Skip to main content

Watches

to
883
3,946
3,355
2,856
3,673
4,363
1,323
2,344
127
8,266
1,529
Watches For Sale
Rolex GMT-Master II 40mm Green Dial White Gold Oyster Bracelet Watch 126729VTNR
Located in Aventura, FL
The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II in 18 ct white gold with a green ceramic dial and an Oyster bracelet. This model features a green ceramic dial and a two-colour Cerachrom bezel ins...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex 14Kt Solid Gold Ladies Dress Watch circa 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress watch / Reference 82 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 18mm X Widt...
Category

1960s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold

Gucci Ladies Gold-Plated Quartz Wristwatch
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). A lady's wrist watch. Gold plated ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Omega Genève Ref 1660170 Stainless Steel Automatic Watch
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand : OMEGA Model: Genève Reference Number :1660170 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Material: Stainless Steel Measurements : 36 mm (excluding cro...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Platinum Hamilton 3.18ctw Round & Baguette Cut Diamond Watch Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Case & Bracelet: Platinum - Safety Chain: White Gold Case Overall Height: 38mm (1.3") (measuring from both ends of the baguette diamonds ribbon) Case Width: 14.2mm (0.5")...
Category

20th Century American Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Lady Hamilton 14 Karat White Gold Cocktail Wrist Watch w Diamond Accents
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Unmistakable elegance from the mid-20th century, enjoy this ultra feminine Lady Hamilton Cocktail Wrist Watch Model 761 in 14 karat white gold with diamonds accents. Delicate slim l...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Hampden Watch Co. Gold Plated White Dial 1900-1909
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Item specifics Condition: Pre-owned: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but ... Department: Unisex Adult Case Material: Gold Plated Year Manufactured: 1900-1909 Model: HOLY GRAIL Dial Color: White Brand: Hampden Watch Co...
Category

Early 20th Century American Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Must de Cartier Tank Blue Mystery Dial. Vermeil ARGENT 925 Small Windup Watch
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Iconic Tank Argent. Sterling Silver and Gold plated (Vermeil). RARE Blue Mystery Dial. Manual Windup Movement New Gucci Leather Band. Condition: Ha...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, Sterling Silver

Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Mens Automatic 1960s Vintage RA569B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Precision Ref.5500 "Air King" automatic, c.1969, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Ro...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

[CHOPARD] Chopard Happy Sports 3P Diamond Leather Red Sapphire R. 9544/9999 32mm
Located in New York, NY
Chopard Wrist Watch; Happy Sport - Be Happy Brand: Chopard Watch Type: Adult Unisex Model: Chopard Happy Sport Ref: 9544/9999 Display: Analog Case Size: 32mm Movement: Quartz 1) ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond

Longines Flagship Timeless Presence 18k yellow gold watch
Located in London, GB
This stunning Longines 18k yellow gold watch features a classic design with Roman numerals, making it a timeless accessory for any occasion. The intricate woven band adds a touch of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Movado Museum Ladies Wristwatch 84.A1.1846 - Stainless Steel Quartz
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Movado Model: Museum Model Number: 84.A1.1846 Movement: Quartz Number of Jewels: 3 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Black Metal Content: Stainless Steel Fastening Type: Fol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage Cartier PASHA C Automatic 2324. Rare Black Dial W31043M7.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Cartier watch. Cartier Pasha C ref. 2324 W31043M7 Rare Black Dial. 35mm Case. Automatic Movement. Condition: Original Paperwork with Original Box. Please ask for more d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss Mens Watch 2018
Located in New York, NY
[Evita Diamonds] #1 Most Reliable, Top Ranked, Superior Quality & Purity Since 1992, Evita Diamonds has amassed a sizable and devoted clientele that has remained loyal for more than three decades. To guarantee the highest level of satisfaction for our members, we craft each item—from exquisite necklaces and rings to expensive watches—with passion and a lovely aura. Men's 2018 Rolex Oyster Perpetual...
Category

