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Watches For Sale
Gemstone: Pearl
Gemstone: Onyx
Piaget 8706D2 18k Yellow Gold Black Onyx Diamond Ladies Watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Piaget Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Case Diameter: 24mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Diamond bezel Dial: Black Onyx dial with yellow gold hands and Diamo...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

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

Chopard Diamond Mother of Pearl Ladies Watch
Located in New York, NY
CHOPARD Diamond Mother of Pearl Ladies Watch Movement: Quartz Diamond total weight approx. 20 cts. Measures approx. bracelet – 0.77″-0.89″ width and...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Piaget 9190d2 18k White Gold Mother of Pearl Opal Diamond Ladies Watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Piaget Case Material: 18k White Gold Case Diameter: 25.5mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel: 18k White Gold bezel with Diamonds Dial: Mother of Pearl dial with Opal center, silver hands and...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Piaget 9706G2 18k White Gold Mother of Pearl Opal Ladies Watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Piaget Case Material: 18k White Gold Case Diameter: 24mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel: 18k White Gold bezel with Diamonds Dial: Mother of Pearl, Opal dial with white gold h...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mauboussin Paris 1950 Mido Skeleton Round Watch pendant Stainless 18kt And Onyx
Located in Miami, FL
A round skeleton watch pendant designed by Mauboussin. Very nice retro piece, made in Paris France by the jewelry house of Mauboussin during the mid-century period, back in the 1950...
Category

1950s French Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold, Copper, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust PearlMaster Automatic Wristwatch Ref 80319
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex MPN: 80319 Model: Datejust Pearlmaster Case Material: 18k white gold Case Diameter: 29mm Crystal: Scratch resistant sapphire Bezel: 18k white gold diamond bezel (factory...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

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

Rolex Pearl White Roman 26mm Datejust Two Tone Diamond lugs Rubies Watch
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Pearl White Roman 26mm Datejust Two Tone Diamond lugs Rubies Watch 69173
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Stainless Steel

Piaget 9706G2 18k White Gold Mother of Pearl Diamond Ladies Watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Piaget Case Material: 18k White Gold Case Diameter: 24.5mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel: 18k White Gold bezel with Diamonds Dial: Mother of Pearl dial with silver hands, Di...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Piaget 9922N90 18k White Gold Diamond & Onyx Ladies Watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Piaget Case Material: 18k White Gold Case Diameter: 24mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel: 18k White Gold smooth bezel Dial: Diamond & black Onyx...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Marina J. 18k Vintage Diamond Encrusted Watch with Pearls & Black Spinel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One of a Kind piece by Marina J. This unique bracelet features a vintage 18k White Gold Diamond encrusted working manual Watch - reworked into a gorgeous flat Pearl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Watches

Materials

Black Spinel, Spinel, Pearl, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Piaget Yellow Gold Onyx and Diamond Dial Ladies Mechanical Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Piaget Ladies Wrist Watch, 27 x 24 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece Oval case with textured bezel, Onyx and Diamond Pave dial, 17 jewel mechanical, manual wind movement. atta...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Piaget Ladies 18k Gold Wristwatch, Onyx Dial, 18 Jewel, Certificate, Ref. 9902D2
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Reference number 9902D2 Movement number 801915, 18 jewels Includes original Certificate of Origin and Warranty Fits up to a 7-inch wrist
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

Marina J. Vintage Platinum & Diamond Watch with Blue Sapphire & Pearls
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful One of A Kind piece by Marina J. A vintage working manual Diamond studded French Platinum watch is reworked into a gorgeous Pearl and Sapphire bracelet...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Watches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Pearl, Diamond, Platinum, White Gold, 14k Gold,...

