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Modern Pocket Watches

MODERN STYLE

Rooted in centuries of history of adornment dating back to the ancient world, modern jewelry reimagines traditional techniques, forms and materials for expressive new pieces. As opposed to contemporary jewelry, which responds to the moment in which it was created, modern jewelry often describes designs from the 20th to 21st centuries that reflect movements and trends in visual culture.

Modern jewelry emerged from the 19th-century shift away from jewelry indicating rank or social status. The Industrial Revolution allowed machine-made jewelry using electric gold plating, metal alloys and imitation stones, making beautiful jewelry widely accessible. Although mass production deemphasized the materials of the jewelry, the vision of the designer remained important, something that would be furthered in the 1960s with what’s known as the “critique of preciousness.”

A design fair called the “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes” brought global attention to the Art Deco style in 1925 and gathered a mix of jewelry artists alongside master jewelers like Van Cleef & Arpels, Mauboussin and Boucheron. Art Deco designs from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels unconventionally mixed gemstones like placing rock crystals next to diamonds while borrowing motifs from eclectic sources including Asian lacquer and Persian carpets. Among Cartier’s foremost design preoccupations at the time were high-contrast color combinations and crisp, geometric forms and patterns. In the early 20th century, modernist jewelers like Margaret De Patta and artists such as Alexander Calder — who is better known for his kinetic sculptures than his provocative jewelry — explored sculptural metalwork in which geometric shapes and lines were preferred over elaborate ornamentation.

Many of the innovations in modern jewelry were propelled by women designers such as Wendy Ramshaw, who used paper to craft her accessories in the 1960s. During the 1970s, Elsa Peretti created day-to-night pieces for Tiffany & Co. while designers like Lea Stein experimented with layering plastic, a material that had been employed in jewelry since the mid-19th century and had expanded into Bakelite, acrylics and other unique materials.

Find a collection of modern watches, bracelets, engagement rings, necklaces, earrings and other jewelry on 1stDibs.

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Style: Modern
Ladies Rado Diastar Swiss Watch Round Case Scratch Resistant, Rare Serviced 90s
By RADO
Located in San Diego, CA
Ladies Rado Diastar Swiss Watch Round Case Scratch Resistant, Rare Serviced, 1990s - Battery Operated. For sale is a ladies’ Rado Diastar Swiss watc...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Money Clip
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: Tiffany & Co. Style: Money Clip Metal: 925 sterling silver Measurements: 1.25" x 1.10" Total Weight: 17 Grams Stamped: "925" "Tiffany & Co." "Elsa P...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Elgin 52mm 1906 Pocket Watch, 17 Jewel Serviced 30-Day Warranty, Serial 12195791
Located in San Diego, CA
This stunning 1906 53mm Elgin pocket watch features a white face and is crafted with precision and elegance. Weighing 95.9 grams, this silver-colored watch is not only visually appealing but also designed to stand the test of time. With a diameter of 52mm and a thickness of 14mm, this pocket watch is the perfect size for carrying. The plexiglass crystal is very clean, adding to its allure. Rest assured, this watch has been fully serviced, including a complete clean and overhaul, ensuring it is in optimal working condition. It comes with a 30-day warranty for added peace of mind. While it is a vintage watch and may not keep time with the precision of a brand-new model, it is consistently accurate. The watch features a 17-jewel movement and bears the name of the esteemed Elgin National Watch Company. Its serial number, 12195791, confirms its authenticity and enhances its collectibility. Although there is a tiny hairline near the 7 on the face, it does not detract from the overall beauty of this timepiece. For any watch collector, this Elgin pocket watch is a must-have. Its classic style and impeccable craftsmanship make it a true gem in any collection. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. **Pocket Watch Database Information:** - Manufacturer: Elgin - Manufacturer Location: Elgin, Illinois - Movement Serial Number: 12195791 - Grade: 339 - Model: 6 - Class: 107 - Estimated Production Year: 1906 - Run Quantity: 3,000 - Grade/Model Run: 7 of 38 - Grade/Model Total Production: 50,500 - Variant Estimated Production: 49,500 (16S-M6-17J-HNP) - Size: 16s - Jewels: 17j - Jewel Setting: Screw-Set - Movement Configuration: Hunting - Movement Finish: Nickel - Movement Setting: Pendant - Plate: Bridge Plate - Barrel: Going - Balance Type: Expansion - Train: Quick - Regulator: Moseley - Hairspring: Breguet - Standard Dial Type: Single-Sunk - Adjusted: No - Railroad Grade: No **About Rock N Gold Creations:** Rock N Gold Creations is a reputable and long-standing jewelry...
Category

