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Watches For Sale
Cartier Paris Vendome pm 2-Small Tone Watch 26mm Manual wind. Circa 1973-1976
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Cartier Paris Vintage Vendome pm watch; made in 18K white and yellow gold (2-tone). This is the pm (small size), circa 1973-1976. The watch meas...
Category

Late 20th Century European Art Deco Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 126333 41mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold White Dial Automatic Watch B&P
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned like new condition. Comes with an original box and papers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Rolex Datejust 41 126331 Sundust Dial 18K Rose Gold Stainless Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126331 Serial: 2E236*** Year: 2018 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

Vintage Omega Watch, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
Coming with it’s original box and paperwork, this small vintage Omega is charming. The watch features a 9 carat yellow gold bracelet and case weighing 28 grams. Chevron markings deno...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Watches

Materials

9k Gold

Breitling Chronomat B01 Bentley Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch Ref AB0134
Located in Surfside, FL
Breitling Chronomat B01 Bentley in stainless steel with a rotating bezel and a green stick dial on a stainless steel band with a deployant buckle. Automatic w/ a chronograph. 42 mm c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Zenith 18Kt Heavy Solid Gold Mid Century Watch circa 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Zenith Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Round METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35mm MOVEME...
Category

1970s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Lady Oyster Perpetual 67193 18k 25mm Gold SS Automatic 1980s Luxury RA457
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Rolex 18k gold and stainless steel Lady Oyster Perpetual automatic, c.1986, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe 96J; The 1st Calatrava Watch, 4th Series, circa 1960-61
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Patek Philippe 96J Calatrava watch. The watch is made in 18K yellow gold and the case measures 30.5 mm and is fitted with a 12 AM 400 ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Custom Mother of Pearl Dial circa, 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 Ladies President Date Just Turntable Dial Diamond Dial Gold Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
Lady's Rolex President Date Just turntable wristwatch model 179138. Factory Turntable dial with a diamond bezel in 18k yellow gold. 6.5 inches. The band oyster band has no visible stretch or wear. Circa 2001. Rolex box included. No papers. Length: 33mm Width: 26mm Band width at case: 13mm Case thickness: 11.80mm Band: 18k yellow gold ladies president...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Tank Francaise Ref. 2465 Stainless Steel Small Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Brand: Cartier Model Name: Tank Francaise Reference Number 2465 Movement: Quartz Material: Stainless Steel Dial: White with Black Roman Numeral Hour Markers Case Size: 22 mm x 25 mm ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Sapphire, Stainless Steel

Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Rolex President Watch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant lady’s 18K yellow gold Rolex President watch embodies timeless luxury and exceptional craftsmanship and measures 26 millimeters in case size. Featuring a sophisticated c...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Rolex President Wristwatch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite ladies' 18K yellow gold Rolex President wristwatch combines timeless elegance with exceptional craftsmanship. Featuring a factory diamond-set dial and a fluted bezel, ...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard La Strada Diamond Wristwatch
Located in San Francisco, CA
This rare Chopard La Strada stainless steel model is designed with quartz movement, arched rectangular black dial, Arabic numeral markers, and subsid...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Chopard La Strada Diamond Wristwatch
Chopard La Strada Diamond Wristwatch
$27,720 Sale Price
20% Off
Breitling Navitimer 38mm Steel 18K Rose Gold Silver Dial Men Watch U17325211G1A1
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Comes with an original box and Chronometer certificate. But no original papers are included. Brand Information Brand: Breitling Model: Navitimer Model Number: U17325211G...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Philippe Charriol Quartz Watch w Date 12395
Located in New York, NY
Philip Charriol Cable Twist Watch Good Working order. SLight Scuffs.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Jugendstil Watches

Rolex GMT Master II 40 Black Dial Green Hand Ceramic Bezel Steel Watch 116710LN
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex GMT Master II Green Hand Steel Mens Watch 116710. Officially certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement. Stainless stee...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Daytona 40mm Ice Blue Dial Brown Bezel Platinum 2019 Style: 116506
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Rolex Daytona 116506 is a pinnacle of luxury watchmaking, crafted from solid 950 platinum. It features a 40mm platinum case, ice-blue sunburst dial, and a chestnut brown Cerachrom ceramic bezel. The ice-blue dial — exclusive to Rolex’s platinum models — is adorned with 18k white gold hour markers and three chronograph subdials with matching brown accents. This model is powered by the Rolex Caliber 4130, an in-house self-winding chronograph movement with a 72-hour power reserve. The platinum Oyster bracelet includes a folding Oysterlock clasp with an Easylink extension for added comfort. Water-resistant to 100m, it offers both elegance and durability. Launched in 2013 for the Daytona’s 50th anniversary, this watch is renowned for its rarity, prestige, and investment value. The distinctive ice-blue and brown colorway, reserved only for platinum Daytonas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Platinum

