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Watches For Sale
Audemars Piguet 18 mm Factory Diamonds Ladies 18K Rose Gold watch
Located in New York, NY
Audemars Piguet 18 mm Factory Diamonds Ladies 18K Rose Gold watch Model                     Happy Diamonds Reference Number 67118OR.ZZ.A009XX.01 Gender Lady's Metal 18K Rose Gold C...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Tank a Vis W1534251- 18K Yellow Gold 2-Time Zone Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Tank a Vis W1534251 watch. 28mm 18K yellow gold case size with 18K yellow gold bezel. Guilloche Silver dial with black Roman numeral hour marker. Minute marks on inner dial. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Cartier Panthere Small 8669 18K Yellow Gold with Aftermarket Strap & Buckle
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Panthere 8669 Ladies Watch. 22mm 18K yellow gold case. 18K yellow gold smooth bezel. Off-White dial with blue steel hands and Roman numeral hour markers. Minute markers on th...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Gold

Vintage Rolex 1655 Explorer Steve McQueen STRAIGHT HAND 1972 UNPOLISHED
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1655 Serial: 3039*** Year: 1972 Model: Rolex Explorer "Steve McQueen" Straight Hand Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Di...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pierre Cardin 1971 by Jaeger LeCoultre PC107 Retro Bubble Wrist Watch Stainless
Located in Miami, FL
Jaeger LeCoultre PC107 wrist watch designed by Pierre Cardin. Fabulous retro wrist watch, designed in France by the Parisian fashion designer Pierre Cardin, back in the 1971. This b...
Category

1970s French Modernist Vintage Watches

Materials

Crystal, Stainless Steel, Steel

Art Deco Masoniс Triangle Pyramid Gold Watch Levrette Swiss, 1920
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Art Deco Masoniс Triangle Pyramid Gold Watch Levrette Swiss, 1920 Extremely Rare Antique Masoniс Triangle Pyramid Gold Watch by Levrette Swiss. Highly collectable item, enamel dial ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Watches

Materials

Gold

OMEGA Constellation Electronic. Mens Omega Watch F300 Constellation Chronometer
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage 1970s Omega Electronic Constellation Chronometer ref F300 Hz Condition: Works and keeps time. Excellent condition for the Age. New Battery Engraved J.A.F 1977 Raytheon on ...
Category

1970s Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bulova Yellow Gold Filled Accutron Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Bulova Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Accutron METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diameter 33mm MOVEMENT /...
Category

1960s North American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe nautilus ref 3900/1G Blue Diamond Dial w/ Archive
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A remarkable Patek Philippe 3900/1G watch from 1985. This exquisite timepiece features a cushion-shaped case crafted in stainless steel, showcasin...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

White Gold

Art Deco Back Dial Gents Wristwatch Old Stock, Never Worn, Newly Serviced, 1930
Located in Westward ho, GB
For the discerning buyers out there who wish a less than generic looking watch, who aspire for something not only classy but very distinctively Art Deco then this maybe the timepiece for you! An extremely rare opportunity to acquire a perfect condition Art Deco Gents wrist watch which is what we call 'old new stock', that is to say it's of the period dating to the 1930's but has never been sold, marketed or worn and as you can imagine that's pretty darn rare! We have been lucky enough to have sourced a few of these watches this year, all iconically...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Watches

Materials

Steel

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1980s Swiss RA441B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref.6694, hand-wind dress watch, c.1981, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous ...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Date Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 15223
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Date Men's 2-Tone Steel & Gold Watch 15223 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold fluted bezel (34mm diameter). ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Cartier Tank Americaine Small Size Ladies' Wristwatch in White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent wristwatch created by Cartier from the Tank Americaine collection, featuring a diamond encrusted bezel and a crown accented by a diamond. Finely made with 18K white gol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Explorer With Box and Papers, circa 1999
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Explorer / Reference 14270 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1999 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter 35mm...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Perpetual Date With Custom Mother of Pearl Dial and Custom Bezel
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel with Custom Bezel Black and White Diamonds CIRCA / YE...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Elegant 18k Yellow Gold Gents Tiffany & Co. Quartz Movement Wrist Watch
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This truly classic Tiffany & Co. quartz movement men's wrist watch epitomizes the luxury and elegance that Tiffany is perennially associated with. It is large, measuring a full 1 1/2...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 41mm Diamond Dial 126334
Located in London, GB
A 41mm Datejust by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with diamond set hour markers and a white gold fluted bezel. Fitted with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a self-winding automa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Stainless Steel