Early 1900s North American Antique Modern Pocket Watches

Longines Dolce Vita Tank Watch, Quartz, Model 7753, Stainless Steel, Like
Located in San Diego, CA
Longines Dolce Vita Tank Watch, Quartz, Champagne/Peach Face, Stainless Steel, Swiss-Made. Like New Condition. Beautiful Champagne/Peach Face. Wate...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Herna 14K YG Pocket Watch with 18K Gold Engraving Hinged Cover
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Herna 14K yellow gold pocket watch pendant with 18K yellow gold engraving on both side hinged cover and a 17 jewels incabloc shock protection Swiss made manual wind movement ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold, 18k Gold

Elgin Pocket Watch Silverode Heavy Working 7 Jewel Year 1921, 59mm Open Case
Located in San Diego, CA
Elgin 1921 pocket watch with a 59mm case made of silverode and is 20mm thick. Heavy watch with a clean plastic crystal. The case has a minor blemish and a light hand-carving that co...
Category

1920s American Vintage Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Movado St.Christopher Coin Watch Sterling Silver Retailed By Turler
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
An unusual sterling silver coin watch by Movado ca' 1950's-60's. Dial double signed by Turler-the famed Swiss retailer. Saint Christopher was a patron sai...
Category

1950s Vintage Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Stainless Steel 18kt Yellow Gold Men's Concord Watch Serviced Warranty 15.65.221
Located in San Diego, CA
Stainless Steel 18kt Yellow Gold Men's Concord Watch Serviced Warranty 15.65.221 - Introducing the stunning Men’s Concord Steeplechase watch, a rema...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel, Steel, Yellow Gold

Tom Ford Apple Pocket Watch Chain, A must Have
Located in Antwerp, BE
Tom Ford invents the Apple pocket watch Designer customised his new gadget to make it chicer Tom Ford has a knack for making things look chic - even the clunky Apple Watch, it turns...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

SWATCH SPECIAL GK340 Watch With Shoulder Strap 2001
Located in Milano, IT
Swatch Watch Shoulder Bag Over Shoulder Bag Zipper Purse NOS Vintage 2001 GK350 Neon Yellow Crossbody Handbag Hipster Retro Gent Originals. Quart...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Ladies 18kt Yellow Gold Mathey-Tissot Watch, #3560625, Manual, 25mm Case, 37.2gr
Located in San Diego, CA
This beautiful ladies' watch by Mathey-Tissot features an 18kt yellow gold case measuring 25mm in diameter and 7mm in thickness. The watch has a gold face adorned with black Roman nu...
Category

1960s Vintage Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tom Ford Apple Pocket Watch Chain, A must have
Located in Antwerp, BE
Tom Ford Apple Pocket Watch Chain, A must have Tom Ford invents the Apple pocket watch Designer customised his new gadget to make it chicer Tom Ford has a knack for making things l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Diamond And Enamel Sunfish Lapel Watch
Located in New Orleans, LA
A delightful blend of watchmaking refinement and unique artistry, this charming lapel watch takes the form of a sunfish. The aquatic creature is stunning in its level of detail. Craf...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

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 Pocket Watches

Materials

Steel

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Cartier Tank Must Large Model Steel Quartz Unisex Watch WSTA0072
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. The band is new. Comes with original box and manuals.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Steel

Tiffany & Co. Atlas Sterling Silver Ladies Silver Quartz Watch
Located in Baltimore, MD
Tiffany & Co. Atlas Sterling Silver Ladies Silver Quartz Watch Metal: Sterling silver Case: 25mm Dial: Silver Strap: Genuine Lizard Length: 7 inches (strap) Movement: Quartz (new b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

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Longines Gold Plated Quartz Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Longines Gold Plated Quartz Watch - Quartz. Gold plated ( 32 x 38 mm ). White dial with Roman numerals. Longines brown leather band. Pre-owned with Custo...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Rado Voyager Automatic Stainless Steel Rare Dial AMMAN Watch
By RADO
Located in Toronto, CA
Description Brand: Rado Model: Voyager Automatic Stainless Steel Reference Number: 636.3581.4S Price :125 USD Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Mat...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

[WTS] Vintage Rado Brienzer Rare Dial Automatic Watch
By RADO
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand : Rado Model: Brienzer Price: 175 USD Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Material: Stainless Steel Measurements :35mm diameter (excluding crown...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Divan Stainless Steel Watch
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Tank Divan Stainless Steel Watch Details: Case size: 38mm x 24mm Case Material: Stainless steel Movement: Quartz Dial: White with Roman numerals Crystal: Sapphire Strap mat...
Category

