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Watches For Sale
Vintage LeCoultre 14k Yellow Gold Hand Wind Men's Watch
Located in New York, NY
Brand: LeCoultre Caliber: 480 Case Size: 33mm Movement: Manual Wind Material: Lizard Grain Leather Size: 7 1/2" Weight: 27 Grams Condition: Good vintage condition, running wel.. Ite...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Omega 18 Karat Yellow Gold Men's Dress Wrist Watch with Box
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Bold, all in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, this sleek Omega Men's Dress Wrist Watch evokes the revered elegance and style of its era. Circa mid 1960's, this retro Omega beauty has an Swiss automatic movement #23162809. The satin polished gold square case #161922-222, measuring 29.6mm x 30mm presents a silver-toned face with gold match stick markers. The lush integrated 18 karat gold 7.5 inch mesh band bracelet is a substantial 1.36mm gauge and ranges in width from 24mm to 16.5mm. The time piece is finished with an integrated Omega signed adjustable fold-snap buckle adding to its smooth styling. Included is the original burgundy Omega Watch Box.
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Original 1970s Alexis Barthelay Manual-Winding Movement Chain Silver Watch
Located in Valenza, IT
Original 1970's, Exquisite Alexis Barthelay Wrist Watch, an iconic piece characterized by an elegant, unique, absolutely chic yet timeless design, watch case and chain bracelet are h...
Category

1970s French Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Silver

Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Serpenti Vintage BB19 1 T Watch
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Serpenti Vintage BB19 1 T Watch. Bulgari’s Tubogas Snake watch is an internationally recognizable classic. Immaculately crafted from 18K yellow gold, this ra...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Cartier 3930 Drive De Cartier 2012 Stainless Steel 41mm Leather Men Watch MINT
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Understated elegance meets refined craftsmanship in the Cartier Drive de Cartier Ref. 3930—a timepiece designed for the discerning gentleman. Featuring a polished 41mm stainless stee...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44mm 18K Rose Gold Black Dial IW503202 Papers
By IWC
Located in New York, NY
The IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar (reference IW503202) is a distinguished timepiece that exemplifies IWC's commitment to blending classic design with sophisticated craftsmanship...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose 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

Cartier Tank Américaine Diamond Quartz Ladies Wristwatch Ref 2482
Located in London, GB
Here we have a beautiful ladies timepiece from the world renowned jewellery house of Cartier. The Cartier Tank has been an icon for over 100 years with its rectangular shaped case; i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k 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

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

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

Cartier Ballon Bleu Moonphase 37mm Automatic Watch Box Papers WSBB0021
Located in New York, NY
iturn0image0The Cartier Ballon Bleu Moonphase 37mm (reference WSBB0021) is a refined timepiece that exemplifies Cartier's commitment to blending classic design with sophisticated ...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

Waltham A.W.W.Co. 13j 6s Lever Set Pocket Watch in Etched 14k Gold Hunter Case
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a magnificent antique pocket watch made in America by the American Waltham Watch Co. It features Waltham's grade "A.W.W.Co.", model 1873-6, stem winding and lever set 13...
Category

19th Century American Antique Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

Omega Seamaster James Bond 2226.80.00 41mm Blue Dial Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 2226.80.00 Model: Omega Seamaster Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Blue Dial: Blue Face: Sapphire Crystal ...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Alpina Alpiner Regulator Stainless Steel Men’s Watch, AL-650NNS5E6
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
This Men’s Watch has a 45 mm silver-tone stainless steel case with a brown leather strap. Fixed silver-tone stainless steel bezel. Blue dial with silver-tone hands and index hour mar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

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

Cartier Baignoire Mini HPI01773 Rhodium-Finish White Gold Diamond Quartz (2025)
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers this Cartier Baignoire Mini HPI01773 is a dazzling expression of feminine elegance and high jewelry craftsmanship. Crafted in a rhodium-finished 18k white go...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage 1990s Chopard Happy Diamonds Wrap Watch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 1.35 carat, and a Cabochon Ruby. Signed by Chopard, from their Happy Diamonds co...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm 1970s Manual Wind Vintage RA504B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref 6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1977, in excellent working condition, with Rolex Service Card. Verified authentic by a master wat...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier La Dona 18K Yellow Gold Women's Wrist Watch w Box
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
By the prestigious luxury brand Cartier, the impressive La Dona Wrist Watch Collection was first launched in 2006 as a tribute to Mexican actress, singer and Cartier enthusiast Maria Felix . Boldly striking, styled with feminine curves, this Cartier La Donna...
Category

Early 2000s French Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Corum 18k Yellow Gold 23mm Five 5 Dollar Coin Quartz Wrist Watch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Corum. Movement: Swiss Made - Quartz Case Material: Solid 18k Gold Case Serial Number: 499465 Gross Weight: 19.6 Grams (including case, movement, and strap) Case Size: 23...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

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

Omega Speedmaster 310.30.42.50.04.001 Moonwatch Professional Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 310.30.42.50.04.001 Model: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: White D...
Category

2010s Watches

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

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 77351OR.ZZ.1261OR.01 'Ladies' Rose Gold White Dial
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 77351OR.ZZ.1261OR.01, an elegant 34mm ladies' model crafted entirely in 18k rose gold, paired with a diamond-set bezel featuri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm Rose Gold Silver Diamond Dial W3BB0007 Box Set
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm (reference W3BB0007) is a refined timepiece that exemplifies Cartier's commitment to blending classic design with luxurious craftsmanship. Crafted from s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, 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

