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Watches For Sale
Hermes gold 1997 H HEURE MEDIUM 30MM Watch Gold Epsom
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Heure H watch (Medium model, 30 mm) is crafted in yellow gold–plated steel with a cream sunburst dial. It features a sleek square case (lug-to-lug 30 mm, w...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Must De Cartier Ladies Tank Quartz Wristwatch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Must De Cartier Ladies Tank Quartz Vermeil Wristwatch. This Must de Cartier Ladies Tank Quartz Vermeil Wristwatch was made in the 1980s. This is your basic Cartier wristwatch. It ...
Category

1980s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Watches

Materials

Vermeil

Art Deco Platinum 3.50Ct Diamond Watch VS-F 18-Jewel Manual Wind
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This exquisite Art Deco watch features a total of 3.50 carats of pavé-set, European-cut diamonds of VS clarity and F-G color, meticulously set across the bracelet and case. Crafted i...
Category

19th Century English Art Deco Antique Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage IWC 18k Gold Diamond & Onyx Cushion Case Automatic Watch 36mm - 3278
By IWC
Located in Orlando, FL
Vintage IWC 18k Yellow Gold Watch with Onyx Inlay & Diamond Bezel – 36mm A striking and uncommon design from International Watch Co. (IWC), this vintage men’s dress watch features a...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vivienne Westwood Vintage Rococo Watch Pink Strap
Located in London, GB
Gorgeous Vivienne Westwood Rococo watch. Worn a handful of times and comes with case, box and leaflet. Has golden filigree case, orb inlay mother of pearl face and rose pink leather ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Rococo Watches

Marina J. Emerald Encrusted Vintage Watch with Woven Pearls and 14k White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous reworking of antique jewelry by Marina J. This One of A Kind piece features a Vintage solid 14k White Gold working Bulova watch, stamped 14k on its back. The manual dial wat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Watches

Materials

Pearl, Emerald, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Rolex Daytona White Dial Stainless Steel Wristwatch 116520
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Daytona White Dial Stainless Steel Wristwatch 116520. Rolex Daytona White Dial Stainless Steel Wristwatch Model #116520. This watch is in very good condition. It's an automa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Hermès Kelly Watch Golden Black leather
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly model watch in gold-plated metal, black dial with dog collar-style nail indexes in gold-plated metal at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, quartz movement (battery), finely grained...
Category

1990s French Watches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Poiray 2023 Montre Ma Premiere Mini Acier Stainless Steel New Strap Watch
Located in PARIS, FR
Poiray Ma Première Mini watch in steel, quartz movement, gadrooned steel case back, nude patent leather strap (Summer 2023 collection) with steel pin buckle. Diameter 1.8 cm, total w...
Category

2010s French Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier 1990 Montre Or Jaune Baignoire PM Yellow Gold Casque d Or Bracelet Watch
Located in PARIS, FR
Cartier watch circa 1990 Baignoire model in yellow gold, oval case (legendary), white dial with Roman numerals, quartz movement, blued steel hands, winding mechanism or crown decorat...
Category

1990s French Art Deco Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Bulgari Montre Baignoire by Bvlgari Ovale Watch papers New in box
Located in PARIS, FR
Bulgari watch Oval model, 18 carat yellow gold case, white background, quartz movement, leather strap marked in pink lizard style, yellow gold buckle, delivered in its box (and outer...
Category

2010s Italian Watches

Materials

18k Gold

CHAUMET Anneau watch
Located in PARIS, FR
CHAUMET Anneau watch 18k yellow gold ring with diamonds. Condition: very good condition. Movement: quartz. Case diameter: 2.8 cm. Total weight: 38.04 grams. Round white enamel dial...
Category

1990s French Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960's Rolex Vintage Ladies Dress Bracelet Watch - 14K White Gold & Diamonds
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