20th Century Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

CARTIER Estate Stainless Steel Tank Française Watch
Located in Narberth, PA
This sleek and stylish estate watch is a signed Cartier timepiece! The Swiss made watch, which is a Tank Française, has a stainless steel design with a square-shaped face and gate-li...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Antique Ladies Hunter Elgin 4 Color Gold Pocket Watch and 18k Gold Chain
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Antique 14k four color gold hunter case pocket watch made by the Elgin Company around 1908 (based on movement serial # 13333340) features an elaborately decorated 14 c...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Tiffany & Co Art Deco Sterling Silver Oval Pocket Watch by Longines
Located in Boston, MA
An art deco Tiffany & Co. pocket watch crafted in sterling silver. The oval watch features a silver dial with bold Arabic numerals and the Tiffany & Co. signature, emphasizing its S...
Category

1920s Vintage Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Hermès Stainless Steel Cape Cod black alligator Quartz Wrist watch
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès watch model 'Cape Cod' small model. Double loop bracelet in black Mississippi alligator. Quartz movement, steel case, sapphire crystal, opaline...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Longines for Birks Open Faced Pocket Watch with Original Dial, circa 1921
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Longines for Birks of Canada STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1921 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 45mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels / Caliber 18.89 DIAL / HANDS: Original Gilt Dial with Kiln Fired Enamel Printing by Stern Freres / Blued Steel Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Henry Birks and Sons is the most famous house in Canada, the Cartier of Canada. This unique watch was produced for Birks by Longines. Impressively, the dial was produced for Longines, for this watch by the house of Stern Freres. The Stern family were the most renowned dial house in Switzerland. They were so successful that in the early 1930's, after falling into bankruptcy they purchased the Patek Philippe Watch Company. Stern still owns Patek Philippe to this day. The dial on this watch is in flawless original condition. Longines was founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz, a Swiss watchmaker. He was also the brother of renowned biologist Louis Agassiz. Agassiz started the company with two partners, lawyers Henri Raiguel and Florian Morel. The company's original name was Raiguel Jeune & Cie. In 1846, Raigeul and Morel retired from the watch industry, leaving Agassiz as sole company head. Several years later, Agassiz brought in his bright, enterprising nephew, trained economist Ernest Francillon, into the business. Francillon was the mastermind behind several impressive innovations that would distinguish the company from its competitors. In 1880, Francillon trademarked the Longines name and its winged hourglass logo. The winged hourglass is a symbol of precision and timekeeping, and it has become one of the most recognizable logos in the watch industry. In 1912, Longines became the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games. The company has held this position ever since, and it has been involved in every Olympic Games since then. Longines has also been the official timekeeper of many other major sporting events, including the World Championships in Athletics, the Formula One World Championship, and the America's Cup. In 1931, Longines invented the Lindbergh Hour Angle watch. This watch was designed specifically for Charles Lindbergh, the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The watch featured a special bezel that allowed Lindbergh to calculate his longitude. In my own personal collection, I have the Longines Caliber 13 ZN Chronograph that Commander Richard Byrd took to Antarctica in 1928. It was purchased at the time from Abercrombie and Fitch in New York along with all the other equipment used on the expedition, it still runs well and keeps good, even after 100 years. In the 1980’s I was privileged to view their “collection” in their vaults. It was not open to the public, but a contact arranged it. There were examples of all the finest pocket and wristwatches they had ever produced. This included all the pieces that had received navigational and chronometer ratings. They were not even arranged for presentation; they were merely in drawers. I was shown the collection by their renowned “springer.” I have forgotten his name, but he was responsible for adjusting the watches to win the chronometer ratings. He was probably 80 years old at the time. Interestingly but not surprisingly he could only speak to me about adjusting the hairspring but not about the watch in general. This is something that is not uncommon in the watch world. A craftsman will only know about the part of the watch that they are responsible for. When I produced my own watch in Geneva many years ago, I realized that the dial maker and case maker and other associated craftsmen knew almost nothing about what each other did. This seemed odd to me, but it is that way. Lastly, our family jewelry store in Los Angeles was an official Longines retailer so I can speak from personal experience that Longines is an exceptional watch company regarding their service and dependability. They are also famous for the “Ultra Chron...
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1920s Swiss Vintage Modern Pocket Watches

Elgin White Gold Filled Art Deco Pocket Watch from 1923 with Matching Chain
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Open Faced METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1923 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 44mm MOVEMENT / CALI...
Category

1920s American Vintage Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Previously Available Items
Swatch Red Knit Limited Edition For Christmas 2013
Located in Milano, IT
A truly beautiful special edition, it is the one with which Swatch comes to our rescue in the desperate search for what should be the perfect Christmas gift. By combining one of the ...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Rare SWATCH SCUBA 200 Very Wet 1991, original packaging never opened
Located in Milano, IT
Rare water-resistant watch, packaged in a jar from the Scuba Collection 200 of 1991. The watch is labeled as the "Medusa" style, depicted in the reference photo. Model SDS100. In the...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Rare SWATCH SCUBA 200 Very Wet 1991, original packaging never opened
Rare SWATCH SCUBA 200 Very Wet 1991, original packaging never opened
H 5.12 in W 2.76 in D 2.76 in Dm 2.76 in L 2.76 in
Ebel loupe travel and table clock with quartz alarm clock new
By Ebel
Located in Perugia, IT
Ebel Loupe travel and table clock with alarm clock made of steel. NOS (New Old Stock) New condition. Dimensions when closed mm 58 x 37 x 20 Dimensions all open mm 97 x 37 x 20 Net we...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Steel

