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Watches For Sale
Creator: Rolex
Creator: Mauboussin
1940's Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens 52mm Pocket Watch - Nick
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1st...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Other

Rolex Lady-Datejust NEW White Gold Mother of Pearl with Diamonds
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Factory set diamonds BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Lady-Datejust REFRENCE: 179239 SIZE: 26mm CASE: White Gold DIAL: Mother of Pearl with Diamonds BEZEL: White Gold BAND: President White Gold ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Orange Diamond Dial and Bezel circa, 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 ...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner (No Date) Certified 14060M
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner No Date REFRENCE: 14060M SIZE: 40mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: Black BAND: Oyster Steel WRIST SIZE: 8 MOVEMENT: Automatic Has been re-po...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Green Dial circa 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1505 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Bark President Day-Date Men's 18k Gold Watch 18248
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Bark President Day-Date Men's 18k Gold Watch 18248 - Automatic winding; Double quick-set; sapphire crystal. 18k yellow gold case with original barked bezel ( 36 mm ). Champagne...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Rolex Datejust 16013 Green Diamond Dial + Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16013 Serial: 9492*** Year: 1987 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Di...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

2024 Rolex Datejust 126234 Purple Aubergine Diamond 36mm Stainless Steel Jubilee
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Make a bold yet elegant statement with this 2024 Rolex Datejust 36mm (Ref. 126234)—a perfect blend of modern sophistication and timeless craftsmanship. The standout feature of this m...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34mm 18k White Gold Steel Automatic Watch 115234
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. No original box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the wa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

2024 Rolex Day Date President 128235 Eisenkiesel DIamond 18k Rose Gold Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 128235 Serial: SK7***** Year: 2024 Model: Rolex Day-Date President Case Material: 18k Rose Gold Band: 18k Rose Gold Bezel: 18k Rose Gold Dia...
Category

2010s Watches

Gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with White Dial on Crocodile Strap
Located in Palm Beach, FL
One men's 18K yellow gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona wristwatch, reference number 116518. This stylish and much sought after timepiece features a Rolex calibre 4130 movement to power i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VINTAGE Rolex Submariner 16800 PUMPKIN Dial Stainless Steel Box Paper 1985
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16800 Serial: 8851*** Year: 1985 Model: Rolex Submariner Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Dial: Black Dia...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Yellow Gold Plated 34mm Wrist Watch Ref 1550
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case Material: Stainless Steel Gold Plated Weight: 50 Grams Case Size (Diameter): 34mm (not including the crown) Hei...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Rolex Daytona Rose Gold White Dial Black Strap
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Can be accommodated with an appraisal upon request, after return period. BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Daytona REFERENCE: 116515 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Rose Gold DIAL: White BEZEL: 18k Rose Gol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 16030 Blue Arabic Dial Stainless Steel 36mm
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16030 Serial: 8804*** Year: 1985 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Custom Blue Arabic Dial...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Vintage Rolex RED Submariner 1680 Matte Dial Stainless Steel Box Service Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1680 Serial: 225**** Year: 1970 Model: Rolex Submariner (Red) Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Dial: Bla...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Rolex Air King 14010 Black Dial Stainless Steel 34mm
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 14010 Serial: P554*** Year: 2001 Model: Rolex Air King Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial:...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

2025 Rolex Datejust 41 126300 Blue Roman Dial Stainless Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126300 Serial: F4451*** Year: 2025 Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel ...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Sky-Dweller Yellow Gold White Dial Box and Papers
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Sky-Dweller REFERENCE: 326938 SIZE: 42mm CASE: Yellow Gold DIAL: White BEZEL: Yellow Gold BAND: Oyster Yellow Gold MOVEMENT: Automatic Blemishes through out, no ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 41 126333 Black Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126333 Year: 2020 Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dia...
Category

2010s Watches

Rolex Day-Date 128349RBR White Gold Diamond Bezel Pink Diamond Dial (2020)
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers this Rolex Day-Date 128349RBR is an exquisite blend of elegance and luxury, crafted in 18k white gold for a refined and sophisticated presence. Its 36mm case...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Rolex Submariner Date 40mm Gold/Steel Blue Serti Diamond Dial Men's Watch 16613
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Submariner Men's Watch with Aftermarket Serti Diamond Dial 16613 - Men's automatic winding wristwatch. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold bezel with blue insert (40mm di...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Steel

