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Watches For Sale
Cartier Panther Small WGPN0008 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Panthere WGPN0008 Ladies Watch. 23.1mm 18K yellow gold case with 18K yellow gold bezel. White dial with blue steel hands and black Roman numeral hour markers. Minute markers ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex GMT Master II "Root Beer" Black Dial RG/SS Date:2020 Style:126711CHNR
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unwornwatches introducing The Rolex GMT-Master II "Root Beer", a coveted timepiece in the Rolex catalog, stands out with its unique blend of Everose gold and stainless steel (Rolesor). Designed for both world travelers and luxury enthusiasts, this model combines functionality, elegance, and a nod to vintage Rolex aesthetics. The black dial, accented with luminous markers and Everose gold hands, ensures excellent legibility under any lighting condition. The signature two-tone Cerachrom bezel in black and brown, affectionately known as the "Root Beer" bezel, enhances the watch’s distinct appeal while offering a 24-hour scale for dual time zone functionality. Housed in a 40mm Oyster case, this GMT-Master II is both robust and luxurious. Its construction includes a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a Cyclops lens over the date at 3 o’clock, and a Triplock screw-down crown, ensuring 100 meters of water resistance. Powered by the Rolex Caliber 3285, a state-of-the-art automatic movement, this watch offers a 70-hour power reserve, precise timekeeping, and independent adjustment of the hour hand for seamless time zone changes. The watch is fitted with a two-tone Oyster bracelet crafted in stainless steel and Everose gold, combining brushed and polished finishes. The bracelet is equipped with an Easylink 5mm extension for added comfort. Key Features: Case Size: 40mm Dial: Black with luminous hour markers and hands Bezel: Two-tone Cerachrom (Black and Brown) with 24-hour scale Material: Stainless Steel and Everose Gold (Rolesor) Movement: Rolex Caliber 3285, Automatic, 70-hour Power Reserve Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, Dual Time Zone (GMT) Bracelet: Two-tone Oyster Bracelet (Everose Gold and Stainless Steel) with Easylink extension Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet) This 2020 Rolex GMT-Master II "Root Beer" is a stunning fusion of classic design and modern Rolex...
Category

2010s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, 18k Gold

Bulgari Tubogas Quadrato 30mm Black Square Dial 18K Gold Vintage Watch SQ 22 2 T
Located in Aventura, FL
Bvlgari Tubogas Quadrato Vintage Yellow Gold Watch. It fits super comfortably on the wrist. You almost feel it like a bracelet, not a watch. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Hamilton 1961 Pacermatic Rare Automatic Gold filled Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1961 Hamilton "Pacermatic" the very Rare Automatic version of the Pacer Wrist Watch, 45 X 31 M.M. 10K Yellow and White Gold Filled 2 piece case. Grade 667, 17 jewel Automatic, ...
Category

1960s American Modernist Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Tiffany & Company White Gold and Diamond Atlas Collection Ladies Quartz Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2010 Tiffany & Company 18K White Gold Atlas Collection Wrist Watch, 21 X 21 MM Water Resistant case, Quartz Movement. Silvered Dial. Raised Roman Numerals on Bezel surrounded b...
Category

2010s American Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

2024 Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Summer 215.30.40.20.03.002 Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 215.30.40.20.03.002 Year: 2024 Model: Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Summer Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Ceramic Dial: Blue Dial Face: Sapp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Daytona 126500LN White Dial Panda Oystersteel Box Paper October 2024
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126500LN Serial: ME967*** Year: 2024 Model: Rolex Daytona "Panda" Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Ceramic ...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 36 18K Rose Gold Steel Diamond White Dial Watch 116231
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. The movement is calibrated and keeps time well. No original box and papers. Comes with a Chronostore box. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Dat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel, Rose Gold

