Skip to main content

Modern Wrist Watches

MODERN STYLE

Rooted in centuries of history of adornment dating back to the ancient world, modern jewelry reimagines traditional techniques, forms and materials for expressive new pieces. As opposed to contemporary jewelry, which responds to the moment in which it was created, modern jewelry often describes designs from the 20th to 21st centuries that reflect movements and trends in visual culture.

Modern jewelry emerged from the 19th-century shift away from jewelry indicating rank or social status. The Industrial Revolution allowed machine-made jewelry using electric gold plating, metal alloys and imitation stones, making beautiful jewelry widely accessible. Although mass production deemphasized the materials of the jewelry, the vision of the designer remained important, something that would be furthered in the 1960s with what’s known as the “critique of preciousness.”

A design fair called the “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes” brought global attention to the Art Deco style in 1925 and gathered a mix of jewelry artists alongside master jewelers like Van Cleef & Arpels, Mauboussin and Boucheron. Art Deco designs from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels unconventionally mixed gemstones like placing rock crystals next to diamonds while borrowing motifs from eclectic sources including Asian lacquer and Persian carpets. Among Cartier’s foremost design preoccupations at the time were high-contrast color combinations and crisp, geometric forms and patterns. In the early 20th century, modernist jewelers like Margaret De Patta and artists such as Alexander Calder — who is better known for his kinetic sculptures than his provocative jewelry — explored sculptural metalwork in which geometric shapes and lines were preferred over elaborate ornamentation.

Many of the innovations in modern jewelry were propelled by women designers such as Wendy Ramshaw, who used paper to craft her accessories in the 1960s. During the 1970s, Elsa Peretti created day-to-night pieces for Tiffany & Co. while designers like Lea Stein experimented with layering plastic, a material that had been employed in jewelry since the mid-19th century and had expanded into Bakelite, acrylics and other unique materials.

Find a collection of modern watches, bracelets, engagement rings, necklaces, earrings and other jewelry on 1stDibs.

11
1
to
2
8
4
3
3
1
5
7
1
3
2
1
1
1
9
3
9
7
7
3
1
18,058
413
83
71
55
6
4
to
5
5
4
1
1
Gemstone: Pearl
Style: Modern
Breitling Starliner 32mm Mother Of Pearl Diamond Bezel Watch
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with the exquisite Breitling Starliner Mother of Pearl Diamond 32mm Bezel Watch, a timepiece that seamlessly blends luxury and p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies President 18 Karat Gold Ruby Watch Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Ladies President 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Watch Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial SKU: WA00001 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Rolex Model: ROLEX 18k YELLOW G...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Ruby, Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Mid Century Henso Retro Wrist Watch in 14kt Gold with Graduated Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
Modernist retro wristwatch designed by the Henso Watch Co. Very elegant women wristwatch, created during the mid century period by the Henso Watch Co. This piece has a very terrific look with great eye appeal and was crafted in solid yellow gold of 14 karats and embellished with Akoya pearls. The movement is mechanical hand winding with a hidden crown and the dial is silver with analog numbers, gold hands. A brand new Italian leather blue strap band with new hinges and a new buckle has been installed. Movement: Glycine Watch...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Christian Dior Diamond Dot Dial Baby D Watch Mother of pearl dial with diamond
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior Diamond Dot Dial Baby D Watch Mother of pearl dial with diamond dot hour markers. Stainless steel case and strap with deployment buckle closure. Size - 23mm Condit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies President 18 Karat Gold Ruby Watch Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Ladies President 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Watch Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial SKU: WA00001 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Rolex Model: ROLEX 18k YELLOW GOLD LADIES PRESIDENT...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Ruby, Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Poiray Mini "Ma Première" Watch Mother of Pearl & Diamonds
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover the Mini "Ma Première" watch by Poiray, a true watchmaking jewel that embodies the timeless elegance and refinement of Place Vendôme. This exquisite watch, with its Art Deco...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Steel

Rolex Ladies President 18 Karat Yellow Gold Green Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Ladies President 18 Karat Yellow Gold Green Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial SKU: WA00037 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Rolex Model: ROLEX 18k YELLOW GOLD LADIES PRESIDENT...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Watch Gold White Diamonds Sapphires Mother of Pearl Lizard Strap MicroMosaic
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Montblanc Profile Elegance
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pre-owned Lady’s Montblanc Profile Elegance, stainless steel 23.5x 35 mm case, with diamonds on the bezel, white mother of pearl dial with Roman nume...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, Stainless Steel

