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Watches For Sale
]TAG Heuer Kirium Chrono Blue Dial CL1211 Watch
Located in Toronto, CA
C Description Brand: TAG Heuer Model: Kirium Reference Number: CL1211 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Quartz Case Material: Stainless steel Measurements : Case w...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Date Watch
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Date Watch Marked: ROLEX STEELINOX SWISS MADE Approximate Dimensions: 18 cm (Length) 34 mm (Case Diameter) 1.7 cm (Strap Width) 84.2 grams in weight.
Category

20th Century Watches

Tiffany & Co. Ladies Vannerie 18K Yellow Gold Watch 12.0504
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany & Co. Ladies Vannerie 18K Yellow Gold Watch 12.0504 - Quartz. 18K Yellowy gold case with diamond bands on each end of watch ( 15 x 22mm); Sixteen diamonds total. White dial w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Vintage Rodania Men's Watch 17 Jewel Swiss
Located in Montreal, QC
Vintage Rodania Swiss watch for men. 17 Jewels, manual wind ,leather strap. Case #5987, gold-plated with steel base, 34mm. Working order white dial, i...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Gilt Metal

Rolex 18k datejust 28mm diamond bezel blue diamond dial presidential bracelet
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Datejust 279138 RBR ladies' watch. It features a 28mm 18K yellow gold case and an 18K yellow gold bezel set with factory diamonds. The watch has a blue dial, gold hands, and fa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Urwerk UR-210Y Black Hawk Limited Edition Wristwatch
By Urwerk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Urwerk UR-210Y "Black Hawk" wristwatch, featuring the self-winding Calibre UR-7.10 movement with a 39-hour power reserve; black dial with hours, minutes & markers painted in Super-Lu...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Titanium

Cartier Tank Française Certified 1830
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Tank Francaise Chronograph XL in 18K Gold In Leather Strap. Quartz movement with 28mm case and three subdial chronograph functions.
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Omega DeVille 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The OMEGA De Ville is an elegant round watch designed for those who appreciate both style and precision. It features a 24mm white dial adorned with stick indexes, providing a clean a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Waltham 1886 Riverside Size 0s Hunting Pocket Watch In 18Kt Gold With Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Pocket watch designed by Waltham. Beautiful hunting pocket watch, created in Massachusetts United States by the A.W Waltham Watch Company, circ...
Category

1880s American Victorian Antique Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe 1928-1929 Early Cushion Ladies Watch, 18K, Breguet Dial Sold 1933
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Patek Philippe 1928-1929 Early Cushion Ladies Watch; Made in 18K yellow gold measuring 21 x 21mm with a silvered dial, black Breguet numerals, Blue steel hands. The watch is fitted...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel Black Roman Dial Automatic Men's Watch 116200
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. Comes with an original box and papers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Datejust 126233 Black Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126233 Serial: 58W37*** Year: 2018 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Factory Bla...
Category

2010s Watches

Rolex Datejust 36mm Blue Index Dial Steel White Gold Jubilee Men's Watch 116234
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust 36mm 116234 with Blue Index Dial Features steel and white gold finish, always featuring an 18k white gold fluted bezel and a Jubilee case and bracelet. It's widely sou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

White Gold, Steel

Cartier Roadster Diamond White Gold 18K Wristwatch
Located in Geneva, CH
Cartier Roadster Diamond White Gold 18K Wristwatch. Signed Cartier, numbered and marked. Fully polished. Wrist length: 15.5 centimeters. Additional links available on request. Extra...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Green Roman Dial And Diamond Bezel ca 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 39m X Diameter...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

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

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

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 25970ST Stainless Steel Hong Kong Edition
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 25970ST Year: Est. 1997 Model: Royal Oak Offshore - Hong Kong Edition Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Blue Face: ...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Datejust Ref 16014 36mm 18k White Gold SS Automatic 1980s Swiss RA392
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless icon, Men's 18k white gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16014 automatic, c.1983, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic ...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

White Gold, Stainless Steel

French, 1960s, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Omega Lady's Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Watch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. The case is round, the golden bottom slightly pricked marked "Omega Swiss Made". The back is numbered 4...
Category

