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Watches For Sale
Rolex Datejust 16013 36mm MOP Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16013 Serial: 590**** Year: 1979 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamo...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 6516 25mm 1960s All Original RA500
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, a defining classic from Rolex, all stainless steel Lady Oyster Date automatic, c.1968, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master w...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

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

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

Tag Heuer Aquaracer Chronograph, Auto Cal Movement, Boat Decking Effect....
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very unusual Tag Heuer Aquaracer Chronograph with cyclops date and automatic cal 16 movement features a black dial with boat decking effect, silver coloured rotating bezel, and i...
Category

2010s Watches

French 1960s 18 Karat Rose Gold Zenith Women Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Watch in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. The case is rectangular in shape in brushed gold, the light gray background marked Zenith, the back is numbered 150762. The bracelet...
Category

1960s French Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose 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

Ebel Sportwave Wristwatch E6087621 Stainless Steel Quartz 1 Yr Warranty
By Ebel
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Ebel Model: Sportwave Model Number: E6087621 Movement: Quartz Number of Jewels: 7 Warranty: One Year Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: White Metal Content: Stainless Steel & ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Chronoswiss Lunar Stainless Steel 38mm Automatic Men’s Watch CH7523
Located in New York, NY
Classic Chronoswiss Lunar Chronograph CH7523 watch is made out of Stainless steel on a Black Leather strap. This Chronoswiss watch has a 38 x 38 mm c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1002 34mm Automatic 1960s Vintage Swiss RA461B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Ref.1002 Oyster perpetual automatic dress watch, c.1967, in excellent working condition, unrestored. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT-Master "Rootbeer" Yellow Gold Automatic Wristwatch Ref 1675
Located in Surfside, FL
Collectible Rolex GMT-Master "Rootbeer" in 18k with brown nipple dial on a hidden clasp President (all correctly coded) bracelet. One of the first hidden clasp President bracelets on...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Silver Cased French Verge Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch 54mm Repousse
Located in Mumbai, IN
This Antique Silver Cased French Verge Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch from the late 19th century is a vintage timepiece boasting a mechanical manual...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Watches

Materials

Silver

Tiffany & Co Pocket Watch 18K Yellow Gold Hunter Manual Hand Wind Up
Located in Puyallup, WA
A Tiffany & Co hunter pocket watch made from 18k yellow gold. This watch is engraved and monogrammed. The white dial features Roman numerals and a seconds sub-dial at the 6 o'clock position. The movement is a manual wind, Swiss, and Tiffany & Co. The case measures 34mm wide. The watch serial number...
Category

1890s Antique Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

de GRISOGONO Piccolina S17/B M
Located in New York, NY
Case: Polished Pink Gold Numerals: Pink Arabic Finish: Sapphire Dial: Silvered Guilloche with Diamond Hands: Dauphine Specifications MOVEMENT • Quartz • Swiss Made CASE • Square ...
Category

Early 2000s European Watches

Rolex Datejust 41 126303 Silver Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel 2021
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126303 Serial: 2W32U*** Year: 2021 Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow ...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Cartier Ballon Bleu Two Timezone GMT W6920027 18K Rose Steel Quartz Silver Dial
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu Two Timezone GMT (reference W6920027) is a refined timepiece that exemplifies Cartier's commitment to blending classic design with practical functionality. Cr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 Automatic 1970s w Rolex Pouch RA190T
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.1500 automatic, c.1972, with Rolex pouch. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, unique Rolex signed smoke silve...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Blancpain Leman 18k Yellow Gold Complete Calendar 38mm Watch
Located in Providence, RI
The Blancpain Leman Complete Calendar is a refined timepiece, embodying Swiss craftsmanship in a 38mm solid 18k yellow gold case with a polished finish. The watch features a white di...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

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 Lady Datejust 26mm 18K White Gold Steel Diamond Silver Dial Watch 179174
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. No original box and papers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

White Gold, 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

Queen of Brunei's Piaget Five Time Zone Watch
Located in New Orleans, LA
Commissioned for Queen Saleha of Brunei, this glamorous watch from the renowned horologist Piaget elegantly combines five time zones into one striking design fit for royalty. The ref...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, White Gold

Panerai PAM00580 PAM 580 Luminor 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback 44mm Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: PAM00580 / PAM 580 Year: 2017 Model: Luminor Chrono Flyback Case Material: Black Ceramic Band: Brown Leather Bezel: Ceramic Dial: Black Face: Sapphire Crystal Ca...
Category

