy this ten karat 10K Yellow Gold Ladies Hamilton 750 Vintage Watch. Delicate features along with antique imperfections make this a charming piece.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum & Diamond Mid Century Ladies Hamilton Wrist Watch
Platinum & Diamond Mid Century Ladies Hamilton Wrist Watch

Platinum & Diamond Mid Century Ladies Hamilton Wrist Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Boston, MA

Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A vintage ladies Hamilton wrist watch crafted from Platinum.

Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Hamilton Swiss Made Registered Edition Ladies Watch Model 6208
Hamilton Swiss Made Registered Edition Ladies Watch Model 6208

Hamilton Swiss Made Registered Edition Ladies Watch Model 6208

By Hamilton

Located in San Diego, CA

Vintage Hamilton registered edition 6208 ladies watch in clean condition.

Category

1980s Contemporary Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage Hamilton Platinum and Diamond Ladies Watch
Vintage Hamilton Platinum and Diamond Ladies Watch

Vintage Hamilton Platinum and Diamond Ladies Watch

By Hamilton

Located in New York, NY

Elegant vintage ladies Hamilton watch crafted in platinum and set with approximately 5 carats of round brilliant, fancy, and single-cut diamonds (G-H color, VS clarity).

Category

1950s Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Platinum Hamilton 3 Carats Diamond Ladies Cocktail Watch
Vintage Platinum Hamilton 3 Carats Diamond Ladies Cocktail Watch

Vintage Platinum Hamilton 3 Carats Diamond Ladies Cocktail Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Platinum Ladies Hamilton Diamond Cocktail Watch Circa 1940s Details: Designed in the refined elegance of the 1940s, the case and bracelet shimmer with approximately 3 carats ...

Category

1940s Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 14K Gold Hamilton 2 Carats Diamond Ladies Watch
Vintage 14K Gold Hamilton 2 Carats Diamond Ladies Watch

Vintage 14K Gold Hamilton 2 Carats Diamond Ladies Watch

By Hamilton

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage 14K Gold Hamilton Diamond Wristwatch Circa 1950s A glamorous mid-century timepiece by Hamilton. Details Maker: Hamilton Material: 14K white gold ~2.00 carats total weight, r...

Category

1950s Modern Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

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Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cluster Necklace
Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cluster Necklace

Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cluster Necklace

Located in London, GB

A Victorian natural pearl and diamond necklace, the twelve graduated cluster motifs each centred with natural bouton pearls measuring from 5.6 mm to 9 mm, within a surround of old br...

Category

1880s Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Vintage Omega Diamond Quartz Watch in 14K Yellow Gold with Bark-Textured
Vintage Omega Diamond Quartz Watch in 14K Yellow Gold with Bark-Textured

Vintage Omega Diamond Quartz Watch in 14K Yellow Gold with Bark-Textured

By Omega

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Elegant and distinctive, this vintage Omega ladies' quartz wristwatch is crafted in solid 14 karat yellow gold and showcases Omega's timeless commitment to luxury and precision. The ...

Category

1970s Art Deco Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Gubelin 14mm Watch 18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Link Bracelet
Vintage Gubelin 14mm Watch 18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Link Bracelet

Vintage Gubelin 14mm Watch 18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Link Bracelet

By Gubelin

Located in Montclair, NJ

This stunning vintage ladies' Gubelin wrist watch features a 14mm solid 18k yellow gold square shaped case that is hidden under a unique diamond encrusted case cover. The beautiful b...

Category

20th Century Swiss Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Georgian Boxed Woven Pearl Starburst Tiara, Circa 1780
Georgian Boxed Woven Pearl Starburst Tiara, Circa 1780

Georgian Boxed Woven Pearl Starburst Tiara, Circa 1780

Located in Altrincham, GB

A spectacular Georgian tiara, gorgeously crafted and fitted in a royal blue velvet box. Its composed of countless natural and seed pearls, I can't imagine you could count them all- a...

Category

1780s English Georgian Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Pearl, Base Metal

Fendi Vintage Mama Baguette Circa 1999 Brown Crocodile Shoulder Bag
Fendi Vintage Mama Baguette Circa 1999 Brown Crocodile Shoulder Bag

Fendi Vintage Mama Baguette Circa 1999 Brown Crocodile Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in London, GB

Rare vintage Fendi Mama Baguette crafted in glossy brown crocodile leather with gold-tone FF hardware. An iconic early 2000s shoulder bag and highly collectible Y2K investment piece....

