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Watches For Sale
Period: 1970s
18k Yellow Gold Ladies ROLEX Cellini Wristwatch
Located in Victoria, BC
Here is a beautiful 18k Yellow Gold Ladies ROLEX Cellini Wristwatch. This lovely watch is characterized by its elegant and classic design,...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rare Cartier x Rolex Watch Brooch
Located in London, GB
Introducing a timeless piece of luxury and elegance - the solid gold Cartier & Rolex watch brooch, circa 1970. This exquisite brooch, retailed by Cartier, features a striking champag...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Cartier by Piaget Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Ladies Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
A rare limited edition Cartier by Piaget watch showcasing a lapis lazuli dial and a brilliant diamond bezel. Diamonds are approximately 2.50 ca...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, White Gold

Omega Automatic Seamaster Deville - 1970's "Rare Tone on Tone Dial" Fabulous
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Omega Automatic Seamaster Deville - 1970's, "Tone on Tone Dial" Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sal...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Mixed Metal, Stainless Steel

Omega 'Geneva' White Face and Black Lather Strap, Circa 1970
Located in New York, NY
Omega (Genève) white face and black lather pattern strap. In mint condition. Omega Vintage Geneve Stainless Steel Automatic Watch. International...
Category

1970s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Ladies Chopard 18k White Gold Diamond Watch Rare JLC Deployment Clasp ref 8/6495
Located in Richmond, CA
A beautiful vintage Chopard 18K solid white gold wristwatch (reference 8/6495), with a full factory diamond bezel on a blue croco leather band, and factory paired with a Jaeger LeCoultre JLC 18K white gold deployment clasp...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Finished Tiffany Blue Dial, 1970s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Piaget 1970's Tiger Eye Dial And Bezel 18k Yellow Gold 25mm
Located in London, GB
Vintage Piaget Tiger Eye Dial And Bezel 18k Yellow Gold Circa 1970's 25mm Pre-owned, excellent condition vintage Piaget 18k Yellow Gold ladies wristwatch circa 1970's. An incred...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Tiger's Eye, Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Made Tiffany Blue Dial, 1970s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 35...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Cartier Paris Silver Gold Vermeil Leather Strap Must De Cartier Watch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Cartier Paris 925 Silver Gold Vermeil Leather Strap Must De Cartier Wristwatch. Crafted in 18k yellow gold vermeil over 925 sterling silver signed Cartier, serial #060249...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Verm...

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Lavender Dial Circa 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Finished Orange Dial, circa 1970s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm x 35mm M...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Diamete...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Dial and Diamond Bezel circa, 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Diamete...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Finished Orange Dial, circa 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust Custom Red Dial Watch circa, 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 43mm X Diameter 36mm CIRCA: 1970's MOVEMENT / C...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Hamilton Silver Dial 14k Solid Gold Automatic Watch - 1970's, "Mint"
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Hamilton Silver Dial 14k Solid Gold Automatic Watch - 1970's Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutini...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Piaget Ladies Yellow Gold Diamonds and Dial Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Piaget Ladies Wrist Watch, 27 x 24 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece Oval Case, Round Brilliant cut Diamonds totaling approximately 1 carat, 17 Jewel, Mechanical, Manual wind ...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18kt. gold Omega Constellation automatic, Ref.168015
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 18kt. gold men's Omega Constellation automatic wristwatch, Ref. 168015 Brand: Omega Collection: Constellation Model: Constellation Reference: Omega - 168015 Category: Wrist ...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold

Rolex Datejust 18kt Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Mens Watch
Located in New York, NY
Mens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1972 36 mm Preowned Reference: 1600 18kt yellow and stainless steel
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies TT Oyster Perpetual MOP Rainbow Diamond Dial Emerald Diamond Bezel
Located in San Pedro, CA
Brand : Rolex Model : Oyster Perpetual Gender : Ladies Metals : 14K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel Case Size : 24 mm Dial : Custom Synthetic MOP Rainbow Emerald...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Stainless Steel

Cartier Must de Cartier Vermeil Manual Wind Tank Watch Lapis Dial 1970's
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful mid size Cartier Must de Cartier vermeil tank watch. This watch is manually wound. The outstanding feature of this example is its real lapis stone dial. The cas...
Category

1970s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Vermeil

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Factory Original Mosaic Dial circa 1973 / 74
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1973 / 74 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X D...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Made Light Green Dial circa 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Must De Cartier Tank Vermeil Manual Wind
Located in New York, NY
This is an excellent vintage Must de Cartier manual wind vermeil tank watch. This watch is solid sterling silver with gold overlay. The dial is champagne in color and has the Cartier...
Category

1970s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Vermeil

Cartier Must De Cartier Tank Vermeil Manual Wind
Located in New York, NY
This is an excellent condition Must de Cartier vermeil tank watch. This watch is powered by an in house Cartier manual wind movement. This watch is a mid size tank perfect for eithe...
Category

