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Watches For Sale
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

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Rose Gold Automatic Wristwatch with Date Ref 6105
Located in Surfside, FL
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual in 18k rose gold on a Jubilee bracelet. Dial is repainted. Off white dial with dagger style gold hands and hour markers. Date in red. Band dated jan, 1953.Automatic movement with date and sweep seconds. Ref 6105. Circa 1953. **Bank Wire only at this Price** Fine Pre-owned Rolex Watch. Certified preowned Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6105 watch on a 18k rose gold bracelet with a 18k rose gold Standard buckle. This Rolex watch has a 36 x 36 mm case with a Round caseback and Off White Stick dial. It is Certified Pre-Owned and comes backed by our 24-month warranty. Each watch is inspected by our certified in-house master-trained watchmakers before shipment including final servicing, cleaning, and polishing. If you have inquiries about this Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch...
Category

1950s Vintage Watches

Materials

Rose 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

A Complicated 5 Minute Repeater 18k Gold Full Hunter Pocket Watch J Dauer Geneve
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
A Complicated 5 Minute Repeater 18ct Full Hunter Pocket Watch by J Dauer Geneve This double complications of a 5 minute repeater function and a chronograph function. The watch was...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Watches

Elegant 18k Yellow Gold Gents Tiffany & Co. Quartz Movement Wrist Watch
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This truly classic Tiffany & Co. quartz movement men's wrist watch epitomizes the luxury and elegance that Tiffany is perennially associated with. It is large, measuring a full 1 1/2...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

New 2024 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300 Steel Silver Dial Oyster Automatic Watch
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

Steel

NEW Rolex Datejust 36mm 126234 Steel White Gold Fluted Black Dial Jubilee Watch
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Comes with original box and papers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Van Cleef & Arpel Charm 38mm 18K Rose Gold Diamond Silver Dial Watch VCARM93600
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. The watch was never worn. It is a new old stock watch. There are minor glue stains on the band due to store handl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Cartier Vendome Small Size with Black Dial circa 1975-1985
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: This Vintage Cartier Paris Vendome Black Dial watch is the small size, circa 1975-1980. It is 18K yellow gold and measures 26mm with mechanical manual wind 17 jewel movement. It has a Cartier crocodile...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 41mm Diamond Dial 126334
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 41mm Datejust by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with diamond set hour markers and a white gold fluted bezel. Fitted with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a self-winding automa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage Citizen Green Dial Sport Series Excellent Working Condition Circa 70s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Citizen Green Dial Sport Series Excellent Working Condition Circa 70s Rare and Retro Iconic classic, Men's Sport Circa .1970s. Verified authentic Stunning Citizen signed gr...
Category

Late 20th Century Asian Retro Watches

Bvlgari Diagono BB30GGD 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Bvlgari Diagono BB30GGD Ladies Watch. 30mm 18K yellow gold case with 18K yellow gold bezel. Black dial with gold hands and index & Arabic numeral hour markers. Date display at the 3 ...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid White Gold Ladies Dress Watch circa 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / Reference 4179-1 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 20mm X Width ...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Omega Dynamic III The Classic Mens Nipple Dial Automatic Watch Ref. 5203.50 SS
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. OMEGA DYNAMIC III "THE CLASSIC" Mens Nipple Dial Automatic Watch, Ref. 5203.50 - Stainless Steel Gorgeous Original Condition - Uncommon Model - 1 Year Warranty Today's offering showcases this uncommon and interesting Certified Pre-Owned Omega Dynamic automatic...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner No Date Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 124060BKSO
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by 3-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex Department Men Model Number 124060BKSO Country/...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Patek Philippe 5107J Automatic Calatrava Watch, circa 2003
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Patek Philippe 5107J 37mm Automatic Calatrava watch, made in 18K Yellow gold with 315 SC caliber movement #3252717, Case #4233479. The watch is accompanied with an Patek Philippe strap and Patek buckle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Harry Winston Platinum Diamond Cocktail Watch with Audemars Piguet Movement
Located in New York, NY
Harry Winston Platinum Diamond Cocktail Watch with Audemars Piguet Movement Description: An exceptional vintage diamond cocktail watch...
Category

1950s American Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mens Rolex Datejust 16014 36mm 18k Gold SS Tapestry Dial Automatic 1980s RA516
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Rolex's Oyster Perpetual Ref. 16014 Datejust tapestry dial automatic, c.1987, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

White Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage Diamond Watch Betteridge Curblink Chain Bracelet 14k Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage diamond watch by Betteridge, featuring a curblink chain bracelet; made of 14k gold. The watch’s face feels like a piece of jewelry first and a timepiece second. The dial ba...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Rolex Day-Date President 18238 Double Quick 18k Yellow Gold & Champagne Dial 36m
Located in Tustin, CA
We are pleased to offer this 1991 Rolex Day-Date President 18238. This stunning classic unisex watch features the Rolex automatic double quick set movement, Rolex 36mm 18k yellow gol...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Ballon Bleu 42mm 18K Rose Gold and Steel Chocolate Box Papers W6920032
Located in New York, NY
​The Cartier Ballon Bleu 42mm (reference W6920032) is a distinguished timepiece that seamlessly blends classic design with contemporary elegance. Crafted from a harmonious combinatio...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Antique Carlto Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Bracelet Dress Wrist Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Fine and feminine in 14 karat white gold, this women's antique dress watch by Carlto is exquisite. Thirty six H/I1 diamonds, totaling .30 carat TW adorned it's petite 1/2 inch round...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany & Co. Cocktail 2-Hand Pave Diamond Rose Gold Watch
Located in Surfside, FL
Tiffany & Co. Cocktail 2-Hand Pave Diamond Rose Gold Watch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Cartier Rare King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch C1937
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Cartier. A Rare and Highly Important King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch, C1937. Dial: The plain silver dial signed Cartier with black Roman numerals and outer minute track with blued steel moon hands complimenting the dial beautifully. Case: The very rare and highly important King George VI Gold Five pound coin minted in 1937, the year of his coronation. The back of the coin has Saint George fighting the dragon Symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the victory of the Christian spirit over the forces of evil. The secret button on the side of the case presses in to reveal the watch. The watch can be tilted upwards so that it can sit on a desk. Movement: The extra flat fully jewelled Swiss nickel finished movement signed Le Coultre Co. The movement is fully jewelled to the centre abor with compensation balance, blued steel hairspring and fast slow regulation. The winding and hand setting crown is located at the three o'clock position. This is a very rare gold coin...
Category

20th Century French Watches

Materials

Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Patek Philippe 425P Tegolino Platinum Art Deco Watch Circa 1937
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: This 425P Tegolino Art Deco Patek Philippe watch made in Platinum with a factory diamond dial. The watch features origin...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Platinum

Eterna-Matic 3000 yellow gold vintage Automatic Wristwatch, 1960s
Located in Poitiers, FR
Watch in 18 karats yellow gold, owl and weevil hallmark. Square shape, this vintage gold watch is ultra-flat. The bracelet is a braided mesh ultra flat and flexible. The clasp is on a scale. The dial is glossy brown. Height of the dial: 3.3 cm, width of the dial: 3.3 cm, thickness: 7.5 mm. Width of the bracelet to the widest: 2.3 cm, thickness: 1.3 mm, maximum circumference: 18 cm. Total weight of the watch: 79.4 g approximately. Automatic mechanical watch. Signed Eterna Matic 3000...
Category

1960s French Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Franck Muller Conquistador Cortez 45mm, Ref 10000 CC King Full Pavé Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Franck Muller Conquistador Cortez Ref 1000 CC King Full Pavé Diamonds Movement : Mechanical Automatic Franck Muller Caliber, Self winding with Platinum Winding Rotor. Size : 45 mm ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Bulgari Tubogas Yellow Gold Coil Wrap Watch Bracelet BB191T
Located in New York, NY
Classic 18k yellow gold wrap Tubogas watch by Bvlgari, featuring black dial with applied gold stick markers. The bracelet is slightly flexible, will comfortably fit a small size wri...
Category

20th Century Italian Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Heuer "Derek Bell" Autavia Stainless Steel Men's Watch ref 1163 MH Vintage 1970
Located in Dallas, TX
Heuer "Derek Bell" Autavia Stainless Steel Men's Watch ref 1163 MH Vintage 1970's - Buren caliber 11 manual winding chronograph with date.. Stainless steel case (42.5mm diameter). B...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Mont Blanc Watch. Mont Blanc Summit XL Mens 7080 Brown Dial WristWatch
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Mont Blanc Watch Summit XL ref 7080 Quartz. Condition: Several Scratches. New Battery installed. Details: 42mm Case Brand New Silicone Generic band. Please don't hesit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe 565R Vintage Water Resistant Calatrava Rose Gold Watch Circa 1949
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Patek Philippe 565R Vintage Calatrava in 18K Rose gold, Arabic numeral dial, water resistant screw down back. This example is not ove...
Category

1940s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / Reference 3490-2 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 26mm X 26mm ...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Ballon Bleu W2BB0030 Ref 4372 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Box Paper 2021
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

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

Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116505 18K Rose Gold
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Daytona 116505 Men's Watch. This watch features a 40mm case and bezel made of 18K rose gold. It has a chocolate dial with luminous rose gold hands...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

French Verge Fusee Day Date Centre Seconds, Intricate Enamel 58mm Pocket Watch
Located in Mumbai, IN
The French Verge Fusee Calendar Centre Seconds Pocket Watch is a luxurious timepiece with a mechanical manual movement. This vintage piece, dating back to 1800, features an intricate...
Category

1820s French Antique Watches

Materials

Enamel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Blue Diamond Dial 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

French 1960s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Eviana Women Watch
By Eviana
Located in Poitiers, FR
Lady watch bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. The dial is round, the back amati, the figures sticks. It is decorated at the top, and the base, of a brilliant- cut...
Category