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

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold

2022 Rolex Yacht Master Watch 116622 Steel Platinum Blue Dial Box/Papers #15767
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2022 Rolex Yacht Master Men's Watch Model: 116622 Serial: OXA08788 This Rolex watch is set in stainless steel with a platinum bezel 40mm case Automatic ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Platinum, Steel, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA503B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage icon, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied baton index hour markers, silver Rolex pencil...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

MINT Rolex GMT-Master II 40mm Stainless Steel 16710 Black Men's Watch Papers
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Step into timeless sophistication with this Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16710, a classic tool watch that combines robust functionality with unmistakable style. This 40mm stainless ...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 69278 Champagne Dial Bark Finish Watch Box & Papers
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Datejust Ladies Watch 69278. This luxurious timepiece features a 26mm case made of 18k yellow gold, complemented by a stationary bezel with a bark finish. The champagne dial sh...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 41 126333 Wimbledon 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Box Paper 2023
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126333 Serial: 57VQ8*** Year: 2023 Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Y...
Category

2010s Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial 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 40mm X Diame...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT Master II Coke Fat Lady 16760 Red Black Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16760 Serial: 9625*** Year: 1987 Model: Rolex GMT Master II - Fat Lady Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: "Coke" Red and Black Dial:...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Precision 18K White Gold 18mm Diamond Bezel Watch
Located in Miami, FL
18K white gold Rolex Precision Swiss made watch features an elegant, square dial encircled by a diamond bezel, enhancing its timeless appeal. A unique mesh band with an alligator mot...
Category

1970s Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex 34mm Stainless Steel Jubilee Perpetual Datejust With Blue Roman Numerals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Date 34mm Blue Dial Roman Numeral Accent Dial Jubilee Band Creator: Rolex Design: Datejust Watch Datejust Collection Case Material: Stainless Steel Strap Material: Stainless...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

2025 Rolex GMT-Master Ⅱ 40mm 126710GRNR Bruce Wayne Gray Black Jubilee Box Paper
Located in New York, NY
Brand New 2025 Rolex GMT-Master II, reference 126710GRNR, features a 40mm stainless steel case with a black and gray Cerachrom ceramic bezel, providing a sleek and versatile look. The black dial is complemented by luminous hour markers, Mercedes hands, and the iconic GMT hand for dual time zone functionality. Powered by the automatic calibre 3285 movement, it offers exceptional precision, a 70-hour power reserve, and advanced timekeeping performance. This watch is fitted with a Jubilee bracelet, known for its comfort and timeless style. A brand-new timepiece, it comes complete with its original box and papers. Full 5 year Rolex factory warranty. Message or call to inquire. The watch is unworn but as is common with most new watches, especially high polished steel or precious metal watches...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

NEW 2025 Rolex Sky-Dweller 336934 42mm Green Dial Oyster Bracelet Box Papers
Located in New York, NY
Brand New 2025, Rolex Sky-Dweller 336934, featuring a 42mm stainless steel case with an 18K white gold fluted Ring Command bezel. Stunning green dial ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Yacht-Master II 44mm 116688 18K Solid Gold New Mercedes Hands Box Papers
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Yacht-Master II (reference 116688) is a distinguished timepiece that exemplifies Rolex's commitment to blending classic design with advanced functionality. Crafted from sol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Yacht-Master II 44mm 116681 18K Rose & Steel Mercedes Hands Box Papers
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Yacht-Master II (reference 116681) is a distinguished timepiece that exemplifies Rolex's commitment to blending classic design with advanced functionality. Crafted from a h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Pristine 2024 Rolex Daytona 40mm 126500LN Black Dial Oyster Bracelet Box Papers
Located in New York, NY
The 2024 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (reference 126500LN) is a distinguished timepiece that exemplifies Rolex's commitment to blending classic design with modern innovation. Crafted fro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner Date Two Tone Blue Dial Box and Papers
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Submariner Date REFRENCE: 16613LB SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIAL: Blue BEZEL: Blue BAND: Oyster 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel LIN...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

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

Rolex GMT Master II 116710LN 40mm Black Ceramic Stainless Steel Box Booklet
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116710LN Serial: 90501*** Year: 2010-2019 Model: Rolex GMT Master II Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Ceramic...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA503
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Men's Rolex ref.6694 all-stainless steel Oysterdate Precision hand-wind dress watch, c.1969, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied baton index hour markers, silver Rolex pencil...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Lady-Datejust Two Tone White Dial Roman Numerals
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Lady-Datejust REFRENCE: 69173 SIZE: 26mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIAL: White BEZEL: 18k Yellow Gold BAND: Jubilee 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless ...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

