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Watches For Sale
Omega Seamaster Diver 41 Stainless Steel Automatic Ref: 212.30.41.20.03.001
Located in București, București
The watch is in a very good condition and it’s working well. It shows signs of wear and scratches. It has a scratch on the glass. The watch comes with an AGS Jewelry wooden box, alon...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Yellow Dial 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's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 3...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Paris 7825 18K Yellow Gold Mechanical Vintage Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Paris 7825 ladies watch. 20.7MM X 25.8MM lug to lug 18K yellow gold case with 18K yellow gold bezel. White spidering dial with black Roman numeral hour markers and minute mar...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Day-Date 118398BR Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Champagne Diamond Dial
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers the Rolex Day-Date 118398BR is a luxurious showcase of Rolex’s mastery in gem-setting and craftsmanship. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, its 36mm case exudes tim...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Rolex Cellini 50529 Dual Time 39mm Black Dial 18K White Gold Leather Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 50529 Serial: 7891Q*** Year: 2019 Model: Rolex Cellini Dual Time Case Material: 18K White Gold Band: Black Leather Bezel: 18K White Gold Dial: Black Face: Sa...
Category

2010s Watches

Bulgari Rose Gold Serpenti Jewellery Scaglie 26mm Ladies Watch Diamond & Onyx
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Brand: Bulgari Product: Serpenti Jewellery Scaglie Watch Model: 101790 Case Dimensions: 26mm Material: 18k Rose Gold, Diamonds & Onyx Dial: Black Sapphire Movement: Quartz/batt...
Category

2010s European Watches

Materials

Onyx, Diamond, Rose Gold

Cartier Baignoire 1954 18K Yellow Gold W/Box & Papers
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Pre-owned Cartier Baignoire 1954 Ladies Watch. 22mm by 30mm 18k Yellow Gold case non bezel. Ivory dial with blue hands and roman numeral hour ma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Lady Datejust 26mm 18K White Gold Steel Black Dial Ladies Watch 179174
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Excellent condition. Comes with the original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model Number: 179174 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Department: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom MOP Dial And Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diamete...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Rare King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch C1937
Located in London, GB
Cartier. A Rare and Highly Important King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch, C1937. Dial: The plain silver dial signed Cartier with black Roman numerals and outer minute track with blued steel moon hands complimenting the dial beautifully. Case: The very rare and highly important King George VI Gold Five pound coin minted in 1937, the year of his coronation. The back of the coin has Saint George fighting the dragon Symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the victory of the Christian spirit over the forces of evil. The secret button on the side of the case presses in to reveal the watch. The watch can be tilted upwards so that it can sit on a desk. Movement: The extra flat fully jewelled Swiss nickel finished movement signed Le Coultre Co. The movement is fully jewelled to the centre abor with compensation balance, blued steel hairspring and fast slow regulation. The winding and hand setting crown is located at the three o'clock position. This is a very rare gold coin...
Category

20th Century French Watches

Materials

Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Baignoire W15133L2 18K white Ladies Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Baignoire 1955 Ladies Watch. 22mm by 30mm 18k white gold case non bezel. Ivory dial with blue hands and roman numeral hour markers. 18K white gold bracelet with hidden Butter...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Tiffany & Co. by Agassiz Platinum Ladies Art Deco Watch 1920's Dial by Stern
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Agassiz for Tiffany & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tortue Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum and Diamonds CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 25mm X W...
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Platinum