1960s French Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

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

Rolex Explorer II 216570 Polar White Dial Orange 42mm Stainless Steel Watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Rolex Explorer II 216570 Polar White Dial Orange 42mm Stainless Steel Watch is a rugged yet refined timepiece, designed for adventurers and explorers who demand both style and fu...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Baume & Mercier Classique Monte Carlo Stainless Steel Wristwatch
Located in Geneva, CH
Baume & Mercier Classique Monte Carlo gold plated and stainless steel quartz wristwatch. Two tone dial, approximate case diameter: 25mm x 20mm, Swiss ...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 16203 Silver Arabic Dial 18K Yellow Gold Steel Box Paper 2003
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16203 Serial: Y830*** Year: 2003 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Rolex Submariner Date 40mm Blue Dial Two-Tone Gold Steel Automatic Watch 16613
Located in Aventura, FL
This Rolex Submariner with reference 16613 is in overall great condition. It features a stunning blue dial and bezel. The 40mm stainless steel oyster case with 18k gold bezel is shar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Steel

Baume & Mercier Vintage Avant-Garde Stainless Steel Wristwatch
Located in Geneva, CH
Baume & Mercier Vintage Avant-Garde Stainless Steel Wristwatch. Wrist length: approximately 15.50 centimeters. Total weight: 55.44 grams. We do not g...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Cartier Ballon Blanc 18 Karat Gold Diamond Bezel Mother of Pearl Dial Watch
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Beautiful Cartier 18K gold wristwatch from Cartier’s Ballon Blanc collection with the most stunning diamond as the focal point! Do not miss out on this timelessly elegant Cartier diamond watch...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond

Rolex Milgauss Stainless Steel 40 mm Z-blue Dial Oyster Style: 116400GV 2022
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

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 41mm Blue Bezel Blue Dial Watch 212.30.41.20.03.001
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

Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Wristwatch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a vintage Patek Philippe manual wristwatch. The watch features an oval-shaped case crafted from 18ct yellow gold with the dial being decorated with sleek Roman numerals ...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Swatch Crazy Eight GN125 Year 1998 Original Box
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful vintage Swatch from the 1993 collection, the watch has a minimal design with bright and fluo colors that almost reminds of pop art. Numbers in various shapes are drawn alon...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Tiffany Rolex Geneve Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1970's Rolex Geneve ladies wristwatch. Hand textured solid 14k yellow gold band. Tiffany & Co Rolex dial. Length: 22.41mm Width: 25.2mm Band width at case: 15.72mm Case thickness: 5.75mm Band: 14k yellow gold textured band Dial: white Rolex Geneve Tiffany Outside case: 14k 3652 Movement: Rolex 1600...
Category

Late 20th Century Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

NEW Rolex Datejust 36mm 126200 Jubilee Steel Black Dial Automatic Watch B&P
Located in New York, NY
New, Comes with original box and papers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

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

Vintage Credit Suisse 1g Fine Gold 999.9 Wristwatch
Located in Geneva, CH
Vintage Credit Suisse 1 gram Fine Gold 999.9 Wristwatch. Black dial with 1 gram Fine God 999.9. Black leather strap. The glass is scratched. Battery re...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Patek Philippe 2443J Rectangular Watch, Circa 1953
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Patek Philippe 2443J rectangular shaped watch measuring 40 x 26 mm, and made in 18K yellow gold. The watch is fitted with 9"...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Calatrava 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch Ref. 3435
Located in Dallas, TX
Patek Philippe Calatrava 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch Ref. 3435 - Automatic winding. 18k yellow gold case with smooth bezel (32mm diameter) Original PP embossed crown. Silver dial wit...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Patek Philippe 3604/2 Cushion Shape Automatic Gold Bracelet Watch, 1977
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Patek Philippe 3604/2 Cushion shape Automatic winding 18 karat gold bracelet watch, The watch measures 36 x 35 mm with a attached Patek herringbon...
Category

1970s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold

Cartier Pasha Stainless Steel Self Winding Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2005 Cartier Pasha Reference 1031 Wrist Watch, 35 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece water resistant case with watertight lock down Crown. Automatic, self winding movement. Silver s...
Category

Early 2000s French Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Day-Date 1960's Automatic Wristwatch
Located in London, GB
This is a 1960s 18ct yellow gold Rolex Day-Date. The watch has a gold dial, gold hour hands, 3 o'clock date aperture, and is encased in an 18ct yellow gold casing with a fluted bezel...
Category

1960s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300 Black Dial Mens Watch Box & Papers
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300 Mens Watch. 41mm stainless steel case with smooth bezel. Black dial with luminous steel hands and index hour marker. Minute marker around the outer dial...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Casque Collection Diamond Set White Gold 18K Wristwatch
Located in Geneva, CH
Cartier Casque Collection Diamond Set White Gold 18K Wristwatch. Signed Cartier, numbered and marked. White gold 18K box set with brilliant-cut diamonds, silver sunburst-patterned d...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Air King 5500 Men's Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
Men's 34mm Rolex air king 5500. Stainless steel case and oyster band. Circa 1966. 7.75 inches Length: 39.80mm Width: 34mm Band width at case: 19mm Case th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Watches

Materials

Steel, 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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