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Watch 1957

1957 Vacheron & Constantin 18K Gold Manual Wind Art Deco Watch
1957 Vacheron & Constantin 18K Gold Manual Wind Art Deco Watch

1957 Vacheron & Constantin 18K Gold Manual Wind Art Deco Watch

Located in Palm Desert, CA

This vintage 1957 Vacheron & Constantin men’s manual wind watch is crafted in 18K yellow gold and remains in excellent condition.

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel & Rose Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1957 Original Dial
Rolex Stainless Steel & Rose Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1957 Original Dial

Rolex Stainless Steel & Rose Gold Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1957 Original Dial

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 4389 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel & Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1957 Omega Seamaster Stainless Steel Automatic Watch Ref. 2635-10SC
Vintage 1957 Omega Seamaster Stainless Steel Automatic Watch Ref. 2635-10SC

Vintage 1957 Omega Seamaster Stainless Steel Automatic Watch Ref. 2635-10SC

By Omega

Located in New York, NY

A classic mid-century Omega Seamaster that captures the understated elegance of 1950s design. The stainless steel case is paired with a beautifully textured silver dial, giving it ad...

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stanless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Dial from 1957
Rolex Stanless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Dial from 1957

Rolex Stanless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Dial from 1957

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual .Date / Reference 6534 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual from 1957 with Original Patinated Dial
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual from 1957 with Original Patinated Dial

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual from 1957 with Original Patinated Dial

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamet...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Original Oyster Bracelet and Sub Seconds from 1957
Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Original Oyster Bracelet and Sub Seconds from 1957

Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Original Oyster Bracelet and Sub Seconds from 1957

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6504 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 / 58 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 31mm X D...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Rare Datejust Reference 6605 with Original Dial from 1957
Rolex Stainless Steel Rare Datejust Reference 6605 with Original Dial from 1957

Rolex Stainless Steel Rare Datejust Reference 6605 with Original Dial from 1957

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6605 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 / 58 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

TAG Heuer Targa Florio Fangio Limited Edition (1957 Pieces) Ref CX2113. c2003
TAG Heuer Targa Florio Fangio Limited Edition (1957 Pieces) Ref CX2113. c2003

TAG Heuer Targa Florio Fangio Limited Edition (1957 Pieces) Ref CX2113. c2003

By TAG Heuer

Located in Canterbury, England

Our Neo vintage and rare TAG Heuer Targa Florio Fangio edition, reference CX2113 with automatic movement and date , is a limited edition to only 1957 pieces, produced to commemorate ...

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Hamilton Khaki Navy Sub Automatic Chronograph Men's Watch, 42mm, Swiss
Hamilton Khaki Navy Sub Automatic Chronograph Men's Watch, 42mm, Swiss

Hamilton Khaki Navy Sub Automatic Chronograph Men's Watch, 42mm, Swiss

By Hamilton

Located in Braintree, GB

Hamilton continued to develop after the war, creating the world's first electric watch in 1957 and the first digital watch in 1970.

Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Piaget Yellow Gold Asymmetrical Hobnail Bezel Dress Watch circa 1970's
Piaget Yellow Gold Asymmetrical Hobnail Bezel Dress Watch circa 1970's

Piaget Yellow Gold Asymmetrical Hobnail Bezel Dress Watch circa 1970's

By Piaget

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Piaget Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Moderne "Hobnail" bezel METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Vintage 1993 Rolex Lady Datejust 69173 Two-Tone Champagne Tapestry Auto 26mm
Vintage 1993 Rolex Lady Datejust 69173 Two-Tone Champagne Tapestry Auto 26mm

Vintage 1993 Rolex Lady Datejust 69173 Two-Tone Champagne Tapestry Auto 26mm

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

A Classic Design With Added Depth The Rolex Lady-Datejust is a cornerstone of the brand's catalog, establishing the standard for a woman's luxury watch since its debut in 1957. This...

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Omega Seamaster 300 – Vintage – Early 1960s – Honest Original Example
Omega Seamaster 300 – Vintage – Early 1960s – Honest Original Example

Omega Seamaster 300 – Vintage – Early 1960s – Honest Original Example

By Omega

Located in London, GB

Our View The Seamaster 300 is one of Omega’s most historically important dive watches, introduced in 1957 for professional use.

