Watches
to
916
4,100
3,428
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746
421
317
207
4,663
3,563
2,312
1,453
1,416
3,340
1,964
1,528
14
240
5,454
4,925
46
81
185
218
358
361
560
777
606
961
8
1,386
881
406
199
135
47
36
18
8
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2
1
2,542
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140
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1748
302
188
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10,366
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1,776
Watches For Sale
Rolex Day-Date 128345RBR Rose Gold Rainbow Diamond Pave Dial (2021)
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers the Rolex Day-Date 128345RBR is a stunning expression of luxury and craftsmanship, crafted in 18k rose gold and adorned with factory-set diamonds on the beze...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Materials
Diamond, Rose Gold
Rolex President Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Emerald & Diamond Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex President Datejust 26mm Ladies Ref. 69178 Diamond and Emerald Bezel and Dial 18K Yellow Gold Wrist Watch.
Set with aftermarket gemstones and bezel. All other parts original Rolex. Comes with vintage Rolex box...
Category
1990s Swiss Modern Watches
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Santos Lady steel and gold Ref: 0902
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, BE
Elegant Cartier Santos Lady in the classic 24mm size, crafted from steel and gold. This timepiece dates back to 1987 and bears the reference 0902. A special highlight is the rare Gho...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Watches
Materials
Gold, Steel
French 20th Century 18 Karat Yellow Gold Enamelled Pocket Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Watch in 18 karat yellow gold, horse head hallmark.
Pocket watch, the case is round and engraved all around with floral and arabesque patterns. The back is white, the hands golden, t...
Category
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Watches
Materials
Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Rolex Datejust II Men's Stainless Steel 41mm Watch 116334
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Datejust II Men's Stainless Steel 41mm Watch 116334 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. Stainless steel case with 18k white gold fluted bezel (41mm di...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Rolex 126334 Datejust 41 Rhodium Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126334
Serial: 0D923***
Year: 2017
Model: Datejust 41
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band: Stainless Steel
Bezel: 18K White Gold
Dial: Rhod...
Category
2010s Watches
Rolex Vintage Explorer Honeycomb Dial 6298
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A vintage 36mm stainless steel Rolex Explorer. Features a silver "honeycomb" dial with applied hour markers and Arabic numerals 3, 6, and 9. Fitted with plastic glass and a self-wind...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu 46mm Platinum Men's Watch W6920059
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Ballon Bleu 46mm Platinum Men's Watch W6920059 - Manual winding. Platinum Fluted Crown Set With Blue Sapphire ( 46 mm ). Blue dial with Roman numerals. Blue Cartier leather p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Cartier Paris and Edmond Jaeger Seed Pearl and Diamond Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Dating from the 1910s, this early platinum, seed pearl and diamond wristwatch was created by Cartier Paris in collaboration with Edmond Jaeger and European Watch & Clock. The square ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Watches
Materials
Diamond, Pearl
Mens Omega Seamaster 2494 37mm Rose Gold Capped Bumper Automatic 1950s NA116
By Omega
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless elegance, Men's Omega Seamaster jumbo red gold capped bumper automatic, c.1952, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Omega sig...
Category
1950s Swiss Vintage Watches
Materials
Gold-filled, Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 41 126300 Steel White Index Dial Jubilee Automatic Watch B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with an original box and a full paper set. 5-year Rolex warranty.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Materials
Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu W2BB0030 Ref 4372 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Box Paper 2021
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: W2BB0030 / Ref 4372
Year: 2021
Model: Ballon Bleu
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel
Bezel: Stainless Steel
Face: Sapphire Crysta...
Category
2010s Watches
Raymond Weil Tosca 9941-3 Ladies Watch 18k Electroplated
By Raymond Weil
Located in Montreal, QC
Raymond Weil Tosca watch 9941-3 18k electroplated. Water resistant, no box and preowned. In good condition, made 21st century. Will fit a 6.5 wrist.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Materials
Gold Plate
Ronde Louis Cartier 18K White Gold & Diamond Bezel W/ Service Papers dated 2023
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Ronde Louis Cartier Ladies Watch. 29mm 18K white gold case with factory diamond bezel. White dial with blue steel hands and Roman numeral hour m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Rolex Datejust Steel 18 Karat White Gold Bezel Blue Baton Dial Mens Watch 116334
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. The original Box and Papers are not included. Comes with a seller presentation box and authenticity card. Covered by a one-year seller warranty
Details:
Brand Rolex
Depar...
