Watches
Early 20th Century Swiss Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches
Stainless Steel
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
21st Century and Contemporary American Watches
Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Diamond, Rose Gold
20th Century Unknown Watches
20th Century Swiss Artist Watches
Stainless Steel, Steel
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
Brass, Gilt Metal
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
Mid-20th Century Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
Early 2000s Watches
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Swiss Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches
2010s Watches
Titanium
Mid-20th Century Swiss Watches
Platinum
Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Watches
Early 20th Century Swiss Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Watches
18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Watches
Early 2000s Swiss Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold
Early 2000s French Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Watches
Gold Plate
20th Century Watches
Silver, Sterling Silver
1950s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
20th Century Art Deco Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
2010s Watches
2010s Swiss Modern Watches
Stainless Steel
2010s Watches
Rose Gold
2010s Swiss Watches
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Watches
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Watches
14k Gold
Mid-19th Century Belle Époque Antique Watches
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Watches
Gold
1960s Swiss Modernist Vintage Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
1920s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Watches
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
1990s American Watches
18k Gold
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Yellow Gold
1990s Swiss Watches
Silver, Sterling Silver
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.
Read More
Audemars Piguet’s Iconic Royal Oak Watch Turns 50
As the watch world celebrates one of fine timekeeping’s most disruptive designs, AP archivist Sébastian Vivas tells tales from the piece’s storied history.
15 Scintillating Jewelry Watches to Elevate Your Holiday Style
Watchmakers have tucked their movements into all manner of precious baubles, from lapel pins to cocktail rings. The result is dazzling, wearable art that will get you to the party on time.