David Yurman 18k Gold & Diamond Bezel Thoroughbred Watch Mother of Pearl
Located in Perry, FL
Authentic 18k Gold & Diamond David Yurman Women’s Thoroughbred Watch. 18k Yellow gold case and band, set with over 50 Round Brilliant Diamonds. M...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Cartier Small Divan Mother of Pearl Dial Pink Cabochon Steel Quartz Watch #2599
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Pre-owned Cartier Tank Divan with mother of pearl dial and pick cabochon crown. Special edition watch designed in stainless steel. On a Cartier black leather strap and buckle. Case m...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Materials

Pearl, Steel, Stainless Steel

Ladies Art Deco Platinum Diamond Onyx Wrist Watch
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Art Deco diamond and onyx watch head set in newer triple-strand band of onyx beads with diamond spacers. Watch head is platinum. Spacer...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Platinum

Paris Antique Gold Pearl Enamel Diamond Pocket Watch
Located in New York, NY
Antique Paris 18k gold pocket watch, featuring blue enamel decorated case, set with pearls and rose cut diamonds. Porcelain dial, key wind mechanical movement. Minor scratches on the...
Category

19th Century French Antique Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Art Deco Diamond Onyx Platinum Cocktail Watch by Hamilton, Circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage Art Deco 0.95 carat diamond and black onyx, platinum cocktail watch by 'Hamilton'; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This impressive vintage Art Deco diamond watch has been crafted in platinum. The watch has a rectangular dial with plain black Arabic hour numerals displayed within rectangular designs, the outer one marked as the chapter ring. The Art Deco watch is fitted with shaped, blued steel hands, and the face clearly displays the text 'Hamilton'. The crown/winder of this manual wind watch is plain and unembellished. The watch bezel and lugs are embellished with thirty-six pavé set eight-cut diamonds, and ornamented with two shaped black onyx panels. This fine vintage diamond cocktail watch is fitted with a platinum gold bootlace style strap which secures to the reverse with a plain flip clasp. The watch is fitted with a Swiss 17 jewels...
Category

1940s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Judith Ripka, Eternity Watch Silver, Pearl, Sapphire & Midnight Blue Crocodile
Located in Rancho Mirage, CA
Symbolic of time without end, the Eternity Collection epitomizes love that is infinite and everlasting. Mark every precious minute with the Eternity Watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, Sterling Silver

JUDITH RIPKA - Eternity Watch with Mother of Pearl, Sapphire & GENUINE CROCODILE
Located in Rancho Mirage, CA
Symbolic of time without end, the Eternity Collection epitomizes love that is infinite and everlasting. Mark every precious minute with the Eternity Watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, Sterling Silver

Coral Onyx Diamond Swiss Watch
Located in Geneva, CH
Watch in white gold 18kt set with 16 coral 7.64 cts, 10 onyx 7.48 cts case dial and bracelet set with 393 diamonds 3.41 cts quartz movement Inner circumference: Approximately 16.64 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Watches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Corail & Onyx Dianond Watch
Located in Geneva, CH
Watch in pink gold 18kt set with 216 diamonds 2.52 cts, 4 onyx 8.21 cts, 4 corail 6.20 cts, dial set with 56 diamonds 0.33 cts satin bracelet quartz mov...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Onyx Lady's Watch
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Art Deco platinum lady's watch, decorated with onyx, diamonds and blue sapphire crown. Manual wind movement in working order. Bracelet is 6.5" long, case - 20mm x20mm. Weight ...
Category

20th Century Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Chatelaine in Gold, Enamel, Semi-Precious Stones, and Pearls
Located in Paris, FR
Chatelaine with belt hook in intricately sculpted, matte, pink gold. The piece is topped with a crown featuring pearls and semi-precious stones. Two coats of arms in multicolored ena...
Category

1850s French Antique Watches

Materials

Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Rolex Daytona Custom Mother of Pearl Diamond Pave Dial Steel Watch 116520
Located in Aventura, FL
This Rolex Daytona in steel ref. 116520 has Mother of Pearl Pave Diamond Dial. This watch features a custom Diamond dial of MOP, sapphire glass, chronograph function, solid case back...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Steel

Swiss Watch Brooch Sapphires Diamonds Platinum Certificate, 1920
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Swiss Watch Brooch Sapphires Diamonds Platinum published in a Fashion Magazine. 1920es. Sapphires and Diamonds with Onyx Platinum Swiss Watch Brooch, Pin....
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Bailey Banks & Biddle Platinum Pearl Diamond Watch Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Antique Art Deco platinum chain with pocket watch pendant by Bailey Banks & Biddle. Decorated with pearls, enamel (some chips/loss present) and...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Watch Gold White Diamonds Sapphires Mother of Pearl Lizard Strap MicroMosaic
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Ladies President 18 Karat Yellow Gold Green Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Ladies President 18 Karat Yellow Gold Green Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial SKU: WA00037 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Rolex Model: ROLEX 18k YELLOW GOLD LADIES PRESIDENT...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Watches

