Skip to main content

Watches

to
873
4,062
3,413
3,063
3,634
4,585
1,421
2,500
134
to
8,469
1,750
Watches For Sale
Cartier Libre Noeud 18K White Gold Silver Dial Diamonds Ladies Watch 3080
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Unworn band. Comes with original box but no papers. 💎 Cartier 3080 Women's Wristwatch 📌 Overview Brand: Cartier Model Number: 3080 Type: Wristw...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

White Gold

Girard Perregaux Ferrari Chronograph Black Men's Watch
Located in Bradenton, FL
Girard Perregaux 8020 Ferrari Chronograph Black Dial Men's Watch with stainless steel 38mm case and black crocodile leather strap. Watch strap is 9 inches in length. Tang buckle on s...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

14k Hamilton Diamond Watch. Vintage Ladies Hamilton Classic String Wristwatch
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning watch piece. Hamilton fully mechanical wristwatch. 14k White Gold Case with multiple diamonds. 14k White Gold Kreiser Cable Band. Condition: Watch winds up and ticks. Needs...
Category

1940s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold-filled, White Gold

PIAGET DANCER Mens Watch 18K White Gold & Factory Piaget Diamonds - Mint
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 via other online sites with a 5.0 star rating. PIAGET DANCER Mens Ultra Thin High Grade Mechancial Watch - 18K White Gold & Original Factory Piaget Diamonds True Statement Piece - Approx. $32,000 Retail Rep. Value - 1 Year Warranty Today's offering showcases this gorgeous Connoisseur of Time Certified Pre-Owned Piaget Polo mens diamond watch that combines Piaget elegance, a very distinctive luxury character, and exceptional horological craftsmanship. Bejeweled with 36 Piaget perfect factory set full cut brilliant diamonds on the bezel, it is a true statement piece. The diamonds are brilliant cut, white, extremely clean, and full of fire as you would expect from a watch of this caliber. To power the watch Piaget used...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

White Gold

DeLaneau 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Blue Sapphire Bracelet Watch
Located in New York, NY
DeLaneau was founded by a woman in 1949 in Switzerland. They are one of the first watch companies to devote their entire collection to ladies timepieces...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Nautilus 3800/1J-017 Yellow Gold Black Dial (2003)
Located in New York, NY
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 3800/1J-017 in yellow gold is a stunning timepiece that combines the elegance of precious materials with the iconic design of the Nautilus collection. Its...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Movado Museum 14 Karat Yellow Gold Watch Swiss Quartz
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Movado Museum Model Number: 66 0200 105 Material: 14k Yellow Gold Movement: Quartz Case: 24.4 mm wide (not including the crown) Band width: 14.8 mm - 8.9 mm Closure Type: Fold...
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Submariner Date 40mm Black Dial Oyster Steel Automatic Men's Watch 16610
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Submariner Date Black Dial Steel Mens Watch 16610. Officially certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel oyster case 40.0 mm in diameter. Rolex logo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Champagne Dial circa
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1971 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35mm MO...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner Date Black Ceramic 41mm Stainless Steel 126610LN Papers 2023
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The watch is in MINT pre-owned condition. The bracelet has been professionally polished and looks incredible! Has signs of very light wear like small scratches (please look at all th...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage Omega Seamaster Deville 34mm 14K Yellow Gold Silver Dial Watch KL6292
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned vintage watch in working good condition. The crown is from a different Omega model. Production years around 1962-1963. Aftermarket leather strap and buckle, it show signs o...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Lady Datejust President 18K Yellow Gold White Dial Ladies Watch 6927
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. The watch was produced in 1982. The original box and papers are not included. Comes with a chronostore box. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * ...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Orologio Tag heuer al quarzo in acciaio con quadrante in madre perla e Diamanti
Located in Cattolica, IT
Nuovo Orologio Tag heuer da donna al quarzo in acciaio inossidabile Swiss Made. L’ orologio non è mai stato indossato e viene venduto da un venditore autorizzato italiano. Il quadra...
Category