Cartier Pasha Stainless Steel Automatic 35MM Watch Ref. WSPA0013 Box & Papers
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cartier Pasha Stainless Steel Automatic 35MM Watch Ref. WSPA0013 Box & Papers Metal: Stainless steel Case: 35mm Reference: WSPA0013 Serial: 43272957**** (card dated 2013) Wrist size...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Cartier Pasha Stainless Steel Travel Alarm Clock
Located in Lucerne, CH
Elevate your journey with the Cartier Pasha Stainless Steel Travel Alarm Clock. This exquisite timepiece blends Cartier's iconic design with practical sophistication. Its blue dial...
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Late 20th Century French Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Lanco Pocket Watch 1950s, Chrome Case, Working, Slim Modern Design, 15 Jewel
Located in San Diego, CA
Lanco Pocket watch 1950s, Chrome Case, Working, Slim Modern Design, Very Good Condition, 15 Jewel Rubies Movement, Swiss Made. Beautiful mid-century...
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1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Steel

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Enamel Dial Railroad Pocket Watch, 1940s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1917 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 45mm MOVEMEN...
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1910s Swiss Vintage Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Enamel Dial Railroad Pocket Watch, 1940s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1917 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 45mm MOVEMEN...
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1910s Swiss Vintage Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Chopard Happy Day Traveling Pocket Watch And Clock 51/6677-23 - 890818
Located in Miami, FL
Chopard Gold Plated "Happy Day" Traveling Pocket Watch or Desk Clock. A vintage relic from the luxury Swiss watch and Jeweler, Chopard. Featuring an alarm function, roman numeral di...
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21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Patek Philippe Nautilus Ladies Automatic rose gold and diamonds 2022 case papers
Located in Bilbao, ES
NAUTILUS “LADIES AUTOMATIC” 7118/1200R - NAUTILUS SELF-WINDING excellent condition With the rounded octagonal shape of its bezel, the ingenious porthole construction of its case, and its horizontally embossed dial, the Nautilus has epitomized the elegant sports watch since 1976. Forty years later, it comprises a splendid collection of models for men and women. In steel, rose gold, white gold or two-tone combinations they accompany the most active lifestyles with incomparable class Self-winding mechanical movement. Caliber 324 S C. Date in an aperture. Sweep seconds hand. Golden brown opaline, gold applied hour markers and numerals with luminescent coating. Rose gold. Sapphire crystal case back. Water-resistant to 60 m. Case diameter (10–4 o’clock): 35.2 mm. Height: 8.62 mm. Bezel set with 56 diamonds (~0.67 ct). Rose gold bracelet. Nautilus fold-over clasp. It shouldn’t be surprising that a Patek Philippe holds the world auction record for a watch ($31.2 million for a Patek Grandmaster Chime, sold at Christie’s Geneva last November, in case anyone’s wondering). Known for impeccable craftsmanship and some of the most complicated timepieces ever created, the brand is considered by many to be the height of fine watchmaking. The house was founded in Geneva in 1839 by Polish expats Antoni Patek and Franciszek Czapek. Czapek left the firm, and in 1845, Patek partnered with French watchmaker Jean Adrien Philippe. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Catering to the glitterati of Europe, the pair counted among their clients Tolstoy, Pope Pius IX and Queen Victoria, as well as Countess Koscowicz of Hungary, for whom they created the first Swiss-made wristwatch in 1868. They also had their eye on the American market and in 1851 entered an arrangement with Tiffany & Co. still in effect today. During the Great Depression, brothers Jean and Charles Stern, who had previously supplied Patek Philippe with watch dials, bought the company, and it continues to be run by the Stern family today. Under the Sterns, the house has developed some of its most famous models, including the Calatrava, an elegantly minimal dress...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Hermes Watch, Kelly 2
Located in Vannes, FR
Hermes Watch, Kelly 2 Women’s bracelet watch in steel, white dial with applied Arabic numerals, stylized bezel. Quartz movement. Double row leather strap ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Hermes Watch, Kelly 2
Hermes Watch, Kelly 2
H 15.36 in W 0.48 in
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 16518, Daytona Model
Located in Vannes, FR
Rolex Daytona in 18 Carat yellow gold surrounded by a crocodile skin strap. It comes with an authentic box. Quality pre-owned Rolex watch. The Certified Pre-Owned Rolex Daytona Sport watch...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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