Skip to main content

Watches

to
203
1,415
623
400
1,011
187
94
78
68
1,333
1,149
730
334
322
478
423
247
1
29
1,322
1,086
7
7
42
30
40
26
32
132
233
513
329
170
151
51
21
11
11
7
3
734
2,435
234
202
133
1652
267
181
90
44
to
2,408
30
2,021
375
Watches For Sale
Gemstone: Diamond
Gemstone: Malachite
Rolex Datejust II 116300 Silver Index Dial Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116300 Serial: Y0K74*** Year: 2010-Now Model: Rolex Datejust II Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel - Approx 4ctw Dial: S...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 18K Gold and SS Silver Dial/Diamond Bezel with Rubies 68273
Located in New York, NY
Ladies 31mm Rolex Datejust 2Tone 18K Gold and SS Silver Dial/Diamond Bezel with Rubies/Lugs and Side Oyster Band 68273
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Stylish Wristwatch White Gold White Diamonds Silk strap Quartz movement
Located in London, GB
Gold Case Nano­Mosaic ­ Satin Strap Gold 750‰ White Diamonds Piece entirely handmade by micromosaic artists. Comes with life guarantee For any questions please feel free to ask.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Watches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bulgari 18K Rose Gold Serpenti Misteriosi Watch
Located in New York, NY
The Bulgari Serpent Misteriosi Secret Watch in 18K Rose Gold Diamond and Rubelite combines luxury, elegance and seduction.. The Serpenti collection is know for its Serpent motif, and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Datejust Custom Diamond Bezel SS Baby Blue MOP Roman Numeral Dial 68274
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 31mm Datejust With custom Diamond bezel SS Baby Blue MOP Mother Of Pearl Roman Numeral Dial Bezel and Lugs Deployment buckle 68274
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

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

18kt Vacheron Constantin Geneve Bracelet Watch with Smallest Baguette Movement
Located in Antwerp, BE
Collector Item, 18kt Yellow Gold Vacheron Constantin Genève Bracelet Watch With Smallest Baguette Movement at the time. Diamonds: 18+16 br...
Category

20th Century Artisan Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Stylish Watch White Gold White Diamonds Sapphires Python 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 Arts and Crafts Watches

Materials

Sapphire, White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

FOPE Gold Ladies Watch Pink Dial Diamonds 18K Flex'it Medium LF002 M RRP £15.8K
By Fope
Located in London, GB
Fork In Time is proud to offer on the 1st Dibs marketplace: Lady FOPE 18K Rose Gold Case & Bracelet Pink Dial with Diamond Markers Flex'it Stretch Bracelet with Diamonds on th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Datejust White Roman Dial Sapphire/Diamond Bezel Two Tone Watch
Located in New York, NY
We take great pride in presenting this timepiece, which is in impeccable condition, having undergone professional polishing and servicing to maintain its pristine appearance. The watch features aftermarket diamonds (non-Rolex), and there are no noticeable scratches or blemishes, making it almost indistinguishable from a brand new watch...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Brand new Cartier Lady's White Gold Pasha Wristwatch with Diamond Grid
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier lady's 18k white gold Pasha wristwatch with removable diamond grid, 32mm, automatic movement, white dial, white gold numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 on black alligator strap with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Chocolate Diamond Dial & Diamond Bezel Watch
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Datejust Chocolate Diamond Dial & Diamond Bezel 16013
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel

Titus Late Art Deco Odeonesque Concealed Cocktail Bracelet Watch Diamonds Gold
By Titus
Located in Lisbon, PT
Art Deco diamond and synthetic ruby odeonesque concealed bracelet and cocktail watch in 19.2kt yellow gold and platinum, signed Titus, Portugal, 1940s. This exquisite piece boasts a ...
Category

1940s Portuguese Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

White Gold and steel watch with Diamonds, Sapphires, Designed by Roger Thomas
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, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce 5267/200A-001 Tiffany & Co. Black Dial Diamond
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers this Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce is crafted in a stainless steel case measuring 38.8mm. The bezel is set with 48 diamonds and surrounds a black dial embosse...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Ladies Ebel Beluga Stainless Steel with Diamonds E9057a28-10, Leather Pink Belt
Located in New York, NY
Pre owned Ebel Beluga Ladies Watch. Stainless steel 19mm case with diamonds. Mother of pearl dial with diamonds. Pink leather strap with a stainless steel deployment buckle. Quartz b...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel, Steel