Cartier Ballon Bleu 42mm 18K Two Tone Yellow Gold & Steel Box Set W69009Z3
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu, reference W69009Z3, features a 42mm stainless steel case accented with an 18K yellow gold fluted crown set with a blue synthetic cabochon, embodying Cartier'...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank MC Large 34mm x 44mm Silver Dial W5330003
Located in New York, NY
Pristine condition Cartier Tank MC, reference W5330003, featuring a classic silvered guilloché dial. This elegant timepiece showcases a stainless steel case measuring 44mm x 34.3mm, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Tank Française Small Factory Diamond Bezel Steel W4TA0029 Box Set
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Tank Française, reference W4TA0029, is a luxurious and elegant timepiece designed for women who appreciate timeless design and sophistication. This model features a 25.7m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Vintage 4.25 Carats Total Mixed-Cut Diamond Ladies' Wristwatch in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
A vintage 1950s ladies' watch, featuring 103 tapered baguette and round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 4.25 carats total. Finely made with platinum. Manual movement, 6...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Clé de Cartier 31mm Factory Diamond Bezel Pink Leather Box Papers W4CL0005
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Clé de Cartier, reference W4CL0005, is a luxurious and elegant timepiece designed for women who appreciate refined craftsmanship and timeless design. This model features ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 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

Alpina Alpiner Regulator Stainless Steel Men’s Watch, AL-650BSS5E6B
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
This Men’s Watch has a 45 mm silver-tone stainless steel case with a stainless steel strap. Fixed silver-tone stainless steel bezel. Black dial with silver-tone hands and index hour ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Solo 18K Yellow Gold Women's Watch W1018755 Custom Diamond Bezel
Located in New York, NY
Pristine condition Cartier Tank Solo, reference W1018755, featuring a luxurious professionally custom set diamond bezel. This elegant timepiece showcases a 24mm x 30.5mm yellow gold ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm W2BB0011 18K Two Tone Rose Gold Pink MOP Dial Box Card
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier, reference W2BB0011, is a luxurious and elegant timepiece that combines classic design with modern sophistication. This model features a 36mm stain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Alpina AlpinerX Alive Titanium Men’s Watch, AL-284LGGN5TAQ1L
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
This Men’s Watch features a gray dial with mat finishing and silver color indices that have been coated with a white luminous treatment. Grey inner ring with blue markers. Blue hands...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Titanium

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

Ultra-Thin Classic Gold Audemars-Piguet Mens Watch with Brown Crocodile Strap
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This handsome, vintage 18K yellow gold Audemars-Piguet wristwatch is positively elegant. Crafted during the mid-20th Century, this iteration is am...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k 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

Bulgari Tubogas 18k Yellow Gold Watch
Located in Napoli, NA
Iconic Ladies Bvlgari Bvlgari Tubogas watch in 18k yellow gold, a timeless highly desired masterpiece, perfect for everyday wear. It fea...
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Bracelet Covered Dial Watch
Located in Firenze, IT
Mysterious watch in yellow gold, featuring a snake, the body formed by a double rush chiselled with scales closing with a ratchet. The snake's head reveals a watch with a mechanical...
Category

1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Movado Classic 14k Gold 14mm Ladies Mother of Pearl Diamond Wrist Watch Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (30) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pavé Set - E/F Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity Total Carat Weight: 0.24 (approx.) Watchmaker: Movado Reference Number: 73...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Rose Gold Brown Dial
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Patek Philippe MODEL: Twenty-4 CASE: 18k Rose Gold DIAL: Brown BAND: 18k Rose Gold WRIST SIZE: Apx. " 6.5 MOVEMENT: Quartz No box or papers Accommodated with an up to date ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold

Vintage International Watch Co. 14k Yellow Gold Large Swiss Concentric Design Hu
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a large Swiss made pocket watch by International Watch Co. cased in a solid 14k yellow gold concentric designed case and features throughout beautiful patina that's inta...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Watches

Materials

Yellow 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

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Ladies Patria Art Deco 18 Karat Gold Watch, Enamel Inlay & Carved Filigreed Case
Located in valatie, NY
Ladies Art Deco 18 Karat White Gold Watch With Enamel Inlay and Carved, Filigreed Case, c1930. Patria Watch Co was a Swiss luxury watchmaker based in Bien...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Enamel

Marina J. Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Watch with Woven Pearl, Ruby Band & Gold Clasp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful One of A Kind stunning vintage working Winding Dial Watch is reworked into a timeless and elegant Pearl, Ruby and 14k Yellow Gold piece. Stamped and made in all solid 14k Y...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Watches

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold

Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Art Deco Bracelet Wrist Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Glorious Art Deco feminine finery in 14 karat rose gold, this elegant vintage timepiece is adorned with .80 carats TW of Old Mine cut Rubies and .50...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Art Deco Platinum 3.72ctw Old Diamond Fancy Wrist Watch Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (95) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Round Cut - Bezel & Pave Set - G/H Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity - 1.98ctw (approx.) (12) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Baguette Cut - Channe...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Baume & Mercier Diamond Square Textured Yellow Gold Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's Baume & Mercier Diamond square textured 18k yellow gold wristwatch is an exquisite symphony of luxurious design and meticulous craftsmanship. Its alluring yellow gold case, en...
Category

Mid-20th Century Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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-Date Roman Dial Stainless Steel Women's Watch Ref. 79160
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Rolex Lady Date features a classic stainless steel Oyster case and bracelet, paired with a refined Roman numeral dial. The timeless design is powered by a precise automa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ebel Beluga 18k Gold 24mm Mother of Pearl Diamond Watch Bracelet Ref. 866969
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Bezel Stones:-- (74) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pavé Set - E/F Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity - 1.11ctw (approx.) Watchmaker: Ebel Model: Beluga Movement: Quartz - ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k 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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