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Watches For Sale
Cartier Medium Panthère Ladies Watch 183949 Stainless Gold 18k Quartz 1 Yr Wnty
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Cartier Model: Medium Panthère Model Number: 183949 Movement: Quartz Warranty: One Year Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Ivory Metal Content: Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Go...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex 69173 Ladies Datejust Black Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69173 Serial: 9569*** Year: 1987 Model: Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Custom Bla...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Day-Date President 18238 Double Quick 18k Yellow Gold & Champagne Dial 36m
Located in Tustin, CA
We are pleased to offer this 1991 Rolex Day-Date President 18238. This stunning classic unisex watch features the Rolex automatic double quick set movement, Rolex 36mm 18k yellow gol...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex 18038 President Day Date 36mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18038 Serial: 8074*** Year: 1984 Model: President Day Date Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold D...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Patek Philippe Chronograph Yellow Gold 5070J-001
Located in London, GB
A Complications Chronograph in yellow gold by Patek Philippe. Featuring a black dial with Arabic numbers , a tachymeter scale, and two sub-dials; a 30 minute recorder and small secon...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Jaeger-LeCoultre Men's 18k Yellow Gold Tonneau Dress Watch Original Box 9107.21
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Jaeger-LeCoultre Men's 18k Yellow Gold Tonneau Dress Watch Original Box 9107.21 Movement #818/3=2335 Case #9107.21 Case Serial #1312493 18k Yellow Gold Tonneau Case 24 mm Wide (27 ...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Tank Ladies Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Tank Ladies Watch - Quartz. 18K yellow gold with diamond case ( 21 x 28 mm ). Silver tone dial with black roman numerals. Rice link bracelet with deployant cl...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Rolex Datejust Steel Custom Diamond Pink MOP Dial Ladies Automatic Watch 69174
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Custom Diamond Bezel and Pink Mother of Pearl dial.
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex 14000 Air King 34mm Black Dial Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 14000 Serial: P109*** Year: 2000 Model: Air King Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Black Face: Sapphire Crystal ...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 18078 President Day Date 36mm Diamond Dial, Bezel and Band 18K Yellow Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18078 Serial: 5830*** Year: 1979 Model: President Day Date Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: Custom Diamonds in 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Custom Diamond Be...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Omega Men's Gold-Plated Seamaster Automatic Watch with Date 565
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Omega Men's Gold-Plated Seamaster Automatic Watch with Date 565 Movement #565 Serial #253340XX Year: 1967 Case #166020 Gold-Plated Round Case 34 mm in Diameter (37 mm w/ Crown) Lug...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Tiffany and Co Watch. Tiffany Tank Quartz Watch. T&CO Classic Americaine.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
RARE Tiffany and Co Tank Watch Classic Americaine. Stainless Steel 20mm by 38mm case. Beautiful Watch. Quartz. Works and keeps time. New B...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Watches

Materials

Sapphire, Stainless Steel

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Style with Original Dial from 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / The Adrian METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 25mm X Width 37mm...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Rolex Submariner 16613 Blue Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16613 Serial: P7111*** Year: 2000 Model: Submariner Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: Blue Dial:...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Cartier 18K White Gold Panthere De Cartier 1925 Ref. 2476 28mm Ladies Watch
Located in New York, NY
Adorn your wrist with the timeless elegance of the Cartier Panthère 1925 Belt Watch in 18K White Gold. This exquisite timepiece, featuring a refined blend of vintage inspiration and ...
Category

20th Century French Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Cartier Pasha Chronograph 2380 in 18K Yellow Gold 820903 Watch
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand: Cartier Model: Pasha De Chronograph Reference Number : 2380 Features : Chronograph - 18K Yellow Case And Buckle Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Quartz Case...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

American Waltham Watch&co, Antique Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
Located in New York, NY
*Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Hand winding movement Roman numerals Diameter: 1.5” Weight: 49gr Width: 12.5mm
Category

1910s Vintage Watches

Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men's Wristwatch Ref 6066
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century all original, 1951 Rolex stainless steel oyster date precision wristwatch. Red date wheel. Original ruby steel riveted oyster band. Unpolished, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Francaise 18K Rose Gold Steel MOP Dial Quartz Ladies Watch 2384
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned and in good condition. The original box and paper are not included. Comes with chronostore box. Brand: Cartier Type: Wristwatch Department: Women Model Number: 2384 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Model: Cartier Tank Francaise Vintage...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Steel

