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Watches For Sale
Gemstone: Diamond
Gemstone: Onyx
Vintage 1970's Corum 18k Gold Ladies Diamond Cocktail Watch
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A vintage 1970's Corum 18k yellow gold ladies cocktail watch, with its original gold dial and diamond bezel weighing 0.75 carats. This sustainable, vintage timepiece has a recently s...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modernist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Orologio Tag heuer al quarzo in acciaio con quadrante in madre perla e Diamanti
Located in Cattolica, IT
Nuovo Orologio Tag heuer da donna al quarzo in acciaio inossidabile Swiss Made. L’ orologio non è mai stato indossato e viene venduto da un venditore autorizzato italiano. Il quadra...
Category

Early 2000s European Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel

Ladies Rolex Anniversary Datejust Diamond Bezel Watch, 1991
Located in Palm Desert, CA
18 Karat Ladies Rolex Anniversary Datejust Diamond Bezel Watch. Stunning wristwatch with a gold dial, gold hour, minute, and second hand, diamond hou...
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Silver Mother of Pearl 18k Rose Gold Stainless Steel Diamond Imperiale
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
With a Quartz movement, this classy Imperiale wristwatch, presented by the house of Chopard has been designed to bring out the luxurious side to life. The timepiece has been designed...
Category

2010s Italian Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold, Silver, Steel, Stainless Steel

Bvlgari Mother Of Pearl Diamond Stainless Steel Lvcea LU 33 S Women's Wristwatch
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Bvlgari's collection of watches is suited for everyday life and for the special days when you need to dress up, thus making the brand's creations versatile and worth the money you sp...
Category

2010s Italian Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Lady Datejust 79173 Steel - 18K Gold Silver Index Diamond Bezel Wat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Preowned Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Has Recently Been Serviced, Polished and Will Be Time Tested Before Shipment. WATCH INFORMATION DIAL (FACE) Rolex Silver Dial with...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Concord 18k Gold & Diamond Ladies Watch Ref. #51.25.160, Mother of Pearl Dial
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Concord 18k Gold & Diamond Ladies Watch Ref. 51.25.160 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale. 1.30 ca...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Bucherer Diamond Platinum 14k White Gold Bracelet Watch
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Art Deco period Bucherer diamond, platinum, 14K white gold bracelet watch of diminutive form. Early 20th Century Mini watches have graced some fabulous wrists over the years- Queen Elizabeth II wore one for her coronation, Princess Diana was often photographed with a beautiful diamond one and a number of Hollywood celebrities have chosen a mini for their red carpet appearances. These minute jewels were designed as beautiful bracelets so that the wearer could discretely check the time. They required tiny, precise mechanisms and were revolutionary for their time. As with all of the best classics, the mini watch is on trend today- Hermes offers...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Zenith Watch Art Deco Platinum Diamond Antique Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An exquisite Zenith Watch from the Art Deco era, made of platinum and diamond. The case and the bracelet of this Zenith ladies watch is lavishly embellished with diamonds. Another gr...
Category

1930s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Rolex Datejust 36mm Grey Diamond Dial Steel Yellow Gold Bezel Mens Watch 16233
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust Steel Yellow Gold Rose Gray Diamond Mens Watch 16233. Officially certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement. Stainless steel case 36.0 mm in diameter. Rolex...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Steel

Hamilton Ladies White Gold Diamond Bracelet Watch, Circa 1930s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Vintage Art Deco Hamilton Ladies White Gold Diamond Bracelet Watch. The rounded rectangle-faced dial with framed in round diam...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Ruby & Diamond Set 4191
Located in London, GB
A stunning ladies yellow gold Happy Diamonds wristwatch by Chopard. Featuring a champagne dial with 6 floating rubies & diamonds, and a yellow gold bezel set with 66 round brilliant cut diamonds and 12 rubies. The watch also features 2 ruby-cut diamonds aligned in the middle of the case and strap at 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock. Fitted with a sapphire glass, a quartz movement and a Chopard red...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ladies Wristwatch, Lady Arpels Papillon, 18K Gold, Butterfly
Located in Berlin, DE
Van Cleef & Arpels Ladies Wristwatch, Lady Arpels Papillon, 18K Gold, MOP (Mother of Pearl) Dial and Diamonds. Strap and 18K gold clasp also original VCA. Strap with signs of wear. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Women's Movado Diamond Bezel Watch, 20mm
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies 14k yellow gold Movado watch with diamond bezel and dial. Stamped 14k and the back case. The case size is 20mm wide. The gross weight is 33...
Category