Category

Vintage 1960s British Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Omega Vintage ladies wristwatch display box, 1960's
Omega Vintage ladies wristwatch display box, 1960's

Omega Vintage ladies wristwatch display box, 1960's

Located in Braintree, GB

Omega's innovations continued, including becoming the official timekeeper of the Olympics in 1932 and creating iconic watches like the Speedmaster in 1957. Omega's legacy extends bey...

Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern Boxes and Cases

Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Original Oyster Bracelet and Sub Seconds circa 1957
Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Original Oyster Bracelet and Sub Seconds circa 1957

Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Original Oyster Bracelet and Sub Seconds circa 1957

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6504 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 / 58 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 31mm X D...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Recent Sales

Vintage IWC Stainless Steel Watch, 1957
Vintage IWC Stainless Steel Watch, 1957

Vintage IWC Stainless Steel Watch, 1957

By IWC

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1957 Vintage International Watch Company (IWC) Automatic Cal. 852 Stainless Steel watch with Silver Dial with Applied Beveled Arrow Markers. 35mm x 42mm lug to lug (1.38 in. x 1.65 i...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Omega Stainless Steel Watch, 1957
Vintage Omega Stainless Steel Watch, 1957

Vintage Omega Stainless Steel Watch, 1957

By Omega

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1957 Vintage Omega Seamaster Ref. 2937-3 Stainless Steel watch with Two Tone Custom Bull's Eye Silver and Black Dial with Painted Arabic Numbers. 36mm x 41mm lug to lug (1.42 in. x 1...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6085 in Stainless Steel, 1957
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6085 in Stainless Steel, 1957

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6085 in Stainless Steel, 1957

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1957 Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6085 Stainless Steel watch with Machined Bezel with Original Silver Dial with Applied Gold Beveled Elongated Arrow Markers with Original Stai...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex GMT-Master 6542 "Pepsi" Red & Blue Bakelite Bezel 38mm 1957
Vintage Rolex GMT-Master 6542 "Pepsi" Red & Blue Bakelite Bezel 38mm 1957

Vintage Rolex GMT-Master 6542 "Pepsi" Red & Blue Bakelite Bezel 38mm 1957

By Rolex

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Vintage Rolex GMT-Master 1675 "Pepsi" Red & Blue Bakelite Bezel Stainles Steel 38mm #6542 1957 This vintage watch is in great condition and comes with a one year warranty.

Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe 2526J 1st Automatic Calatrava Watch circa 1956 "Hausmann" Rome
Patek Philippe 2526J 1st Automatic Calatrava Watch circa 1956 "Hausmann" Rome

Patek Philippe 2526J 1st Automatic Calatrava Watch circa 1956 "Hausmann" Rome

By Patek Philippe

Located in Santa Monica, CA

A must for any serious collector. The back of the watch is engraved with provenance dated Feb. 15, 1957 Date & Paperwork: The watch was made in 1956-1957, Additionally, the watch...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Unworn Breitling Superocean Reference# AB2010161C1S1, Complete set, 2024
Unworn Breitling Superocean Reference# AB2010161C1S1, Complete set, 2024

Unworn Breitling Superocean Reference# AB2010161C1S1, Complete set, 2024

By Breitling

Located in New York, NY

Featuring a 42mm stainless steel case with a striking gun-blue sunray dial, this timepiece revives the spirit of Breitling’s original 1957 dive watches while incorporating cutting-ed...

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Unworn Breitling Superocean Reference# AB2030121B1A1, Complete set, 2024
Unworn Breitling Superocean Reference# AB2030121B1A1, Complete set, 2024

Unworn Breitling Superocean Reference# AB2030121B1A1, Complete set, 2024

By Breitling

Located in New York, NY

The Superocean Heritage B20 Automatic 44 is a modern tribute to Breitling’s legendary 1957 dive watch. Its 44mm stainless steel case paired with a black ceramic unidirectional bezel ...