Genuine Rolex Watch. Mens ROLEX Oyster Perpetual 1002. 34mm
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 Automatic Movement. Runs well. Circa 1966 Beautiful Watch. Case is Stainless Steel. New Genuine Leather band. 34mm round case  Cond...
Category

1970s Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Yacht Master 116622 40mm Rhodium Dial Platinum Steel Box Paper 2018
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116622 Serial: 1510R*** Year: 2018 Model: Rolex Yacht Master Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Platinum Dial: Rhodium Grey Dial Face: Sapph...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Audemars Piguet Arnold Schwarzenegger LE Royal Oak Offshore 18k Gold 26007ba
Located in Tustin, CA
We are pleased to offer this 18k Yellow Gold Audemars Piguet Arnold Schwarzenegger Limited Edition Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

PIAGET Vintage Rare 18K Yellow Gold Ladies 26mm watch
Located in New York, NY
PIAGET Vintage Rare 18K Yellow Gold Ladies 26mm watch Model                        Vintage Reference Number 9016 Gender Ladies Metal 18k yellow gold Case Size 26 mm Wrist Size Thi...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300 Yellow Dial Mens Watch Box & Papers
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300 Mens Watch. 41mm stainless steel case with smooth bezel. Yellow dial with luminous steel hands and index hour marker. Minute marker around the outer dia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Movado 18K White Gold & Diamond Bezel Mesh Bracelet Ladies Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A round 18k gold watch by Movado, featuring a black dial with stick indexes. The bezel is adorned with round white diamonds, totaling 0.64 carats, with VS1 clarity and H color grade....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Illinois Gold-Filled Pocket Watch
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Illinois gold-filled pocket watch. Open face, Size 12, Model 117 jewel double roller mechanism, 3/4 plate. Crown time set. Serial number 4067885, made in 1923. Fancy Octagon case and...
Category

1920s Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Antique Open Face Silver Hamilton Pocket Watch with Display
Located in Wallkill, NY
Wonderful Hamilton open face Pocket Watch - Manufacturer Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania -Movement Serial Number: 679688 - Mar 1, 191...
Category

1910s American Art Nouveau Vintage Watches

Materials

Silver

Jean-Antoine Lepine Rose Gold Ruby Cylinder French Pocket Watch, circa 1780
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Lepine STYLE / REFERENCE: Oversized Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Rose Gold DIMENSIONS: Diameter 59mm CIRCA: 1770 / 80's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Key W...
Category

Late 18th Century French Art Deco Antique Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Longines Yellow Gold Watch 1970s
Located in Monaco, MC
Longines lady's watch: golden dial with applied yellow gold indexes, smooth bezel, manual winding movement and wrap bracelet in yellow gold. Dial 28 mm, bracelet internal diameter 5...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

BAUME & MERCIER Capeland 65383 Diamond Bezel Watch
Located in San Fernando, CA
Baume & Mercier Capeland 65383 Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet Approx. 28mm Case Diamond Fixed Bezel Sapphire crystal Silver Dial with Silvertone and diamond markers Hour, minute a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond

Omega Ladies Diamond Yellow Gold Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
Ladies late 1960's Omega diamond dress wristwatch. Crafted in 18k yellow gold accented with a 24 round cut diamonds along the bezel which are set in 18k white gold. Solid Omega mesh band. 24 round diamonds, G-VS approx. .48cts 18k yellow gold 56 grams Length: 14.12mm Width: 14.11mm Band width at case: 14mm Case thickness: 7.61mm Dial: gold Inside case: 750 8107 808828 Movement: Omega 484...
Category