Early 2000s European Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6564 14k Solid Gold 34mm 1950s Automatic RA462B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic luxury, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6564 automatic dress watch, c.1950s, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeo...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Cartier Tank Francaise Stainless Steel Ladies Watch Reference WSTA0065 4472
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cartier Tank Francaise Stainless Steel Ladies Watch Reference WSTA0065 4472 Model: WSTA0065 Serial: 44728481**** (2023) Metal: Stainless steel Movement: Quartz (new battery April 2...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex 14Kt. Solid Gold O.P Date Lady's Watch With Custom Diamond Dial and Bezel
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1503 METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X ...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold

Rolex Day-Date President 18K Everose Gold Black Dial Mens Watch 118235
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. 2005 Production. The watch comes with a box but no paper. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accur...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Art Nouveau 18k Gold Diamond Pocket Watch, Fob Watch, Escasany
Located in NEWARK, GB
A truly spectacular antique Art Nouveau era, 18kt gold and Rose cut diamond pocket watch or fob watch. A rich 18kt gold smooth polished ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Nouveau Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Vintage 'Ladies' Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial
Located in New York, NY
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Vintage 'Ladies' in yellow gold with a champagne diamond dial is a timeless expression of elegance, femininity, and early Royal Oak design. Crafted in a...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Longines Men's 9ct Gold Wristwatch Fully Serviced 1 Year Guarantee
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
Longines Men's 9ct Gold Wristwatch Fully Serviced 1 Year Guarantee Longines - A Swiss 9ct gold 'trench' style wristwatch, circa 1920's, the signed circular white dial, 25mm diameter,...
Category

Early 20th Century Watches

2024 Rolex Explorer II 226570 42mm Black Dial Stainless Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 226570 Year: 2024 Model: Rolex Explorer II Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Black Dial ...
Category

2010s Watches

Cartier Tank Divan Rare Tank Divan Diagonale White Gold Diamonds
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Divan Diagonale REFERENCE: 2786 SIZE: 45 x 20mm CASE: 18k White Gold & Diamonds DIAL: White BAND: Satin MOVEMENT: Quartz ORIGINAL FACTORY DIAMONDS In fantastic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold

Cartier Vintage Santos 18K Gold Round on bracelet, 1st. Series, Circa 1980
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Cartier Vintage Santos Octagonal Round Watch, made in 18K yellow gold case and bracelet measuring 26mm in diameter. This Classic ladies size watch is fitted with a automatic winding Cartier 17-jewel movement white dial and black roman numerals and outer minute track. The watch is fitted further with the 18K Santos screw bracelet...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Tank Francaise 20mm x 25mm 18K Gold Factory Diamond Bezel WE1023R8 Box
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Tank Française, reference WE1023R8, is a timeless and elegant timepiece that embodies Cartier's iconic design and craftsmanship. This model features a 20mm x 25mm 18K yel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Tiffany & Co. 14 Karat Gold Wrist Watch w Box
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Enjoy this rarely found vintage 14 karat yellow gold Tiffany & Co. Wrist Watch circa 1945 with original Tiffany & Co. Box. With beautiful lines and simple functionality, this luxury ...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Gold

36mm Rose Tone Movado Bold Quartz Watch
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Pre-owned 36mm Movado Bold quartz watch crafted in rose tone stainless steel with crystal accents. Model MB.01.3.34.6039 Includes Box and Booklet. $750 MSRP. One year timekeeping war...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1990s Cartier Gold Pasha Chronograph Watch with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds set on the bezel, crowns, and dial weighing approximately a total of 3.60 carats. The watch features a brown allig...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

New Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 126500LN Steel Ceramic Black Dial Watch B&P 2024
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Box and papers included. General Information Brand: Rolex Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Model Number: 126500LN Type: Wristwatch Style: Luxury Department: Men Vinta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Girard-Perregaux Flyback Stainless Watch Ref. 4958
Located in Austin, TX
Unlike some GPs which have generic ETA movements, this one features the in-house caliber 3379 movement with a flyback chronograph function. The 40mm wide and 12.8mm thick case fit ea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1980s Bvlgari Gold 2 Coil Tubogas Watch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with a black lacquered dial. Signed by Bvlgari Circa 1980s Model #BB 19 1T 19mm face
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe 425J "Tegolino" Vintage Art Deco Watch in Yellow Gold, Circa 1939
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Patek Philippe 425J Tegolino Art Deco watch, measuring 42.5 x 20.5. The watch is fitted with a 9"90 caliber movement # 839668, case# 6487543 The dial is a silver wit...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Santos Galbée Ref. 1566 – Steel & Gold Quartz Watch
Located in Berlin, BE
Cartier Santos Galbée Ref. 1566 – Steel & Gold Quartz Watch This Cartier Santos Galbée Ref. 1566 features a 29x41mm stainless steel and gold case, housing a quartz movement. The ele...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Watches

Materials

Gold, Steel

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

Patek Philippe 1431J Vintage Square Shape Unisex with Bracelet, Circa 1951
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Patek Philippe 1431J, Vintage square watch 37 x 27mm fitted with a 10"200 caliber movement #956208, 18 karat yellow gold square case with long lugs # 664900. The watch...
Category

1950s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Chopard 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
Chopard 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Wristwatch. Detail: 18K yellow gold, full cut diamonds, watch case approx 18mm x 22mm, circa 2000, quartz movement, case number 5381 and 485349. ...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Patek Philippe 3761J Vintage Mid size Unisex Quartz Cushion watch Circa 1980's
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Patek Philippe 3761; Mid size Unisex Quartz Cushion watch; measuring 27 x28 mm with an E-19 caliber quartz movement #1526801 / 2802027. ...
Category

1980s Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Original 1959 Rolex Ref 6542 Steel GMT Master Watch Tropical Dial Bakelite Bezel
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Rare and gorgeous example of the original version Rolex GMT Master Reference 6542 wristwatch in excellent condition for its 65 year old age. The Iconic Reference 6542 was originally designed by Rolex for the pilots of Pan Am Airlines and was featured in the classic James Bond movie "GOLDFINGER", as worn by Pussy Galore's "Flying Circus" aeronautical team. The original go-to tool watch for pilots and military personnel. This is a fantastic example for any discerning collector or professional. This watch is in fine running condition and consists of 100% guaranteed genuine and all original Rolex parts. The 1065 caliber Perpetual movement has been professionally cleaned, serviced and timed. The case and bracelet has been lightly polished and re-brushed. The original gilt dial has been professionally cleaned and polished, not reprinted, with some blemishes, scratches and age patina remaining. Radium luminous is intact testing correctly Geiger positive. Genuine and original Rolex Bakelite insert and metal bezel in very good condition and tests correctly Geiger positive. 38mm case with vintage riveted Oyster sprung stretch link bracelet. This watch is cosmetically beautiful and mechanically excellent. From Bracken Jewelers's rare vintage watch...
Category

1950s Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel

Cartier Paris gold plated Tank watch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Cartier Paris Tank watch exudes timeless sophistication with its manual movement, gold-plated case, and elegant burgundy leather strap. Brand: Cartier Paris Movement: M...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, Silver

International Watch Company Manual Mens Watch, 1781763
Located in London, GB
International Watch Company Manual Gents 18ct yellow gold on a leather brown strap 33mm vintage mechanical watch in full working condition. Total Weight of Watch: 32.9g Serial Numbe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Panerai Radiomir Black Seal Logo Stainless Steel PAM380
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Panerai MODEL: Radiomir Black Seal REFERENCE: PAM 00380 SIZE: 45mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BAND: Black Leather MOVEMENT: Manual Winding Excellent condition beside t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Tonneau Watch with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Cartier 27 x 40 mm face Model #2712
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Ladies Yellow Gold Concord Hexagon Quartz Watch
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Pre-Owned 14 Karat Yellow Gold Concord Battery Operated Watch on Woven Gold Bracelet with Hexagonal Case and Champagne Stick Dial. Caseback Numbers 2098160-PS, 413482. 6 - 6.5 Inches...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k CARTIER x MOVADO mechanical watch. 14k YG Genuine Cartier Ladies Watch.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
EXTREMELY RARE Cartier and Movado 14k Watch. Movement is 17J Movado. The case is 14k Yellow Gold with 14k yellow gold band Condition - Watch is vintage. Winds up and ticks. Will ne...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier La Dona 195g 18K White Gold Diamond Bezel Large Size Watch WE60019G B&P
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier La Dona Large Lady Watch (reference WE60019G) in 18K white gold with a factory diamond bezel is an exceptional example of Cartier’s signature luxury and innovative design...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