Mid-20th Century Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 X 9 M.M. 2 Piece Platinum Case set with European cut Diamonds totaling 1 Carat, the case sides and back are fu...
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

White Gold Ladies Wrist Watch by Favre-Leuba, with Diamonds and Blue Sapphires
Located in Berlin, DE
Charming women's jewelry wristwatch in 18 Karat white gold, with diamonds and sapphires. By Favre Leuba. Includes certificate of authenticity. Favre-Leuba is a Swiss manufacturer o...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Backes&Strauss Regent Rose Gold 38x32mm Diamonds Leather Strap RE.3238.MA D.2R
By Backes & Strauss
Located in București, RO
The watch is in a very good condition, it has professional polish and it’s working well. The total lenght of the bracelet (case+bracelet) is between 14-18cm. The watch comes with an ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Vintage Ladies 18k Gold Tiffany & Co Wrist Watch with Diamond Bezel by Piaget
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely vintage ladies Petite Size Piaget wrist watch was designed and created in Geneva Switzerland at the world headquarters of this venerated maker. The ticking heart of this superlative time piece is an ultra thin Piaget...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

1950s Gold Pendant Watch Brooch with Rubies
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Adorable and an unusual example right out of the 1950's, this 14 Karat Rose and Yellow Gold Pendant Watch Brooch with Ruby Accents is in mint condit...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Cartier Art Deco Diamond Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
Cartier's Art Deco Diamond Wristwatch reflects the iconic Art Deco style, characterized by its geometric shapes, streamlined forms, and luxurious materials. Crafted with meticulous a...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Rare Carrera Y Carrera 18 Karat Yellow Gold Panther Head Diamond Dial Watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rare Carrera Y Carrera Panther Head watch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold.The panter's make up the bezel of the watch which has a black diamond dial and original black strap. Quartz ...
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat White Gold Ladies Wrist Watch by Chopard, with Diamonds
Located in Berlin, DE
18 Karat White Gold Ladies Wrist Watch by Chopard, with Diamonds !Crown missing and glass scratched! Watch is sold as DEFECTIVE! Watch can be worn as a piece of jewelry or taken to ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany & Co. Vintage Diamond Watch, circa 1950
Located in New York, NY
Step back in time to the glamour of the 1950s with this exquisite Tiffany & Co. Vintage Diamond Watch. Crafted circa 1950, this horological treasure is a testament to the craftsmansh...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18 Karat White Gold Ladies Wrist Watch by Chopard, with Diamonds, Hexagonal
Located in Berlin, DE
18 Karat White Gold Ladies Wrist Watch by Chopard, with Diamonds, Hexagonal Shape Includes certificate of authenticity.
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Watch
Located in San Pedro, CA
Brand : Rolex Model : Oyster Perpetual Model Gender : Ladies Metals : Stainless Steel Case Size : 24 mm Dial : Custom Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial (This dial is not original Rol...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Cartier 'Tank Americaine' Ladies' Diamond Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Cartier Tank Américaine Diamond Watch - a true masterpiece of horological artistry. With an engine-turned rectang...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Ladies Wrist Watch by EBEL, with Diamonds and Lapis Dial
By Ebel
Located in Berlin, DE
18 Karat White Gold Ladies Wrist Watch by EBEL, with Diamonds and Lapis Lazuli Dial The bracelet has been lengthened. Can be shortened at any time if desired. Includes certificate ...
Category

20th Century German Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Panthère
Located in New York, NY
Panthère de Cartier watch, medium model, quartz movement. Case in rose gold 750/1000 and steel, bezel set with brilliant-cut diamonds, dimensions: 29 mm x 37 mm, thickness: 6 mm, cro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Panthère
Cartier Panthère
Free Shipping
Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 18K White Gold Silver Diamond Dial Watch 19019, 1979
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 19019 Year: 1979 Serial number: 62xxxxx Reference: C03963 Case: 18K white gold 36mm without crown; Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; in...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Precision 1940's Vintage Platinum "Star Dial" ladies Watch Extremely Rare
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Precision 1940's Vintage Platinum "Star Dial" ladies Watch Extremely Rare Vintage Ladies Rolex Diamond & Platinum Watch - Mechanical movement. Platinum case with diamond bezel...
Category