Mid-20th Century Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex 126200 Datejust Jubilee 36mm Blue Dial Stainless Steel Box Paper 2021
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 12600 Serial: 242VH*** Year: 2021 Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Blue Face: Sapphire Crystal Case Siz...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Silver Stainless Steel Diamond La Dona W660022I Women's Wristwatch 28 mm
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Wristwatches work as well as jewelry when accessorized right. Take a look at the beauty of this Cartier. It comes made from stainless steel with a braid-like bracelet and a diamond-e...
Category

2010s French Contemporary Watches

Materials

Silver, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT-Master 1675 Gloss Brown Nipple Dial 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex GMT-Master 1675 Mens Watch. 40mm 18K yellow gold case. Unidirectional rotating 18K yellow gold bezel with brown bezel insert; it has scratches and sing of wear. Gloss root beer...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Piaget Tanagra 18k Yellow Gold 33mm Watch
Located in New York, NY
PIAGET TANAGRA 18K YELLOW GOLD WATCH Ref#: 17041M401D Condition: Like-New Model: Piaget Tanagra Material: 18k Solid Yellow Gold Case Size: 33mm Movement: Swiss Quartz Wrist Size: 7"...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Custom 3 Carat Ct Diamond Gucci G Chrono Chronograph Date Swiss Made Watch 1
Located in New York, NY
Custom Diamond Gucci 101M G Chrono Swiss Made Black-dial 44mm Watch with box and booklet papers. Original Gucci Bezel is customized hand-set with approx. 3.00 carats of natural genu...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

GUCCI G-TIMELESS YA126442 Watch
Located in Barcelona, CT
GUCCI G-TIMELESS Watch YA126442 Brand New Watch, 38mm stainless steel case excluding crown. Case thickness 8mm. Sapphire crystal. White dial. Stainless steel bracelet, width 18mm. Qu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Steel

Patek Philippe 1960s Yellow Gold Ref. 2595 Calatrava Mechanical Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Patek Philippe Reference 2595 Calatrava Wrist Watch, 32 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, Patek logo Crown. Mechanical, Manual wind 18 Jewel, Caliber 23-300 Movement. Sil...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Amazing Cartier Tank Française Automatic Wrist watch in silver
Located in Paris, IDF
Brand:​ ​Cartier Model:​ ​Tank​ ​Française Reference:​ ​2302 Dial:​ ​Silver​ ​guilloché Date:​ ​Yes,​ ​at​ ​6:00 Calibre:​ ​Cartier​ ​automatic​ ​mechanical Case:​ ​Steel Dimensions:...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Watches

Rolex President Day Date 18078 36mm Bark Finish Wood Dial 18K Yellow Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 18078 Serial: 6174*** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex President Day Date Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold ...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard 0.80ct Diamond Gold Watch
Located in New York, NY
This is a charming Chopard diamond 18k yellow gold lady's watch. The watch features sparkling round cut diamonds that weigh approximately 0.80ct. The color of the diamonds is F with ...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Bvlgari Parentesi BJ-01 Sterile Dial 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ladies Watch
Located in Aventura, FL
Bvlgari's Parentesi came out in 1982 as an entire series of jewelry, including a ring, a necklace, and a wristwatch. Bvlgari has been getting a lot of excitement from watch and jewelry collectors lately. Accompanied by a Bvlgari Box Artist: Bvlgari CIRCA: 2000s Model: BJ-01 Case Number: G27139 Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold with Diamonds Case Dimensions: 20mm in Diameter Dial: Champagne Sterile Dial Bracelet Material: 18K Gold with Diamonds Max. Bracelet Size: 6 Inches Movement: Time Only, Details: Brand: Bulgari Model: BJ-01 Stamped Hallmarks: Bvlgari BJ...
Category

1990s American Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

OMEGA Seamaster Diamond DeVille 14k Gold Omega Automatic SEAMASTER DEVILLE
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Omega Automatic Diamond Seamaster De Ville. 14k Yellow Gold Case. (Marked under the band) Diamond Hour Markers Condition: Works and keeps time. Excellent condition for th...
Category

1960s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

CHAUMET Dandy Automatic Chronograph Watch W11291-30F
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The CHAUMET Dandy Automatic Chronograph Watch is a refined blend of Parisian elegance and Swiss watchmaking excellence, designed for the modern gentleman...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Corum US Twenty Dollar Coin Yellow Gold Men's Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
Mens Corum 18k yellow gold US Twenty dollar 1904 coin watch. Inside of this timepiece holds a fully serviced and warrantied 18-jewel manual wind movement that keeps precise and accur...
Category