VERSACE Men V-Race Sport Gold Black Face stainless steel quartz analog watch
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Men V-Race Sport Gold Black Face stainless steel quartz analog watch Reference: TGAS/A03967 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: V-Race Sport Material: Stainless...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Watches

Patek Philippe Nautilus 3800/4G-001 White Gold White Dial Diamond Set (2004)
Located in New York, NY
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 3800/4G-001 is an elegant interpretation of the iconic Nautilus design, presented in a white gold case with a diamond-set bezel. Its 37.5mm size retains t...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Cartier Santos 100 XL Ref 2656 Stainless Steel Leather Strap
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 2656 Model: Cartier Santos 100 XL Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Black Leather Band Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Silver Face: Sapphire ...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner 116610LN Black Ceramic Stainless Steel 40mm
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116610LN Model: Rolex Submariner Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Ceramic Bezel Dial: Black Face: Sapphi...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT Master II 116710 Black Ceramic Stainless Steel 40mm
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116710 Year: 2008 Model: Rolex GMT Master II Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Ceramic Dial: Black Fac...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Cartier Ballon Bleu 33mm 18K Rose Gold Factory Diamond Bezel WE902064 Box Papers
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu 33mm in 18K Rose Gold with factory-set diamond bezel (reference WE902064) embodies Cartier's classic elegance. Its wa...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Platinum Raymond Yard Diamond and Emerald Deco Watch
By Yard
Located in Lexington, KY
This exquisite platinum watch was made by the renowned Raymond Yard with both square cut emerald and round cut diamond. The watch face has a unique shape; the top and bottom of the c...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Montblanc Meisterstuck Sport Chronograph Watch 7034
Located in New York, NY
-Mint condition -Case size: 41mm -Material: Stainless steel -Movement: Automatic -Screw-down fluted stainless steel crown -Rotating steel bezel -Date displayed at 3 o'clock -Hidden d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rare Omega Seamaster 30 – 1966 Black Dial Caliber 601
Located in London, GB
Rare Omega Seamaster 30 – 1966 Black Dial Caliber 601 Gold-Plated Case This unusual Omega Seamaster 30 stands out due to its black dial, a rarity...
Category

1960s European Vintage Watches

Rolex Daytona MINT Rose Black Dial Box Papers and Service Card
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Daytona REFERENCE: 116505 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Rose Gold DIAL: Black BEZEL: 18k Rose Gold BAND: 18k Rose Gold MOVEMENT: Automatic Very Good condition Box & Card ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

2022 Rolex 126334 Datejust 41 Black Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126334 Serial: 78K04*** Year: 2022 Model: Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K White Gold Fluted Bezel Dial: Original Fac...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Hamilton 2 Open Face Men's Pocket Watch - White Gold 14k Grade 912 Size 12s
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Hamilton Model: 2 Number of Jewels: 17 Year: 1931 Dial Color: Silver Grade: 912 Size: 12s Metal Content: 14k White Gold Style: Open Face Features: Numbers marking the hour...
Category

1930s Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Ladies Elongated Diamond Platinum and Gold Wrist Watch
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Elegant elongated platinum rectangular head with diamond frame with hinged pierced diamond garland chevron lug sides. The band is a double woven 9k white gold design terminating wit...
Category

Early 20th Century Late Victorian Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Platinum

Breitling Panda Dial Cushion Shape Stainless Steel Retro Top Time Chronograph
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A vintage Breitling wristwatch crafted in stainless steel. The cushion-shaped watch features a sleek panda dial with dual subdials, enhancing its chr...
Category

1970s Retro 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