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Watches For Sale
Creator: Rolex
Creator: Mauboussin
Mens Rolex Oyster Ref 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Automatic 1980s Vintage RA525B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16013 automatic, c.1987, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmake...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 16013 Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16013 Serial: 849**** Year: 1984 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18k Yellow Go...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner Date 116610 Stainless Steel Box Paper 40mm
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116610 Serial: C295**** Year: 2010-2013 Model: Rolex Submariner Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Ceramic ...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 1970s Ref 1503 Gold Automatic "Date" Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa mid 1970s Rolex "Date" Reference 1503 Wrist Watch, 14k Yellow Gold 3 Piece Oyster case with smooth Bezel, original and absolutely mint Gold Sunburst Dial with raised Gold stick...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Gold 34mm Bark Finish Watch
Located in New York, NY
ROLEX 1950'S VINTAGE GOLD WATCH *Good condition with Rolex box, no papers. -Brand: Rolex -Reference: 1503 -Year: 1954 -Wrist Size: 7" -Material: 18...
Category

1950s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Gold

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 Submariner Date 126610LN Black Dial Stainless Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126610LN Serial: XL2***** Year: 2021 Model: Rolex Submariner Date Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Ceramic Dial: Black Face: Sapphire C...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, 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 Daytona 116505 Black Diamond Dial 18K Rose Gold 40mm Box Paper 2023
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116505 Serial: A1773*** Year: 2023 Model: Rolex Daytona Case Material: 18K Rose Gold Band: 18K Rose Gold Bezel: 18K Rose Gold Dial: Fa...
Category

2010s Watches

Rare Rolex President Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Diamond Black Dial Watch 69178
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Very good condition. Rare Dial. Comes with Box and papers. Caliber: Rolex Caliber 2135 Type: Automatic (self-winding) Jewels: 29 Power Reserve: Approximately 42 hours ...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust President 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Ladies 31mm Watch 68278
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elegant and luxurious, this Rolex Datejust President 31mm (Ref. 68278) is a distinguished timepiece crafted entirely in solid 18k yellow gold. Designed for those who appreciate timel...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex- Rolco 9ct Dress Watch circa 1930's with Original Bamboo Ladder Bracelet
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolco by Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tank Style / Reference 797 METAL / MATERIAL: 9Ct. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Wi...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Rolex Antique Small Square Ladies 18-Karat Watch In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex Dial: White dial with yellow gold hands and hour markers Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Smooth Bezel Case Measurements: Crystal measures 14mm x 14mm while the case is 18mm x 18m...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Blue Dial 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm ...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 34mm 18k Yellow gold and Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Date 34mm White White Dial Roman Numeral Accent Dial 2 Tone Oyster Band Creator: Rolex Design: Datejust Watch Datejust Collection Case Material: 18k Gold and Stainless Steel S...
Category

1980s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

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

Rolex Datejust 41 Men's Watch 126300 - Stainless Steel Automatic 5Yr Mfr Wnty
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 41 Model Number: 126300 Movement: Automatic Warranty: Manufacturer Five Year Year: 2024 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: White Roman Metal Content: Stai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Pink Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 35m...
Category

1870s Swiss Modern Antique Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT-Master II 40mm Pepsi Stainless Steel Jubilee Bracelet Watch 126710BLRO
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex GMT-Master II ref 126710 is the first reference in the line to feature a stainless steel finish, a Pepsi ceramic bezel insert, and a five-piece link Jubilee bracelet together o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 15000 Automatic 1980s All Original RA494
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15000 automatic, c.1987, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex sig...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 6824 White Roman Dial 14k Yellow Gold Stainless Stee
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 6824 Serial: 558**** Year: 1978 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 14k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 14k Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Hand Wind Men's Watch Ref 2940
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a remarkable example of early Rolex craftsmanship, featuring a manually wound movement housed within the iconic stainless steel Oyster case. Th...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 36mm 18k Gold SS 1970s Automatic Vintage RA389B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k white gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Datejust ref.1601 automatic, c.1978, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. G...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Non Date Submariner 14060 Stainless Steel Box Service Paper 40mm
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 14060 Serial: P204*** Year: 2000 Model: Rolex Non-Date Submariner Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Dial: B...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 41 126334 Blue Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126334 Serial: 25410*** Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Band Bezel: 18K White Gold Fluted ...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

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

Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea MINTY 44mm 116660
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Sea-Dweller Deepsea REFRENCE: 116660 SIZE: 44mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black Ceramic BAND: Oyster Steel MOVEMENT: Self-Winding Automatic In MIN...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 36 MINT 116233 Black Dial Two Tone
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Datejust 36 REFERENCE: 116233 SIZE: 36mm DIAL: Black BEZEL: 18k Yellow Gold BAND: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic Mint Box & Card Accomm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Mixed Metal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Day-Date 36 Original Diamond Dial 18k White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Roles MODEL: Day-Date REFRENCE: 18239 CASE: 18k White Gold DIAL: Silver, Original Diamond Dial BAND: 18k Whire Gold WRIST SIZE: Apx. 7.75 MOVEMENT: Automatic Very Good condit...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

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

Rolex Day-Date Bark Finish President
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Day-Date 36 REFRENCE: 18078 SIZE: 36mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold DIAL: Champagne BEZEL: 18k Yellow Gold Bark Finish BAND: President 18k Yellow Gold Bark Finish MOVEME...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Watch Box, New Creme Empty Acs. Oyster L Perpetual Sky Dweller Brand New
Located in New York, NY
Brand New Authentic Rolex Watch Watch BOX Large Rolex was purchased from show room in Manhattan Watch was used for personal use and i am selling the box Large Brand New Rolex Bo...
Category