Category
2010s Swiss Watches
Hamilton Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By Hamilton
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
1960s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Zenith Lady's Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Watch in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark.
The case is square with rounded corners, with a golden bottom marked Zenith Swiss made.
The bracelet is in satin-finished yellow gold on the front. The clasp is a scale with security.
Mechanical movement with manual winding.
Fully checked, verified and cleaned by our workshop.
Length : 16 cm approximately, Width of the dial : 16,8 mm, height : 16,8 mm.
Total weight of the jewel : 30.8 g approximately.
Authentic retroe watch - Work of the 1960s.
Our opinion: A very sober and elegant gold watch for women.
Category
1960s French Retro Vintage Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Pink Dial, Early 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company
STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601
METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
CIRCA: 1960's
DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm x Diameter ...
Category
1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Cartier Tank Americane Mm Ladies 18k; Discontinued, circa 1990s
By Cartier
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction:
Cartier American Tank, MM Ladies 18K yellow gold watch measuring 20 x 35mm. The watch if fitted with a quartz movement, and is acc...
Category
Early 2000s Swiss Art Deco Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Omega Seamaster 600 Gold-Plated S/Steel Vintage Manual 34mm Gents' Watch
By Omega
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This versatile vintage timepiece by Omega features:
Rounded S/Steel Gold-Plated case,
measuring 34mm,
Case back is signed &
bearing a Seamaster logo
Fitted with Swiss Manual...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Watches
Materials
Gold Plate, Steel
Bueche-Girod Lapis-Lazuli Dial, Diamond Bezel Classic Wristwatch
By Bueche Girod
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
Omega Constellation Quartz MOP Diamonds
By Omega
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Pre-owned Omega Constellation Ladies Watch. Stainless steel 25mm case . Steel bezel with factory set diamonds. Mother of pearl dial wi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Silver & S/Steel Marcasite Retro 1950's Swiss Manual Ladies Cocktail Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This ladies' cocktail / dress watch is
retro, c1950’s
yet it's in beautiful vintage condition &
in excellent working order.
It features:
Silver & Steel 15mm x 11mm Rectangle Cas...
Category
1950s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches
Materials
Marcasite, Silver, Steel
New Rolex Datejust 31mm 18K White Gold Diamond Blue Dial Ladies Watch 278384RBR
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with an original box and paper full set. 5 year Rolex warranty.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Materials
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Waltham Gold-Filled Antique Open Face Pocket Watch, Size 14S
By Waltham
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Beautiful antique Waltham pocket watch with white dial.
Blue hands and a dedicated seconds dial.
Gold-filled case with intricate hand-etched design on ...
Category
20th Century American Art Deco Watches
Materials
Gold-filled
Omega 18Kt Solid Yellow / Rose Gold Automatic Watch with Flawless Original Dial
By Omega
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company
STYLE / REFERENCE:
METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold / Yellow / Rose
CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's
DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diameter 34mm
MOVEMEN...
Category
1960s Swiss Modernist Vintage Watches
Materials
18k Gold
IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 Ref. IW328901
By IWC
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pre-owned IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 wristwatch (ref. IW328901), featuring a self-winding automatic movement; black 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
Small Vintage Ladies Watch Signed Danis
Located in Vannes, FR
This Danis Prestige watch is a masterpiece of watchmaking, combining elegance and innovation. The bracelet, mounted on small moving padlocks, adds a unique and sophisticated touch to...
Category
20th Century French Watches
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date With Custom Mother of Pearl Dial and Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company
STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500
METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel with Custom Diamond Bezel
CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's
DIMENS...
Category
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Datejust 16233 Blue Diamond Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16233
Serial: L276***
Year: 1989
Model: Datejust
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel
Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold
...
Category
1980s Vintage Watches
Gucci Grip Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch 40mm
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Brand New- Gucci Grip Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch
Crafted from stainless steel, features a 40mm case and a silver dial adorned with the iconic Gucci ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Cartier 18Kt. Tank European Watch & Clock Co. w/ Engine Turned Dial 1920 / 30's
By Cartier
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Cartier Watch Company
STYLE / REFERENCE: Tank Style / Art Deco
METAL / MATERIAL: 18 Kt. Solid Gold
CIRCA / YEAR: 1920 / 30's
DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X 23mm W...