1940s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Roadster Diamond White Gold 18K Wristwatch
Located in Geneva, CH
Cartier Roadster Diamond White Gold 18K Wristwatch. Signed Cartier, numbered and marked. Fully polished, movement is working at the moment of the listing.
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Omega Diamond Yellow Gold 18K Unique Wristwatch 1970S
Located in Geneva, CH
Omega Diamond and yellow gold 18K original unique model. Circa 1970. Original Omega certificate. Signed Omega and numbered. 40 diamonds 1.80 carat top quality according to the certif...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Chocolate 18K Everose Gold Oystersteel Diamond Lady-Datejust M279171-0011
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
A timeless silhouette made of high-quality materials and packed with precision and luxury makes this Rolex Chocolate Lady-Datejust wristwatch the perfe...
Category

2010s Italian Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Cartier 'Tank Francaise' White Gold 18K Diamond Ladies Watch
Located in Geneva, CH
Cartier Tank Francaise White Gold 18K and Diamond Ladies Watch Authentic Cartier Tank Francaise watch crafted in white gold 18K. The rectangular case is set with high-quality round ...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ladies' 18K White Gold Art Deco Diamond & Sapphire Watch
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies' Antique Art Deco wristwatch with diamond and sapphires, set in 18k white gold. Stamped 18k inside the case. The movement is a precision Waltham 15 jewel manual wind mechanism...
Category

Mid-20th Century Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds - 18k Solid Yellow Gold - Elegant Ladies Cocktail Watch
Located in Antwerp, BE
Up for sale is a vintage "Happy Diamonds" ladies' cocktail watch with reference number 4097, made by the renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker and jeweller Chopard. Chopard's "Happy Diamo...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier 1970s Scarce Yellow Gold and Diamond Mechanical Ladies Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Ladies Wrist Watch, 30 X 21 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case with Cartier Factory set Round Brilliant cut diamonds totaling .40 Carat. Cartier Inc. 17 Jewel Nick...
Category

1970s French Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Bueche Girod 18k Gold 17j Mechanical Round Diamond Wrist Watch Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stones:-- (28) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - F/G Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity - 0.98ctw (approx.) Watchmaker: Bueche Girod Movement: Swiss Made Hand Wou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

14kt White Gold Bulova Diamond Watch Ladies Serviced Working Warranty Art Deco
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
14kt White Gold Bulova Diamond Watch Ladies Serviced Working Warranty 7 Inches For sale is a stunning ladies' Bulova diamond watch crafted in 14kt...
Category

1930s Swiss Victorian Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Tiffany & Company 1920s Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Tiffany & Company retailed Platinum and Diamond Ladies Wrist Watch, 18 x 18 M.M. Cushion shape case with Hand Engraving work and single cut Diamonds set into the bezel. F...
Category

1920s Swiss Edwardian Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Rolex Men's Datejust II Oyster 41mm Iced Out 20ct Genuine Diamonds Ref:116300
Located in Pleasanton, CA
Rolex Datejust II 41mm Watch. A Pre-owned watch w/ Gift Box. Watch is 100% Authentic and Comes with Authenticity Card. Watch Reference is 116300 and is in Excellent Condition (See Pi...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Antique Regency Sterling silver full hunter pocket watch, Fusee movement
Located in NEWARK, GB
A magnificent Regency era sterling silver full hunter pocket watch. It is large substantial pocket watch with a heavy silver full hunt...
Category

Early 19th Century British Regency Antique Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Bulgari Serpenti Ref. 101995, 18K Rose Gold Diamond Quartz Ladies Watch
Located in New York, NY
The Bulgari Serpenti 101995 is a stunning example of luxury and craftsmanship. Crafted with an 18K rose gold case and matching bracelet, this timepiece exudes elegance and sophistica...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Audemars Piguet Carnegie, REF. 14941
Located in New York, NY
Authenticity Guarantee, Audemars Piguet Carnegie classic ladies watch in 18K yellow gold, 16cm diamond bezel. Reference number: 14941. This watch has a folding butterfly clasp. Quart...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 36mm, Ref. 116244
Located in New York, NY
Brand New Elegant Rolex Datejust, Reference Number: 116244; 36mm The case material is Steel features a Factory Diamond Smooth Silver Dial & Original Diamond Index, self-winding water...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Steel