2010s Watches

Rolex Daytona Zenith 16518 Yellow Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Daytona REFERENCE: 16518 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold DIAL: Black BEZEL: 18k Yellow Gold BAND: Brown alligator MOVEMENT: Automatic Good condition No box or p...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

ROLEX Estate 18k Lady Datejust Wristwatch
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous Rolex wristwatch! Crafted in vibrant 18k yellow gold, this Lady-Datejust watch was created in the mid 1980s. The circular face of the watch features twelve gold dashes and...
Category

1980s Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph BLACK Chronograph Stainless Steel 40mm Watch 116520
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A hallmark of precision engineering and sporty elegance, the Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116520 is one of the most coveted models in the Rolex lineup. This 40mm timepiece is crafted fro...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 16030 Silver Dial Stainless Steel Jubilee Band 36mm
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16030 Serial: 9277*** Year: 1986 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: ...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner (No Date) 14060
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner REFERENCE: 14060 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oystersteel MOVEMENT: Automatic Very Good condition No box or papers ...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner Date
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner Date REFERENCE: 16610 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oystersteel MOVEMENT: Automatic WRIST SIZE: 8.25 Good condition,...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner Date 16610
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner Date REFERENCE: 16610 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oyster Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic WRIST SIZE: 8.25 Good...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Silver Dial
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Oyster Perpetual REFRENCE: 15200 SIZE: 34mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Grey BAND: Jubilee Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic WRTIST SIZE: Apx. 7.75 Very Good c...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600-T Mint
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Sea-Dweller REFRENCE: 16600-T SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black Ceramic BAND: Oyster Steel LINKS: 10 MOVEMENT: Automatic Mint condition, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner (No Date) 1989 Service Card from 2010
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner REFRENCE: 14060 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oyster Steel WRIST SIZE: 8 MOVEMENT: Automatic Good condition, re-poli...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Daytona Black Dial White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Daytona REFERENCE: 116509 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k White Gold DIAL: Black BEZEL: 18k White Gold BAND: 18k White Gold MOVEMENT: Automatic WRIST SIZE: Apx 7.5 Blemishe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 41 126333 Champagne Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126333 Serial: 1S836*** Year: 2024 Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Ye...
Category

2010s Watches

2024 Rolex Submariner Starbucks 126610LV Green Black Dial Steel 41mm Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126610LV Serial: 646YX*** Year: 2024 Model: Rolex Submariner "Starbucks" Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Green Cer...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Datejust 41 126331 Wimbledon 18K Rose Gold Steel Box Paper 2023
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126331 Serial: P3P58*** Year: 2023 Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Rose Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Rose...
Category

2010s Watches

Rolex Sea-Dweller Mint Stainless Steel
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Sea-Dweller REFRENCE: 16600 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black Ceramic BAND: Oyster Steel LINKS: 12 MOVEMENT: Automatic Mint condition, re...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT-Master II Steel Diamond Dial Ruby/Sapphire Bezel 40mm Watch 116710
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex GMT-Master II 40mm Steel Watch 116710 with a Custom Diamond Dial and Custom Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Bezel is a spectacular expression of sport luxury and bespoke craftsman...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Day-Date 128345RBR Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Diamond Bezel (2025)
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers this Rolex Day-Date 128345RBR, an exquisite masterpiece, crafted in 18k Everose gold for a warm and luxurious presence. Its 36mm case is adorned with a dazzl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Pristine Rolex Yacht-Master II 44mm 116680 Blue Ceramic Bezel Regatta Box Papers
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Yacht-Master II (reference 116680) is a distinguished timepiece that exemplifies Rolex's commitment to blending classic design with advanced functionality. Crafted from cor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Daytona Blue Dial White Gold Box and Papers
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Can be accommodated with an appraisal upon request, after return period. Marks through out the bracelet, no deep scratches BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Daytona REFERENCE: 116509 SIZE: 40mm ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Men's Watch 16610 Stainless Automatic 1Yr Wnty
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Submariner Model Number: 16610 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Black Metal Content: Stainless Steel Fa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Rolex Sea-Dweller
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Sea-Dweller REFRENCE: 16600 SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black Ceramic BAND: Oyster Steel LINKS: 11 MOVEMENT: Automatic Re-polished, mark ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner Date Certified Two Tone Black Dial Service Papers
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner Date REFRENCE: 16803 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oyster 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel MOVEMEN...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Mixed Metal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner Date Stainless Steel Black Ceramic 40mm 116610 LN Watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN is a modern icon in the world of luxury dive watches, combining rugged functionality with timeless style. Crafted from 904L Oystersteel, this 40mm ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Jubilee Silver Dial 36mm Engine Turned Watch
Located in Montclair, NJ
This beautifully kept vintage Rolex Date unisex wrist watch is from 1991 and reference 15200. The automatic self-winding movement runs smoothly and keeps accurate time. This watch do...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer II MINT White Dial Box and Papers
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Explorer II REFERENCE: 216570 SIZE: 42mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: White BAND: Oyster Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic Mint condition, looks unworn Box & Ca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 18 Karat Yellow Gold President Just Date 1601 Men's Wrist Watch w Bracelet
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Rolex President 1601 Date Just 36mm Men's Luxury Wrist Watch. Circa 1962, this wildly popular Rolex model, with pearl tone face, tritium hands, lumen dots, ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Rolex 9Ct, Ladies Hand Made Watch from 1915
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Campaign Style / Wire Lugs METAL / MATERIAL: 9Ct. Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1915 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 28mm X Diameter 25mm ...
Category

1910s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

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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