Watch Gold White Diamonds Sapphires Mother of Pearl Galuchat Strap Micro Mosaic
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tourneru 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Mother of Pearl Watch with Gator Strap
Located in New York, NY
This modern Tourneru watch is 18K White Gold, it sports surrounding Diamonds and a Mother Of Pearl watch face, it is thought to be created in the late 1...
Category

1980s French Vintage Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas Watch Diamond & Mother of Pearl 18k
Located in MIAMI, FL
Bold and timeless, the Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas watch is as contemporary today as it was when first created in 1935. Its distinctive design features an...
Category

2010s French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Related Items
Vintage Chanel Premiere Watch
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Vintage chanel premiere watch. Its considered a classic collection from Chanel and theyre still producing the newer version now. Comes as it is with no inclusion. Faint scratches on ...
Category

1990s Modern Wrist Watches

Vintage Chanel Premiere Watch
Vintage Chanel Premiere Watch
Free Shipping
Dm 5.91 in
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 Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Floral Bracelet Hidden Wrist Watch w Diamond Charm
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
A unique diamond and gold filigree charm covers the face of the hidden timepiece on this unique circa 1940's heirloom bracelet watch. Rich in style, it...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

IWC Schaffhausen Porsche Design Compass 1st Version IW 3510 Circa 1978 + Box
By IWC
Located in PARIS, FR
IWC Schaffhausen International Watch Co. Founded in 1868 for the discerning Gentlemen Wear IWC watch it's integrate the club of famous clients : John Malkovich, Michael Jordan, Ben Stiller, Quentin Tarantino, Jason Statham, Bradley Cooper, Jason Bateman, Sacha Baron Cohen, Mario Ballotelli, Dwayne Johnson… About this model : In 1978 Porsche Design collaborated with IWC to create a unique watch design with a compass and an emergency beacon mirror fitted inside the case. The case and the bracelet were made from a special hardened aluminum alloy with a PVD coating added on top. This model was designed with a hinged case that allows the top portion to flip open by pressing the buttons on the side of the lugs. Inside, it reveals a compass and an emergency beacon mirror. In addition, all magnetic components were replaced with non-magnetic components to prevent any interference with the accuracy of the compass. MODEL : IWC 3510 Compass Watch CASE MATERIAL : Case : Special hardened aluminium alloy with a PVD coating Dial, case and movement signed. STRAP : Original IWC strap also in special hardened aluminium alloy with a PVD coating STRAP DIMENSIONS 95mm + 75 mm + Case = Total : 215 mm Adjustable to a shorter wrist is possible by removing some links (by a professional watchmaker). CASE DIMENSION : Diameter : 39 mm (excluding the crown) x 45 mm DIAL : Black dial, lance hands and Baton indexes In the first generation "Schaffhausen" in capitalized serifed italics. THIS IS THE FIRST VERSION From 1978. FRONT GLASS: Plexi crystal DATE : Circa 1978 MOVEMENT : Under the technical leadership of Jürgen King, the IWC-tuned ETA 2892 became the IWC caliber 375, a 22 jewel, 28.800 a/h movement with shock absorber and straight-line lever escapement. The watch also had monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance spring, index regulator, ball-bearing rotor, and hacking seconds function, with a rotor made of 21 karat paramagnetic gold. INCLUDED : Accompanied by a IWC travel box and its IWC outer box In addition you can see a picture of the watch worn on wrist and take on a book for the reference. CONDITION REPORT : This IWC Porsche Design...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

PVD-Coated, Mixed Metal

Benrus 14Kt. Solid Gold Art Deco Dress Watch with Original Dial 1950's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Benrus Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 14k Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Diameter 29mm MOVEMENT / CAL...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Wrist Watches

Chopard Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial 18 Karat Watch in Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Company: Chopard Model: Classic Serial #: 439847 Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Case Diameter: 24 mm Bracelet: 18k Yellow Gold Bezel: Pave Set Diamond Bezel and Lugs Dial: Mother of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1999 Rolex Ladies Datejust 26 79178 Champagne Diamond Dial President Gold Watch
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Diameter: 26.00 mm Weight: 73.74 grams Ladies 18K yellow gold, diamond ROLEX Swiss-made watch with original box and pape...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940s Retro Rose Gold and Gem set Large Hidden Surprise Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940 Retro, hidden Surprise Watch. The 14K Rose Gold center section measures 1 1/4 inch wide, depressing the Rubies on the case side operates a sp...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