Late 20th Century Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Santos 18k Yellow Gold And Stainless "Spider" Burgundy Dial Ref 0902
Located in Houston, TX
A rare and unique find, this Cartier Santos features the eye-catching "spider" burgundy dial paired with a matching burgundy cabochon crown. A true statement piece, this watch combin...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Yacht Master 126622 40mm Rhodium Dial Platinum Steel Box Paper 2021
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126622 Serial: 47ZF1*** Year: 2021 Model: Rolex Yacht Master Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Platinum Dial: Rhodium Grey Dial Face: Sapph...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

18 kt Gold Omega Collectors Wrist Watch, Caliber 321, Reference OT 2955 3
Located in Antwerp, BE
Omega Chronograph, Collectors in amazing condition ! Reference OT 2955 3 Movement : Mechanical Manual Winding Caliber 321 Case : 18 Kt solid Gold, 35 mm Strap : Leather, Omega Gol...
Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Gold

IWC Pilot Top Gun IW326901 Men's Watch in Ceramic
By IWC
Located in New York, NY
IWC Pilot Top Gun IW326901 Men's Watch in Ceramic SKU: 137694 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: IWC Model: Pilot Top Gun Country of Origin: Switzerland Movement Type: Mechanical: Automatic/Kinetic Year Manufactured: 2023 Year of Manufacture: 2020-2029 Condition: The IWC Big Pilot watch takes its inspiration from the 1,000 military navigators’ watches...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Other

Baume & Mercier Capeland 39MM 65417 Day Date Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Baume & Mercier Gender: Men Metal Type: Stainless Steel Diameter: 39.00 mm Weight: 80.84 grams One men's stainless steel BAUME & MERCIER Swiss-made watch. The metal was t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Genuine Rolex Watch. Mens ROLEX 5500 Air King Precision 34mm
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stainless Steel Rolex Precision Air-King 5500 Automatic Movement. Runs well. Circa 1971 Beautiful Watch. Case is Stainless Steel. New Movado Leather Band. 34mm round case  Con...
Category

1970s Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Baignoire Large WB520003 Diamond 18K Rose W/Box & Papers
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Exuding elegance and sophistication, this exquisite watch features an oval-shaped face adorned with shimmering diamonds encircling the bezel. The dial showcases bold Roman numerals, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Hamilton Vintage Pacer Electric Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Hamilton Pacer Wrist Watch 45 M.M X 32 M.M. 10k Gold Filled two piece case. Hamilton 500 Electric Movement, Original Black Dial with Raised Gold markers, original Hands....
Category

1960s American Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Omega Stainless Steel Cream Dial Arab Numbers Manual Wind Wristwatch
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Ref. 2503. Made in 1950’s Case th...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Bvlgari Parentesi Diamond & 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet Watch, Ref BJ01
Located in Honolulu, HI
Authentic Bvlgari Parentesi ladies bracelet watch in 18k yellow gold, Ref. BJ 01. This stunning watch features a 20mm 18k gold case with closed solid snap back. The watch has an gold dial Pave' set with diamonds covering the whole face and yellow gold hour and minute hands. The watch has a quartz movement. The iconic Bvlgari Parentesi bracelet...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Cellini Classic 18k white Gold Men's Watch 5115/9
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cellini Classic 18k white Gold Men's Watch 5115/9 - Manual winding. 18k white gold case (32 mm). Jubilee white dial with raised white gold Roman numerals. Black Rolex strap wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Rolex 126333 Jubilee Datejust 41 Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126333 Serial: 3A260*** Year: 2021 Model: Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Champagn...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Orange Dial & Custom Diamond Bezel
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Gorgeous Concord Saratoga Diamond Stainless Steel Ladies Quartz Watch
Located in Media, PA
This is a meticulously crafted Concord Saratoga watch. The timepiece features a stainless steel bracelet with a polished finish. The round dial is silver-toned, adorned with bold bla...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel, 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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