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Watches For Sale
Rolex 6239 Daytona Stainless Steel Watch in Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex 6239 Daytona Stainless Steel Watch in Stock This is a super cool Rolex 6239 Daytona Stainless Steel Watch. The watch is vintage but still very modern...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Mont Blanc Stainless Steel Timewalker Chronograph Automatic Wristwatch In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Mont Blanc MPN: 7069 Model: Timewalker Case Material: Stainless steel Case Diameter: 42mm Crystal: Sapphire Bezel: Fixed smooth stainless steel bezel Dial: Silver dial with ch...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Baume & Mercier Catwalk Mini Watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Baume & Mercier Model: Catwalk Mini Material: Stainless Steel Dial: Black dial with silver hands and markers Bezel: Fixed smooth stainless steel bezel Case Measurements: 21mm ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yacht-Master II 44mm 116681 18K Rose & Steel Mercedes Hands Box Papers
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Yacht-Master II (reference 116681) is a distinguished timepiece that exemplifies Rolex's commitment to blending classic design with advanced functionality. Crafted from a h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm W2BB0011 18K Two Tone Rose Gold Pink MOP Dial Box Card
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier, reference W2BB0011, is a luxurious and elegant timepiece that combines classic design with modern sophistication. This model features a 36mm stain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Tank Française Small Factory Diamond Bezel Steel W4TA0029 Box Set
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Tank Française, reference W4TA0029, is a luxurious and elegant timepiece designed for women who appreciate timeless design and sophistication. This model features a 25.7m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Cartier Paris gold plated Tank watch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Cartier Paris watch pairs a gold-plated case with a burgundy leather strap, offering timeless elegance and the precision of quartz movement.
Category

1990s Modern Watches

Materials

Gold, Silver

Timeless Piaget diamond 18k yellow gold watch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Brand: Piaget Movement: Quartz Center Stone: 28 round brilliant cut diamonds Weight: Approximately .90 carats Color: F-G Clarity: VS Metal: 18k yellow gold Era: Vintage Circa: 199...
Category

20th Century Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Paris gold plated tank watch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in the 1980s, this vintage Cartier Paris Tank watch blends classic styling with refined detail. It features a gold plated silver case measuring 28mm x 20mm, housing a quartz ...
Category

1980s Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, Silver

Rolex Datejust 178383 Midsize 31mm Diamond Bezel MOP Diamond Dial 18K Gold Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 178383 Serial: 726***** Year: 2011-2018 Model: Rolex Datejust Midsize Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee W...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex President Day Date 118235 Chocolate Diamond Ruby Dial 18K Rose Gold 36mm
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 118235 Serial: 75RF3*** Year: 2010-2019 Model: Rolex President Day Date Case Material: 18K Rose Gold Band: 18K Rose Gold Bezel: 18K Rose Gold ...
Category

2010s Watches

Rolex Yacht Master II 116680 White Dial Blue Ceramic Steel Box Paper 44mm
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116680 Serial: 90885*** Year: 2018 Model: Rolex Yacht Master II Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Blue Ceramic ...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Steel

Cartier Baignoire 18k Yellow Gold Factory Diamonds
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Baignoire REFRENCE: 1954 SIZE: 30mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold DIAL: White BAND: 18k Yellow Gold MOVEMENT: Quartz Very Good condition No box or papers Accommodated...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Date 1500 Silver Dial Stainless Steel 34mm
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1500 Serial: 1458*** Year: 1966 Model: Rolex Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Oyster Bezel: Stainless Steel Smooth Beze...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Ballon Blue Watch WE902079 28mm Diamond 750 Pink Gold Stainless Steel
Located in Tokyo, JP
■ Item Number: 23520919 ■ Brand: Cartier ■ Product Name: Ballon Blue Watch 28mm ■ Product Number/Model: WE902079 ■ Material: Diamond, 750K18 PG pink gold, SS stainless steel ■ Wrist ...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Milgauss 116400 White Dial Orange Markers Stainless Steel 40mm
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116400 Serial: V52**** Year: 2008 Model: Rolex Milgauss Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: ...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Tiffany & Co. Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold I.W.C. Watch
Located in Westport, CT
An iconic Art Deco IWC (International Watch Company) and Tiffany & Co. 18K yellow gold manual wind (mechanical) wrist watch, circa 1920s. This magnificent timepiece features an 18K...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Bark President Day-Date Men's 18k Gold Watch 18248
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Bark President Day-Date Men's 18k Gold Watch 18248 - Automatic winding; Double quick-set; sapphire crystal. 18k yellow gold case with original barked bezel ( 36 mm ). Champagne...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Cartier Men's 2-Tone Steel Gold Jumbo Panther Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Men's 2-Tone Steel Gold Jumbo Panther Watch - Quartz. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold bezel (29mm x 40mm). Ivory colored dial with black ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Gold and Steel Cartier Santos Carrée Automatic Wristwatch
Located in Princeton, NJ
A highly sought after 18 karat yellow gold and stainless steel vintage Cartier Santos Carrée in a 29mm case featuring an automatic movement power...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Steel