2010s Watches

Carter Paris Trinity Vendome Watch, Ref. 11034 . Ladies small, Circa 1980'S
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Carter Paris Trinity Vendome Watch, Ref. 11034 . The watch is made in three 18 Karat colors, White, Yellow and Rose. The watch is measuring 24 mm in diameter x 32 mm long to stra...
Category

1980s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 277200 Midsize 31mm Blue Dial Steel Box Paper Stickers
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 277200 Serial: 886SY*** Year: 2020 Model: Oyster Perpetual Midsize Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Blue Face: Sapphir...
Category

2010s Watches

Hamilton Yellow Gold Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's Hamilton 14k yellow gold wristwatch. Rectangle dial with 9 row mesh 14k yellow gold band with a fold over safety buckle. Full one year se...
Category

Mid-20th Century Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Rare Gold Quarter Repeater Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1880s
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Patek Philippe. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Quarter Repeater Half Hunter Pocket Watch Retailed by H. Pleister 312 Regent Street London. C1880s. Dial: The beautiful white e...
Category

19th Century Swiss Retro Antique Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Two O Ten Diamond & Stainless Steel Watch With Crocodile Skin Strap
Located in London, GB
Chopard Two O Ten Diamond & Stainless Steel Watch With Crocodile Skin Strap Square-shaped, diamond encrusted bezel with black face and 'Chopard' signature to the centre. Detailed 3...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Vacheron & Constantin. A Very Rare Aluminium Presentation Pocket Watch C1953
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Vacheron & Constantin. A Very Rare and Historically Important Aluminium Presentation Pocket Watch C1953 Dial: The original elegant silver dial signed Vacheron & Constantin Geneve w...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Other

Rolex 'Zenith' Daytona 16518 Diamond Dial Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Daytona 16518 Mens Watch. 40mm 18K yellow gold case with 18K yellow gold bezel. White dial with gold hands and original factory diamond set & Arabic numeral hour marker. Three ...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex President Day Date II 218349 41mm Diamond Dial Bezel 18K White Gold 2013
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 218349 Serial: Q7906*** Year: 2013 Model: President Day Date II Case Material: 18K White Gold Band: 18K White Gold Bezel: Factory Diamond Bezel Dial: Factory Diamond ...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco Unisex Watch with Rolex Movement & Crown in 18k Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Art Deco Art Deco Unisex Watch in 18kt Rose Gold SKU: 107983 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Other Model: Art Deco Country of Origin: Switzerland Movement Type: Mechanical: Hand-windi...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Breitling Aviator 8 Curtiss Warhawk Automatic Chronograph 43mm Watch A13316
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Breitling Aviator 8 Curtiss Warhawk Automatic Chronograph 43mm Watch is a striking tribute to aviation history, inspired by the legendary Curtiss P-40 Warhawk fighter plane. This...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 116244 36mm Black Diamond Dial & Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116244 Serial: 0070W*** Year: 2010- Now Model: Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Original Factory Diamond Bezel Dial: Original Fac...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe Calatrava Vintage 18K White Gold 31mm Manual Wind Ref. 3512
Located in Berlin, BE
This elegant Patek Philippe vintage wristwatch features a 31mm round case crafted from 18K white gold. Powered by a manual winding movement, it exemplifies timeless sophistication and precision. The watch is paired with a classic leather strap and features the original Patek Philippe folding clasp...
Category

20th Century Swiss Aesthetic Movement Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Santos Vendôme Ref. 8192 - 32mm, Quartz
Located in Berlin, BE
The Cartier Santos Vendôme Ref. 8192 is a refined and classic timepiece with a 32mm case. It features an elegant Roman numeral dial that embodies Cartier's signature style. Powered b...
Category

20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 41 126301 Sundust Dial 18K Rose Gold Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126301 Serial: J934P*** Year: 2019 Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Rose Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Rose Gold Dial: Sundust Fa...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Santos 100 Ref. 2656 Two Tone Steel 18k Gold 38mm Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Brand: Cartier​​​​​​​ Model Name: Santos 100 Model Number: 2656 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 38 mm Dial Color:  White Metal: Stainless Steel / 18k Yellow Gold Hour Markers: Roman N...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Steel