Panerai Luminor 1950 GMT 44mm Steel Mens Watch PAM01321
Located in Dallas, TX
Panerai Luminor 1950 GMT 44mm Steel Mens Watch PAM01321 - Automatic. Stainless steel case ( 44 mm ). Black dial with luminous hands and index hour markers. Arabic numerals at 6, 9, a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Cartier Santos Yellow Gold Octagon Midsize Automatic Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 Cartier Santos Octagon Mid Size Wrist Watch, 30 M.M. 3 piece Octagon Water proof case, Automatic, self winding movement, White dial with Black Roman numerals, sweep second...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Jaegar LeCoultre 14 Karat Rose Gold Fancy Lug Mens Unisex Dress Watch
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A Jaeger-LeCoultre 1940's timepiece, crafted with precision and elegance. This rectangular watch features a unique fancy lug case in 14 karat solid ro...
Category

1940s Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold

CARTIER Art Deco Clock
Located in New York, NY
Double Dial with Engine-Turned Centerfield, Gold Dial Accented with Applied Silver Arabic Numerals. Cathedral Hands, Square Case, Brass Bezels, Black Hardstone Boarding Red and Black...
Category

1920s Vintage Watches

Materials

Enamel

Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN 40mm Black Ceramic Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116610LN Serial: 97E08*** Year: 2010-2020 Model: Rolex Submariner Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Ceramic Bezel Dial: Black Di...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Breitling Navitimer 38mm Steel 18K Rose Gold Silver Dial Men Watch U17325211G1A1
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Comes with an original box and Chronometer certificate. But no original papers are included. Brand Information Brand: Breitling Model: Navitimer Model Number: U17325211G...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Chanel J12 H5700 White Ceramic Stainless Steel Automatic 38mm
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: H5700 Model: Chanel J12 Case Material: White Ceramic Band: White Ceramic and Stainless Steel Bezel: White Ceramic Dial: White Face: Sapphire Crystal Case Size: 38mm ...
Category

2010s Watches

Tudor Ranger 79950 39mm Black Dial Stainless Steel Box Paper 2023
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 79950 Serial: 609K*** Year: 2023 Model: Tudor Ranger Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Black Face: Sapphire Crystal Case...
Category

2010s Watches

Piaget Polo 18K Yellow Gold Diamond-Set Ladies Wristwatch
Located in Miami, FL
Piaget Polo Yellow Gold Diamond-Set Ladies Wristwatch A timepiece from Piaget, this Polo ladies' wristwatch exudes luxury and elegance with its diamond-accented bezel and classic ye...
Category

1990s European Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Unworn Rare Rolex Datejust 26mm Gold Steel Diamond Champagne Dial Watch 69173
Located in New York, NY
New old stock, Never worn or used. Never Polised. Original Rolex sticker on the caseback. No holes case. It's a true Colletor piece. Absolutely rare find. The watch was produced in 1...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Submariner Date 40mm Blue Dial Gold & Stainless Steel 2021 Style:116613LB
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
UnwornWatches proudly presents the This iconic Rolex Submariner Date combines timeless elegance with robust performance. Featuring a 40mm Oyster case, this stunning timepiece is craf...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Yacht-Master 28mm MOP Diamond Dial SS/YG Oyster Date: 2005 Style 169623
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
UnwornWatches proudly presents the This elegant Rolex Yacht-Master is a luxurious take on the classic sports watch, tailored for those who appreciate both style and performance. Feat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

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

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 43mm Blue Dial Blue Rubber Strap Date: 2019
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
UnwornWatches Presents Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 43mm - Blue Dial with Blue Rubber Strap Model Reference: 3000-0000-0026-3639 Year: 2019 This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Off...
Category

2010s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Rolex Daytona Black DIA Dial Oysterflex Date: 2023 Style: 116519LN
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
UnwornWatches proudly presents Rolex Daytona 116509 with a captivating blue dial housed in luxurious 18k white gold. This iconic Rolex chronograph...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