Rolex 69173 Ladies Datejust 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Box Papers
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69173 Serial: R645*** Year: 1987 Model: Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Champagne F...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Cartier 66921 Ladies Panthere One Row 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 66921 Model: Panthere Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Face: Sapphire Crystal Case Size: 22mm Include...
Category

1990s Watches

Rolex 116200 Datejust Black Dial Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116200 Serial: M284*** Year: 2007 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Black Dial Face: Sapphire Crysta...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

NEW Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Custom Turquoise Tiffany Dial Watch 126000
Located in New York, NY
New. Aftermarket Custom Tiffany Dial. Box and papers included.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 214270 Explorer 39mm Black Dial Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 214270 Serial: 8G381*** Year: 2010 - 2015 Model: Explorer Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial:...
Category

2010s Watches

Rare Limited 18kt Gold Omega Chronometre Savonette Pocket Watch, Grade Very Best
Located in Antwerp, BE
Extremely Rare & Collectable Limited 18kt Yellow Gold Omega Chronometre pocket watch, Grade Very Best , calibre 43.15 S, “Grade Very Best Movement: Manual winding, “Chronometer” quality Case: 18kt Yellow gold case with diameter 52 mm, thickness 12 mm Dial: white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and black indexes Total weight: 102.8 gram / 3.630 oz / 66.1 dwt 18 kt yellow gold, hunting-case, keyless-winding, round-shaped, pocket chronometer...
Category

1930s Swiss Artisan Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Hermès Double Tour 41mm Attelage Apple Watch Band (Black)
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A Hermès Double Tour 41mm Attelage Apple Watch Band in Black Leather. Wrist size from 130mm to 155mm. Note - You can match this band with any stainless steel Apple Watch case (Series 9 or previous versions). The 41 mm band works with the 38 mm, 40 mm or 41 mm cases. Hermès Box NOT included. Metal: Black Leather Carat: N/A Colour: N/A Clarity: N/A Cut: N/A Weight: N/A Engravings/Markings: Signed Hèrmes Paris Bracelet MADE IN FRANCE Size/Measurement: 41mm thickness Current Condition: Excellent - Consistent with age and use. Accompanied by: This Hermès Apple Watch Band...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Van Cleef & Arpels Ladies Art Deco Wristwatch Platinum Diamond Manual Wind
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant and timeless jeweled Art Deco lady's watch created by Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1930s. The watch is made of platinum (tested & hallmarked) and encrusted with Old European cut...
Category

1930s French Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Enamel watch diamond 18 k attractive fob watch blue enamel
Located in London, GB
Enamel Blue diamond 18 k attractive fob watch. Beautiful watch is in very good condition. All quality bleu enamel on 18 k case and bezel and the dial in two tones. Attractive dial i...
Category

1890s European Antique Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Cartier Audemars Piguet 1970s Yellow Gold Tank Mechanical mid size Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Cartier classic Tank Wrist Watch, 20 x 20 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown. 20 Jewel, Audemars Piguet Manual wind, Nickle Lever movement. White Enamel Dia...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Genuine Cartier Watch. Must de Cartier 21 Stainless Steel Multi-Tone Quartz
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Band material: Leather, Silver Materials: Silver Power: Battery Readout: Analog Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Must de Cartier 21 Gold tone Roman Numerals. Condition: No ...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

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

Rolex Ladies Datejust 69173 Tapestry Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Box Papers
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69173 Serial: W820*** Year: 1998 Model: Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Champagne Ta...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Santos Ladies 24mm Steel & Gold 2-Tone Watch 1567 W20012C4
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Santos Ladies 24mm Steel & Gold 2-Tone Watch 1567 W20012C4 - Quartz. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold bezel (24mm x 34mm ). White dial with roman numerals. Stainless...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Cartier Ballon Bleu 18K Rose Gold Ladies Midsize Watch WGBB0009 3003
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Ballon Bleu 18K Rose Gold Ladies Midsize Watch WGBB0009 3003 - Automatic winding. 18k Rose gold case (36 mm ). Silver guilloche dial with black Roman numerals. Rose gold bra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Rolex 14000 Air King 34mm Black Dial Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 14000 Serial: P336*** Year: 2000 Model: Air King Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Black Face: Sapphire Crystal Case Siz...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Must de Cartier Vermeil Paris 18K Gold-Plated (Silver Gilt) Quartz Ladies' Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Being one of the most desirable timepieces, this iconic Cartier Vermeil Must de Cartier is in great condition & in excellent working order Dating back to circa 2005 yet of timele...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Silver, Vermeil, Gold Plate