2010s European Empire Watches

Rolex Datejust 26 Steel 18K Gold Custom Green Turquoise Diamond Dial Watch 69173
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Custom diamond dial and bezel. No orgiinal box and papers. It comes with a seller box. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69173 Type: W...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Steel

Omega Constellation Watch
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
Omega Constellation Watch 18k yellow gold
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe Platinum Pendant Watch
Located in New Orleans, LA
This distinguished 1912 Patek Philippe platinum pendant or pocket watch showcases precision timekeeping at its finest. The open-face watch displays a delicate lace-like design on the...
Category

20th Century Swiss Belle Époque Watches

Materials

Platinum

Omega Seamaster Super Patina Dial , Ghost Bezel
Located in MADRID, ES
This is a iconic piece from omega know as omega seamaster James Bond since in 1995 Star Pierce Brosnan wore a Seamaster Professional watch in the first of his four films as Agent 007.
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex GMT Master II 16710 Pepsi Bezel Men's Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex GMT Master II Men's Watch 16710. This timepiece features a 40mm stainless steel case and a bidirectional rotating stainless steel bezel with a blue and red bezel insert. The bl...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Americaine Round Cut Diamond Ladies' Watch in Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A timeless ladies' watch created by Cartier from its iconic Tank Americaine collection, featuring the classic rectangular dial with Roman numeral hours surrounded by two rows of roun...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

1970 Patek Philippe Vintage Mens Handwound Ref. 3468 18K Gold Dress Watch
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

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Bvlgari Tubogas 18K White Gold W/Jaeger-LeCoultre Movement Vintage Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Vintage Bvlgari Tubogas features an 18K white gold bracelet with a Jaeger-LeCoultre manual movement.
Category

1960s Vintage Watches

Omega Stainless Steel Honeycomb Dial Manual Wind Wristwatch
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Ref. 2487. Made in 1950's Case thr...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Bvlgari Bulgari Tubogas Gold Watch Oval Rare
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Bulgari Tubogas 18k gold triple wrap-around watch with an oval face. The case with a snap-on back is stamped with the maker's mark and a hallmark for 18k gold Equipped wit...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

1970's Omega De Ville Vintage Mens Automatic Classic Retro Watch - SS
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

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6564 34mm Mens Automatic 1950s Rare Vintage RA532B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's rare Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6564 automatic dress watch, c.1959, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex sign...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas 18K Rose Gold Diamond Bezel W/Papers
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas watch in 18k rose gold featuring a curved case set with an original diamond bezel. The watch includes a cabochon pink rubelite crown and a black guilloche op...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Mercedes Stainless Steel Post WWII Vintage Wrist Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
In mint condition, enjoy this post WWII Style Mercedes Winder 32mm Men's Wrist Watch. With a pristine linen face, the gold tone hands and matchstick indexes are sleek and easy to rea...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Vintage 1940s Gruen 14K Yellow Gold Tank Style Watch
Located in New York, NY
A refined 1940s Gruen dress watch, featuring a 22x25mm 14K yellow gold tank-style case with elegant fancy extended lugs, embodying the sophistication of the era. The silver dial is a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18ct Everose gold with box and papers
Located in Bilbao, ES
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 126515LN is a 40mm watch made of 18 ct Everose gold. It features a bright black and Sundust dial with diamond-set hour markers and hands. The watch also ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919 Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch complete set
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1989 Patek Philippe ref. 3919 Calatrava one owner complete set Wrist Watch. 33 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case with Iconic Hobnail Bezel. Caliber 215, 18 Jewel Mechanical, Ma...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Vintage 2 Tone & 2 Dial Zenith Pilot Watch Circa 1950s Black Lather Strap
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 2 Tone & 2 Dial Zenith Pilot Watch Circa 1950s, New Black Lather Strap Recognized and respected in today's watch market. Unlike their modern models, vintage Zenith watches...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Watches

