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Watches For Sale
1910's Patek Philippe Vintage Calatrava Pre-ref. 446 Mens Midsize - 18K Gold
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 1stD...
Category

1910s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

1979 Rolex Day Date Khanjar Ref. 18078
Located in Dubai, AE
Red Khanjar The late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman, is not a unknown name when it comes to some of the rarest and special watches in the world. He was an avid collector of ...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

972 Rolex Beta 21 Texano Ref. 5100
Located in Dubai, AE
The Texano The Beta 5100 is one of the rarest serial-production Rolex watches ever made. Nicknamed the “Texano” — after its early adopters among Texan oil billionaires — this except...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Santos Galbée Two Tone Watch in Stainless Steel
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Cartier Santos Galbee two tone quartz with a grey roman numeral dial (quite unique dial configuration). Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements includ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 16220 Grey Dial Watch in Steel, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference number 16220 automatic with a grey dial on an oyster bracelet from around the 90s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements in...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Cellini 4084 Watch 18K White Gold, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Cellini reference 4084 with a silver dial in 18K yellow gold from the 80s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements include a 30mm tank case and ...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

White Gold, 18k Gold

Rare Dunhill 18K Gold Watch Lighter, Art Deco Era, Working Condition
Located in Miami, FL
This exceptionally rare Dunhill 18K gold watch lighter is a striking example of Art Deco luxury and engineering. Crafted entirely in solid 18K gold and weighing 117 grams, it combine...
Category

1930s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex USA Jubilee Bracelet, 20mm Watch in Stainless Steel, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex USA Jubilee bracelet from the 1960s in stainless steel with 20mm lug width. Designed to fit 36mm and 40mm Rolex models such as the Datejust, Explorer, GMT-Mast...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV Ceramic Green Bezel Green Dial Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116610LV Serial: 826G0*** Year: 2018 Model: Rolex Submariner "Hulk" Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Green Ceramic ...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Steel

Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Double Spiral Steel and Diamond Watch
Located in London, England
Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Double Spiral Steel and Diamond bezel set white dial watch, 35mm womens. A signed watch from the house Bulgari steel, 'Serpenti' collection, tubogqs bracelet...
Category

2010s Art Nouveau Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel

Patek Philippe Antique Art Deco Platinum Diamond Sapphire Ladies Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Patek Philipppe Ladies Wrist Watch, 28 x 13 M.M. 2 Piece hinged Platinum Cress Arrow case. Set with Square French cut Sapphires, old cut Diamonds and hand engraving desig...
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Rolex Datejust 36mm Blue Index Dial White Gold OysterSteel Bracelet Watch 126234
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in Oystersteel and white gold features a bright blue dial and an Oyster bracelet. The Rolex fluted bezel is a mark of distinction. Originally, the f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Gold, White Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Piaget Polo Diamond Pave Dial Watch in 18K Yellow Gold, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional vintage Piaget Polo from the 1980s is not only a striking expression of Piaget’s golden-era design language—it’s also a potential piece unique that’s virtually unhea...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

GENEVA 14K Gold Watch
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This vintage GENEVA 14K gold hand-winding watch combines timeless elegance with intricate craftsmanship. Powered by a 17-jewel mechanical movement, the piece features a classic lid-s...
Category

1960s Chinese Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold

1933 Vintage Ingersoll Mickey Mouse Manual Wristwatch with Important Provenance
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1933 Ingersoll Mickey Mouse Wrist Watch, This watch belonged to American Artist and Sculptor Ernest Trova ( 1927-2009 ) I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Trova in the Early 199...
Category

1930s American Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Omega De Ville Gold and Silver Tone Wristwatch
Located in Portland, England
An elegant and classic Omega De Ville from the late 1980s with an original and stunning two-tone gold and silver bracelet and accompanying gold watch face. With its timeless look, th...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Piaget 18K White Gold MOP & Diamond Dial Watch, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Piaget Dancer Manual Wind 18K white gold reference 91327 with a factory mother of pearl and diamond dial from the 1980s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Br...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Silver

