Watches
20th Century Swiss Watches
Diamond, Gold, Steel
2010s Watches
Mid-20th Century French Modern Watches
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Aesthetic Movement Watches
Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Swiss Watches
Steel
1960s British Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
Early 2000s Swiss Watches
Diamond, Stainless Steel
1980s Swiss Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
1950s French Vintage Watches
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Steel
20th Century Swiss Modern Watches
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1910s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
Mid-19th Century Swiss Aesthetic Movement Antique Watches
20th Century Watches
White Gold
20th Century French Watches
Steel
1940s Swiss Vintage Watches
Gold, 14k Gold
2010s Watches
1970s Swiss Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
1970s Swiss Vintage Watches
1980s Vintage Watches
18k Gold, Enamel
20th Century Watches
Yellow Gold
1960s Swiss Vintage Watches
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
1970s Swiss Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
1960s Swiss Vintage Watches
14k Gold
1970s Swiss Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
2010s Swiss Watches
Rose Gold
2010s Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Stainless Steel
1970s Swiss Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Watches
Stainless Steel
2010s Swiss Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
20th Century Swiss Modern Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Vintage Watches
Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Watches
Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Watches
1970s Swiss Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
1890s American Antique Watches
Gold
1950s Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
1970s Swiss Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
1940s Swiss Vintage Watches
1930s European Art Deco Vintage Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
20th Century Watches
Yellow Gold
2010s Watches
1970s European Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
20th Century Artisan Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gilt Metal
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
Platinum
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Watches
Gold
20th Century Artisan Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
1940s Vintage Watches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1910s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
20th Century Watches
Yellow Gold
20th Century American Watches
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
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
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.
The 6 Most Popular Brands for Luxury Watches
These companies have stood the test of time, making exceptional pieces for generations.
Why Vintage Watches Are Making a Comeback
Men, women and the watchmakers themselves are falling for the old-fashioned charm of retro timepieces.