Waltham Watch Company On Sale
Vintage 1940s American Modern Wrist Watches
Gold Plate
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20th Century Wrist Watches
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s American Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Emerald, Gold-filled, White Gold
1990s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Art Nouveau Wrist Watches
14k Gold
2010s Australian Artist Band Rings
Platinum, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Silver
20th Century European Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold
Vintage 1960s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Contemporary Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Italian Modern Wrist Watches
Diamond, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Steel
Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches
Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Recent Sales
Vintage 1940s Pocket 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.