Category

1990s Italian Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Gold Floral Embellished Evening Bag Purse Clutch
BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Gold Floral Embellished Evening Bag Purse Clutch

BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Gold Floral Embellished Evening Bag Purse Clutch

By Badgley Mischka

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Badgley Mischka Vintage Gold hardware Floral embellished pattern Envelope style Excellent Condition, oxidation on the chain Measurements in inches laying flat: length 9, height 5 (4 ...

Category

1990s Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Pigeon's Blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace/Tiara, circa 1915
Pigeon's Blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace/Tiara, circa 1915

Pigeon's Blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace/Tiara, circa 1915

Located in London, GB

Pigeon's blood Burmese ruby and diamond necklace/tiara. Set to the centre with twenty six oval old cut natural unenhanced Pigeon's blood Burmese rubies in open back claw settings, ra...

Category

1910s Unknown Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum

Antique Fernch Floral  Diamond Platinum Wedding Tiara
Antique Fernch Floral  Diamond Platinum Wedding Tiara

Antique Fernch Floral Diamond Platinum Wedding Tiara

Located in Miami, FL

Antique French Floral Design Platinum Diamond Tiara with Detachable Brooch This magnificent French tiara, crafted in luxurious platinum, is a masterpiece of elegance and refinement....

Category

1940s French Retro Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

PATEK PHILIPPE – Ref. 3355/8, Lady’s Vintage Haute Joaillerie Dress Watch, 18K
PATEK PHILIPPE – Ref. 3355/8, Lady’s Vintage Haute Joaillerie Dress Watch, 18K

PATEK PHILIPPE – Ref. 3355/8, Lady’s Vintage Haute Joaillerie Dress Watch, 18K

By Patek Philippe

Located in Antwerp, BE

PATEK PHILIPPE – Ref. 3355/8, Lady’s Vintage Haute Joaillerie Dress Watch, 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond-Set Bezel with Integrated Mesh Bracelet, Manual-Wind Movement, Circa 1970s Ove...

Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Platinum Diamond Ladies Wrist Watch
Vintage Platinum Diamond Ladies Wrist Watch

Vintage Platinum Diamond Ladies Wrist Watch

Located in Montgomery, AL

We always love these vintage watches! Watch Details Material: Platinum Era: 1930 - 1950 Head Width: 14.4mm Weight With Movement: 16.8 Grams Movement Type: Mechanical; Manual Wind Br...

Category

1950s Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940 Cresarrow Vintage Art Deco Ladies Watch - Palladium, Diamonds & Aquamarines
1940 Cresarrow Vintage Art Deco Ladies Watch - Palladium, Diamonds & Aquamarines

1940 Cresarrow Vintage Art Deco Ladies Watch - Palladium, Diamonds & Aquamarines

By Cresarrow

Located in Suwanee, GA

NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...

Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Palladium

Diamond Tiara by J.E. Caldwell
Diamond Tiara by J.E. Caldwell

Diamond Tiara by J.E. Caldwell

By J.E. Caldwell & Co.

Located in New York, NY

this breathtaking tiara is a vision of elegance and refinement. Crafted in 18K white gold and platinum, it features an intricate lattice-like design adorned with shimmering rose-cut ...

Category

Early 1900s American Belle Époque Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

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Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vacheron Constantin Chaumet Double Signed 18K Diamond Tonneau  Manual Wind
Vacheron Constantin Chaumet Double Signed 18K Diamond Tonneau  Manual Wind

Vacheron Constantin Chaumet Double Signed 18K Diamond Tonneau Manual Wind

By Vacheron Constantin

Located in PARIS, FR

VACHERON & CONSTANTIN Jewellery Watch for Chaumet Paris – 18K Yellow Gold – Diamond Set – Circa 1980 Produced by Vacheron & Constantin for Chaumet Paris around 1980, this el...

