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Watches For Sale
Rolex Lady Oyster Date 6917 18k Gold SS Automatic 1980s Swiss Luxury RA400
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Rolex 18k gold and stainless steel Lady Oyster Perpetual Date automatic, c.1983, in excellent aesthetic and working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex linen...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, 18k Gold

Art Deco 14K White Gold Hamilton 2.5ctw Diamond Watch 22.1g
Located in Addison, TX
Presenting a: Vintage Art Deco 14K White Gold Hamilton 2.5ctw Diamond Watch 6.4" 22.1g Natural Diamonds approximately 2.5ct total. Measures .60" wide ...
Category

1960s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Watches

Patek Philippe Twenty 4 4920R-001 Diamond Bezel Chocolate Dial 18K Rose Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 4920R-001 Model: Patek Philippe Twenty 4 Case Material: 18K Rose Gold Band: Satin Bezel: 18K Rose Gold & Diamond Bezel Dial: Chocolate Dial with Diamond Hour Markers...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex 116718 GMT Master II Green Dial Black Ceramic Bezel 40mm 18K Yellow Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116718 Serial: Mixed Serial Year: 2010- Now Model: Rolex GMT Master II Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Black Ceramic Dial: Green Face: ...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Two Tone Datejust With Rare, Original Navy Blue Dial circa
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 16000 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Steel and 18Kt. Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Mixed Metal, Stainless Steel

1967 Bulova Accutron Wristwatch, Champagne Dial and Brown Leather Band, 34mm
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Movement: 214. Case# B. 88295. Year: 1967. Weight: 37.9 grams. Does not include the original box or papers. This watch is guaranteed authentic. One year warranty included with purcha...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Royalite Watch 2280 Circa 1939
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Rolex Royalite Watch 2280 Circa 1939 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale. This model was made with stainless steel...
Category

1930s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

ViNTAGE CITIZEN ECO DRIVE LADIES WRIST WATCH IN THE ORIGINAL BOX WR 50 MODEL
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this vintage Citizen Eco Drive Ladies Wrist watch in the original box WR 50 model These are very cool colle...
Category

20th Century Retro Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

OMEGA Constellation Pie Pan Automatic Mens Watch. Ref 14393 SS and Yellow Gold.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Omega Constellation Automatic PIE PAN Dial ref 14393 61 SC Circa 1961 Stainless Steel Case and Yellow Gold Cap.. Condition: Works and keeps time. Great Condition. Detail...
Category

1960s Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Yacht-Master 37mm Platinum Steel Rhodium Dial Automatic Watch 268622
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Comes with the original box and papers. Case Details: Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Color: Gray Case Size: 37 mm Case Thickness: 11 mm Caseback: Solid Case Finish: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Mens Rolex 6694 Oysterdate Precision Manual Wind 1960s Vintage Classic RJC198T
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref.6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1967. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied indice h...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

NEW Rolex Datejust 36 18K Gold Steel VI IX Silver Diamond Dial Watch 126233
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2023 card. Box and papers. 🟨 Rolex Datejust 126233 Men’s Wristwatch 📌 General Overview Brand: Rolex Model Name: Datejust Model Number: 126233 Type: Wristwatch Departme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Steel

Rolex Platinum President Day-Date Men's Watch 118206
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Platinum President Day-Date Men's Watch 118206 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Platinum case with smooth bezel (36mm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Omega Ladies watch 18ct white gold and diamonds
Located in Milano, MI
Elegant OMEGA ladies watch in 18ct white gold and diamonds. Manual winding mechanical movement. Working order 1940s period c.a. Highlights - Omega manual winding mechanical movement...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Cartier Mini Pasha 'Diamond Case'
Located in London, GB
Originally designed for the Pasha of Marrakech, this is the Pasha de Cartier. This 27mm 'mini' with a diamond set bezel is in superb condition, and is fitted to a solid 18ct rose gol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

1970’s Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse d‘Or White Gold Blue Dial Ref. 3848
Located in Berlin, DE
Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse d‘Or White Gold Blue Dial Ref. 3848. This elegant wristwatch by Patek Philippe made of 18 carat white gold with a blue dial is the perfect watch for th...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Rolex Submariner Date Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116610LN
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Original box and papers are included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buy...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Antique Gold Flintlock Revolver Pocket Watch Key Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
An antique 18 karat yellow gold flintlock revolver pocket watch key pendant from the past. This single-barrel gold flint pistol pocket watch key has a cur...
Category