Rolex Lady Datejust Pearlmaster Ladies' Watch - Factory Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is a Swiss Made Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady Datejust Pearlmaster with reference number 69298, dating back to 1991 based on its serial number. As Rolex puts it, it is a femin...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Titus Art Deco Odeonesque Concealed Cocktail Bracelet Watch Diamonds Gold 1940s
By Titus
Located in Lisbon, PT
Art Deco diamond and synthetic ruby odeonesque concealed bracelet and cocktail watch in 19.2kt yellow gold and platinum, signed Titus, Portugal, 1940s. This exquisite piece boasts a ...
Category

1940s Portuguese Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Piaget Dancer 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Ladies Watch
Located in Newton, MA
This exquisite Piaget Dancer ladies timepiece is offered by Alex & Co. The watch is crafted in radiant 18 karat yellow gold for a luxurious statement. Adorned with a bezel embellishe...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Diamond Serpentine Tubogas Watch 35 MM 18 KT Rose Gold Stainless Steel
Located in New York, NY
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: 35mm CRYSTAL: Sapphire BEZEL: Fixed 18kt Rose Gold, Diamonds DIAL: Black WATER RESISTANCE: 30m MOVEMENT: Quartz
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Omega 1940s Retro Rose Gold and Rubies Bracelet Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Omega Ladies Bracelet Watch, 22 x 14 M.M. 14k Rose Gold Signed Omega 2 piece case, the case top is set with Fine color Rubies a...
Category

1940s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Datejust 41 Diamond Mens Wristwatch 126333 Stainless Gold 18k Auto 1YrWnty
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 41 Model Number: 126333 Movement: Automatic Warranty: One Year Year: 2016 Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Factory Champagne 10 Diamond Metal Content: ...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 31mm 2-Tone 178273 Champagne 4.4ct Diamond Bezel/Case Watch
Located in New York, NY
ElegantSwiss is delighted to offer you this Rolex Datejust midsize 31mm 2-Tone champagne floral with 4.4ct diamond bezel/case (diamonds are not set by Rolex) yellow gold and stainles...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe Twenty~4, Ref. 7300/1200A-011
Located in New York, NY
7300/1200A - TWENTY~4 WATCH Self-winding mechanical movement. Caliber 324 S C. Date in an aperture. Sweep seconds. WATCH Self-winding mechanical movement. Caliber 324 S C. Date ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel

Cartier 18K White Gold Panthere De Cartier 1925 Ref. 2476 28mm Ladies Watch
Located in New York, NY
Adorn your wrist with the timeless elegance of the Cartier Panthère 1925 Belt Watch in 18K White Gold. This exquisite timepiece, featuring a refined blend of vintage inspiration and ...
Category

20th Century French Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Rolex Datejust 31mm 2-Tone 178273 Champagne Roman 4.4ct Diamond Bezel/Case Watch
Located in New York, NY
ElegantSwiss is delighted to offer you this Rolex Datejust midsize 31mm 2-Tone champagne roman with 4.4ct diamond bezel/case (diamonds are not set by Rolex) yellow gold and stainless...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 31mm 2-Tone 178273 White Index 4.4ct Diamond Bezel/Case Watch
Located in New York, NY
ElegantSwiss is delighted to offer you this Rolex Datejust midsize 31mm 2-Tone white index with 4.4ct diamond bezel/case (diamonds are not set by Rolex) yellow gold and stainless ste...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 31mm 2-Tone 178273 Silver Index 4.4ct Diamond Bezel/Case Watch
Located in New York, NY
ElegantSwiss is delighted to offer you this Rolex Datejust midsize 31mm 2-Tone silver index with 4.4ct diamond bezel/case (diamonds are not set by Rolex) yellow gold and stainless st...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 31mm 2-Tone 178273 White Roman 4.4ct Diamond Bezel/Case Watch
Located in New York, NY
ElegantSwiss is delighted to offer you this Rolex Datejust midsize 31mm 2-Tone white roman with 4.4ct diamond bezel/case (diamonds are not set by Rolex) yellow gold and stainless ste...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Antique, New and Vintage Watches

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, new and classic vintage 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, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.

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