American Waltham Pocket Watch
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This classic American Waltham pocket watch is a fine example of early American craftsmanship and timeless design. Weighing 59.42 grams,...
Category

1980s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Watches

TAG Heuer Professional Chronograph Quartz Men's Watch Ref. CG1120-0
Located in New York, NY
A robust and sporty classic, this TAG Heuer Professional Chronograph (Ref. CG1120-0) delivers precision performance with timeless 1990s design. Crafted in stainless steel with a uni-...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Santos 1564 White Roman Dial Watch, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Cartier Santos reference 1564 with a white dial in quartz from the 1980s. Measurements include a 29x41mm case and a butterfly clasp bracelet that fits up to a 6.75 i...
Category

20th Century Watches

Must de Cartier Marques et Model Déposés 21 Quartz Watch W10050F4
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER Must 21 W10050F4 Watch SSYG Silver/Gold Quartz Ladies Ivory Dial A Refined Synthesis of Elegance and PrecisionAdd a touch of classic luxury to your wrist with this Must de C...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Quartz, Gold, Silver, Stainless Steel

Rolex President Men's Wristwatch 18038 - Yellow Gold 18k Automatic 1 Yr Warranty
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: President Model Number: 18038 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Year: 1980 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Champagne Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Faste...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 18k yellow gold and diamond face Ladies size
Located in Brisbane, AU
This stunning Ladies Rolex Datejust features a 26mm stainless steel case, champagne dial with diamond hour marker and a 18k yellow gold fluted bezel. This watch comes on a stainless ...
Category

19th Century Unknown Art Deco Antique Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Inspired Diamond Swiss Quartz Movement Watch in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Inspired by the Art Deco movement, Dilys’ exceptional Swiss quartz movement diamond watch in 18 karat gold exhibits beautiful intricacy with deta...
Category

2010s Hong Kong Art Deco Watches

Materials

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

Cartier Roadster XL Tonneau Steel Silver Dial Automatic Mens Watch W62019X6
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. 🕰️ Watch Overview Brand: Cartier Model: Roadste...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Cartier Tank Basculante Mecanique 2390 Stainless Steel Men's Watch
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Tank Basculante, first introduced in 1932, is admired for its rare reversible case design. This reference 2390 features a manual-wind movement housed in a stainless steel...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies Datejust 79173 26mm Champagne Diamond Dial Jubilee Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 79173 Serial: A29**** Year: 1999 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Jubilee Beze...
Category

1990s European Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Cartier Santos Galbee Stainless Steel 1565 Watch
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER SANTOS GALBEE 1565 Elegant Ladies Luxury Timepiece. -Condition: Mint -Model: 1565 -Movement: Swiss Quartz -Case Size: 24 x 35mm -Material: Stainless Steel -Dial: White with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Midsize 68273 Champagne Roman Dial 18k Yellow Gold Steel 31mm
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 68273 Serial: N20**** Year: 1991 Model: Rolex Datejust Midsize Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18k ...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Steel

1957 Vacheron Constantin Men's Watch
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This vintage 1957 Vacheron & Constantin men’s manual wind watch is crafted in 18K yellow gold and remains in excellent condition. It features a brown leather strap and houses movemen...
Category