Category
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Vintage Rolex Submariner 16808 NICE PATINA Blue Dial 18K Yellow Gold
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16808
Serial: 6704***
Year: 1981
Model: Submariner
Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold
Band: 18K Yellow Gold
Bezel: Blue
Dial: Blue
Face: Sapp...
Category
1980s Vintage Watches
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 41mm Blue Bezel Blue Dial Watch 212.30.41.20.03.001
By Omega
Located in Aventura, FL
OMEGA’s sporty Seamaster collection is a tribute to the brand’s maritime legacy. This exquisite example of our renowned watchmaking pays homage to OMEGA’s dive watch heritage and our...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches
Materials
Steel
Rolex Datejust 41mm Black Diamond Oyster Steel and Yellow Gold Mens Watch 126333
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 in Oystersteel and yellow gold features a bright black, diamond-set dial and an Oyster bracelet. The sunray finish creates delicate light reflection...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Steel
Girard Perregaux Ref. 2599 Vintage 1945 18k Rose Gold Chrono Rectangular Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Brand: Girard Perregaux
Reference: 2599
Year: Unknown
Movement: Automatic
Case Material: 18k Rose Gold
Case Size: 30 x 45 mm
Bezel: 18k Rose Gold
Water Resistance: 3 ATM
Glass: Sapph...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Rose Gold
New Rolex Datejust 41 Stainless Steel Black Dial Mens Jubilee Watch 126300 B&P
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with an original box and papers. 5-year Rolex warranty.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel, Steel
Franck Muller Lady Vanguard V 32 Black Band Diamond Timepiece Watch
Located in New York, NY
Franck Muller Lady Vanguard 32 Black Band Diamond Timepiece Watch.
From the Vanguard Collection. Franck Muller's Lady Vanguard watch features a gleaming diamond-encrusted bezel (aft...
Category
2010s Swiss Watches
Materials
Diamond
Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Women's Cellini Dress Watch w/ Original Band and Box 1601
By Rolex
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Women's Cellini Dress Watch w/ Original Band and Box 1601
Movement #1601
Case #759.350
Serial #4329627
Year: 1976
18k Yellow Gold Rectangular Case
22 mm Wide ...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Louis Erard Venice-Simpon Orient Express Automatic Men's Watch 1919
By Louis Erard
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Louis Erard Venice-Simpon Orient Express Automatic Men's Watch 1919
Limited Edition #0561
Movement #2892-2
Case #1919
Gold-Plated Round Case w/ Exhibitio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches
Materials
Gold Plate
Rolex Submariner 16618 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Serti Dial Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16618
Serial: L244***
Year: 1989
Model: Rolex Submariner
Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold
Band: 18K Yellow Gold
Bezel: Blue
Dial: Factory Original Champagne Serti Diam...
Category
1980s Swiss Vintage Watches
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank Americaine 26mm W26055L1
By Cartier
Located in Surfside, FL
Cartier Tank Americaine XL in 18k white gold with white dial , date display above the 6 and black Roman numeral hour markers. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. 26 mm width x 45 mm leng...
Category
2010s Watches
Materials
18k Gold, White Gold
Must de Cartier 21 Women's Two Tone Stainless Steel Quartz Watch Vintage 1340
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Must de Cartier 21 Women's Two Tone Stainless Steel Quartz Watch Vintage 1340
Movement #90.06
Case #1340.PL1419XX
Stainless Steel Case w/ Roman Numeral Bezel
28 mm in Diameter
Lug-t...
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Must de Cartier 21 Women's Stainless Steel Quartz Watch Vintage 1340
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Must de Cartier 21 Women's Stainless Steel Quartz Watch Vintage 1340
Movement #690
Case #1340.PL2372XX
Stainless Steel Case w/ Roman Numeral Bezel
28 mm in Diameter
Lug-to-Lug Dista...
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Red Dial Precision Oyster Date 34MM Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Stainless Steel 34MM Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Automatic- Red Dial (Vintage 1969). The leather strap not original Rolex.
Item Type: Watch
Model: Rolex Oysterdate Precision
Yea...
Category
1960s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Cartier Louis Cartier Classic Tank, Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Cartier, Louis Cartier, Classic Tank Wrist Watch, 24 X 18 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case, quartz movement, white dial with Black Roman numerals, Sapphire crown. 1/2 inch wide Cartier link bracelet with Deployment buckle. Wrist Size 6 1/2 inches. Recently serviced by a Cartier certified...