1970s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Vermeil

Vintage Cartier 18k Gold 21mm Cushion Shape Mechanical Hand Wound Wrist Watch
Located in Montclair, NJ
This beautiful classic vintage Cartier wrist watch features a mechanical hand wound Swiss movement mounted in an elegant, solid 18k yellow ...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

LONGINES admiral / 1970s Vintage watch
Located in Sammu shi, JP
LONGINES admiral / 1970s Vintage watch size : case 3.4cm arm circumference : 17cm between 21cm No.16498217 movement : Hand-wound Automatic The Lon...
Category

1970s Swiss Artisan Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Cartier Paris Vintage Tank Lc Large, "Extra Thin", circa 1975-1980
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Cartier Paris Vintage Tank LC GM Extra Thin, Large size made in 18K yellow 1st series, Circa 1975-1980. The watch measures 24 x 30 x 4.4mm thick...
Category

1970s French Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Cartier Paris Centure PM, Small Octagon shaped Watch, circa 1975-1980
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: This Vintage Cartier Paris Centure Octagon Shape watch is the Small size, circa 1975-1980. The watch is made in 18K yellow gold 2-bo...
Category

1970s European Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Bulova Watch, Set-o-matic, Blue Dial Stainless Steel
Located in Vannes, FR
Bulova Watch, Set-o-Matic, Blue Dial This vintage self-winding wristwatch is a true watchmaking jewel, distinguished by its revolutionary "Dual-Day" functionality. Thanks to its Bul...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier RARITY Mini Tank Allongée 1976 Ref 03 Jaeger LeCoultre 845 18k Gold
Located in PARIS, FR
CARTIER Founded in 1847 For the discerning ones Wear Cartier watch it's integrate the club of famous clients : Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, the Duchess of Windsor, Princess Grace, Barbara Hutton, Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol, Yves Saint Laurent, Truman Capote, Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Steve McQueen, Audrey Hepburn, Kanye West, Mick Jagger, Duke Ellington, Warren Beatty, Angelina Jolie, Tom Ford, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Piven, Finneas, Jean Cocteau, Mohamed Ali amongst countless others. The version of the Mini Tank Allongée...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels x Piaget Lapis Lazuli La Collection 9064 Ultra Thin P9 Gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Van Cleef & Arpels Founded in 1906 Wear Van Cleef & Arpels watches it's integrate the club of famous clients : Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Marlene Dietrich and Wallis Simpson, Du...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold

Ladies 14k Gold Omega Hidden Wrist Watch w/ Chevron Weave Link Wide Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Omega Movement: Mechanical - 17 Jewels - Cal. 483 Case, Bezel & Bracelet Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 59.7 Grams Width: 19mm (bracelet & case) Bracelet Length:...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Ladies Rolex 2Tone Gold/SS Datejust Bracelet Watch Diamond Dial Bezel ref 6917
Located in Richmond, CA
An elegant ladies Rolex in 2 tone yellow gold and stainless steel, with a 2 tone Rolex jubilee bracelet. The dial is gold, custom set with aftermarket dia...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual White Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Jubilee Watch
Located in San Pedro, CA
Brand : Rolex Model : Oyster Perpetual Model Gender : Ladies Metals : Stainless Steel Case Size : 24 mm Dial : Custom Pink Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial (This dial is not original Rol...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Omega 1970s Presentation Pocket Watch for United States Steel
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Omega Presentation Poket Watch for United States Steel, 44 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece case, 17 Jewel, Mechanical, Manual wind movement. Silver Dial with Raised stick ma...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Ladies Rose Gold Datejust Pink MOP Rainbow Dial Ruby / Diamond Bezel Watch
Located in San Pedro, CA
Brand : Rolex Model : Datejust (Non-Quickset Model) Gender : Ladies Metals : Rose Gold/Stainless Steel Case Size : 26 mm Dial : Custom Pink Mother of Pearl Rainbow Dial (This di...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Two Tone Datejust Mother Of Pearl with Diamonds Womens Watch
Located in New York, NY
Womens Rolex- Datejust Date: 1979 26 mm Preowned Reference: 6916 18kt yellow and stainless steel Mother of Pearl with Diamonds Dial
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Lip Gold Plated Vintage New circa 1974 Mechanical Wristwatch
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
LIP New vintage watch from stock, circa 1974. Gold plated, brown bracelet. Brown dial. Indexes and gold needles. Date 3H. Mechanical movement. Warran...
Category

1970s French Vintage Watches

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Tiffany Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 3...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1973 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34MM 6694 Black Onyx Dial Stainless Steel Watch
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Unisex Metal Type: Stainless Steel Diameter: 34.00 mm Weight: 78.60 Grams Stainless steel ROLEX Swiss made watch. The "Rolex" trademark (or hallmark) can al...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