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas Diamond Watch
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari Diamond And Onyx 'Serpenti' coil Wristwatch in 18k Rose Gold. The watch has a quartz movement. Made in 18k rose gold. Set with 458 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing total...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Artist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Rose Gold

Jaeger LeCoultre Seed Pearl Enamel Portrait Pendant Watch 18 Karat
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Enamel Portrait Pocket Watch measures 25mm in 18K yellow gold. Beautiful tiny Jaeger LeCoultre lady's pocket or necklace watch with enamel portrait of lady on back surrounded by natu...
Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Yellow Gold Watch Fob
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Victorian 14 Karat Watch Fob with Sliding Station. The unique ladies watch fob features a 48" long curb link chain with a sliding station adored ...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Watches

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex 2-Tone Datejust Mother of Pearl and Diamonds Automatic Dial 18k Gold Watch
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 2-Tone Datejust Mother of Pearl and Diamonds Automatic Dial 18 Karat Gold Watch SKU: WA00013 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex 2-Tone Datejust Mother of Pearl Countr...
Category

20th Century Unknown Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Piaget 90564 Dancer Black Onyx Diamond Watch 18 Karat in Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Piaget Model: 90564 Case Material: 18k White Gold Bezel: 18k White Gold bezel with Diamonds Dial: Black Onyx Diamond dial with silver hands Bracelet: 18k White gold link brace...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

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

Chopard Happy Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Pink Mother of Pearl Dial 20/7450-20
Located in London, GB
An 18k White Gold Happy Diamonds Ladies Wristwatch, pink mother of pearl dial with applied hour markers, applied arabic numbers 3, 9 and 12 set with round brilliant cut diamonds, flo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold

Christian Dior Diamond and Onyx Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
Comprising a magnificent wristwatch by Christian Dior, adorned throughout with opulence of lustrous diamonds and onyx highlights, finely crafted in stainless steel. Signed Christian ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Stainless Steel

Montblanc Profile Elegance
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pre-owned Lady’s Montblanc Profile Elegance, stainless steel 23.5x 35 mm case, with diamonds on the bezel, white mother of pearl dial with Roman nume...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, Stainless Steel

Art Deco Bulova Diamond Platinum Watch Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classy Art Deco watch pendant created by Bulova in the 1920s. Made of black onyx and platinum (tested), accented with single cut diamonds (total weight approximately 1.20 carats) Th...
Category

1920s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Platinum, White Gold

Watch Yellow Gold White Diamonds Onyx Guilloche Dial Quilted Jeans Strap
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Piaget Rare Gents 18k White Gold White Mother of Pearl Dial Onyx Set 9200 C 426
Located in London, GB
A 25 mm Rare 18k White Gold Gents Wristwatch, white mother of pearl dial, a fixed 18k white gold and onyx set bezel, an 18k white gold and onyx bracelet with an 18k white gold jewell...
Category

Late 20th Century Watches

Materials

Onyx, Pearl, White Gold

Vintage UTI Skeleton Pocket Watch with Onyx and Rubies
Located in New York, NY
A stunning 42mm pocket watch by UTI Paris in yellow gold and onyx, encircled by 44 rubies on its sides. Circa 1960s. An open skeleton back reveals the movement.
Category

1960s French Vintage Watches

Materials

Onyx, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Watch Gold White Diamonds Sapphires Mother of Pearl Galuchat Strap Micro Mosaic
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Happy Diamond Mother of Pearl Watch 207230-1001
Located in Wilmington, DE
Chopard Happy Diamond Mother of Pearl Ladies Watch in 18k White Gold 207230-1001
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Pearl

Stylish Wristwatch White Gold White & Black Diamonds Pearls Decorated NanoMosaic
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold

Chopard Diamond, Mother of Pearl Oval-Shaped Watch
Located in New York, NY
18k White Gold diamond and mother of pearl watch, signed Chopard. Brand: Chopard Movement: Quartz Dial: Mother of Pearl and diamond (76 dia. = 0.28 cts.) 564 diamonds: 2.73 cts. 16 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Tourneru 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Mother of Pearl Watch with Gator Strap
Located in New York, NY
This modern Tourneru watch is 18K White Gold, it sports surrounding Diamonds and a Mother Of Pearl watch face, it is thought to be created in the late 1...
Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Pearl and Rose Cut Diamond Pocket Watch, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This delicate and handcrafted watch dates back to the 1930s. It is in working order and is a pocket watch made from 14 carat yellow gold. It features a star design in the centre whic...
Category

1930s Unknown Vintage Watches

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold

Cartier Panthere Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Onyx Extra Large Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Brilliance Jewels, Miami Questions? Call Us Anytime! 786,482,8100 Designer: Cartier Collection: Panthere de Cartier Movement: Quartz Case Size: 28 mm Stones: Round Brilliant Cut...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bvlgari, Diamond and Colored Spinel Watch
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari MOP, Diamond, and Colored Spinel watch 18k gold and diamonds with mop :TDW~ 0.70CT FG/ VS. "BVLGARI" "V.H" "GEPxxxx VH010" "FABRIQUE EN SWISSE" "AU 750 18K".
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Artist Watches

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold

Chopard Diamond, Mother of Pearl Dial Watch
Located in New York, NY
A timeless wrist watch by Chopard, crafted in 18k white gold, a black leather strap, the face set with a frame of brilliant diamonds and a mother of pearl dial...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. Lady's Platinum Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, for Tiffany & Co, circa 1924, is a fine Art Déco, platinum, diamonds and onyx rectangular,women's wristwatch with platinum and diamond mesh ...
Category

1920s Swiss Edwardian Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond, Seed Pearl, and Onyx Dress Watch, C.H. Meylan Movement
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco wrist watch comprised of a rectangular face with a French-cut diamond surround on a seed pearl strap with a faceted onyx and diamond closure, in platinum. Movement, C.H....
Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Platinum

Wristwatch Gold Amethyst White Diamond Mother-of-Pearl Micromosaic Decorated
Located in London, GB
Micromosaic watch in yellow gold 18 kt and amethysts. Satin strap. Swiss quartz movement. Limited edition of 10 pieces. Gold Case with mother of pea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Watches

Materials

Amethyst, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold

Stylish Automatic Wristwatch White Gold White Diamond Pink Sapphires Micromosaic
Located in London, GB
Micromosaic watch with diamonds, pink sapphires, Swiss Made, Automatic Movement. Alligator strap. Gold Case (38 mm) Nano­Mosaic ­ Sapphire Glass ­ Automatic Movement (Swiss Made)...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Watches

Materials

Pearl, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Clip Watch
Located in New Orleans, LA
This striking Cartier watch clip epitomizes the Art Deco style. Sophisticated and chic, this fashionable timepiece features a dial and clip of onyx, while s...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Stylish Wristwatch White Diamond White Gold Mother of Pearl Dial Micromosaic
Located in London, GB
Micromosaic watch in white gold 18 kt and diamonds. Satin strap. Swiss quartz movement. Limited edition of 10 pieces. Gold Case Nano­Mosaic ­ Sap...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Watches

Materials

Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier White Gold Diamond Onyx Panthere Secrete de Cartier Quartz Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
Designed as onyx and pave-set diamond panther's head with tourmaline eyes, the head slides to reveal a concealed silvered dial. Mounted in 18k white gold with Swiss quartz movement, signed Cartier. Yafa Signed...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18ct Yellow Gold & Pearl 'Mademoiselle' Ladies Watch by Chanel
Located in London, GB
A chic statement watch for the cool girl around town. A beautiful, classic Chanel watch crafted in warm 18ct yellow gold with a smart square dial with Roman numerals. The bracelet ...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique, New and Vintage Watches

Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, new and classic vintage watches on 1stDibs.

While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind. 

Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory. 

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist

When shopping for a watch, it’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors. 

Find exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.

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