Skip to main content

Watches

to
916
4,099
3,427
3,105
3,678
4,661
1,416
2,541
139
to
8,546
1,775
Watches For Sale
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra VCARO40S00 Vintage Mother of Pearl Watch
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers a vintage gem with this Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra VCARO40S00 Vintage timepiece crafted in 18k white gold and mother of pearl. The mother of pearl dial is s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

White Gold

Large Heavy Sterling Silver Ornate Open Faced Pocket Watch
Located in Mumbai, IN
Mid Victorian Period - English Lever Large / Heavy Sterling Silver Ornate Open Faced Pocket Watch with Attached Sterling Silver Albert Watch Chain, T-Bar and Coin. Hallmark Birmingha...
Category

1860s British Victorian Antique Watches

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

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

Patek Philippe Gondolo 25mm 5009
Located in Surfside, FL
Patek Philippe Gondolo in 18k yellow gold on Italian made crocodile strap with PP 18k tang buckle. 215 Calibre. Manual w/ subseconds. 25 mm case size. Ref 5009. Fine Pre-owned Patek ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vacheron Constantin 18Kt Solid White Gold with a Diamond Bezel
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Vacheron Constantin STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch / Reference 6898 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 24mm MO...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

White Gold

Clé de Cartier 31mm 18K Rose Gold Two Tone W2CL0004 Box Papers
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Clé de Cartier, reference W2CL0004, is a luxurious and elegant timepiece designed for women who appreciate refined craftsmanship and timeless design. This model features ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 278271 Stainless Steel Rose Gold Silver Diamond Dial (2025)
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers this Rolex Datejust 278271 is a luxurious and refined 31mm ladies' watch, crafted in stainless steel and rose gold. The warm tones of the rose gold fluted be...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Ref 1500 Oyster Perpetual Date 14k Gold SS Automatic 1960s RA168
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 automatic with 14k solid gold bezel, c.1969, all original. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex sign...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Red Dial circa, 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Di...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with A Custom Finished Mint Green Dial 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1500's METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm x Di...
Category

1960s Swiss Modernist Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Richard Mille RM005
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Discover the epitome of luxury and engineering precision with this Richard Mille RM005 in 18K White Gold, an extraordinary timepiece adorned with an array of natural round diamonds t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Pasha 18k Yellow Gold 2399 Automatic 32mm Watch
Located in Providence, RI
As one of Cartier’s most iconic models, this excellent timepiece is a must have. Made from only the best materials, sporting a round case crafted in solid 18k yellow gold in addition...
Category

20th Century French Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tag Heuer Aquaracer Ladies Wristwatch WBD1411 Stainless Quartz 1 Yr Warranty
Located in Greensboro, NC
Retail Price: $1950 Brand: Tag Heuer Model: Aquaracer Model Number: WBD1411 Movement: Quartz Number of Jewels: 5 Warranty: One Year Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: White Metal Co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Ebel 1911 Ref 8187241 Solid 18k Yellow Gold Swiss Made Quartz 37mm Watch
By Ebel
Located in Providence, RI
Elevate your style with the Ebel 1911 Ref: 8187241 Swiss made wristwatch. This luxury timepiece boasts a solid 18k yellow gold case with a polished finish and a white dial featuring ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Piaget 13311A6 Large White Gold Florentine Dial & Bracelet Pattern
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This elegant timepiece by Piaget, crafted in 1980, showcases a refined round design. The watch features a 34mm face, meticulously crafted from 18k white gold, exuding a subtle yet so...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Rolex 18K Gold DateJust 28mm Diamond Bezel & Dial Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Rolex Perpetual DateJust with Aftermarket Diamond Wrist Watch. 28mm dial Rolex all 18k gold with vintage manual movement and the vint...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Omega 18k Solid White Gold Ladies Mesh Band Watch 76309 - 23.4g
Located in Providence, RI
Elevate your ensemble with this vintage petite Omega time piece. Crafted in 18k solid white gold, this beautiful ladies watch features a mesh like bracelet. The bracelet is designed ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1950s Movado Watch. 18610 Movado Mechanical Windup Movement
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
RARE Movado Mens Watch. Ref. 18610 Stainless Steel Case. 17j Movado watch. 30mm Case with Stainless Steel Band/bracelet Beautiful Watch. Mechanical. Works and keeps time. Condi...
Category