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Unworn Breitling Superocean Reference# UB2010121B1S1, Complete set, 2024
Unworn Breitling Superocean Reference# UB2010121B1S1, Complete set, 2024

Unworn Breitling Superocean Reference# UB2010121B1S1, Complete set, 2024

By Breitling

Located in New York, NY

Its striking two-tone construction—polished stainless steel paired with a luxurious 18k red gold bezel—is elevated further by a scratch-resistant black ceramic bezel insert, offering...

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe 2595J Vintage Extra Thin Calatrava Retailed by Gueblin circa
Patek Philippe 2595J Vintage Extra Thin Calatrava Retailed by Gueblin circa

Patek Philippe 2595J Vintage Extra Thin Calatrava Retailed by Gueblin circa

By Patek Philippe

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Patek Philippe 2595J Vintage Calatrava, Retailed by Gueblin in Zurich. The watch is made in 18K Yellow Gold and measures 32mm in diameter, and was made in the late 1950's approximat...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Upcycled Longines 14k white gold and diamond & quartz briolette earrings by G&GS
Upcycled Longines 14k white gold and diamond & quartz briolette earrings by G&GS

Upcycled Longines 14k white gold and diamond & quartz briolette earrings by G&GS

By Glitter and Gold Studio

Located in Seattle, WA

The base for this glitzy little earring set was a brand new, never worn 14k white gold and diamond Longines brand watch, circa 1957 that came from a friend to Mary Elizabeth, of Glit...

Category

2010s North American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, White Gold

Vintage Universal Geneve Polerouter Stainless Steel Watch, 1957
Vintage Universal Geneve Polerouter Stainless Steel Watch, 1957

Vintage Universal Geneve Polerouter Stainless Steel Watch, 1957

By Universal Genève

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1957 Vintage Universal Geneve Polerouter Ref. 20360-2 Stainless Steel watch with Silver Dial with Steel Outer Internal Bezel with Rectangle Markers. 35mm x 43mm lug to lug (1.38 in. ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

1957 IWC Vintage Mens Cal. 89 Dress Watch - Platinum
1957 IWC Vintage Mens Cal. 89 Dress Watch - Platinum

1957 IWC Vintage Mens Cal. 89 Dress Watch - Platinum

By IWC

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

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

1957 IWC Vintage Mens Cal. 89 Dress Watch - Platinum
1957 IWC Vintage Mens Cal. 89 Dress Watch - Platinum

1957 IWC Vintage Mens Cal. 89 Dress Watch - Platinum

By IWC

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

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

1957 IWC Vintage Mens Watch, Cal. 852 Automatic - Stainless Steel
1957 IWC Vintage Mens Watch, Cal. 852 Automatic - Stainless Steel

1957 IWC Vintage Mens Watch, Cal. 852 Automatic - Stainless Steel

By IWC

Located in Suwanee, GA

1957 IWC Vintage Mens Watch, Cal. 852 Automatic - Stainless Steel Gorgeous Restored Condition - Movement Used in the Ingenieur - 1 Year Warranty The very fine and meticulously rest...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1957 Patek Philippe Vintage Mens Midsize Cushion Hourglass Watch, Ref. 2413
1957 Patek Philippe Vintage Mens Midsize Cushion Hourglass Watch, Ref. 2413

1957 Patek Philippe Vintage Mens Midsize Cushion Hourglass Watch, Ref. 2413

By Patek Philippe

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 1st...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Omega Speedmaster 1957 Broad Arrow 321.12.42.50.02.001 Men's Watch
Omega Speedmaster 1957 Broad Arrow 321.12.42.50.02.001 Men's Watch

Omega Speedmaster 1957 Broad Arrow 321.12.42.50.02.001 Men's Watch

By Omega

Located in Great Neck, NY

Omega Speedmaster 321.12.42.50.02.001 men's watch. 42MM stainless steel case with stationary tachymeter bezel. White dial with luminous blue hands and blue index hour marker. Subdial...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking with Custom Finished Dial from 1957
Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking with Custom Finished Dial from 1957