RETRO 1938 Art Deco Lady Concealed Wristwatch 14Kt Rose Gold Rubies & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco lady retro wristwatch with concealed lid This is a beautiful and elegant lady wristwatch created during the art deco and retro periods, circa 1935-1940. The watch has be...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage 9k ROLEX Watch. Rolex 9k YG 12868 Dress Watch 1950s
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Rolex Mens Watch 9k Yellow Gold Case ref.12868 Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1954 Beautiful Watch. New Genuine Gucci Leath...
Category

1950s Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

18KY Audemars Piguet Diamond Watch
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Stunning watch from designer Audemars Piguet! Vertical oval face surrounded by 20 round prong set diamonds. Approximately 1.65ct total diamond weight. Face, including diamonds, is approximately 24mm X 17mm. 18 karat yellow brushed gold bracelet...
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Longines men's wristwatch. 10 karat gold filled. Art Deco style. Approx. 1939.
Located in bronshoj, DK
Longines men's wristwatch. 10 karat gold filled. Art Deco style. Approx. 1939. Strap made of lizard skin. In good condition. The watch requires servicing. Dial: 24 mm.
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Omega Seamaster DeVille 14k Solid Gold 32mm Mens Automatic 1960s Vintage RA578
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic luxury, 14k solid gold Men's Omega Seamaster DeVille automatic, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Baume & Mercier 18 Kt Gold Wrist Watch
Located in Antwerp, BE
Baume & Mercier 18 Kt Gold Wrist Watch Size : Strap: Brown crocodile leather strap, min. wrist fit: 15,25 cm - max. wrist fit: 18,5 cm Material : 18 Kt gold Movement : Mechanical...
Category

20th Century Swiss Artist Watches

Materials

Gold

Omega cal 344 14k Gold Filled 32mm Mens Bumper Automatic 1950s Vintage RA581
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, 14k gold-filled Men's Omega cal.344 bumper automatic, c.1952, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Omega signed dial, ...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

1969 Omega Seamaster Mens Vintage Watch with Automatic Cal. 552 Movement - SS
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 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating on other online sites. 1969 OMEGA SEAMASTER Mens Vintage Watch...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Chanel Ladies Watch Premiere 18K Solid Gold 20mm Case Leather Strap Serviced
Located in London, GB
Fork In Time is proud to offer on the 1st Dibs marketplace: Chanel Ladies Gold Watch Premiere 18K Solid Gold 20mm Case Leather Strap Serviced Ladies Gold Watch Black Leath...
Category

1990s Swiss Art Deco Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Kasparov Blue Dial Watch 39mm 25860ST B&P
Located in London, GB
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 25860ST.OO.110ST.03 Navy Blue Dial 2007 Box & Papers AKA 'Garry Kasparov' Model - as worn by the Chess Grand Master [see picture] Immac...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yachtmaster 40 18K Gold Blue Sunburst Dial 2000 16628 Boxed Rolex Service
Located in London, GB
Rolex Yachtmaster 40mm Solid 18K Yellow Gold Blue Sunburst Dial Reference 16628 P Serial Dates the manufacture of the watch to the year 2000 Case does not have lug-holes, br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe Ladies Multi Color Gold Pocket Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1880s Patek Philippe for M. Schooler New Orleans Pocket Watch. 38 M.M. 14K Multi Color, applied decorations Hunting case with inside Gold Dust cover Cuvette. 18 Jewel Mechanical, manual wind Nickle lever movement, matching movement and case serial numbers. Porcelain dial with Black Roman Numerals and a sub seconds hand, the dial is printed with the name of M. Scooler a fine retailer jewelry store in new Orleans that opened in the 1840s and closed around 1900 Patek Philippe...
Category

1880s Swiss Antique Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Rolex Ladies Watch Datejust 26mm Fluted Gold Steel Blue Diamond Dial FS 179173
Located in London, GB
Rolex Datejust Lady Rolesor Automatic Watch 26mm Stainless Steel Case with 18K Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel Original and very Rare to find: Factory Blue Sunburst Diamond Dot Dial ...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Steel

