Watches
1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Diamond, Stainless Steel
1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Gold, Steel
1990s Swiss Watches
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
1960s American Modern Vintage Watches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Swiss Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Diamond, Stainless Steel
1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Diamond, Stainless Steel
1970s Vintage Watches
20th Century Watches
Diamond, White Gold
20th Century Swiss Watches
1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
Mid-20th Century Watches
Yellow Gold
20th Century Swiss Modern Watches
White Diamond, Platinum
1970s Swiss Modernist Vintage Watches
Steel
1970s Swiss Vintage Watches
1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
Diamond, 14k Gold
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Swiss Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s North American Art Deco Vintage Watches
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
1990s Swiss Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Swiss Watches
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
1990s Swiss Watches
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
1970s Swiss Vintage Watches
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
1990s Finnish Watches
Silver
1930s French Vintage Watches
Diamond, Platinum
1980s Vintage Watches
Yellow Gold, Gold
1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Diamond, Stainless Steel
1980s Vintage Watches
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Watches
Gold-filled
1990s Swiss Watches
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Stainless Steel
1980s Swiss Vintage Watches
Stainless Steel
20th Century American Art Deco Watches
Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Watches
Diamond, Gold
1980s Vintage Watches
18k Gold
1990s Watches
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Watches
Yellow Gold
1980s Swiss Vintage Watches
Diamond, Stainless Steel
1980s Italian Contemporary Vintage Watches
Yellow Gold, Steel
1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Watches
1940s French Retro Vintage Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Swiss Watches
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Stainless Steel
1990s Modern Watches
Sapphire, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
1980s Vintage Watches
Diamond, Sapphire, Stainless Steel
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Italian Watches
Early 1900s Russian Antique Watches
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches
1960s Swiss Vintage Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
20th Century Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Swiss Watches
1990s Swiss Watches
Diamond, Stainless Steel
1970s Swiss Artisan Vintage Watches
18k Gold
1990s Swiss Watches
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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.
Read More
Patek Philippe’s Calatrava Watch Is an Icon of Understated Elegance
Launched in 1932, the model has become emblematic of quality craftsmanship and timeless design.
Bulgari’s Serpenti Wristwatch Is the Power Piece of the Moment, Again
From Elizabeth Taylor to Zendaya, the Serpenti has been the accessory of choice for generations of it girls.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
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.