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

Rolex GMT-Master II Steel Pepsi Bezel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126710BLRO
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. New stlyle card. Comes with an original box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can ...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Lady's Datejust Watch with Fluted Bezel, 1996
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Rolex Lady's Datejust Watch with Fluted Bezel, 1996. The serial number is 69173, and the model number is T866989. The movement #2135. The is an 18-karat yellow gold fluted bezel, sap...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Ladies Watch with Original Dial from 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Round METAL / MATERIAL: Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 29mm X Diameter 21mm MOVEMENT / CALIBE...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Rolex Daytona 116506 Platinum ice blue Diamond Dial men's watch
Located in New York, NY
Product Description Experience the pinnacle of luxury and performance with this Rolex Daytona 116506 — a masterpiece crafted in platinum, featuring an extraordinary factory diamond ...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Platinum

Rolex 18ct Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Datejust 62523H Men's Wristwatch
Located in London, GB
This classic Rolex Datejust men's wristwatch combines elegance with versatility, crafted in luxurious 18ct yellow gold and durable stainless steel. Model 62523H features Rolex’s icon...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Genuine 14k Rolex Watch. 14k WG Ladies 9823 Dainty 1950s Ladies Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
14k White Gold Rolex Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1950s Dainty 15mm Case and Stainless Steel Stretch Bracelet. Rolex 1400 Movement...
Category

1950s Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT Master Pepsi Ref. 1675 Year 1966 With Box
Located in Miami, FL
Brand: Rolex Model Name: GMT Master Model Number: 1675 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 40 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Dial: Black Dial/Luminous Hour Markers Bezel: Pepsi Hour Ma...
Category

1960s Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Navy Dial Ladies Custom Diamond Watch 69173
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. Custom dial and bezel. No original box and papers. High-quality natural diamond dial and bezel. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Mo...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex GMT-Master II "Sprite" — reference 126720VTNR Men's Watch
Located in New York, NY
Product Description Introducing the highly sought-after Rolex GMT-Master II "Sprite" — reference 126720VTNR. A true innovation from Rolex, this striking timepiece features the disti...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Blue Submariner Date Two-Tone Watch 116613LB
Located in New York, NY
ROLEX SUBMARINER DATE -Condition: Pristine, like-new -Material: 18k Gold and Stainless Steel -Movement: Swiss Automatic -Ref: 116613LB -Case Diameter: 41mm -Dial: Blue -Crown: Scre...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Lady-Datejust, ref:69288, in 18k yellow gold diamond
Located in Berlin, BE
Rolex Lady-Datejust, reference 69288, in 18k yellow gold with a champagne dial and diamond-set bezel. 26mm case, automatic movement, fitted with the iconic President bracelet. Total ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Aesthetic Movement Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Rolex Daytona Chronograph Automatic Wristwatch w/ Ceramic Bezel Ref 116519LN
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Daytona in 18k white gold with ceramic bezel on a black Oysterflex strap with an additional black rubber strap. Automatic with sweep seconds and chronograph. 40 mm case size. Ref 116519LN. With box and papers dated 2018. **Bank wire only at this price** Ref 116519LN. Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Sport Rolex Daytona 116519LN...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

White Gold

Rolex Day-Date Yellow Gold Automatic Wristwatch Ref 18038
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Day-Date in 18k yellow gold on a brown alligator grain strap. Auto w/ sweep seconds, date and day. 36 mm case size. Ref 18038. Circa 1978. ** Bank Wire Only at this Price ** Fi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex DateJust Ladies 26mm 69160 Stainless Steel Red Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A perfect blend of elegance and individuality, this Rolex Datejust Ladies 26mm (Ref. 69160) features a breathtaking custom red mother-of-pearl (MOP) dial, offering a rich, iridescent...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Day-Date President Diamond Men's Watch 1803 Yellow Gold 18k Auto 1Yr Wnty
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date President Model Number: 1803 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Date: 1964 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Aftermarket Champagne Diamond Metal Con...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Yachtmaster Stainless Steel 40mm Blue Dot Dial Watch Reference #: 126622
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brand: Rolex Model: Yacht-Master Reference #: 126622 Case: Stainless Steel Case Size: 40mm Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet Dial: Blue Dial w/ Dot Hour Markers & Red Accents Lume: Luminous ...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Platinum, Stainless Steel

Rolex Sky Dweller 326934 White Dial Stainless Steel Box Paper 2021
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 326934 Serial: 93L2*** Year: 2021 Model: Rolex Sky Dweller Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K White Gold Dial: White Face: Sapphi...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

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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