Cartier Baignoire 18k Yellow Gold Cartier Dial Factory Diamonds
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Baignoire REFRENCE: 1954 SIZE: 30mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold DIAL: Champagne Cartier dial BAND: 18k Yellow Gold MOVEMENT: Quartz Rare Cartier dial Factory set dia...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Santos Ronde Yellow Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Santos Ronde REFRENCE: 1900 1 SIZE: 33mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold DIAL: White BAND: 18k Yellow Gold WRIST SIZE: 7.75 MOVEMENT: Automatic In great shape, not sure ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Cartier Paris Roman dial vermeil Tank watch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in the 1990s, this vintage Cartier Paris Tank watch showcases a classic Roman numeral dial set within a gold plated silver case, paired with a rich brown leather strap. The w...
Category

1990s Modern Watches

Materials

Gold, Silver

Cartier Santos Octagon 187903 1 Yellow Gold and Stainless Ladies Watch Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Santos Octagon 24mm Women's Watch with Diamond Bezel 187903 This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely ...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Cartier Ballon Bleu 42mm Certified 18k Rose Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Ballon Bleu 42mm CASE: 18k Rose Gold DIAL: White BAND: 18k Rose Gold WRIST SIZE: Apx. "19.1 MOVEMENT: Automatic Scratch on glass on I The rest of the watch in ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Baignoire Certified Mint Complete Set With Original Receipt White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Baignoire REFRENCE: WB520009 CASE: 18k White Gold DIAL: Silver BAND: 18k White Gold MOVEMENT: Manual Mint condition, with receipt Accommodated with an up to d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold

Cartier Baignoire Factory Diamonds 18k Rose Gold Satin Strap
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Baignoire REFRENCE: 3033 CASE: 18k Rose Gold DIAL: Silver BAND: Satin MOVEMENT: Manual Excellent condition Factory set diamonds Box & Card Accommodated with a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 26mm Steel Custom Turquoise Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 69174
Located in New York, NY
General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69174 Type: Wristwatch Department: Women Style: Casual Vintage: Yes Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Hermes by Jaegar LeCoultre Art Deco Pendant Watch in Stainless Steel
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A rare Jaegar-LeCoultre timepiece retailed and signed by Hermes crafted in stainless steel. The round spiral case measures 42mm in width, featuring a...
Category

1930s Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yacht-Master II 44mm 116688 18K Solid Gold New Mercedes Hands Box Papers
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Yacht-Master II (reference 116688) is a distinguished timepiece that exemplifies Rolex's commitment to blending classic design with advanced functionality. Crafted from sol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 116233 White Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116233 Serial: F438*** Year: 2003 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yello...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Bvlgari Tubogas Serpenti Ladies Watch
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari "Serpenti " Bracelet/Wristwatch In Coiled Rose Gold and Diamond 18K., quartz, composed of polished tapered scales accented by round diamonds approximately 2.50 carats, tipp...
Category

1990s Italian Artist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Watch. Must de Cartier Cream Dial Vendome Round Argent Vermeil 30mm.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Must de Cartier 30mm Vendome Rare Cream Dial with Gold Outlines. Sapphire Cabochon Crown. Condition: Comes with Original Cartier case and Paperwork...
Category

1990s Modern Watches

Materials

Sapphire, Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Cartier Ballon Bleu Two Timezone GMT W6920027 18K Rose Steel Quartz Silver Dial
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu Two Timezone GMT (reference W6920027) is a refined timepiece that exemplifies Cartier's commitment to blending classic design with practical functionality. Cr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage Must de Cartier Tank Arabic Dial Watch. Vermeil ARGENT 925 Small Tank
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Iconic Tank Argent. Sterling Silver and 18k Gold plated (Vermeil). Ref 5057001 RARE Arabic Numbers Dial. New Gucci Leather Band. Condition: New Bat...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, Sterling Silver

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Sage Green Dial 1960s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 36m...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Centure 1970 Large Stepped Case Gold Plate Mechanical Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa early 1970s Cartier Centure Wrist watch, 33 x 30 2 piece Gold Pate Stepped case. Sapphire set Crown, Acrylic Crystal, Cartier Inc. 17 jewel Mecha...
Category

1970s French Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Cartier Tank Francaise 18K White Gold Cream Dial Diamond Ladies Watch WE1002S3
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Brand: Cartier Model Name: Tank Française Model Number: WE1002S3 Type: Wristwatch Department: Women Style: Luxury Country/Region of Manufactu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

White Gold

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Vintage 'Ladies' Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Vintage 'Ladies' in yellow gold with a champagne diamond dial is a timeless expression of elegance, femininity, and early Royal...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Bvlgari 18K Gold Tri Color BB191T Serpenti Tubogas Watch
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari 18K Tri Color BB191T Tricolor Tubogas Watch. This timepiece has become iconic almost the same time it came out. Now after so many years later the house of Bvlgari is bringin...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Tank Anglaise XL 18K Rose Gold & Steel Automatic Watch W5310006 Box
Located in New York, NY
​The Cartier Tank Anglaise XL (reference W5310006) is a distinguished timepiece that exemplifies Cartier's commitment to blending classic design with modern innovation. Crafted from ...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Retro 14k Gold Ruby & Sapphire Gemmed Textured Sphere Link Bracelet Wrist Watch
Located in Montclair, NJ
This very unique looking vintage wrist watch/bracelet features an 18mm, solid 14k gold round sphere shaped case and links that are adorned with unique textured finish and decorated w...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold