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

White Gold

1943 Vacheron & Constantin Vintage Mens Oversized Tear Drop Watch - Stainless St
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 Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1965 Patek Philippe Vintage Mens Handwound Ref. 3468 18K Gold Dress Watch
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

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

PIAGET vintage watch in yellow gold and diamonds
Located in PARIS, FR
Piaget watch in 18k yellow gold and diamonds. Period: 1960s - 1970s. Yellow gold case set with two rows of brilliant-cut diamonds. Yellow gold braided mesh bracelet. German silver...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tissot Montre Mecanique Acier 1990s Lady Manual Winding Steel Swiss Made Watch
Located in PARIS, FR
Tissot women's watch, circa 1990, hand-wound, steel case, silver-colored dial with stick indexes, silver-plated, articulated link bracelet, folding clasp. Total length of the watch w...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

1968 Omega Seamaster Mens Vintage Cal. 565 Watch, Automatic, Date - SS
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

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Gruen Curvex Precision Wrist Watch Manual Wind Antique Retro 1940's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Vintage Gruen Curvex Precision Wrist Watch Manual Wind Antique Retro 1940's Genuine Vintage Mens Gruen Curvex Wrist Watch Runs Great 17 Jewels Unadjusted Manual Wind Movement S...
Category

1940s Retro Vintage Watches

1970's OMEGA DE VILLE Vintage Mens Full Size SS Steel Watch - Mint with Warranty
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

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel

2015, Lady's DateJust Rolex Watch #179173
Located in Troy, MI
Estate Rolex lady's Datejust style# 179173 in stainless steel & 18 karat yellow gold with champagne dial, diamond markers, fluted bezel & Jubilee bracelet. Excellent condition. All ...
Category

2010s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond

1973 OMEGA De Ville Vintage Mens Ferrari Yellow Dial SS Steel Watch - Mint
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

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex x Loree Rodkin Watch
Located in London, GB
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date crafted in 18k yellow gold, customised by jewellery designer Loree Rodkin. The watch features a champagne dial with baton hour markers, day aperture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Datejust for Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Watch 69178
Located in Baltimore, MD
Rolex 69178 Datejust Tiffany & Co. Dial 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch Box & Papers Model: 69178 Serial: R251*** Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 71.6 grams Dia...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Obrey, Paris Elegant Silver Watch Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Obrey Paris Elegant Silver Watch Bracelet from the 1980's. Heavy silver link chain link with classic oval hand wind movement. Hermes quality silver manufacture, very heavy quality. M...
Category

1980s French Artisan Vintage Watches

Materials

Silver

Vintage 9ct Gold Garrard Ladies Cocktail Watch
Located in Portland, England
An exquisite vintage Garrard 9ct gold ladies cocktail watch, crafted by one of Britain’s most prestigious jewellers. This elegant timepiece emb...
Category

1940s European Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold

Cartier Santos Demoiselle 2698 Stainless Steel Ladies Watch #23241
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Cartier Santos Demoiselle Ladies Watch Model: 2698 Serial: 703848MX This classic Cartier Santos Demoiselle watch is set in stainless steel. Off-White Dial with black roman numeral...
Category

20th Century Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Franck Muller Cintree Curvex 18K Rose Gold 1752QZ Ladies Watch #23248
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Franck Muller Cintree Curvex Ladies Watch Model: 1752QZ Number: 843 This luxurious ladies Franck Muller watch is set in 18K Rose gold with a brown leather band Rose gold case is 2...
Category

20th Century Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Roadster Ladies 2675 Stainless Watch Silver Dial #23251
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Cartier Roadster Ladies Watch Model: 2675 Serial: 220872RB This classic Cartier watch is set in stainless steel. Case is 31mm x 37mm and all stainless steel Silver dial with blac...
Category

20th Century Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1969 Omega Constellation Vintage Mens Automatic Chronometer Watch, Date - SS
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