Vintage Circa 1940 Hamilton 14K White Gold Filled Manual Wind Watch
Located in New York, NY
A classic Hamilton timepiece from the 1940s, featuring a 29 x 29mm 14K white gold-filled case with a distinctive square design. The silver dial is accented with luminous Arabic numer...
Category

1940s Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Roger Dubuis Much More 18k Limited Edition n 03/28
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Gorgeous Roger Dubuis Much More watch Limited edition no. 03/28 Rose gold case Case mm 34 x 46 Genuine black crocodile strap Splendid condition, single owner, private collection Comp...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Custom Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA557
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust diamond dial automatic, c.1980, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold and Enamel Pocket Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1913 Patek Philippe Pocket Watch for Retailer Spaulding and Company , 45 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 4 piece case including the Yellow Gold Cuvette (Dust Cover) Greek Key Pattern Blue...
Category

1910s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage 1940s Angelus Watch Co. Swiss Chronograph 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A rare and elegant 1940s Angelus Watch Co. Swiss chronograph, featuring a 35.5mm 18K yellow gold case that embodies classic mid-century design. The silver dial has developed a beauti...
Category

1940s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Yellow Gold White Dial 4118 1
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A fine Chopard ladies' wristwatch from the Happy Diamonds collection, reference 204993-0003 / 4118 1, featuring 7 diamonds floating between a double diamond-set bezel. The look is co...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA549
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust diamond dial automatic, c.1986, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1955 Longines 14K Yellow Gold Rectangular Dress Watch
Located in New York, NY
A refined 1955 Longines dress watch featuring a 25.5 x 28.5mm rectangular 14K yellow gold case crafted by L&K. The silver dial is accented with raised gold markers and a sub-dial for...
Category

Mid-20th Century Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage Eska Steel Military Style Men's Wrist Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Add this great post-war, Swiss-made Eska Military Style Wrist Watch to your vintage collection. In brushed steel, this 31mm watch has its original mat silver-toned face with Roman nu...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Omega watch Omega SS Diamond Bezel Vintage Ladies Blue Dial wristwatch
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning watch piece. OMEGA fully mechanical wristwatch. ref Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet. Condition: Watch winds up and ticks. Needs daily winding. Details: 21mm case Di...
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Bvlgari Ladies Watch Tubogas 26mm Black Diamond Dial Stainless Steel BB262TS
Located in London, GB
Fork In Time is proud to offer on the 1st Dibs marketplace: BVLGARI Tubogas 26mm Black Diamond Dot Dial Ladies Stainless Steel Watch with Box Reference BB262TS -11P Due to the f...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Classical Greek Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Carolina Bucci 15454Ba 37Mm Frosted Gold Women's Watch
Located in Studio City, CA
In Excellent Overall Condition And Comes With Its Box And Booklets As Shown In The Pictures Attached. This Watch Features A 37Mm Frosted Gold Case That Surrounds A Silver “Mirrored”...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Gold

Vintage Must de Cartier Trinity Tank Watch. Large ARGENT Tricolor Windup Tank
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Cartier watch. Vintage Iconic Tank Argent. Sterling Silver and Gold plated (Vermeil). ref 6166123 RARE Manual Windup Movement Details: 24mm by 31mm Case Tricolor Trinity D...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, Sterling Silver

Rolex Datejust 126303 Black Dial W/Card
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Datejust 126303 Men's Watch. It features a 41mm stainless steel case and an 18K yellow gold smooth bezel. The engraved rehaut enhances its elegance, while the black dial showca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Benrus Military Style Wrist Watch with Leather Bund Strap
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Enjoy this neat post WWII Benrus Military BH-11 Style Steel Men's Wrist Watch. In case size 31.5mm, the dial has a combination of Arabic numerals and matchstick markers with a sweep ...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage 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.

Recently Viewed

View All