1950s Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Mother of Pearl Dial and Custom Bezel 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 36mm Black Sunbeam Dial 116231
Located in London, GB
A 36mm Datejust in stainless steel and rose gold by Rolex. Featuring a black sunbeam dial with Roman numerals and a fluted rose gold bezel. The watch is presented on a Jubilee bracel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Stainless Steel, 18k Gold

Rolex Gold Shell Oyster Perpetual with Rare Original Black Dial from 1953
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6334 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 34...
Category

1950s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Vacheron Constantin White Gold Pocket Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Vacheron Constantin Pocket Watch, 45 M.M. x 6 M.M. thick 18k White Gold 4 piece contract for V & C case, 18 Jewel, Mechanical, Manual wind Nickle lever movement, beautifu...
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Omega DeVille Men's Yellow Gold Co-Axial Chronograph Men's Watch 4141.30.00
Located in Dallas, TX
Omega DeVille Men's Yellow Gold Co-Axial Chronograph Men's Watch 4141.30.00 - Automatic winding; chronograph. 18K Yellow Gold with exposition back (41mm diameter). Silver dial wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Cartier Tank Americaine de Cartier 2490 Women's Watch in 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Tank Americaine de Cartier 2490 Women's Watch in 18k White Gold SKU: 134778 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Cartier Model: Tank Americaine de Cartier Country of Origin: Switzerland ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

White Gold

Breguet Minute Repeater 40mm 5447PT/1E/9V6
Located in Surfside, FL
Breguet Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar in platinum on a black alligator strap with platinum deployant buckle. Manual wind movement under glass with minute repeater function and perpetual calendar including date, day, month, year, and moonphase. 40 mm case size. With box and booklets. Ref 5447PT/1E/9V6. *Bank wire only at this price** Fine Pre-owned Breguet Watch. Certified preowned Classic Breguet Minute Repeater 5447PT/1E/9V6 watch is made out of Platinum on a Black Alligator strap with a Platinum Deployant buckle. This Breguet watch has a 40 x 40 mm case with a Round caseback and Silver Roman Numeral dial. It is Certified Authentic and comes backed by 12-month warranty. Each watch is inspected by certified in-house master-trained watchmakers before shipment including final servicing, cleaning, and polishing. If you have inquiries about this Breguet Minute Repeater watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Platinum

Rolex Ladies Datejust 179174 Stainless Jubilee Band Diamonds & Mother of Pearl
Located in Providence, RI
With a blend of luxury and functionality, this Rolex Datejust is a timeless wristwatch. The exquisite white mother of pearl dial features diamond hour markers and the Rolex crown as ...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Audemars Piguet Off Shore Chronograph, Extract/Box/Revision Ref. 26020ST
Located in Antwerp, BE
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Off shore Chronograph with Box & Extract from The Archives Just Came back from complete service from AP ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Vintage Explorer Precision 6298
Located in London, GB
A vintage 36mm stainless steel Explorer Precision by Rolex. Features a black dial with applied hour markers, complemented by a smooth steel bezel. Fitted with plastic glass and a sel...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 Ref. IW328902
By IWC
Located in Palm Beach, FL
IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 wristwatch (ref. IW328902), featuring a self-winding automatic movement; silver-plated dial with luminous baton hour markers; date display at 3 o'clock; and 40mm, stainless steel case on a stainless steel link bracelet. Accompanied by the original IWC watch box...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1938 lady's Rolex 9K Yellow Gold Mechanical Watch Factory Marked Case & Works
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1938 lady's Rolex 9K Yellow Gold Watch Mechanical Watch Wrist Length 6.25 inch Marking "Rolex" ,"9c" , "110266", "Worlds---" , "Jessica" Cond...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

New Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Steel Black Dial Domed Oyster Watch 124300
Located in New York, NY
New. It comes with an original box and paper. 5-year Rolex warranty.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Hermes 2012 Gold Double Tour Kelly Watch
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Hermes 2012 kelly double tour bracelet watch in gold smooth leather. Comes as is. Visible scuffing and chipping on the gold hardware. There are stains and scratch marks on the leathe...
Category

2010s Watches

Rolex 278241 Datejust Midsize 31mm Rose Color Dial 18K Rose Gold Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 278241 Serial: 814YZ231 Model: Midsize Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Rose Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Rose Gold Dial: Rose Color Dial Fa...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 2017 Ladies 18k Steel Datejust with rare Concentric Dial
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2017 Rolx Ladies Ref 179163 Wrist Watch, 26 M.M. 2 piece water resistant stainless steel case with 18k Yellow Gold Bezel and Yellow Gold Crown, 29 Jewel Automatic, Self winding...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Steel

Cartier Audemars Piguet 1970s Yellow Gold Tank Mechanical mid size Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Cartier classic Tank Wrist Watch, 20 x 20 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown. 20 Jewel, Audemars Piguet Manual wind...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Vicence Wristwatch. Vicence Ladies Yellow Gold Watch.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vicence Ladies Wristwatch. Made by Milor. Case is 14k Yellow Gold with Stainless steel back cover. Ladies Round Case. Quartz Movement. New Battery. Details: 26mm diameter round case
Category

1990s Modern Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Vintage Cartier Paris Vintage Tank Lc Large, "Extra Thin", circa 1975-1980
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Cartier Paris Vintage Tank LC GM Extra Thin, Large size made in 18K yellow 1st series, Circa 1975-1980. The watch measures 24 x 30 x 4.4mm thick...
Category

1970s French Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

OMEGA SPEEDMASTER REDUCED self-winding watch 3511.50
Located in Barcelona, CT
OMEGA SPEEDMASTER REDUCED automatic watch 3511.50 Ref: E363208 Men's watch in EXCELLENT condition with 39mm case excluding crown. Sapphire crystal. Stainless steel bracelet with fold...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Waltham "Sapphire" Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Original Dial
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Square METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1934 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Width 28mm MOVEME...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Santos De Cartier WHSA0007 Stainless Steel Skeleton Dial Box & Papers
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Santos De Cartier WHSA0007 Men's watch. 40MM stainless still case size with stainless still bezel. Skeleton dial with a stainless steel bracelet, fold-over clasp, and hidden...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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​ ​six​ ​o'clock Movement:​ ​Cartier​ ​automatic​ ​mechanical Case:​ ​Steel D...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Watches

Rolex 1952-1961 Oyster 34 Perpetual Reference 1003 Two Tone Jubilee Band
Located in Providence, RI
This iconic two tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch blends luxury and functionality into a classic formal wrist watch. The exquisite dial features 14k yel...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe Nautilus 7011/1R-001 'Ladies' Rose Gold Silver Dial (2016)
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers the Patek Philippe Nautilus 7011/1R-001 is a sophisticated and elegant ladies’ timepiece crafted in 18k rose gold...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex Watch Box, New Creme Empty Acs. Oyster Perpetual Daytona GMT Datejust
Located in New York, NY
Brand New Watch from Rolex showroom was purchased and watch was used for personal use and i am selling the box Complete box Extra Large Brand New Rolex Box Complete and new Rolex box...
Category

2010s Watches

Cartier Vendome Large Vermeil Must de Cartier Quartz Wristwatch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Cartier, Must De Cartier Vendome collection Wrist Watch, 30 MM Vermeil, ( Gold Plate on Sterling Silver ) 2 piece case. Quartz Movement, Sapphire Crown, Black dial with Si...
Category