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Mens Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA544
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1966, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, applied baton index hour markers, silver Rolex pencil...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Chronoflex Ref. 2312 18k White Gold Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Brand: Cartier Model Name: Tank Chronoflex Model Number: 2312 Movement: Quartz Case Size 27 x 45 mm Case Material: 18k White Gold Case Shape: Rectangle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Sapphire, 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

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Silver Dial Oysterflex Date: 2023 Style: 166519LN
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
UnwornWatches proudly presents Rolex Daytona Cosmograph (ref. 116519LN) is a modern icon of precision, luxury, and sport. With a sleek silver dial, black sub-dials, and a sporty Oyst...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

White Gold, Silver

18KT Yellow Gold Tiffany and Co Golden Shadow Wrist Watch, 1965
Located in Manhasset, NY
18KT Yellow Gold Tiffany and Co Golden Shadow Wrist Watch, 1965 Tiffany 18Kt weighing 66.3 grams total. Bracelet size 6.75 inches. The Golden Shadow had three lines - the White Sh...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

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

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 311.30.42.30.01.001 50th Anniversary
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 311.30.42.30.01.001 Model: Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 50th Anniversary Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Black Leather with Deployment Clasp ...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Ref 6480 34mm Stainless Steel Manual Wind 1950s Vintage RA416B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Rolex ref.6480 Oyster manual hand-wind dress watch, c.1958, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed of...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 126334 Datejust 41 MOP Diamond Dial Stainless Steel Box Paper 2020
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126334 Serial: 4275T*** Year: 2020 Model: Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Mother of Pearl Diamond D...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

14K White Gold Waltham Pocket Watch with Chain
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Waltham 14k white gold pocket watch. Open face, 21 jewel Maximus A movement, adjust 5 positions. The serial number is 22123260, Model 1918. The two inner lids are stamped 14k. The wa...
Category

Late 20th Century Watches

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Steel Concentric Silver Dial Mens Watch 116000
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. No original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Model Number: 116000 Department: Unisex Adult Country/Region of Man...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Sky Dweller 326138 Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold Leather Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 326138 Serial: S868W*** Year: 2014 Model: Sky Dweller Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: Black Leather Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Champagne Diamond Dial -...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Sicura Globetrotter GMT, 23 Jewel Manual Movement, 41mm Case, Year 1974...
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Sicura Globetrotter features a 41mm stainless steel case (44mm inc crown) with rotating blue/ red bezel and powered by a 23 jewel manually wound movement. The idea of the...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

IWC F.A.Jones Portuguese Platinum Limited Edition Wristwatch, IW544202, Full Set
By IWC
Located in Antwerp, BE
IWC F.A.Jones Portuguese Platinum limited edition wrist watchwith IWC certificate and IWC box. A real collectors watch who keeps his beauty and value. IWC Portuguese F.A. Jones gen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Platinum

Sterling Silver Omega De Ville Mechanical Wrist Watch
Located in Antwerp, BE
STERLING SILVER OMEGA DE VILLE MECHANICAL WRIST WATCH COLLECTORS PIECE IN NEW CONDITION ! MOVEMENT: Mechanical Manual Winding FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes CASE: silver, diameter 36 ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Watch, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
This Vintage dress watch comes from the master horologists at Jaeger-LeCoultre, The 14 carat rose gold case is 35mm in diameter and holds a manual winding movement. The patina on the...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Watches

Rolex Datejust Rare Lapis Pyramid Dial Diamond Set 69138
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 26mm yellow gold Datejust by Rolex. Features an exceptionally rare lapis pyramid dial with diamond set hour markers, complemented by the bezel, set with 40 round brilliant cut diam...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gucci Grip Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch 40mm
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

Hamilton Vintage Pacer Electric Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Hamilton Pacer Wrist Watch 45 M.M X 32 M.M. 10k Gold Filled two piece case. Hamilton 500 Electric Movement, Original Black Dial with Raised Gold markers, original Hands....
Category