CHANEL Premiere Quartz Watch
Located in New York, NY
Embrace the epitome of luxury with the CHANEL Premiere Quartz Watch, a symbol of sophistication and timeless style. This exquisite timepiece features a sleek, streamlined design that...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Rolex Lady TT Datejust Mother of Pearl String Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Watch
Located in San Pedro, CA
Swiss Wrist - SKU 6917-TT-MOP-DIA-AM-BDS-JBL Brand : Rolex Model : Datejust (Non-Quickset Model) Gender : Ladies Metals : 14K/Stainless Steel Case Size : 26 mm Dial : Custom Mother...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies President 69178 Diamond and Ruby Dial and Bezel 18k Yellow Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69178 Serial: N360*** Year: 1991 Model: Ladies President Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Custom Diamond and Ruby Bezel Dial: Cu...
Category

1990s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Rolex Lady TT Datejust Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Jubilee Watch
Located in San Pedro, CA
Swiss Wrist - SKU 6917-TT-WMOP-DIA-AM-BDS-JBL Brand : Rolex Model : Datejust (Non-Quickset Model) Gender : Ladies Metals : 14K/Stainless Steel Case Size : 26 mm Dial : Custom Mothe...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Previously Available Items
1989 Chanel Mademoiselle 18 Karat Gold Cultured Pearl Quartz Lady Wrist Watch
Located in Vilnius, LT
This is a luxurious vintage wrist watch designed by Chanel in 1989. The piece is crafted in 18K yellow gold and features cultured pearls. It is an elegant accessory. Model: Mademoi...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Chopard 18k Yellow Gold Happy Spirit Diamond Mother of Pearl 4507 Ladies Watch
Located in New York, NY
Chopard Happy Spirit Diamond watches make beautiful ladies wristwatches due to their elegant and feminine design, high-quality materials, and the luxurious touch of diamonds. Take a ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Happy Diamonds Mother of Pearl 18K Gold REF. 4176 Wristwatch
Located in Miami, FL
Chopard Happy Diamonds 18K Gold 40 mm Ladies Wristwatch, in like-new mint condition,   Expertly crafted in 18K White Gold with Genuine Leather straps, the approx total weight of 82....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Bvlgari 18K Rose Gold Diamond Mother of Pearl Yellow Gold Serpenti Quartz Watch
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari Ladies Diamond Mother of Pearl Yellow Gold Serpenti Quartz Wristwatch. A 18K rose gold Bulgari Serpenti watch, designed as coiled serp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Hermes Heure H Watch Diamonds & Mother of Pearl
Located in MIAMI, FL
Gorgeous creation from famed fashion house Hermes. This amazing watch is called the Heure H which measures 26 x 26 mm. The model is the Medium size, crafted in a steel case with fea...
Category

2010s French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Steel

Waltham Diamond Akoya Pearl Platinum Watch Certified
Located in Brooklyn, NY
CERTIFIED WALTHAM ESTATE 8.00-8.50 MM Akoya Pearl Watch Bracelet With A Length Of 7.5 Inches WITH The CASE MADE OF PLATINUM And The BUCKLE 14 Kt Gold MADE IN SWITZERLAND!! This is...
Category

2010s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Cartier Ballon Blanc 18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond Bezel Mother of Pearl Dial Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Brand:  Cartier Collection: Ballon Blanc Metal: Rose Gold Metal Purity: 18k Stone:  Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Movement:  Quartz Case Size: 30 mm Bracelet Size: 6 inch wrist ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona 40 Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Diamond
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 18 ct yellow gold, with white mother-of-pearl, diamond-set dial, and an Oyster bracelet, features an 18 ct yellow gold bezel with engraved...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Rolex Ladies President 18 Karat Gold Ruby Watch Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Ladies President 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Watch Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial SKU: WA00001 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Rolex Model: ROLEX 18k YELLOW GOLD LADIES PRESIDENT...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2001 Rolex Ladies Pearlmaster Watch Model 81318 Tahitian Pearl Dial Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Ladies Pearlmaster Watch with Diamonds c.2001 Tahitian Pearl Dial Model # 81318 Composition: 18K Yellow Gold, 12 Diamonds Bezel-Set and Tahiti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Geneve Diamond Akoya Pearl Platinum Watch Bracelet Certified
Located in Brooklyn, NY
CERTIFIED GENEVA ESTATE 6.10-5.50 MM LARGE AKOYA PEARL WATCH BRACELET WITH A LENGTH OF 7.25 INCHES WITH THE CASE MADE OF PLATINUM AND THE BUCKLE 14 KT GOLD THE HIGH LUSTER QUALITY AK...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Platinum

David Yurman Sterling Silver Madison Watch Mother of Pearl Dial, Diamond Accents
Located in Baltimore, MD
For sale is a David Yurman Watch from the Madison collection with a blue Mother of Pearl dial and Diamond accents of round diamonds, approx. 0.16 ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sterling Silver, Steel, Stainless Steel

Recently Viewed

View All