Rolex Datejust 41MM Blue Dial 126334
Located in London, GB
A stainless steel Datejust 41 by Rolex. Features a blue dial with applied hour markers, complemented by a white gold fluted bezel. The watch is fitted with scratch-resistant sapphire...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Hermès Double Tour 41mm Attelage Apple Watch Band (Brown)
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A Hermès Double Tour 41mm Attelage Apple Watch Band in Brown Leather. Wrist size from 130mm to 155mm. Note - You can match this band with any stainless steel Apple Watch case (Series 9 or previous versions). The 41 mm band works with the 38 mm, 40 mm or 41 mm cases. Metal: Brown Leather Carat: N/A Colour: N/A Clarity: N/A Cut: N/A Weight: N/A Engravings/Markings: Signed Hèrmes Paris Bracelet MADE IN FRANCE Size/Measurement: 41mm thickness Current Condition: Excellent - Consistent with age and use. Accompanied by: This Hermès Apple Watch Band...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Rolex Submariner Kermit Starbucks MK2 126610LV
Located in London, GB
An unworn 41mm Submariner Date known as both a Kermit or Starbucks, from Rolex in Oystersteel. Features a black dial with the date display and a green ceramic unidirectional rotatabl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Tortue Yellow Gold Diamond Set 2643
Located in London, GB
A yellow gold Tortue by Cartier. Features a silver dial with Roman numerals, sword-shaped hands in blued steel, and a secret Cartier signature at X. Complementing the dial is the cas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Riker Brothers Art Nouveau Opal and Sapphire Pocket Watch Brooch 14 Karat Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Riker Brothers Art Nouveau Opal and Sapphire Pocket Watch Brooch 14 Karat Gold This Riker Brothers Art Nouveau Pocket Watch Brooch, made in 14k yellow gold, is a beautiful blend of ...
Category

1910s Art Nouveau Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with A Custom Finished Mint Green Dial 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1500's METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Di...
Category

1970s Swiss Modernist Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Chopard Ladies Yellow Gold Diamonds Mechanical Wristwatch
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Lady's Chopard, Gold Dial 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rope Chain Bracelet with Diamonds featuring 28 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds with an estimated w...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex 16013 Datejust 36mm White MOP Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16013 Serial: 9167*** Year: 1981 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold ...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Cartier Ronde Louis 36mm 18K Rose Gold Cream Dial Hand Wind Mens Watch W6800251
Located in New York, NY
Pre Owned excellent condition. Unworn band. It comes with an original box, no papers. General Category: Luxury Watch Men's Watch Brand and Model: Brand: Cartier Model: Cartier Ronde...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Chopard Kutchinsky Vintage 1970’s Ladies Watch, Set In 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
The Kutchinsky vintage ladies watch is a luxurious timepiece that was designed by Chopard in the 1970s. This vintage watch is set in 18ct yellow gold with a gold bezel. The watch is ...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Genuine Rolex Watch. Ladies Rolex 2652 Mechanical Watch.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1960s.  1400 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 2652. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism.  Case is Stainless Steel Daniel...
Category

1970s Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom 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

Rolex 18038 President Day Date 36mm Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18038 Serial: 6154*** Year: 1979 Model: President Day Date Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Fluted ...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Lilac Diamond Dial 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 42mm X Diameter 3...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Jaeger-LeCoultre Art Deco Ladies Watch in 14 Karat White Gold, circa 1940s-1950s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: LeCoultre Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Round METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's / 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 21mm X Diameter 21mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Original Black with Bezel Applied Markers / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 12mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This sophisticated art deco Moderne style watch was produced by the iconic house of LeCoultre in the 1950's. The movement is high grade and entirely handmade. LeCoultre is renowned for their complicated watches...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Watches

Rolex 16234 Datejust Silver Dial Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16234 Serial: R555*** Year: 1987 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K White Gold Dial: Silver Face: Sapphire Crystal...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies Datejust 69173 Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69173 Serial: X579*** Year: 1991 Model: Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Dia...
Category

1990s Watches

Omega Stainless Steel Speedmaster Mark II Chronograph Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
Omega Stainless Steel Speedmaster Mark II Chronograph Wristwatch, circa 1960s. Ref 2750/67 Stainless Steel Length: 45.65mm Width: 41mm Strap ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss 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 Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rolex 16013 Datejust Champagne Tapestry Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16013 Serial: 9889*** Year: 1987 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold ...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Rolex 16013 Datejust 36mm Purple Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16013 Serial: 8982*** Year: 1986 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Custom Purple D...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1986 Rolex Lady Datejust 26MM 69173 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Watch
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Diameter: 26.00 mm Weight: 55.07 grams Ladies 18K Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel ROLEX Swiss made watc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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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