1950s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Watches

Ollendorff 56 Diamonds 2.0cttw Platinum Art Deco Ladies Wristwatch Circa 1920s
Located in North Attleboro, MA
This is a WOW, WOW... WOW!!! Absolutely stunning Art Deco platinum and diamond Swiss-made, spring-wound wristwatch by Ollendorff circa the late 1920s! It's not just a timepiece, it's a gorgeous, luxurious and hand-crafted piece of historical fine jewelry. 56 diamonds, 2.0cttw. With its tiered rows of 16 round-cut glittering diamonds reaching from either side of the platinum case to the lugs, the design was likely inspired by the iconic terraced crown of the Chrysler Building in New York City. If the diamond and platinum case weren't luxe enough, the original watch band is comprised of two buckles set with 10 diamonds, leading to 30 chevron-shaped platinum links with milgrain detailing, each set with their own diamond as well! The watch has a total of 56 diamonds for approximately 2.0cttw. This watch is a sparkling show-stopper, a rare piece. Total length of 6.75 inches; suggested maximum wrist circumference is 6.5" for a comfortable fit. Links could be removed by your local jeweler if you prefer a smaller circumference. * Swiss movement * Model number 10456 * Seventeen jewels. The watch is fully jeweled, meaning that the watch uses jewels (in this case rubies) as bearings in the inner mechanical movement from the balance wheel all the way to the center wheel pivot. * Inside of caseback marked .900 PLAT .100 IRID The watch was serviced by a master watch craftsman in 2016. Runs and keeps time; please note future performance cannot be guaranteed due to the age of the piece. Free of monograms or inscriptions - the perfect clean canvas for your own personal gift message! The Ollendorff Watch Company was founded in 1868 by Isador Ollendorff. The company imported watches from Switzerland and was run by the family in New York City until it was sold to the Gotham Watch...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Geographic 142.8.92.S Black Dial Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 142.8.92.S Model: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Geographic World Time Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Black Leather Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Blac...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch Ref 16233
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Rolex Datejust features the iconic 36mm case in stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, blending timeless style with everyday wearability. Its classic design is accented by...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

2024 Cartier Santos XL Chronograph W2SA0008 4183 18K Gold Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: W2SA0008 Year: 2024 Model: Cartier XL Santos Chronograph Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel - Extra Factory Rubber St...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Vacheron Constantin Patrimony 35MM 44001 Date Sigma White 18K Gold Watch
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Vacheron Constantin Gender: Men Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Diameter: 35.00 mm Weight: 43.03 grams Gent's 18K yellow gold VACHERON CONSTANTIN Swiss-made wristwatch with o...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Cartier Diamond Platinum and Enamel Cocktail Watch, Circa 1930
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco Cartier diamond and platinum cocktail watch, with an off white rectangular dial, signed Cartier, with black painted Arabic Art Deco style numerals, with blue steel hands,...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Enamel

Rolex President Day Date 228238 40mm Baguette Diamond Dial 18K Gold Box Papers
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 228238 Serial: 647V2*** Year: 2019 Model: Rolex President Day-Date Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Steel and Gold Automatic Men's 25594SA.OO.0789S
Located in New York, NY
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 25594SA.OO.0789SA.01 stands out for its masterful fusion of two distinct precious metals: 18k yellow gold and stainless steel. This bi-metal constructio...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Steel

14K YG Michael Anthony Swiss Quartz Watch
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant 14K yellow gold Michael Anthony Swiss quartz watch features twelve sparkling single-cut diamonds, prong-set around the dial for a refined touch. The watch showcases clas...
Category

1990s Unknown Art Deco Watches

Materials

Quartz

Vintage Audemars Piguet Dual Time 36MM 25685BA 18K Gold Calendar Automatic Watch
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Audemars Piguet Gender: Unisex Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Diameter: 36.00 mm Weight: 64.48 grams Gent's 18K yellow gold AUDEMARS PIGUET Swiss-made wristwatch. Engraved w...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 16014 Silver Dial Watch, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16014 (white gold bezel) automatic with a silver dial (roman outer track) on a jubilee bracelet from the 80s. Keeps great time and is fully ...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Silver

2025 Rolex Daytona 126503 White Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126503 Serial: 711L0*** Year: 2025 Model: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: ...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Persian Numbers circa, 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960 / 70's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diame...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Near Mint OMEGA Speedmaster 3510.50 Chronograph Black Dial Automatic Watch
Located in New York, NY
Omega Speedmaster Ref.3510 Men's Watch Brand: Omega Watch Type: Men's Model: Omega Speedmaster Ref No.: 3510 Display: Analog Case Size: 39mm Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) Case...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Watches