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

2002 Rolex Ladies DateJust Two Tone Blue Diamond Dial Watch 79173 #23237
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2002 Rolex Ladies Datejust Watch Model: 79173 Serial: Y611504 This classic Rolex ladies watch is set in stainless steel with 18K gold bezel and gold accents on oyster band 26mm ca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Ronde Solo XL Blue Dial #WSRN0023 Watch 42mm with Box #23240
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Cartier Ronde Solo XL Watch Model: 3802 / WSRN0023 Serial: 788934WX This stunning men's Cartier Ronde Solo XL watch is set in stainless steel and has an extra large case with blue ...
Category

20th Century Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1990 Rolex Day-Date President 18248 18K Yellow Gold Watch 36mm Box #23235
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1990 Rolex Day-Date President Watch Model: 18248 Serial: E840743 This classic Rolex Day-Date President watch is set in solid 18K yellow gold. 36mm case Champagne Dial with Day Da...
Category

1990s Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Hermes Cape COD Mens Automatic Watch - Stainless Steel
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

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1990 Limited Girard-Perregaux Gold Chronograph Moon Phase
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful and technically advanced Girard Perregaux Chronograph Ref. 4745 OJ 1990s Perpetual calendar and moon phases Round yellow gold ca...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

1985 Extremely Rare Cartier Pasha 18KT Gold
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Extremely rare 1985 Cartier Pasha In 1985 Gerald Genta redesigned this iconic watch and this example right here is exactly belonging to the very first series, very hard to find . Th...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

1955 Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Vintage Mens Reveil Wrist Alarm - 10K Gold Filled
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 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1955 JAEGER-LECOULTRE MEMOVOX Vintage...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Breitling Cockpit Ladies Watch A71356 Bronze Diamond Dial #23247
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Breitling Cockpit Ladies Watch Model: A71356 Serial: 775819 This Breitling cockpit watch is set in stainless steel with a red leather band Case is 32 mm in diameter Bronze dial w...
Category

20th Century Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Boucheron Montre Reflets Grand Modele quartz Diamants Yellow Gold Watch
Located in PARIS, FR
Boucheron Reflet collection watch, Large Model format, in 18-carat yellow gold, quartz movement, brilliant-cut diamond indexes, yellow gold bracelet, 6 additional bracelets, includin...
Category

2010s French Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

1946 Omega 30 T2 Based Classic Vintage Mens Handwound Watch - 18K Gold Plated
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 Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Rolex Vintage 28mm 18k Yellow-Rose Gold Diamonds w Oyster Perpetual Band 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Vintage 28mm 18k Yellow-Rose Gold and Diamonds on the Numbers with an Oyster Band Creator: Rolex Design: Oyster Perpetual Case Material: 18kYellow-Rose Gold Strap Material:1...
Category

1970s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

1960's Rolex Ladies Vintage Cocktail Watch - 18K White Gold & Diamonds
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 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1960's ROLEX Ladies Vintage...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

White Gold

1967 OMEGA (SEAMASTER) Vintage Mens Cal. 560 10K Gold Filled Watch
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

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, Stainless Steel

Panerai Montre Luminor Marina 1048 Waterproof Automatic Steel Leather Watch
Located in PARIS, FR
Panerai Luminor Marina series 1048 watch, brushed steel case and polished steel bezel, automatic with seconds at 9 o'clock and date calendar at 3 o'clock, black dial, luminescent bat...
Category

Early 2000s French Watches

Materials

Steel

Waltham 14K Gold Double Cased Pocket Watch
Located in valatie, NY
This beautiful 14k pocket watch is made by Waltham. It has a triple case, numbered 583785, that has intricate engravings and details. This watch was made around 1910. The dial has Ar...
Category

Early 20th Century American Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Cartier Paris gold plated with 18k yellow gold deployment buckle Tank watch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Cartier Paris watch exudes refined elegance with its gold-plated silver case, 18k gold buckle, and sophisticated black leather strap.
Category