Early 2000s French Watches

Materials

Vermeil

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Made Orange Dial circa, 1980's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 16000 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Stainless Steel & 18Kt. Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZ...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer II 42mm Black Dial Box and Card
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: Explorer II REFERENCE: 216570 SIZE: 42mm CASE: Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BAND: Oyster Stainless Steel MOVEMENT: Automatic Very Good condition Box & Card Accom...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 34mm SS Date Pink MOP Diamond Dial Smooth Bezel Oyster Band Watch
Located in San Fernando, CA
Brand : Rolex Model : Date (Non-Quickset Model) Gender : Unisex Metals : Stainless Steel Case Size : 34 mm Dial : Custom Pink Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial (This dial is not original...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

PATEK PHILIPPE 18K White Gold Nautilus, Gray Dial
Located in New York, NY
Basic Information - Brand: Patek Philippe - Model: Nautilus - Reference number: 5711G-001 - Movement: Automatic - Case Size: 40mm - Dial: Gray - Case Material: 18K White Gold - Brace...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Omega Geneve Seamaster Yellow Gold Watch, Vintage
Located in Miami, FL
Brand: Omega Model: Seamaster Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Case Size: 38 mm Dial Color: Gold/Champagne Bracelet: 18k Yellow Gold Includes: Brilliance Jewels Packaging Total Item We...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mens Rolex Ref 6550 Oyster Perpetual Bombay 18k Gold Automatic 1960s RJC203G
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic luxury, Men's 18k solid gold Rolex ref.6550 "Bombe" Oyster Perpetual automatic dress watch, c.1960s. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, ap...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

French 1970s Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Star Lady's Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Watch in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. The case of this vintage ladies' watch is round and surrounded by 8/8-cut diamonds. The back is light grey, and marked Star. The wh...
Category

1970s French Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

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

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rose Gold Watch
Located in New York, NY
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore in Rose Gold. Comes with Box and Papers Used watch.
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex Datejust 18K Yellow Gold 278278 Midsize 31mm White Roman Dial Box Receipt
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 278278 Serial: 529P7*** Year: 2021 Model: Rolex Datejust Midsize Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: White Roman Dia...
Category

2010s Watches

Rolex Daytona 36mm 6239
Located in Surfside, FL
This Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, model number 6239, epitomizes the iconic first generation of Daytona watches also called the "Floating Daytona" heralding from the early 1960s. It features the original, smaller-sized Daytona dial specific to this era, perfectly complemented by the original, matching seconds, minutes, and hours hands. This model is particularly rare and coveted due to its original "300 Units Per Hour" bezel, which adds to its collectible nature. The watch case and bezel, crafted from robust stainless steel, are in good condition, having been polished previously yet retaining the original thickness and character of the piece. It has been fitted with a replacement genuine Rolex heavy bracelet equipped with the correct 571 end links for the 6239, enhancing its durability and authenticity. This watch also comes with the original Rolex sale warranty dated June 8, 1967, verifying its provenance and superb preservation. The blend of these meticulously maintained original elements with its documented history makes this timepiece a remarkable example of Rolex's legacy and craftsmanship in the world of luxury chronographs. **Bank Wire Only at this Price** Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Rolex Daytona 6239...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Precision 10K White Gold Retro c1950's Manual Cocktail Ladies Wristwatch.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This sophisticated ladies’ timepiece is a classy & elegant Retro Rolex Precision, performed in 10K White Gold An epitome of timeless luxury & class, t...
Category

1950s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

White Gold, 10k Gold

Patek Philippe Twenty-4 Selfwinding 7300/1200A-011 Green Dial Diamond Bezel
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers the Patek Philippe Twenty-4 Selfwinding 7300/1200A-011 in stainless steel with a green dial and diamond bezel (2024) is an elegant and modern piece. The gree...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

LONGINES admiral / 1970s Vintage watch
Located in Sammu shi, JP
LONGINES admiral / 1970s Vintage watch size : case 3.4cm arm circumference : 17cm between 21cm No.16498217 movement : Hand-wound Automatic The Lon...
Category

1970s Swiss Artisan Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recently Viewed

View All