Ball Watch Co. Open Faced Railroad Pocket Watch circa 1920
By Ball Watch Company
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Ball Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced High Grade Railroad Pocket Watch / METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled / Screw O...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Rolex Day-Date 18038 Blue String Diamond Dial
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Day-Date 18038 Mens Watch. 36mm 18K yellow gold case with 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Blue Vignette diamond string dial with gold hands and factory diamond hour markers. Fact...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Piaget Diamond Gold Lady's Watch - Model 84024K817
Located in רמת גן, IL
Preowned, excellent condition Piaget Lady Dancer 18k Yellow Gold wristwatch. Gold dial, an 18k Yellow Gold 20mm case, diamond bezel, winder, bracelet and jewellery clasp, sapphire cr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Blue "Vignette" Dial 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 3...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rado Jubile Centrix Automatic Black Ceramic, S/Steel, Diamond Mens' Dress Watch
By RADO
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Performed in Stainless Steel & elegant Black Ceramic, this sophisticated timepiece by Swiss luxury watch brand RADO (ref 01.658.0941.3.070) is in beautiful condition & in excellent working order It comes in a full set: original outer box, papers, card case, brand new cloth, inner case, booklet/manual. Case is comfortable & well-proportioned – at 38mm it has a great presence on a wrist Sturdy yet dressy, it is crafted in stainless steel, with scratch-resistant ceramic bezel; case is completed by winder bearing a famous anchor - a symbol of all Rado automatic...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Steel Concentric Silver Dial Mens Watch 116000
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. No original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Model Number: 116000 Department: Unisex Adult Country/Region of Man...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Steel Datejust With Custom Made Green Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Panerai Radiomir 42mm Goldtech Wristwatch Ref. PAM00575
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pre-owned Panerai Radiomir wristwatch (ref. PAM00575), featuring the P.1000 caliber hand-wound movement with a three-day power reserve; black 'sandwich' dial with luminous Arabic num...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Patek Philippe Twenty-4 4920R-001 18k Rose Gold Diamond Bezel Chocolate Dial
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Patek Philippe Twenty-4 4920R-001 18k Rose Gold Diamond Bezel Chocolate Dial Ladies Watch This beautiful Patek Philippe Twenty4/4920R/001 Watch is in excellent condition and is read...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402ST Black Dial With Service Papers
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402ST Mens Watch. 39mm stainless steel case with stainless steel octagon bezel. Black tapestry dial with luminous steel hands and index hour marker. Date d...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ladies 33mm 67601BA Yellow Gold Diamond MOP Dial Watch
Located in New York, NY
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ladies 33mm 67601BA Yellow Gold Diamond MOP Dial Watch Elevate your collection with this exquisite Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ladies watch, reference 67601B...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic 41mm Ref. Q9008471
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pre-owned Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris (ref. Q9008471), featuring a self-winding automatic movement; black, sunburst dial; and 41mm, stainless steel case on a black rubber strap secured ...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Tiffany & Co. Midsize Atlas 18K Yellow Gold Watch Ref. 0630
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany & Co. Midsize Atlas 18K Yellow Gold Watch Ref. 0630 - Quartz. 18K Yellow gold round style case with raised roman numerals on bezel (31 mm) . Champagne dial signed Tiffany & C...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18k Gold Steel Jubilee Dial Automatic Ladies Watch 179173
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. 6 inches wrist size. Comes with an original box but no papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Steel

Rolex Vintage 1966 Steel Air-king Automatic with Sunburst Dial
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1966 Rolex Air-King Reference 5500. 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece Oyster case. Caliber 1520 Automatic, Self winding movement, excellent Mint conditi...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom MOP Dial And Diamond Bezel circa 1980's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diame...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Blue "Vignette" Dial 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 3...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Tudor Black Bay Bronze Heritage 43mm Brown Dial Automatic Ref: 79250BM
Located in București, București
The watch is in a very good condition and it’s working well. It shows slight signs of wear and scratches. The watch comes with an AGS Jewelry wooden box, along with an AGS Jewelry wa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Watches

Materials

Bronze

Tudor Black Bay 31 79613 Unisex Watch in 18kt Stainless Steel/Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Tudor Black Bay 31 79613 Unisex Watch in 18kt Stainless Steel/Yellow Gold SKU: 141588 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Tudor Model: Black Bay 31 Country of Origin: Switzerland Movement Type:...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

NEW Rolex Sky-Dweller Jubilee Steel 18K White Gold Blue Dial Watch 336934
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Box and papers. Comes with 5 year Rolex warranty.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

LUCIEN PICCARD 1970 Cuff Wristwatch In 14Kt Yellow Gold With White Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
Cuff wrist watch designed by Lucien Piccard. This is a very elegant cuff wrist watch, created in the Switzerland by Lucien Piccard, back in the 1970. The watch has been crafted in s...
Category

1970s Swiss Modernist Vintage Watches

Materials

Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Yellow Diamond Dial 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's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 3...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Panerai Steel Luminor Marina Watch circa 2010 Original Deployant Buckle PAM 104
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Panerai STYLE / REFERENCE: Luminor Marina / Reference OP 6768 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 2010 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 44mm MOVEMENT / CALIBE...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Must 29.5mm Roman Silver Dial Calf Skin Steel Quartz Watch WSTA0110
Located in Aventura, FL
Louis Cartier created the Tank watch in 1917. A legend was born. The first prototype was presented as a gift to General Pershing some years before the watch was introduced into the m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Ref 1503 Oyster Perpetual Date 14k Solid Gold Automatic 1970s RJC120
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref.1503 solid 14k gold automatic, c.1974. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, applied gold...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Midsize must de Cartier Vemeil Paris 30mm Quartz Gold Plated Dress Watch NA135
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Charming luxury, Midsize/unisex must de Cartier Vermeil gold-plated dress watch, c.1980s, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, must de Cartier signed dial, Roman numeral hour markers, outer minute track, gorgeous blue minute and hour hands, hands and dial in very good, original vintage condition, very minor show of age give its unique and charming look. Gold-plated over silver and stainless steel case measuring 30mm, watch is in pristine vintage condition. Iconic must de Cartier sapphire cabochon...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, Silver, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 28 18K Rose Gold Steel Purple Diamond Dial Watch 279171 B&P
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned like new condition. Comes with original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 279171 Model Number: 279171 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Steel