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

Rare Antique Rolex 1920s Manual Winding 26MM 15K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex  Gender: Ladies  Metal Type: 15K and 14K Yellow Gold Diameter: 26.00 mm Weight: 19.19 grams One ladies 15K yellow gold ROLEX Swiss-made watch. The case metal was te...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 126234 36mm Silver Dial 18K White Gold Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126234 Serial: 218FR*** Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K White Gold Fluted Dial: Silver Face: Sapphire Crystal Case...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, White Gold, 18k Gold

Philippe Stein Ladies Dual Time Watch - OWNED & WORN BY OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating on other online sites. Philippe Stein Ladies Dual Time Teslar Stainless Steel Watch - OWNED & WORN BY OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN Certificate of Authenticity - Full Provenance with 2 COAs - 1 Year Warranty Today's offering showcases this very cool and stylish ladies Philippe Stein Dual Time watch...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe Calatrava Manual Wind Roman Dial Yellow Gold Watch
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Calatrava Manual Wind Roman Dial Wristwatch by Patek Philippe. Model: Calatrava Movement Type: Manual Wind Case Size: 33mm Crystal: Anti-glare Sapphire Weight: 40.6 grams Detail: 18k yellow gold case and buckle Case: 33mm Length: 8" Band: Black Leather Patek Philippe Band Movement: Manual Wind Hallmarks: Patek Philippe Geneve Swiss Made...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

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

Heuer Monte Carlo Dashboard Stopwatch / Rally Timer. (Aviation) Year c 1965...
Located in Canterbury, England
Our Heuer Monte Carlo dashboard stopwatch / rally timer is presented in outstanding condition given its age, with equal patination to the very legible dial and hands. This being a ra...
Category

1960s Vintage Watches

Breitling K13356 Chronomat Evolution 44mm White Dial 18K Yellow Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: K13356 Year: 2005-2007 Model: Chronomat Evolution Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: Leather Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: White With Gold Color Sub Dials Face: Sa...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Pistachio Green Dial and Diamond Markers
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 3...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

Glashütte Senator Navigator Chronograph GUB 39-32 - Steel, Box & Papers
Located in Berlin, BE
The rare Glashütte Original Senator Navigator Chronograph is a distinguished timepiece featuring a 39mm stainless steel case and an automatic GUB 39-32 movement. Its design includes ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Aesthetic Movement Watches

Materials

Steel

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

Vintage 1920s Diamond Set Silver Dial Platinum Cocktail Wristwatch
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Platinum Diamond Set Cocktail Vintage Ladies Wristwatch, silver dial with arabic numbers, a fixed platinum bezel set with approximately 16 round cut diamonds, approximately 8 squar...
Category

1920s Unknown Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual 67194 Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 67194 Serial: T410*** Year: 1995 Model: Ladies Oyster Perpetual Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Day Date 18078 Red Degrade Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Day-Date 18038 Men's Watch. This timepiece features a 36mm case made of 18K yellow gold, complemented by an 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. The dial showcases a striking red degr...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Datejust Midsize 31mm 178274 Factory MOP Diamond Dial 18K Gold Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 178274 Serial: D544*** Year: 2005 Model: Rolex Datejust Midsize Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bezel: 18K White Go...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Stainless Steel

Franck Muller Double Dial Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Watch
Located in New Orleans, LA
An extraordinary example of haute horology, this Franck Muller Reference 7000 QPE DF 36 double dial perpetual calendar chronograph is Serial No. 6 of a highly limited edition, making...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Platinum

Vintage Rolex Watch. ROLEX Oyster Royal 3121 SS and 9k Bezel. 29mm
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rolex Oyster Royal 3121 9k Yellow Gold Bezel and Stainless Steel Case. Manual Windup Movement. Runs well. Circa 1943 Beautiful Watch. New Genuine Leather band. 29mm round case ...
Category

1940s Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Yellow Gold Steel Champagne Dial Watch 69173
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. The watch shows minor signs of wear. No original box and paper. Comes with seller's box. Brand & Model Details: Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 69173 Model N...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Cartier Ballon Bleu 3195 W6920005 42mm Chronograph 18K White Gold Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 3195 / W6920005 Year: 2019 Model: Cartier Ballon Bleu Case Material: 18K White Gold Band: Leather Bezel: 18K White Gold Dial: Silver Dial Face: Sapphire Crystal ...
Category

2010s 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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