1973 Rolex Ladies Datejust 26MM 6917 White Roman Dial Stainless Steel Watch
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Ladies Metal Type: Stainless Steel Diameter: 26.00 mm Weight: 47.62 Grams Ladies stainless steel ROLEX Swiss made watch. The "Rolex" trademark (or hallmark)...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Movado Kingmatic Video High Beat Automatic Watch Gold Plate Vignette Dial
Located in New York, NY
This is an incredible condition Movado Kingmatic Video high beat watch from the 1970's. This watch is powered by a 36000 bph 28 jewel reference 408 movement. The case of the watch ...
Category

1970s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Must De Cartier Tank Vermeil Manual Wind with Deployant Buckle
Located in New York, NY
This is an excellent condition Must de Cartier vermeil tank watch. This watch is powered by an in house Cartier manual wind movement. This watch is a mid size tank perfect for eithe...
Category

1970s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Vermeil

Cartier Must de Cartier Vermeil Manual Wind Tank Watch
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Cartier Tank Vermeil Watch: Timeless Elegance. Embrace refined luxury with the Cartier Tank Vermeil Watch. This iconic timepiece from the 1970s boasts a black dial, ...
Category

1970s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Vermeil

1972 Alexis Barthelay Hand-Wound Movement Elliptical Sterling Silver Watch
Located in Valenza, IT
Original 1972, Exquisite Alexis Barthelay Watch, a special piece characterized by an elegant, unique, absolutely chic yet timeless design. This outstanding Jewel is perfect for all w...
Category

1970s French Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Dial and Diamond Markers circa 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Diamete...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Made Purple Dial Dial circa 3520 MAYBE??
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Diameter 34mm...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 14k yellow gold Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1601
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Datejust in 14k yellow gold on a custom brown alligator strap with custom plaque tang buckle. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. 36 mm case size. Box and booklets. **Bank wire on...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Ellipse 18k white gold Manual Wristwatch Ref 3617/1
Located in Surfside, FL
Patek Philippe Ellipse in 18k white gold on an 18k white gold woven band with factory diamond bezel & diamond dial. Manual. 28 mm case size. Ref 3617/1. WIll fit 7.25-7.5" wrist. Wit...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Day-Date 18k yellow gold Automatic Wristwatch Ref 18038
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Day Date in 18k with custom diamond dial and bezel on a black alligator strap with plaque tang buckle. Auto w/ sweep seconds, date and spanish day. 36 mm case size. ** Bank wir...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Speedmaster stainless steel Manual Wristwatch Ref 145022-69 ST
Located in Surfside, FL
Omega Speedmaster Professional "Pre-Moon" in stainless steel with a generic stainless steel Omega style bracelet. Caliber 821, 17 jewels, engraved "ANYTIME ANYWHERE LOVE BARBARA 7-18-71." Manual w/ subseconds and chronograph. Circa 1970s. 42 mm case size. Ref 145022-69 ST. Fine Pre-owned Omega Watch. Certified preowned Sport Omega Speedmaster 145022-69 ST watch is made out of Stainless steel on a Stainless Steel bracelet with a Stainless Steel Deployant buckle. This Omega watch has a 42 x 42 mm case with a Round caseback and Black Stick dial. Circa: 1970s . It is Certified Authentic and comes backed by our 12-month warranty. Each watch is inspected by our certified in-house Swiss-trained watchmakers before shipment including final servicing, cleaning, and polishing. If you have inquiries about this Omega Speedmaster watch...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Must De Cartier Tank Vermeil Manual Wind
Located in New York, NY
This is an excellent vintage Must de Cartier manual wind vermeil tank watch. This watch is solid sterling silver with gold overlay. The dial is blue in color and has the Cartier logo...
Category

1970s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Vermeil

Vacheron Constantin Ultra Thin 18k yellow gold Manual Wristwatch Ref 5156
Located in Surfside, FL
Vacheron Constantin Ultra-Thin with gold diamond dial in 18k yellow gold on a mesh band. Manual. 24 mm case size. Ref 5156. will fit up to a 6.7" (6 5/8") wrist. Circa 1970s. Fine Pr...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lucien Piccard Dufonte Calatrava Watch with Date
Located in New York, NY
This is a Dufonte by Lucien Piccard calatrava watch with date function. This watch is powered by a Swiss ETA caliber 2786 automatic movement. The date function is quickset. The pris...
Category

1970s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Lucien Piccard Calatrava Stainless Steel
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Lucien Picard 1970s Stainless Steel Watch, a timeless classic embodying the essence of vintage elegance and precision craftsmanship. Encased in a sleek 33mm stainless...
Category

1970s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Baume & Mercier Tank 18K White Gold Manual Wind
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Baume & Mercier 1970's circa. This exquisite timepiece features a 23x31mm 18KT white gold tank-style case, capturing the essence of vintage luxury. The white dial is ...
Category

1970s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

White Gold

Antique, New and Vintage Watches

Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, new and classic vintage watches on 1stDibs.

While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind. 

Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory. 

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist

When shopping for a watch, it’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors. 

Find exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.

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