Lady's 14k White Gold Vintage Hamilton Watch
Located in Addison, TX
For a fancy night out, or a casual evening this watch is great for elegant touch to your appearance. This vintage 14K White gold watch and 14K wh...
Category

Early 20th Century North American Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1970s All Original NA142
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster "Air-King" Precision Ref.5500 automatic, c.1972, all original, unpolished. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous R...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Piaget Dancer Diamond Dial, Case & Bracelet Ladies Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Piaget Dancer 15327K818 Ladies Watch. This elegant timepiece features a 17mm case made of 18K yellow gold. The bezel is also crafted from 18K yellow gold and adorned with factory-set...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Money Clip
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: Tiffany & Co. Style: Money Clip Metal: 925 sterling silver Measurements: 1.25" x 1.10" Total Weight: 17 Grams Stamped: "925" "Tiffany & Co." "Elsa P...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

GUCCI G-TIMELESS YA126321 Watch
Located in Barcelona, CT
GUCCI G-TIMELESS Watch YA126321 Brand New Watch. Stainless steel case 39mm excluding crown. Case thickness 8mm. Sapphire crystal. Black dial. Fabric strap. Quartz movement. Water res...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond and Emerald Bezel
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamete...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

18 Kt Piaget Limited Edition Triple Date Moon Phase Wrist Watch
Located in Antwerp, BE
PIAGET LIMITED EDITION TRIPLE DATE MOON PHASE. MOVEMENT: Hand winding. FUNCTIONS: Hours , minutes , seconds , moonphases , date & month in German . CASE: 18 K yellow gold , diame...
Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 31MM 18K Rose Gold Steel White Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 178271
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with a box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 178271 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Custom Finished Red Dial Late 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diamete...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Antique Howard Keystone 14k Gold 45mm Open Face Pocket Watch Size 12s Model 1912
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Howard Watch Co. Movement Type: Model 1912 - Mechanical - Hand Wound - 19 Jewels - Size 12s - American Made Movement Serial No.: 1307786 Case Maker: The K.W.C.Co. Case ...
Category

1910s American Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold

PIAGET Polo 18K Yellow solid Gold silver Dial quartz Men's watch
Located in New York, NY
PIAGET Polo 18K Yellow solid Gold silver Dial quartz Men's watch All the parts are authentic Model                          Polo Reference Number G0A26029 Gender Men's Metal 18k ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

GUCCI BAMBOO YA132402 Watch
Located in Barcelona, CT
GUCCI BAMBOO Watch YA132402 Women's Watch Brand New. Stainless steel case 29mm with bamboo crown 35mm. Case thickness 7mm. Sapphire crystal. Lacquered dia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Day-Date 40 Yellow Gold Black Diamond Dial Automatic Mens Watch 228238
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with the original box and papers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GUCCI G-TIMELESS YA1264084 Watch
Located in Barcelona, CT
GUCCI G-TIMELESS FLOWERS WATCH YA1264084 Brand new watch with a yellow gold-plated stainless steel case measuring 38mm (excluding the crown). Case thickness: 11mm. Sapphire crystal. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Chopard 18k Gold 26mm Octagon Fancy Lug Mechanical Watch Ref. 2101
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Chopard Movement: Mechanical - Hand Winding - 17 jewels - Swiss Made Case Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Gross Weight: 34.3 Grams (including case, movement, and strap) C...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Hamilton "Top Hat" White Gold mechanical Wrist watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Art Deco Hamilton "Top Hat" Wrist Watch, 38 M.M. x 22 M.M. 14k White Gold 2 piece case, Covered lugs with Ribbed Design, Caliber 725, 17 Jewel mechanical, manual wind mov...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K Gold Vintage Omega Manual Ladies Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Ladies Omega Watch in 18K Gold This timeless vintage Omega watch is crafted entirely from 18K gold, showcasing classic elegance and preci...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Breitling Emergency Wristwatch Ref K76321, 43mm Case, 18K Yellow Gold, Full Set
Located in Canterbury, England
Our extremely rare and desirable Breitling Emergency with 43mm 18k yellow gold case and with 18k yellow gold bracelet, reference K76321, features a black dial with arabic numerals an...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Mens Rolex Ref 6694 Oysterdate Precision 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RJC187G
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref 6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1960s. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed black dial, applied indice ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Antique, Vintage and Luxury Watches for Sale: Shop Rolex Watches, Omega Watches and Cartier Watches on 1stDibs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs that includes Cartier watches, Rolex watches, Patek Philippe watches and more — we promise it will be worth your time.

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