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Watches For Sale
Gemstone: Diamond
Gemstone: Garnet
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Bouton D'or Medium Model Diamond Dial Watch
Located in New York, NY
A luxurious timepiece from the iconic French maison, this Van Cleef & Arpels Bouton d’Or watch is masterfully crafted in radiant 18K yellow gold, embodying the brand’s timeless elega...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Floral Sapphire Diamond Ladies Dress Watch
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Stunning ornate art deco ladies diamond and platinum watch with sapphire accent in the shape of leaves on the case and channel set on the band. The sides of the case have ornate scr...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

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

VIntage 14 Karat Gold Men's "Nugget" Bracelet and Diamond "Louvrex" Watch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
VIntage 14 Karat Gold Men's "Nugget" Bracelet and Diamond "Louvrex" Watch Diamonds: 50 round full cut 2.75cts. Quality: Color G and Clarity VS Metal: 14k yellow gold Watch: Louvrex...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 24mm Panther Diamond Case 7" Link Wrist Watch Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Geneve Movement: Quartz - Battery Powered - Swiss Made Case Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Case Width: 24mm (not counting the crown) Case Height: 32mm (measuring from b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Art Deco Wristwatch
Located in New Orleans, LA
A masterpiece of Art Deco design, this Patek Philippe wristwatch showcases the era's signature geometric style with horological precision. The finely crafted platinum case is adorned...
Category

20th Century Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Bulgari Parentesi Sapphire and Diamond Wristwatch
Located in New Orleans, LA
This elegant Bulgari Parentesi wristwatch exemplifies the brand's mastery in blending high jewelry with precision timekeeping, showcasing 3.36 carats of diamonds and 3.05 carats of s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Cartier Panthere Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Circa 1990 Watch
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER VINTAGE PANTHERE 18K GOLD WATCH *Excellent condition watch, includes Cartier box/no papers. -Period: Circa 1990 -Model: Panthère de Cartier -Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 31 Midsize 278274 18K Fluted Blue Floral Motif Diamond Jubilee BP
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Datejust 31 (reference 278274) is a refined timepiece that exemplifies Rolex's commitment to blending classic design with luxurious craftsmanship. Crafted from corrosion-re...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel

Chopard Happy Diamonds Watch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Chopard 27 mm face Size 6 1/4 inches
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex GMT-Master II Steel Diamond Dial Ruby/Sapphire Bezel 40mm Watch 116710
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex GMT-Master II 40mm Steel Watch 116710 with a Custom Diamond Dial and Custom Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Bezel is a spectacular expression of sport luxury and bespoke craftsman...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Day-Date 128345RBR Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Diamond Bezel (2025)
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers this Rolex Day-Date 128345RBR, an exquisite masterpiece, crafted in 18k Everose gold for a warm and luxurious presence. Its 36mm case is adorned with a dazzl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Vintage Retro Equestrian Theme Ruby and Diamond Ladies Watch
Located in Stamford, CT
Following the equestrian motif similar to that of Cartier and Hermes, and various jewelers around the world, this watch is the epitome of feminine r...
Category

1940s American Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Rolex Day-Date 36 President Original Diamond Dial Custom Bezel
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Day-Date 36 REFRENCE: 18238 SIZE: 36mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold DIAL: Champagne with Diamonds (Original) BEZEL: Diamonds (Custom) BAND: President 18k Yellow Gold MOV...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Day-Date 36 Original Diamond Dial 18k White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Roles MODEL: Day-Date REFRENCE: 18239 CASE: 18k White Gold DIAL: Silver, Original Diamond Dial BAND: 18k Whire Gold WRIST SIZE: Apx. 7.75 MOVEMENT: Automatic Very Good condit...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold

Rolex Datejust 36 Custom Arabic Dial and Diamond Bezel
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Datejust REFRENCE: 16030 SIZE: 36mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Arabic, Black BEZEL: Diamonds BAND: Jubilee Stainless Steen MOVEMENT: Automatic Very Good conditi...
Category

1980s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Stainless Steel

Cartier Baignoire 18k Yellow Gold Cartier Dial Factory Diamonds
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Baignoire REFRENCE: 1954 SIZE: 30mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold DIAL: Champagne Cartier dial BAND: 18k Yellow Gold MOVEMENT: Quartz Rare Cartier dial Factory set dia...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Ballon Blue Watch WE902079 28mm Diamond 750 Pink Gold Stainless Steel
Located in Tokyo, JP
■ Item Number: 23520919 ■ Brand: Cartier ■ Product Name: Ballon Blue Watch 28mm ■ Product Number/Model: WE902079 ■ Material: Diamond, 750K18 PG pink gold, SS stainless steel ■ Wrist ...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

TechnoMarine Pink Ceramic Steel Quartz Wrist Watch w Diamond Bezel
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
A fresh, bold and exciting timepiece for the ladies by TechnoMarine. The highly polished pink ceramic finish grabs your attention and draws you in to the intricate modern dial framed...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel

Cartier Tank Chinoise 2305 Factory Diamonds Navy Blue Strap
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Tank Chinoise REFRENCE: 2305 CASE: Yellow Gold DIAL: White MOVEMENT: Quartz BAND: Navy Blue Excellent conditon Box & Service Papers Accommodated with an up-to...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Mid-20th Century Chopard 18 Karat Gold Diamond Ladies Vintage Dress Watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The 18 karat yellow gold vintage L.U. Chopard ladies' dress watch is an elegant timepiece featuring a round case adorned with 12 single-cut diamonds totaling 0.12 cttw, graded H-I in...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

PATEK PHILIPPE Nautilus Vintage watch steel/yellow gold and diamonds
Located in London, England
PATEK PHILIPPE Nautilus Vintage Lady steel/yellow gold 18k with factory diamonds. Ladies' wrist watch, ref. 4700/52. Stainless steel/yellow gold 18K, case number 2876844, bezel set ...
Category

1980s European Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Steel

Cartier Baignoire Factory Diamonds 18k Rose Gold Satin Strap
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Baignoire REFRENCE: 3033 CASE: 18k Rose Gold DIAL: Silver BAND: Satin MOVEMENT: Manual Excellent condition Factory set diamonds Box & Card Accommodated with a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Buccellati Anthochron Gold Watch Bangle Bracelet with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k scratched yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Buccellati Size 7 inches 1 1/2 inch wide
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Hamilton Watch Retro Ladies Wristwatch Diamond 14k White Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic Hamilton watch from the Retro era, features diamonds, crafted of 14k white gold. This Hamilton watch features an oval-shaped face with a clean silver tone dial and slim num...
Category

Mid-20th Century Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Cartier Baignoire Certified Mint Complete Set With Original Receipt White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Baignoire REFRENCE: WB520009 CASE: 18k White Gold DIAL: Silver BAND: 18k White Gold MOVEMENT: Manual Mint condition, with receipt Accommodated with an up to d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold

Bvlgari 1 Coil Serpenti Spiga Watch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k rose gold and black ceramic with a black lacquered dial and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Bvlgari 35mm face
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

CHARLES AERNI 1938 Art Deco Lady Wristwatch 14Kt Rose Gold Rubies & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco lady wristwatch designed by Charles Aerni. This is a beautiful and elegant lady wristwatch created in Switzerland by the Charles Aerni Watch Co. back in the 1938. The wa...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

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

Exquisite Art Deco 14K White Gold & Diamond Ladies Cocktail Watch
Located in Media, PA
This breathtaking Art Deco ladies cocktail watch is a stunning example of early 20th-century elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted in luxurious 1...
Category

1930s Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Retro Rose Gold, Diamond, and Ruby Manual Watch
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Lente 14 karat rose gold hidden watch featuring 17 jewel manual wind movement accented by 18 round rubies totaling approximately 1.00 carat, and 9 single cut diamonds of SI2/I1 clari...
Category

Mid-20th Century Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Michele Coquette Diamond Watch
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Michele Coquette quartz watch crafted in stainless steel featuring 80 round diamonds totaling approximately 0.40 carats. Model MW08A01. 33mm x 22mm ca...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rare Men's and Ladies Hublot Sapphire Ruby Diamond 18k Gold Wristwatches
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Men's Hublot Wristwatch with Sapphire Bezel and Indexes Ref. 1522.3.081 Serial 282623 features a 37 mm x 44mm 18k yellow gold case, with a pave set d...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Franck Muller Ladies Cintree Curvex 18k Rose Gold Diamonds Wristwatch Ref. 1751
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Franck Muller ladies Cintree Curvex manual wristwatch Ref. 1751 SG D CD consisting of 18k rose gold case and bracelet with diamonds on the dial, bezel and at the front section of the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vintage Kutchinsky x Chopard 18 Karat and Pave Diamonds and Tiger's Eye Oval
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Kutchinsky for Chopard Model: 5038 / 1 Year: 1992 Material: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Tiger's Eye Case Measurement: 00mm Pave Diamonds over 18K Yellow Gold Movement: Manual Wind ...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Tiger's Eye, Diamond, 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

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

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

Patek Philippe Art Deco Diamond Wristwatch
Located in New Orleans, LA
A stunning example of Art Deco design, this Patek Philippe wristwatch seamlessly blends geometric sophistication with masterful horology. The platinum case and bracelet are set with ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Piaget 18k Gold Miss Protocole 17mm Diamond Wrist Watch Tassel Bracelet Ref 5225
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stones:-- 254 Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - D-G Color - IF-VVS Clarity - 2ctw Case Material: 18k White Gold Height: 23.9mm (lug to lug) Case Size: 17...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Cartier 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Bracelet Concord Watch with Box
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Exquisite diamond accented vintage Cartier, this Art Deco 14 karat white gold bracelet hosts a Concord 17 jeweled manual wind movement CXC watch with sa...
Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Patek Philippe Nautilus 35.2mm Blue Dial Diamond Bezel Ladies Watch 7118/1200A
Located in Aventura, FL
The Ladies Automatic Nautilus in steel with a diamond-set bezel asserts its presence on the wrist with a slightly larger diameter (35.2 mm). Blue opaline, gold-applied hour markers a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel, 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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