White Gold

AP Ellipse 18k Brick Bracelet Vertical Dash Markers W/Box
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An Audemars Piguet Oval Watch in 18k Gold with Box. Manual movement. Switzerland, 1970. Width 36mm Wrist Size: 7-inch Our one-year warranty backs this watch.
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Audemars Piguet Cobra Vintage White Gold Diamond Dark Navy Dial (1970s)
Located in New York, NY
Discover a vintage gem with this Audemars Piguet Cobra manual wind timepiece crafted in 18K white gold, a stunning relic from the 1970s. Adorned ...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel, White Gold

Cartier Riviera Paris Vintage Yellow Gold Ladies Mechanical Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Riviera Paris Wrist Watch, 23 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind movement, White dial with Black Roman numerals. ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Santos 100 Carbon Automatic Large Model Watch WSSA0006
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301183 Comes With Pouch Only Date 2016 Model WSSA0006 Serial Number 37********** Metal Stainless steel, Calfskin Length Approximately 51.1 mm Width Approximately 41.3 mm Condit...
Category

2010s French Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless 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

Genuine HERMES Stainless Steel 24mm Round Clipper Quartz Watch White Dial.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Stainless Steel 24mm Round Clipper Quartz White Dial. The watch is crafted of stainless steel and features a white dial, gold hands and hour markers, two...
Category

1990s Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Genuine HERMES PULLMAN Stainless Steel 25mm Round Clipper Quartz Watch silver
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Stainless Steel 24mm Round Pullman Clipper Quartz r Dial. The watch is crafted of stainless steel and features a white dial, gold hands and hour markers, ...
Category

1990s Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Genuine HERMES Stainless Steel 24mm Round Clipper Quartz Watch Champagne.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Stainless Steel 24mm Round Clipper Quartz champagne White. The watch is crafted of stainless steel and features a white dial, gold hands and hour markers,...
Category

1990s Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage GUCCI 1500L Quartz Watch Timepiece. Gucci Silver Tone Bangle Wrist Watch
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Beautiful Vintage Silver Tone Gucci Watch. Black Dial. Model 1500 L Ladies from the 90s. These will be for one special lady. Condition: Will be sold with original box and paperw...
Category

1990s Modern Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Tiffany Watch. 18k Yellow Gold Tiffany and Co Tank Watch. Ladies L 0430 750 Gold
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Tiffany and Co watch. 18k 750 Yellow Gold Reference L0430 White Face Sapphire Cabochon crown. Condition: Preowned. Has some small scratches. New battery installed. Details: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Watches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Chopard Mauboussin Diamond Mother of Pearl 18K White Gold Wristwatch
Located in Miami, FL
Mauboussin Diamond and Mother-of-Pearl 18K White Gold Wristwatch 18K White Gold, offering a sleek and sophisticated base for the luxurious details. Set with a stunning mother-of-pe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Waltham White Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa 1934
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1934 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm X Width 34mm M...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Base Metal, Steel

Bulova Yellow Gold Filled Accutron Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Bulova Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Accutron METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diameter 33mm MOVEMENT /...
Category

1960s North American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust circa 1953-54 with Original Solid Gold Bezel
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 6305 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / 14Kt. Solid White Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 195...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modernist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch, ca 1940's with Flawless Original Dial
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Round Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Diameter 29...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Henry Birks & Sons Two Tone 18Kt. Art Deco Ladies Watch Dial by Stern 1930's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tavannes for Birks Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Octagon Shape METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Two Tone Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Waltham Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Original Dial from 1926
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1926 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Width 27mm M...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Birks 14Kt Yellow Gold and Enamel Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1930's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Henry Birks & Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 16mm X Width 29...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Yacht Master II 116688 18K Yellow Gold Blue Ceramic 44mm Box Paper 2022
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116688 Serial: 5MH96*** Year: 2022 Model: Rolex Yacht Master II Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Blue Ceramic Bezel Dial: White Face: Sap...
Category

2010s Watches

Chanel Ice Cube Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage Ice Cube Watch
Category