Category

1980s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

A late Victorian diamond-set tiara
A late Victorian diamond-set tiara

A late Victorian diamond-set tiara

$109,731

H 1.97 in W 5.12 in

A late Victorian diamond-set tiara

Located in London, GB

A late Victorian diamond-set tiara, the five openwork foliate garland design sections graduating in size from the centre, each featuring three old-European cut diamonds within a pear...

Category

1890s Unknown Late Victorian Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Bucherer 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch
Bucherer 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch

Bucherer 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch

By Bucherer

Located in Stamford, CT

This elegant 1990's Bucherer ladies wristwatch is crafted in luxurious 18k yellow gold, showcasing the timeless sophistication and fine Swiss craftsmanship for which the renowned jew...

Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

A turn of the 20th century diamond-set fringe tiara
A turn of the 20th century diamond-set fringe tiara

A turn of the 20th century diamond-set fringe tiara

Located in London, GB

A turn of the 20th century diamond-set fringe tiara, the base consisting of interlocking openwork geometric scroll sections set with small old-cut diamonds estimated to weigh 3¼ cara...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage hamilton ladies watch for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, Platinum and 14k Gold — can elevate any look. You’re likely to find the perfect vintage hamilton ladies watch among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic vintage hamilton ladies watch over the years, but those made by Hamilton, Croton and Omega are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Take a look at a vintage hamilton ladies watch featuring Diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes alternatives.

How Much is a Vintage Hamilton Ladies Watch?

The price for a vintage hamilton ladies watch starts at $280 and tops out at $5,998 with these watches, on average, selling for $1,800.

Hamilton for sale on 1stDibs

In an era when the safety of America’s bustling railroads absolutely depended on accurate timepieces for its conductors, watchmaker Hamilton pioneered cutting-edge, impossibly precise watches in a complex that spanned one square city block of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, during the late 19th century.

As railroad tracks were laid across the United States and steam locomotives began traversing vast distances, the American railroad system ran into a problem. Back then, time was not standardized across the country. Therefore, in 1883, the railroad companies established the four time zones as we know them today. But, despite setting these zones, train conductors were not always synchronized, leading to deadly accidents on the railroads.

Enter watchmaker Hamilton, founded in 1892. Railway workers would be required to wear a pocket watch, as the timepieces were responsible for keeping conductors on schedule, and the watchmaking industry — and early American pocket-watch manufacturers such as Hamilton, Elgin National Watch Company and the Waltham Watch Company — benefitted.

Hamilton’s pocket watches were extremely alluring to train conductors, who began buying them en masse. The East Coast company’s timepieces eventually earned the moniker “The Watch of Railroad Accuracy.”

Hamilton transitioned from pocket watches to wristwatches in 1914, as it supplied timepieces to American troops fighting in World War I. Wristwatches, naturally, were more convenient to wear and use in battle. The new style of watch was also appealing to aviators, and Hamilton aeronautical watches became all the rage among pilots, specifically those flying for the new U.S. Airmail service.

The general public’s interest in Hamilton watches grew rapidly in the 1920s. Legendary polar explorer Admiral Richard E. Byrd timed his historic flights over glaciers and chunks of sea ice with a Hamilton pocket watch in the late 1920s, and a Hamilton timepiece used by Byrd during these expeditions went on display in 2018 at the National Watch & Clock Museum.

Hamilton’s Piping Rock watch, an Art Deco–inspired design that featured elegant Roman numerals set in black for the hour markers, made its debut in 1928 and was gifted to the New York Yankees to celebrate their World Series win that year. The model was also featured in the film Shanghai Express alongside the brand’s Flintridge watch, further expanding Hamilton’s popularity. (Hamilton watches can also be seen in the films The Frogmen, Blue Hawaii, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Men in Black.)

In the second half of the 20th century, Hamilton became well known for several innovations: It developed the first-ever battery-operated electric watch, the Ventura, in 1957, as well as the first-ever digital wristwatch, the Hamilton Pulsar Time Computer, in 1970. Three years later, superspy and watch enthusiast James Bond donned a Pulsar in Live and Let Die.

Today, the company is part of the Swatch Group, and its headquarters and production facilities relocated from Pennsylvania to Switzerland in 2003.

Find vintage Hamilton watches for sale on 1stDibs.

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.