Rolex Datejust Two Tone Black MOP with 8 + 2 Diamond Accent 68273
Located in New York, NY
Women's Vintage Rolex 31mm Datejust Two Tone Black MOP Mother Of Pearl with 8 + 2 Diamond Accent 68273 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has n...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel

Stylish Wristwatch Yellow Gold White Diamonds Fur & Alligator 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 Contemporary Watches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Santos 100 Ref. 2881 Gold Factory Diamond Bezel 33MMWatch
Located in Miami, FL
Brand: Cartier Model Name: Santos 100 Model Number: 2881 Material: White Gold Metal Purity: 18k Size: 33 MM Stones: Diamonds Bezels: Diamond Dial Color: White Bracelet: Leather Box/P...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Gold Diamond Charm Alhambra Round Dial Ladies Watch
Located in New York, NY
Quartz movement, designed with a cream lacquer dial within a 3-row diamond set bezel in a pink gold case, accented by a rotating diamond set 'Alhambra' motif charm to a satin strap and diamond set pin...
Category

20th Century Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Chopard Lastrada Diamond Stainless Steel Watch 418415
Located in New York, NY
CHOPARD LASTRADA DIAMOND STAINLESS STEEL WATCH 418415 -Condition: Mint -Case Size: 24x35mm -Movement: Quartz -Material: Stainless Steel -Dial: White -Diamonds: 46 Round Cut *Comes...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Retro Cocktail Watch, circa 1940's
Located in London, GB
Complete your statement collection with this unique 1940's wristwatch that perfectly combines retro elegance with the striking brilliance of diamond's and the lively colour of rubies. This one of a kind watch was carefully crafted, with impeccable care to detail, in solid 18 carat white gold and showcases an unusual intricate design with great appeal. The intriguing timepiece features a delicate 13X6mm off-white dial which is decorated with black Arabic numerals and blued-steel dainty hands. Bordering the rectangular face at the top and bottom there are thick bombé rims encrusted with alternating rows of old cut diamonds and vibrant red round rubies, followed by horn shaped sections, also decorated with old cut diamonds and round rubies, which perfectly connect the bracelet to the case. The piece is further fitted with a flexible high-polish white gold snake chain bracelet...
Category

1940s European Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

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

Piaget Protocole MOP Diamond Dial Bezel Watch 20 MM 18KT White Gold 5355 M601D
Located in New York, NY
Piaget Protocole Mother of Pearl wrist watch, measuring 20 MM and containing 48 high quality round brilliants weighing approximately 0.40 carats. Quartz Movement 18 Karat White Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex 228349RBR Day-Date 18k White Gold Meteorite Diamond Dial Watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Rolex Case Material: 18k White Gold Case Diameter: 40mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel: 18k white gold bezel with Diamonds Dial: Meteorite dial with white gold hands and Diamond hour markers.Date can be found at 3 o'clock as well as day at 12 o'clock Bracelet: 18k white gold Presidential bracelet...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Presidential 18kt Gold White MOP Mother of Pearl Baguette Diamond Dial
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 26mm Presidential 18kt Gold White MOP Mother Of Pearl 8+2 Diamond Dial Lugs 6917 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has no visible scratch...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Custom 3 Carat Ct Diamond Gucci G Day Date Swiss Made White-dial Watch 1
Located in New York, NY
Custom Diamond Gucci G Day Date Swiss Made White-dial Watch with box and booklet papers. Certified by Gemological Institute in New York including appraisal value of $5,600.00. Origi...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Tiffany & Co. Watch Ladies 18k White Gold Diamonds EVERYWHERE 2.50ct FG VS WOW!
Located in Northbrook, IL
Here we have a solid 18k white gold ladies Tiffany & Co. watch completely adorned in diamonds. This one is a rare vintage treasure you certainly won't see many like this around. Diam...
Category