Early 2000s French Watches

Patek Philippe platinum "tophat" diamond marker dial
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking rectangular watch from the 1940s. Crafted by Patek Philippe, this exquisite piece features a manual movement encased in platinum. The dial is adorned with diamond marker...
Category

1940s Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Platinum

White Gold Watch with White Diamonds and Micromosaic
Located in London, GB
The Blossom watch is a masterpiece within itself. Its beautifully crafted face is filled with intricate micromosaic flowers, each boasting a unique pattern in luxurious shades of blu...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Watches

Materials

White Diamond, White Gold

Chopard Ladies Wristwatch 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds Ref. 5031-1
Located in Berlin, DE
Chopard Ladies Wristwatch 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds Ref. 5031-1 Beautiful dainty ladies wristwatch by Chopard made of 18 carat yellow gold with dia...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond

Dolce & Gabbana - D&G Time Two-Dial Crystal Embellished Leather Watch
By D&G by DOLCE & GABBANA
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana - D&G Time Two-Dial Crystal Embellished Leather Watch Unique watch featuring two dials. The first dial is round with a black display, showing time in a 12-hour form...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1970’s Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse d‘Or White Gold Blue Dial Ref. 3848
Located in Berlin, DE
Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse d‘Or White Gold Blue Dial Ref. 3848. This elegant wristwatch by Patek Philippe made of 18 carat white gold with a blue dial is the perfect watch for th...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Longines Vintage Vintage 1935 Unisex golden watch
Located in MADRID, ES
Longines is the oldest and still active watch manufacturer in the world. Longines was registered as an intellectual trademark for the first time in 1893. Therefore, Longines is the f...
Category

1930s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold

Jaeger-LeCoultre Voguematic Lady watch
Located in MADRID, ES
With almost 200 years of history, Jaeger-LeCoultre is a pioneer in the Swiss watch industry thanks to its constant innovation and creativity that pushes the boundaries of watchmaking...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold

Omega Speedmaster Wristwatch Ref 105.003, Aka 'Ed White', Cal 321 Movement, 1965
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and very rare Omega Speedmaster reference 105.003 features a 39mm stainless steel case, chronograph with 30 minute and 12 hour recorder, powered by a cal 321 manually wou...
Category

1960s Vintage Watches

BVLGARI Tubogas Watch BB19 Two-Tone with Warranty!!
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite BVLGARI Tubogas BB19 watch showcases a timeless two-tone design, blending luxurious yellow gold and stainless steel in the brand’s iconic Tubogas style. A true collect...
Category

1990s Italian Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 16233 Cream Roman Dial 18k Gold Steel Box Service Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16233 Serial: X795**** Year: 1991 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel Dia...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Panthere 1650 Blue MOP 18K White Gold Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Panthere 1650 Ladies Watch. 27mm 18K white gold case. 18K white gold bezel with factory diamond sets. Blue Mother of Pearl dial with white gold hands and White gold Roman num...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

White Gold

Santos De Cartier WHSA0007 Stainless Steel Skeleton Dial Box & Papers
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Santos De Cartier WHSA0007 Men's watch. 40MM stainless still case size with stainless still bezel. Skeleton dial with a stainless steel bracelet, fold-over clasp, and hidden...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Santos De Cartier WSSA0029 Midsize Full Set
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier SantosDe Cartier WSSA0029 Ladies Watch. 35mm stainless steel case with stainless steel fixed bezel. Silver dial with blue steel hands and black Roman numeral hour markers. Mi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Cartier Tank Must Turtle Dial Laquered
Located in MADRID, ES
The 'Must de Cartier' Tank watch, introduced in the 1970s, is a specific variant of the Cartier Tank. The model distinguishes itself by the 'Must de Cartier' inscription on the dial....
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Cartier La Dona WE60019G 18K White Gold
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier La Dona ladies watch. 27X29MM 18K white gold case with 18K white gold bezel with factory diamond set. Silver dial with blue hands and black Rom...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

White 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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