1960s American Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Patek Philippe 5030G White Gold Automatic Tonneau Shape Watch, Circa 2000
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Patek Philippe 5030G; Automatic Tonneau shaped watch. The watch is made in 18K Whte gold and is fitted with an 315 SC caliber movement # 3016886 case# 4116482. The ...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Rare Art-Deco c1928 Cyma Chronometre Manual 9K Rose Gold Cushion Case Watch
By Cyma
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This Fine & Rare Art-Deco circa 1928 Cyma Chronometre Gents' Wristwatch features: Unusually big (for that period) CASE, of rarely seen & desirable cushion shape, crafted in 9K R...
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex Cellini Classic 18k white Gold Men's Watch 5115/9
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Cellini Classic 18k white Gold Men's Watch 5115/9 - Manual winding. 18k white gold case (32 mm). Jubilee white dial with raised white gold Roman numerals. Black Rolex strap wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Raymond Weil Tosca 9941-3 Ladies Watch 18k Electroplated
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. Case measures about 26mm in diame...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Custom Ladies Breitling Tahitian A77380 Diamond Watch
Located in New York, NY
-Mint condition -Case size: 33mm -Stainless steel -Movement: Quartz -Aftermarket MOP diamond dial -Dial Color: Tahitian -Diamond Bezel, 1.75ct -Comes with Box, no papers
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Bvlgari 18k tubogas square black dial
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking Bvlgari watch, model SQ221TG, featuring a square 22mm black dial with stick indexes. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the smooth bezel complements the snap case back. The flexi...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Boucheron Reflet Watch. Vintage Boucheron AL 404799 Stainless Steel
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Extremely rare Boucheron Wristwatch made in Paris. It is from the Reflet collection Smaller size. ref 404799 Stainless Steel with 18k Gold Plate. Condition: Excellent working condition. New Battery replaced. Comes with original Boucheron straps Details: 18mm by 30mm watch...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

BAUME & MERCIER Capeland 65383 Diamond Bezel Watch
Located in San Fernando, CA
Baume & Mercier Capeland 65383 Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet Approx. 28mm Case Diamond Fixed Bezel Sapphire crystal Silver Dial with Silvertone and diamond markers Hour, minute a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond

Cartier Paris Gold and Diamond 'Trocadero' Ladies Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Paris Gold and Diamond 'Trocadero' Ladies Watch - Quartz. 18K Yellow gold ( 20x 25 mm). White dial with black Roman numerals signed Cartier; single cut diamond set bezel. Di...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

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 Submariner 16613 Champagne Serti Dial 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel 2006
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16613 Serial: Z884*** Year: 2006 Model: Submariner Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bez...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa, 1920's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Width 22m MOV...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Tiffany & Co. Atlas Z1902.10.40E10A Unisex Watch in 18kt White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Atlas Z1902.10.40E10A Unisex Watch in 18kt White Gold SKU: 143805 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Tiffany & Co. Model: Atlas Country of Origin: Switzerland Movement Type: Qua...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

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

Heuer Chronograph Wristwatch 2403 Telemetre / Tachymetre. Cal .13 Mvmt, c 1935.
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Heuer chronograph reference features a 14k yellow gold Swiss case of 32.7mm (34.9 inc crown) by 38mm lug to lug. The dial is an attractive tropically patinated black with...
Category

1930s Vintage Watches

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Custom Blue Dial, 1970s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 35...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's with Original Bracelet
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Watch / Reference 4217-10 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 23mm X Widt...
Category

1980s Swiss Modernist Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold

Hamilton White Gold Filled Art Deco Watch With "A.N to H.B" Engraved circa 1920s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art deco / Square METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 28mm X Width 34mm MOVE...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Cartier Centure 1970s Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wrist watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Paris Centure Collection Wrist Watch, 18k Yellow Gold 27 X 27 M.M. 2 Piece stepped case. 17 jewel mechanical, manual wind movement. White Dial with Black Roman nu...
Category

1970s French Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Franck Muller Cintree Curvex 7502 QZ HJ POP Unisex Watch in 18kt White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Franck Muller Cintree Curvex 7502 QZ HJ POP Unisex Watch in 18kt White Gold SKU: 137212 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Franck Muller Model: Cintree Curvex Country of Origin: Switzerland Mo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

White Gold

Cartier Panthère W25029b6 Panthere Ladies 18k Yellow Gold And Stainless Steel
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier Ladies Panthere wristwatch is a luxurious and elegant timepiece. Crafted in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel, it features an off-white dial with Roman numeral indices...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

1960s Retro Omega De Ville 18 Karat Gold Men's Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Omega De Ville men's watch. Square case in 18 karats yellow gold, owl hallmark. Total length: 20.5 cm, width of the bracelet: 2.2 cm to 0.6 cm, Cas...
Category

1960s French Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jaeger LeCoultre Gold Ladies Watch and Bracelet
Located in Montreal, QC
Jaeger LeCoultre 18k yellow gold case ladies watch with 14k yellow gold bracelet, marked inside the case and on the bracelet, case measured 18mm in diameter, watch will fit to a 7 in...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

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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