Early 19th Century Victorian Antique Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Rolex Ladies President 69158 Factory Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel & Lugs 18K Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69158 Serial: E443*** Year: 1990 Model: Ladies President Crown Collection Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Factory Diamond Lugs Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Factory Diamo...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Diamond Classique Ladies Watch in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels diamond ladies wristwatch from iconic jeweler’s Classique collection in 18 karat yellow gold. Elegant and feminine, as all Van Cleef & Arpels creations, this watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Chanel Quartz Premiere Yellow Gold Fashion Watch with Integral Gold Band
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely 18K yellow gold Chanel Premiere quartz ladies wrist watch was released by the venerated house in 1987. The bold rectangular, clipped corner head measures over 1 inch in length by 3/4 inch in width. The dial is black, bears the company name at the 12 o'clock position and the word Swiss at the 6 o'clock position. The integral 18K band measures 9/16 inch wide and terminates in a flip clasp stamped CHANEL. On the inside of the clasp is stamped 750, Swiss Made, Chanel copyright, registration marks, Swiss and Chanel touch marks, and 1987. Additional touch marks are shown on the tongue of the clasp. The crystal is a high faceted mineral composition and adds greatly to the watches dramatic appearance. Trouble free and accurate timekeeping is assured by the Chanel quartz...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bvlgari Diagono LCV29G Midsize 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Bvlgari Diagono LCV29G Midsize Ladies' Watch. This timepiece features a 29.5mm 18K yellow gold case and an 18K yellow gold bezel. It has a white dial with gold hands and original fac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Breitling Colt A74389 36mm Blue Dial Stainless Steel Box Booklet
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: A74389 Model: Breitling Colt Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Blue Face: Sapphire Crystal Case Size: 36mm Includes:...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

18K Yellow Gold Waltham Pocket Watch Size 6
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
18k yellow gold Waltham Pocket watch with a hunting case. Model 1890, Size 6, serial number 5506199, 15 to 17 jewels. Fancy engraved movement. The case is stamped 18k U.S. Assay. The...
Category

Mid-20th Century Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Mid Size Tank Obus Ref. 1630 Yellow Gold and Diamonds Quartz Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Cartier Tank Obus Reference 1630 Wrist Watch, 18K Yellow Gold 30 X 25 MM water resistant 2 piece case with 2 rows of Factory set Diamonds totaling approximately 2 carats...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

NEW Rolex Datejust 36mm 126233 Steel Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Watch B&P
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with an original box and papers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Cartier Tank Paris 18K Yellow Gold & Pave Dial Bezel Box & Papers
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Tank Paris Ladies Watch. 24mm 18K yellow gold case with factory diamond bezel. Factory pave dial with blue steel hands. 18K yellow gold associated bracelet with 18K yellow go...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cartier Santos Dumont Diamond-Set 2650 18K yellow Gold Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Full Set  All original factory set diamond Cartier Santos Dumont yellow  Gold and Diamond-Set Watch This Cartier 'Santos Dumont' watch from the 2010s is meticulously crafted from pi...
Category

1990s French Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Cartier Pasha W3004856 Automatic 18k Yellow Gold W/Box & Papers
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Pasha W3004856 Watch. 35mm 18k yellow gold case with a stationary bezel. Patina dial with blue steel hands. Magnified date. 18k yellow gold chained crown cover with blue cabo...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual 67193 18k 25mm Gold SS Automatic 1980s Luxury RA457
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Rolex 18k gold and stainless steel Lady Oyster Perpetual automatic, c.1986, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Cartier Panthere Large W25014B9 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Panthere Large Watch. 29mm 18K yellow gold case with 18K yellow gold smooth bezel, and solid gold case back. Off-White dial with blue steel hands and black Roman numeral hour...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Style Watch, 1930's with Original Dial
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Width 18mm M...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Art Deco 1930 Wrist Watch in .900 Platinum with 4.98 Ctw in Round Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
At deco platinum wristwatch. Beautiful highly decorated lady wristwatch, made in America during the art deco period, back in the 1930. This elegant wristwatch has been crafted in so...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 16013 18k SS 36mm Linen Dial Automatic 1980s NA108B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's Rolex Ref 16013 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic, c.1987, with classic Rolex linen dial, in exce...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Omega Seamaster Automatic Gold Filled Modernist Bracelet Watch from 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Modernist / Seamaster METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Width 38mm M...
Category

1970s Swiss Modernist Vintage Watches

Vintage Bulova Gold-Plated Dress Watch with Black Leather Band.
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Manual movement # 11AN. Case # H926358. Weight: 28.5 grams. Does not include the original box or papers. This watch is guaranteed authentic. One year warranty included with purchase....
Category

20th Century American Modern Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Cartier Ballon Bleu W6920033 Mother of Pearl Steel/18k Rose Gold 36mm Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Brand: Cartier Model Name: Ballon Bleu Reference Number: W6920033 Movement: Automatic self-winding movement Material: Stainless Steel / 18k Rose Gold Dial: Mother of Pearl with Black...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Pearl, Rose Gold, 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

Montblanc Profile 7058 Stainless Steel Automatic Watch
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand: Montblanc Model: Profile Reference Number:7058 Movement: Automatic Case Material: Stainless steel Measurements : Case width: 35 mm. (without crown) x 45mm Band Type : St...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Linen Dial Automatic 1970s RA526B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16013 automatic, c.1979, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchma...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage Longines Yellow Gold Wristwatch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Longines yellow gold wristwatch, circa 1950s. This vintage 1950s Longines wristwatch has a 17 Jewels Calibre 22LS manual wind movement housed in its original 14k yellow gold...
Category