Rolex Stainless Steel Speedking with Custom Finished Dial from 1957

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Speedking / Reference 6420 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Diameter 30mm...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

1957 Rolex GMT-Master 6542 Swiss T< 25 Service Dial
1957 Rolex GMT-Master 6542 Swiss T< 25 Service Dial

1957 Rolex GMT-Master 6542 Swiss T< 25 Service Dial

By Rolex

Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT

Beautiful Rolex Gmt Master ref. 6542 Anno 1957 Serial n. 32**04 Rolex service dial (probably of mid 60's) - Swiss T

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Omega Speedmaster 1957 321.10.42.50.01.001
Omega Speedmaster 1957 321.10.42.50.01.001

Omega Speedmaster 1957 321.10.42.50.01.001

By Omega

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Ref: W4789 Manufacturer: Omega Model: Speedmaster Model Ref: 321.10.42.50.01.001 Age: 1st April 2004 Gender: Mens Complete With: Box, Manuals & Guarantee Dial: Black Baton Glass: Sap...

Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Rolex Rose Gold Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6611, 1957
Rolex Rose Gold Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6611, 1957

Rolex Rose Gold Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6611, 1957

By Rolex

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Ref: W4208 Model Number: 6611 Serial Number: 261*** Condition: 9 - Excellent condition Age: 1957 Case Diameter: 36 mm Case size: 36mm Box and Papers: Box Only Movement: Automatic Cas...

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

1957 Jaeger-LeCoultre Vacheron & Constantin Diamond Mystery Dial, 14K White Gold
1957 Jaeger-LeCoultre Vacheron & Constantin Diamond Mystery Dial, 14K White Gold

1957 Jaeger-LeCoultre Vacheron & Constantin Diamond Mystery Dial, 14K White Gold

By Jaeger-LeCoultre

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

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel with Custom Finished Rolex Style Romabic Dial from 1957
Rolex Stainless Steel with Custom Finished Rolex Style Romabic Dial from 1957

Rolex Stainless Steel with Custom Finished Rolex Style Romabic Dial from 1957

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 6534 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Date with Custom Tiffany Blue Dial from 1957
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Date with Custom Tiffany Blue Dial from 1957

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Date with Custom Tiffany Blue Dial from 1957

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Date METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CAL...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual  Ovettone Wristwatch Ref 6105 circa 1957
Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual  Ovettone Wristwatch Ref 6105 circa 1957

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Ovettone Wristwatch Ref 6105 circa 1957

By Rolex

Located in Stamford, CT

"We are not affiliated with any of the fine manufacturers who’s watches we sell except Suchy Watches. We are not affiliated with Rolex Watch Company Ltd., Rolex Watch USA Inc. or any...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Seamaster Railmaster, Trilogy 1957. Limited Edition (3557). Full Set, 2018
Omega Seamaster Railmaster, Trilogy 1957. Limited Edition (3557). Full Set, 2018

Omega Seamaster Railmaster, Trilogy 1957. Limited Edition (3557). Full Set, 2018

By Omega

Located in Canterbury, England

This is a very versatile sports/ dress watch (especially with the option of easy strap change) and equally would make a worthy addition to any serious watch collection.

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Rolex Day Date 18238 President String Diamond Dial Vintage Men's Watch Box
Rolex Day Date 18238 President String Diamond Dial Vintage Men's Watch Box

Rolex Day Date 18238 President String Diamond Dial Vintage Men's Watch Box

By Rolex

Located in Great Neck, NY

Automatic self winding movement. This watch comes with original Box & Papers. Circa: 1957 This watch backed by our two year warranty.

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

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Watch 1957 For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact watch 1957 you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of 18k Gold, Gold and Stainless Steel, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 26 antique edition and 5 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect watch 1957 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 21st Century. Finding an appealing watch 1957 — no matter the origin — is easy, but Rolex, Omega and Patek Philippe each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Finding a watch 1957 for sale for men should be easy, but there are 10 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as women, too.

How Much is a Watch 1957?

The price for a watch 1957 starts at $2,250 and tops out at $24,900 with these watches, on average, selling for $4,800.

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.