1960s French Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1960s RA598B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunner, Men's Ref.1501 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date automatic with diamond dial, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Absolutely stunn...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bueche-Girod Lapis-Lazuli Dial, Diamond Bezel Classic Wristwatch
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely vintage timepiece was created in Geneva Switzerland. The vivid blue Lapis dial is flecked with Pyrite and Calcite, both of which are signature characteristics for this natural hardstone. The movement is an ultra thin high grade mechanical Swiss movement, and surrounding the dial is a bezel of twenty two marquise cut diamonds of overall G/H color and VS1+ clarity having a total weight of 2.75ct. The graduated integral gold...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex President Day-Date 36mm 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Watch 18238
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition Very rare. Factory Ruby and diamond 18k gold dial. It was produced in 1990. No box and papers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow & White Gold LeCoultre Automatic Chronograph Watch 30mm
Located in Providence, RI
This vintage LeCoultre automatic chronograph showcases timeless elegance in a compact 30mm case crafted from 14k yellow gold, complemented by white gold lugs. The silver-tone dial fe...
Category

1950s Vintage Watches

Mens Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RJC187R
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

1960s Eterna Retro 18 Karat Yellow Gold Women's Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Lady's wristwatch in 18 karat yellow gold. Square dial, amati cream background, partially enameled black stick figures, as well as the hands. Mechanical winding movement. Fabric mesh...
Category

1960s French Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Cartier Tank Americaine 28 mm x 19 mm 18K White Gold Silver Dial Watch W2601956
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned excellent condition, Unworn band. No original box and papers. Comes with chronostore box. General Information: Brand: Cartier Model: Tank Américaine Model Number: 2489 Typ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

White Gold

Hermes Cape Cod TGM CD6.910 Automatic Grand Date GMT White Dial Watch
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Hermès Cape Cod TGM CD6.910 Automatic Grand Date GMT is an elegant timepiece that embodies the brand's mastery of craftsmanship and design. This sophisticated watch features a sl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Steel

Rolex Submariner Hulk Ceramic Steel Green Dial Watch 116610LV
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned good condition. No original box and papers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Cartier Ballon Bleu 28mm Factory Diamond Bezel W4BB0015 Silver Dial Box Papers
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier, reference W4BB0015, is a luxurious and elegant timepiece that combines Cartier's iconic design with exquisite craftsmanship. This model features a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe Vintage 18K Gold Cocktail Ladies' Watch in Original Box, c1962.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
"You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation." This sophisticated ladies’ timepiece is a rare & classy 18K Gold Retro Patek Philippe ref 3306 ladies’ cocktail wristwatch An epitome of timeless luxury & sophistication, this ladies’ dress watch is dating from c1962 yet it’s in beautiful condition & in excellent working order This exquisite timepiece features: 18K Solid Yellow Gold Case, well-proportioned & comfortable, measuring 18mm, featuring elegant single lugs & signed crown, Caseback is numbered (2627782; 3306 1) & stamped 18K 750 on inside, bearing Swiss hallmarks, signed Patek Philippe Beige coloured Dial is in beautiful original condition, adorned with grey coloured, easy to read baton indexes Powered by Patek Philippe Swiss Manual Movement, caliber 13.5, 20 jewels, signed & numbered The watch secures on a wrist with an 18K solid gold bracelet...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Birks and Sons Platinum Ladies Art Deco Diamond Dress Watch from 1930's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Henry Birks & Sons of Canada STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Dress Style METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm X Diameter 18mm ...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Mens Rolex 1500 Oyster Perpetual Date 14k Gold ss 1960s Automatic Vintage RA168B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 automatic with 14k solid gold bezel, c.1969. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Engine Turned Bezel 1957
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6565 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diamet...
Category

1950s Swiss Modernist Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 31MM 18K Yellow Gold Steel Diamond Silver Dial Watch 178343
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned like new condition. Box and papers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Bulgari 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tubogas Serpenti Bracelet Watch
Located in Milano, IT
This iconic Bulgari Tubogas ladies’ watch is a true masterpiece of elegance and sophistication. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, it features th...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Date Model with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's with Custom Made Bezel
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / Custom Diamond Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSION...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bulgari Serpenti Snake Steel and and Diamond Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2015 Bulgari "Serpenti" collection snake Wrist Watch, 31 X 23 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 piece case with Diamonds set Bezel, Silver satin engine turned dial with raised Roman numer...
Category