1980s Contemporary Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold

Christian Dior Montre Malice Circa 2005 Malice CD Full Steel Quartz wrist Watch
Located in PARIS, FR
Christian Dior Malice watch (circa 2005), steel case, quartz movement, mother-of-pearl dial, stick indexes, steel CD bracelet. Diameter 1.95 cm excluding c...
Category

Early 2000s French Watches

Materials

Steel

Bulgari Diagono Automatic Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet Wrist Watch
Located in New York, NY
Classic Bulgari Diagono Automatic Stainless Steel case and bracelet ladies wristwatch. The name Diagono is inspired by the Greek agon, or competition. ...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

2011 Omega Constellation Mini Ladies Diamond Watch 1267.75 Box/Papers #23238
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2011 Omega Constellation Mini Ladies Diamond Watch Model: 1267.75.00 This luxurious ladies Omega Constellation is set in stainless steel with 18K full bars on the band. Diamond be...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1910's ROLEX Rare Vintage Mens World War I Era Military Trench Watch
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

1910s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Other

1964 Patek Philippe Vintage Mens Handwound Dress Watch Ref. 2589 - 18K Gold
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

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Chanel Premiere Ladies Rectangular 18K Gold Plated Watch with Bracelet
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

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage Cartier Tank Louis Model 7808 18k Yellow Gold on Deployment Buckle
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Cartier Model: 7808 Year: 1980 Material: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Case and Deployment Buckle Dial: Roman Numerals Case Measurement: 20mm Movement: Manual Wind Condition: Good Vin...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chanel 1989 Montre Mademoiselle 16 cm Yellow Gold Pearls bracelet Watch M
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Mademoiselle model watch, square yellow gold case, quartz movement, white background with Roman numeral indexes, crown with a small half pearl, yellow gold and pearl bracelet,...
Category

1980s French Vintage Watches

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold

Vintage Rolex Datejust 1964 Reference 1603
Located in Tucson, AZ
Vintage 1964 Rolex Datejust with Papers, Custom Jubilee Bracelet An iconic classic, this vintage Rolex Datejust from 1964 offers timeless style an...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rare Patek Philippe La Flamme Model 4806 Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Patek Philippe Model: La Flamme 4806 Year: Material: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dial: Rare Emerald and Pavè Diamond Case Measurement: 20mm Movement: Quartz Condition: Like New Weigh...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Rare Audemars Piguet x Tiffany & Co. Royal Oak Model 6007SA
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Audemars Piguet x Tiffany & Co. Model: Royal Oak 6007SA Year: 1988 Material: 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Dial: Gold Tapisserie with Audemars Piguet x Tiffany & Co...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modernist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1987 Rolex DateJust Rare Black Tapestry Dial DateJust Model 1601
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Rolex Model: 1601 DateJust Year: 1987 Material: 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Dial: Black Tapestry Case Measurement: 36mm Movement: Automatic Condition: Very Good ...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage Rare Early Audemars Piguet Cobra 18 Karat Yellow Gold Adventurine Dial
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Audemars Piguet Model: Rare Early Cobra Year: 1982 Material: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Adventurine Case Measurement: 30mm Movement: Manual Wind Condition: Unpolished Collector's Condition Weight: 94 Grams Size: Fits a 7.0" Wrist Made in Switzerland Please Note: 1stdibs Estimates does not reflect current gold prices, rarity of item or condition of item...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modernist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Air King Stainless Steel Wristwatch Circa 1993
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Air King Stainless Steel Wristwatch Circa 1993. The Rolex Air King Stainless Steel Wristwatch is from 1993. The band is an oyster band and the blue dial has markers and 3/6/9...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Antique, Vintage and Luxury Watches for Sale: Shop Rolex Watches, Omega Watches and Cartier Watches on 1stDibs

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, vintage and luxury 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, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs that includes Cartier watches, Rolex watches, Patek Philippe watches and more — we promise it will be worth your time.

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