Materials

Steel

Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. ROLEX Precision 2189 TV Mechanical Windup. Ladies Rolex
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k White Gold Case Rolex Precision Ladies Watch with attached Milanese Bracelet (10k Gold). Rolex Windup 1400 Caliber Movement Ref. 2189 TV Screen. Circa 1970 Case Is 18k White G...
Category

1970s Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Genuine Rolex 6618 Watch. Ladies ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Automatic Wristwatch.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Ladies Automatic Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1969 25mm Rolex Automatic Movement Ref. 6618. Beautiful Watch. Case is Stainless Steel. Original Rolex SS Bracele...
Category

1960s Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

18k 750 White Gold Bvlgari Diagono Men's Watch, Ref. CHW40GTA
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari Diagono Watch Model: CHW40GTA Creator: Bvlgari Case Material: 18k Gold Case Color: Silver Case Back: Exhibition Total Item Weight: 166.0 Grams Dial Color: White Indices: Sti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Colisee B Yellow Gold Diamond Set 2997
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A yellow gold Colisee wristwatch by Cartier. Features a silver dial with Roman numerals, sword-shaped hands in blued steel, and a secret Cartier signature at X. Complementing the dia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Rolex Womens Cocktail Watch. 9k Rose Gold 0902 Manual Windup.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Ladies mechanical Movement Wristwatch. Circa 1930s. Beautiful Watch. Manual Windup mechanism. ref. 0902 Case is 9k Rose gold. Bracelet Rose Gold Filled. Details 25mm case Br...
Category

1930s Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Gucci Bezel Color Interchangeable Chain Link Wrist Watch & Set 1990s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Gucci Bezel Color Interchangeable Chain Link Wrist Watch & Set from the 1990s is a stunning and versatile designer piece that exemplifies the brand’s signature luxury and innovat...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Rare Men's Hublot MDM Sapphire Diamond 18k Gold Wrist Watch Ref. 1522
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 diamond dial on a black rubber str...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard 1.43ct Diamond Heart Gold Watch
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous 18k white gold watch by Chopard. The watch is set with sparkling round cut diamonds that weigh approximately 1.43ct. The color of the diamonds is E-F with VS clari...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5968A-001 Unworn 2025
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Aquanaut in stainless steel by Patek Philippe. Featuring a black embossed dial that features the date and a orange chronograph display. The watch is fitted to an original black co...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Francaise W51002Q3 Unisex Watch in Stainless Steel
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Tank Francaise W51002Q3 Unisex Watch in Stainless Steel SKU: 134986 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Cartier Model: Tank Francaise Country of Origin: Switzerland Movement Type: Mecha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Cartier Santos Galbée 29MM 2319 Roman Guilloche Dial Steel Automatic Watch
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Cartier Gender: Ladies Metal Type: Stainless Steel Diameter: 29.00 mm Weight: 89.19 grams Ladies stainless steel Cartier Swiss-made wristwatch. Engraved with "SS". The "C...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

TAG Heuer Formula 1 43MM CAZ1010 Quartz Black Dial 200M Stainless Steel Watch
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: TAG Heuer Gender: Men Meta Type: Stainless Steel Diameter: 43.00 mm Weight: 115.04 grams Men's stainless steel TAG HEUER Swiss-made watch with original box. The metal was...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 16030 Silver Dial Watch in Steel case, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Datejust reference 16030 (steel bezel) automatic with a silver sunburst dial on a jubilee bracelet from the 80s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Meas...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Steel

1966 Omega De Ville Vintage Mens Automatic Classic Retro Watch - Stainless Steel
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 1stD...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Lady-Datejust Steel Yellow Gold Ivory Anniversary Dial Oyster Watch 79173
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Lady-Datejust Steel Yellow Gold Ivory Dial Watch 79173. Officially certified chronometer self-winding movement. Stainless steel oyster case 26 mm in diameter. Rolex logo on an ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Anglaise 22MM 18K Rose Gold Diamonds Watch 3580 WJTA0007
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. No original box and papers. Comes with a chronostore box. Basic Information Brand: Cartier Model Name: Tank Anglaise Model Number: 3580 WJTA0007 Type:...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

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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