Late 20th Century Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Old Cut Diamond and Platinum Art Deco Cocktail Watch, circa 1920's
Located in London, GB
Boasting an impressive and dazzling diamond studded design, expertly crafted in precious platinum, this exquisite Art Deco ladies watch is the perfect timeless accessory for any spec...
Category

1920s English Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Diamond White Gold Chronograph Pasha Seatimer Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
Cartier White Gold Pasha 37mm Seatimer Diamond Chronograph Watch in 18k White Gold. A classic chronograph Pasha® de Cartier watch featuring a mother-of-pearl face surrounded by one ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Omega Diamond Manual Wind Ladies Wristwatch 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
An elegantly made diamond watch by Omega, showcasing a diamond encrusted dial and bezel, set in a snake bracelet of 18 karat white gold. Diamonds weigh 2.00 carats total. Manual Wind...
Category

20th Century Unknown Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier La Doña 2903 Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Alligator
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers the Cartier La Doña 2903 is an exquisite timepiece that blends timeless elegance with a distinctive serpentine-inspired silhouette. Crafted in 18k yellow gol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Piaget Dancer Diamond Onyx Dial Ladies' Watch
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with the timeless sophistication of the Piaget Dancer Diamond Onyx Dial Ladies' Watch. Crafted in radiant 18k yellow gold, this exquisite timepiece exudes luxury f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Women's Rolex Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Silver Dial Diamond Accent Watch 68273
Located in New York, NY
Women's Rolex 31mm Datejust Two Tone Jubilee Silver Color Dial 8 + 2 Diamond Accent Bezel + Lugs + Emerald Watch 68273
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel

Chopard Mille Miglia Chronograph Custom Diamond Bezel 16/8331
Located in New York, NY
Chopard Mille Miglia Chronograph Custom Diamond Bezel 16/8331
Category

2010s European Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Cartier Art Deco Diamond Pendant Watch
Located in New Orleans, LA
A study in bold design, this elegant pendant watch by Cartier is in a class of its own. Crafted of platinum with a jet bezel, the timepiece features pierced hands and painted Arabic numerals on the dial. Diamonds totaling approximately 0.50 carat add a timeless finish and brilliance to the creation. The Cartier tradition...
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Chopard 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Mother of Pearl Watch
Located in New York, NY
This Chopard Watch is 18K White Gold, and boasts and Diamond and Mother of Pearl Watch face
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Ladies Datejust Stainless Steel Ice Blue Dial with Diamonds Watch 69160
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust 69160 Stainless Steel Ice Blue Color Dial with 8 + 2 Diamond RT Deployment buckle
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Van Cleef & Arpels Ladies Wristwatch, Lady Arpels Papillon, 18K Gold, Butterfly
Located in Berlin, DE
Van Cleef & Arpels Ladies Wristwatch, Lady Arpels Papillon, 18K Gold, MOP (Mother of Pearl) Dial and Diamonds. Strap and 18K gold clasp also original VCA. Strap with signs of wear. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Custom 2 Carat Ct Gucci Men’s Pantheon 115.2 Real Natural Diamond 44mm Watch 1
Located in New York, NY
Custom Diamond Gucci Men's Pantheon Watch with box and booklet papers. Original Gucci Bezel customized hand-set with approx. 2.00 carats of natural genuine earth-mined SI-I Diamonds. The diamonds shine beautifully in the light. Custom Gucci...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel

Vintage Ladies Platinum and Diamond Link Wristwatch 9.23 Carats Total
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Exquisite vintage wristwatch embellished with 9.23 carats of glittering natural diamonds. Featuring flexible, elongated platinum links, the glittering bracelet gently wraps the wrist...
Category

20th Century Unknown Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Rolex Datejust Black Color Dial with Diamond Accent and Deployment Buckle 68274
Located in New York, NY
Women's Rolex 31mm Datejust Black Color Dial with Diamond Accent Deployment buckle 68274 This watch is in like new condition. It has been polished, serviced and has no visible scrat...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Piaget G0A29116 Black Tie Wristwatch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Piaget Black Tie is a stunning embodiment of sophistication and timeless luxury. Crafted in radiant 18k rose gold, this exceptional timepiece feat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold

Harry Winston Diamond Gold Ladies Watch
Located in New York, NY
18k gold lady's watch by Harry Winston, adorned with 2 diamonds. Case - 22mm in diameter. 18k gold bracelet with hidden deployment clasp will fit up to 7" wrist. Weight of the piece ...
Category

20th Century American Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Rolex Datejust Champagne Diamond Dial Bezel with Emeralds and Diamond Lugs
Located in New York, NY
Rolex 31mm Datejust Champagne Diamond Dial Bezel with Emeralds and Diamond Lugs 68273
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel, 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

Cartier Tank Anglaise Rose Gold with Diamond Watch, WJTA0004
Located in Miami, FL
Brand: Cartier​​​​​​​ Model Name: Tank Anglaise Model Number: 3508 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 30 mm Dial Color: White Metal: Rose Gold​​​​​​​ Stone: Diamonds Hour Mark...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold SQ 22 2T Quadrato Tubogas Diamond Bezel Watch
Located in New York, NY
Swiss Made Bvlgari 18k Yellow Gold Quartz Ladies SQ 22 2T Diamond Watch. A lady's gold wristwatch by Bvlgari from the Tubogas collection, quartz movement, square...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Alexis NY Light Blue & White Enamel Five Row Watch Wrap Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Alexis NY Light Blue & White Enamel Five Row Watch Wrap Bracelet The body is made of sterling silver with a rose gold tone, the head and tail are made of 18 karat white gold; the wh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Enamel

Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm Silver Diamond Dial WE902075 Box Set
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm (reference WE902075) 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, Stainless Steel

Large Invicta Diamond Crown 14k Gold Minute Repeater Chronograph Pocket Watch
By INVICTA WATCH
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
Invicta. A Swiss Full Hunter 55mm Diamond 14ct Yellow Gold Minute Repeater Chronograph Keyless Lever Pocket Watch. Dial: The Excellent Champagne ...
Category

1880s Swiss Antique Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Jaguar Platinum 22mm Diamond & Emerald Ribbon Wrist Watch Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (20) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - 0.30ctw (2) Natural Genuine Emeralds - Round Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Deep Green Color - 3mm Case Ma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Rolex Lady-Datejust Stainless Steel Pink Dial with Diamond Bezel Watch 178240
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Lady-Datejust 31mm Stainless Steel PinkDial with Diamond Bezel 178240 Genuine Rolex Datejust 31mm Stainless Steel with factory Pink dial and cu...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

E.M. GATTLE Plat. Enamel Diamond Chain 18kYG Blue Enamel Pocket Watch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
E.M. Gattle has created this stunning antique platinum diamonds and blue enamel chain that features an 18k yellow gold pendant watch. You will never ...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Ebel Beluga Mother of Pearl Diamond Ladies Watch 9976418-20 Quartz 1 Yr Wnty
By Ebel
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Ebel Model: Beluga Model Number: 9976418-20 Movement: Quartz Number of Jewels: 6 Warranty: One Year Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Mother of Pearl Metal Content: Stainless...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Quartz

Art Deco J. Schulz Platinum Diamond Swiss Watch With 14K White Gold Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A charming and elegant watch. This Art Deco watch features a round face with a 15mm diameter, adorned with delicate blue hands and black numerals. The watch is embellished with round...
Category

20th Century Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Daytona "Zenith" 18k White Gold Diamond Watch
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Daytona "Zenith" 18k White Gold Diamond Watch Excellent condition Watch was taken to Sotherby's Auction as Original Rolex diamonds Th...
Category

2010s European Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

TIFFANY & CO. Art Deco Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Watch
Located in Narberth, PA
A stunning watch from the Art Deco (ca1930s) era by legendary jeweler Tiffany and Co.! Crafted in platinum, the case of the watch features a row of channel set French cut sapphires, ...
Category

1930s Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Rolex Ladies Datejust Stainless Steel Ice Blue String Diamond Dial Watch
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex 26mm Datejust 69160 Stainless Steel Ice Blue String Diamond Dial Deployment buckle
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 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