Bvlgari Astrale 36mm Rose Gold Gemmed Diamond MOP Dial Watch AEP36D2CWL
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. The band has visible used signs on the inner side of the band. Comes with a Bvlgari Box. General Information Brand: Bvlgari Model: Bvlgari Astrale Model ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Chopard Date Vision Yellow Gold Automatic Wristwatch Ref 16/3556
Located in Surfside, FL
Chopard Date Vision in 18k yellow gold on a Chopard black alligator leather strap with original 18k tang buckle. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. 41 mm case size. Ref 16/3556. Circa 2...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 33mm Silver Guilloche Diamond Dial Watch W4BB0021
Located in Aventura, FL
Floating like a balloon and as blue as the cabochon safely nestled in its side, the Ballon Bleu watch by Cartier adds a dash of elegance to male and female wrists alike. Roman numera...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel

Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Diamond Classique Ladies Watch in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels diamond ladies wristwatch from iconic jeweler’s Classique collection in 18 karat yellow gold. Elegant and feminine, as all Van Cleef & Arpels creations, this watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Rotonde Large Date Retrograde Dual Time Day Night Box Papers W1556368
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Rotonde de Cartier, reference W1556368, is a sophisticated timepiece that combines classic design with practical complications. Housed in a 42mm stainless steel case, it ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Santos 18k Yellow Gold And Stainless "Spider" Burgundy Dial Ref 0902
Located in Houston, TX
A rare and unique find, this Cartier Santos features the eye-catching "spider" burgundy dial paired with a matching burgundy cabochon crown. A true statement piece, this watch combin...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Hermes Diamond Gold Etoilee Automatic Watch 34MM w Aventurine Stars Dial - NEW
Located in Dallas, TX
Brand New / Unworn Hermes Etoilee Automatic Watch from Hermes Arceau Exceptional Timepieces collection featuring: Aventurine dial with rose gold rotating stars; 34MM diameter 18K rose gold case set with 1 carat of highest grade pavé diamonds (E to F color / VVS clarity). With Hermes Bleu Saphir Alligator strap for wrist size 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18cm) and rose gold pin buckle. Includes warranty booklet, watch care booklet, Hermes lacquer box...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Aventurine, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Green Milgauss Green Crystal Anniversary Model 116400 GV
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Green Milgauss Green Crystal Anniversary Model 116400 GV - Automatic winding, green sapphire crystal, 31 jewels. Stainless steel case with smooth ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Boucheron Montre Reflet Small 8 Bracelets Watch Small 8 Colorful Leather Straps
Located in PARIS, FR
Set of 8 Boucheron leather straps for the Reflets watch, Small format (case diameter 1.8 cm excluding crown), with gold metal tips, including 1 black measuring 12.3 cm (11.8 cm exclu...
Category

2010s French Art Deco Watches

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

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

Cartier Tank Divan Rare Tank Divan Diagonale White Gold Diamonds
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Divan Diagonale REFERENCE: 2786 SIZE: 45 x 20mm CASE: 18k White Gold & Diamonds DIAL: White BAND: Satin MOVEMENT: Quartz ORIGINAL FACTORY DIAMONDS In fantastic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold

Vintage Omega De Ville Gold and Silver Tone Wristwatch
Located in Portland, England
An elegant and classic Omega De Ville from the late 1980s with an original and stunning two-tone gold and silver bracelet and accompanying gold watch face. With its timeless look, th...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

NEW 2025 Rolex Sky-Dweller 336934 42mm Green Dial Oyster Bracelet Box Papers
Located in New York, NY
Brand New 2025, Rolex Sky-Dweller 336934, featuring a 42mm stainless steel case with an 18K white gold fluted Ring Command bezel. Stunning green dial ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel

Tiffany & Co. Platinum Watch Chain
Located in Dallas, TX
Early 20th century Tiffany & Co. Platinum Watch Chain in original box.
Category

Early 20th Century Watches

Materials

Platinum

Cartier Santos Ronde 33mm Automatic White Dial Stainless Steel Watch 1920-1
Located in Aventura, FL
This variant of the Cartier Santos Ronde Solo offers a classic and versatile aesthetic, suitable for both men and women, while retaining the characteristics of the original Santos! I...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

1945 Bubbleback Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1945 Bubbleback Rolex Stainless Steel Wristwatch. The Rolex Bubbleback Stainless Steel Wristwatch from 1945 is an Oyster Perpetual automatic movement. The round case measures 33mm. ...
Category

1940s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

1970s Piaget Rectangular Tank Hand Wound 929 18K Roman Numbers Wrist Watch
Located in London, GB
18K Gold Piaget Wrist Watch, sapphire crystal face, 18K gold case, Roman numbers, crocodile leather with 18k gold strap, 4 sapphire inside mechanism. Condition: 1970s, vintage, ver...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

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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