2010s Italian Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel

Patek Philippe Early Art Deco Cushion shape 18 Karat Gold watch Circa 1927-1928
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Patek Philippe Early Art Deco Cushion shape watch Circa 1927-1928, The watch is made in 18K yellow gold and measuring 31 x31 mm. The watch is fit...
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 31 18K White Gold Steel Light Pink MOP Diamond Dial Watch 178344
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with the original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 178344 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switze...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 14k Gold Diamond Dial Automatic 1960s RA412B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Striking luxurious classic, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex 1601 Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic diamond dial and bezel, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed black dial, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 position, luxurious aftermarket diamond set hour markers, hands and dial in excellent, vintage condition, very minor show of age if any. Acrylic crystal. Stunning diamond set in 14k gold bezel, 14k solid gold case measures 36mm wide, in pristine condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Fitted on new, aftermarket leather strap and buckle. Iconic classic, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Datejust...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Vacheron & Constantin. A Rare $20 Gold Double Eagle Coin Watch C1960s
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare Vintage, Vacheron & Constantin Twenty Dollar Double Eagle Gold coin watch, C1960s. Dial: The original condition plain champagne bl...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Day-Date President 36mm Rose Gold Meteorite Diamond Dial Mens Watch 118235
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex President Day-Date Rose Gold Meteorite Diamond Dial Mens Watch 118235. Officially certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement. Double-quick set function. 18k Everose ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Tiffany & Co. Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1920's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tiffany & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum & Diamonds CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 16mm MOVEME...
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Platinum

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

Breitling Vintage Chronograph Pilot Wrist Watch from 1970, Ref 1806, Full Set
Located in Antwerp, BE
Breitling Vintage Chronograph Pilot Wrist Watch from 1970, Ref 1806 Comes with box and warranty ! From 1970 s A rare collectors piece ! Movement: A...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Lady Datejust 26 18K White Gold Steel Silver Dial Ladies Watch 179174 B&P
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned like new condition. Comes with a box and papers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Unworn Rolex Sky-Dweller Jubilee Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Watch B&P 336933
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. It comes with an original box and papers. 5-year Rolex warranty.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Omega Lady Constellation Ref 1167.75.00. Mother of Pearl Dial, Diamonds, 18ct...
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very rare Omega Lady Constellation is a reference 1167.75.00 which features a 22.5mm case in 18k yellow gold, factory set with diamonds, mother of pearl dial also with diamonds a...
Category

2010s Watches

IWC Big Pilot 46MM Stainless Steel Automatic Men's Watch IW500906
By IWC
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Recently serviced. The movement is calibrated and keeps time well. No original box and papers, comes with a chronostore box. General Information Br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Vacheron Constantin 18Kt Solid White Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Vacheron & Constantin STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Bracelet Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 31mm X Width 25...
Category

1980s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

White Gold

Rolex Datejust II 116334 41mm Black Diamond Roman Numerals Diamond Bezel Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116334 Serial: V774*** Year: 2009 Model: Rolex Datejust II Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel ...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Vintage Cartier Tank 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Cartier Tank 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch - Mechanical. 18K Yellow gold ; blue sapphire cabochon in crown (24mm diameter). White dial with bl...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Exceptional Baume Mercier Ladies Tiger Eye Dial Wristwatch 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Media, PA
This exquisite Baume & Mercier ladies watch is a timeless addition to any collection. Crafted from 18K gold, this wristwatch features a round case and a sleek analog display. The ric...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Montblanc Meisterstuck Chronograph Wristwatch Ref. 7001
Located in Manhasset, NY
Montblanc Meisterstuck Chronograph watch, model 7001, features a lustrous gold-plated stainless steel case paired elegantly with a black dial. The case measures 38mm in diameter (42...
Category

2010s European Watches

Bueche Girod Vintage 74.30 Grams 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet Watch
Located in New York, NY
Designer: BUECHE GIROD Title: Bueche Girod 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet Watches Style: Bracelet Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dimension: 7"WIDE-0.94IN Weight: 74.3 Grams ...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Tennis His & Her Wristwatch Set Geneva Quartz Two-Tone Gold and Silver Plated
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Geneva His & Her Quartz Two-Tone Wristwatch Set offers a blend of elegance and precision that’s perfect for couples. Each watch is crafted with...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver Plate

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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