Category
1990s Swiss Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Rolex Milgauss Stainless Steel 40 mm Z-blue Dial Oyster Style: 116400GV 2022
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Rolex Milgauss 116400GV is a masterpiece of engineering and style, designed for those who push the boundaries of science and innovation. This iconic timepiece combines Rolex's le...
Category
2010s Swiss Contemporary Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel, Steel
Rolex 14Kt Solid Gold Ladies Dress Watch
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company
STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch / Reference 3570
METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Gold
CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's
DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 16mm
MOVEMENT ...
Category
1960s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Gold
Vintage JW Benson London W1 9ct Gold Gents Wristwatch 17 Jewels
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
Vintage JW Benson London W1 9ct Gold Gents Wristwatch 17 Jewels
The Watch is in full working order and is being sold with 1 years timing guarantee and has been fully serviced. The b...
Category
20th Century Watches
Elgin Pocket Watch Gold Plated Working 15 Jewels 11066484 Year 1905
By Elgin
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Vintage 1905 gold plated Elgin pocket watch that's 49mm in diameter and 14mm thick. The case is in good condition with a clean plastic crystal. The movement is working, 15 jewels, an...
Category
Early 1900s American Edwardian Antique Watches
Materials
Gold Plate
Omega Genève in 18 kt. Yellow Gold Ref. 131 041
By Omega
Located in Antwerp, BE
Omega Genève in 18 kt. Yellow Gold Reference 131 041 , Collectors Rare in 18 kt !
Movement: Mechanical Manual Winding Caliber 601 , 17 jewels
Case: 18 kt. Yellow gold case diameter...
Category
20th Century Swiss Artisan Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Men Watch Ref 1153
By Chopard
Located in Miami, FL
Introducing the elegant Extra large Chopard Happy Diamonds 18k Yellow Gold Women's Watch, Model 1153.
This luxurious timepiece features a 34mm yellow gold case and a matching 18mm gold bracelet that measures 7.75" Long with original floating diamond.
The diamond-accented bezel perfectly complements the gold dial, which showcases a refined linen pattern.
With a minimalist design, this watch boasts an analog display powered by precise Swiss quartz movement.
Perfect for those who appreciate luxury and sophistication, the Chopard Happy Diamonds watch...
Category
1970s Vintage Watches
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 2940, aka "bubbleback /ovetto"
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Rolex Oyster perpetual chronometer , reference 2940, aka "bubbleback / ovetto" features a 32mm x 39mm stainless ...
Category
1940s Vintage Watches
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Ladies Watch Ref. 12264305GG1
Located in Dallas, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Ladies Watch Ref. 12264305GG1 - Quartz. 18K Yellow Gold ( 24 mm ). White dial with black hour markers and Roman numerals. 18K Yellow gold Van Cleef & A...
Category
20th Century Swiss Watches
Tourneau 14K Yellow Gold Dress Watch
By Tourneau
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Tourneau 14K Yellow Gold Dress Watch
Case Material: 14K Yellow Gold
Case Diameter: 31mm
Strap: Black leather with buckle closure
gross weight 22.3 gr...
Category
20th Century Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Men's Vintage Longines Diamond Dial Watch
By Longines
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Men's vintage Longines wristwatch with 14k white gold case and diamond dial.
The inside of the case is stamped 14k, Longines.
The movement ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Watches
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Chopard Happy Sport Floating Fish Stainless Steel Diamond Bezel Lady's watch
Located in New York, NY
Chopard Happy Sport Floating Fish Stainless Steel Diamond Bezel Lady's watch
Model
Happy Sport
Reference Number
8245
Gender
Lady's
Metal
Stainless Steel
Case Si...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary 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.
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This Piaget Gold Nugget Watch Is the Embodiment of Delicious ’70s Excess
With a tigereye dial and a most unusual bracelet, this cuff-style piece is a singular style statement.
This Sweet Diamond Watch Has a Literary Bent
Modeled on one of the most often quoted romances of the 20th century, the book-shaped timepiece has love written all over it.
Stylish Year-Round, This Pumpkin-Colored Patek Philippe Aquanaut Feels Especially Right for Fall
Celebrate the season with a Patek watch made for enjoying the outdoors.
These Watches with 1970s, 1980s and Early Aughts Flair Are Trending Right Now
Feeling a wave of Y2K nostalgia or craving disco-era glamour? Rewind with a chic retro timepiece.