1950s Swiss Modernist Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Rolex Men's Watch from the 1970s in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Berlin, BE
Vintage Rolex Men's Watch from the 1970s in 18k Yellow Gold – Classic Hand-Wound Elegance Presenting a distinguished Rolex men’s wristwatch from the 1970s, crafted in luxurious 18k ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Aesthetic Movement Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Riviera Paris Vintage Yellow Gold Ladies Mechanical Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Riviera Paris Wrist Watch, 23 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind movement, White dial with Black Roman numerals. ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Twenty~4 4910 in 18k yellow gold and diamond
Located in Berlin, BE
Elegant Patek Philippe Twenty~4 4910 in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds – Excellent Condition This exquisite Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ref. 4910 is a true embodiment of luxury and sophi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Rolex President Watch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant lady’s 18K yellow gold Rolex President watch embodies timeless luxury and exceptional craftsmanship and measures 26 millimeters in case size. Featuring a sophisticated c...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Rolex President Wristwatch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite ladies' 18K yellow gold Rolex President wristwatch combines timeless elegance with exceptional craftsmanship. Featuring a factory diamond-set dial and a fluted bezel, ...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Guy Ellia 18 Karat Rose Gold Time Space Square Strap Watch
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Rose Gold Time Space Square Reference #OR-TSP-2315 Made in Switzerland Manual Wind Case #002 Anthracite engine turned main plate with rose gold han...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex DateJust 178384 Tahitian MOP Diamond Dial Box & Papers
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 178384 Datejust ladies watch. 31MM stainless steel case & 18K white gold bezel with factory diamond set. Tahitian Mother Of Pearl dial with steel hands and fac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 116334 Datejust Stainless Steel All Diamond Pave Watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex 116334 Datejust Stainless Steel All Diamond Pave Watch is a true embodiment of luxury and elegance. Crafted from stainless steel, this timepiece...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

2024 Rolex Sea Dweller 126600 43mm Red Letters Black Ceramic Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126600 Serial: 2KG98*** Year: 2024 Model: Rolex Red Sea Dweller Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Ceramic Dial: Black With Red Letter...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Steel

Chopard L'heure Du Diamant round 18K yellow gold diamond Ruby stone Watch
Located in New York, NY
Chopard L'heure Du Diamant 18K yellow gold with diamond case Ruby stone Watch Model                            L'heure Du Diamant Reference Number 32696 Gender Ladies Metal 18k yel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Rolex Daytona 40mm Ice Blue Dial Brown Bezel Platinum 2019 Style: 116506
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Rolex Daytona 116506 is a pinnacle of luxury watchmaking, crafted from solid 950 platinum. It features a 40mm platinum case, ice-blue sunburst dial, and a chestnut brown Cerachrom ceramic bezel. The ice-blue dial — exclusive to Rolex’s platinum models — is adorned with 18k white gold hour markers and three chronograph subdials with matching brown accents. This model is powered by the Rolex Caliber 4130, an in-house self-winding chronograph movement with a 72-hour power reserve. The platinum Oyster bracelet includes a folding Oysterlock clasp with an Easylink extension for added comfort. Water-resistant to 100m, it offers both elegance and durability. Launched in 2013 for the Daytona’s 50th anniversary, this watch is renowned for its rarity, prestige, and investment value. The distinctive ice-blue and brown colorway, reserved only for platinum Daytonas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Platinum

Bulgari Serpenti 18K Gold Diamond Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari 18K rose gold Serpenti red lacquer diamond wristwatch with presentation box Weight : 90.9 g Interior circumference : 6 5/8" Case : 26 mm Marked : Au 750 18K BULGARI FABRIQUE ...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Panther Ref. 1310 Stainless Steel Mid Size Quartz Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2015 Cartier reference 1310 Classic Panther Wrist watch, 36 X 27 MM Stainless Steel case, Quartz Movement, White Dial with Black Roman Numerals, Calendar window at the 5 positi...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Hamilton 1961 Pacermatic Rare Automatic Gold filled Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1961 Hamilton "Pacermatic" the very Rare Automatic version of the Pacer Wrist Watch, 45 X 31 M.M. 10K Yellow and White Gold Filled 2 piece case. Grade 667, 17 jewel Automatic, ...
Category

1960s American Modernist Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Silver Dial Oysterflex Date: 2023 Style: 166519LN
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
UnwornWatches proudly presents Rolex Daytona Cosmograph (ref. 116519LN) is a modern icon of precision, luxury, and sport. With a sleek silver dial, black sub-dials, and a sporty Oyst...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

White Gold, Silver

Omega Speedmaster Men's Watch in Stainless Steel
Located in New York, NY
Omega Speedmaster Men's Watch in Stainless Steel SKU: 143092 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Omega Model: Speedmaster 125 Country of Origin: Switzerland Movement Type: Mechanical: Automat...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Omega Seamaster 231.10.30.61.02.001 LADIES
Located in London, GB
Seamaster 231.10.30.61.02.001Seamaster 231.10.30.61.02.001 - Image 2Seamaster 231.10.30.61.02.001 - Image 3Seamaster 231.10.30.61.02.001 - Image 4Seamaster 231.10.30.61.02.001 - Imag...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Watches

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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