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Why is it called a watch?
1 Answer

The portable timepiece worn on the wrist is called a watch due to its original purpose. Although they have become status symbols and fashion accessories, it is believed that early watches were the first tools used by town watchmen, who used them to track the start and end times of their shifts. Find a large collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
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Shop for Watches on 1stDibs
1930s Benrus 14K White Gold Art Deco Diamond Skyscraper Wristwatch
By Benrus
Located in North Attleboro, MA
Elegant late Art Deco Benrus wristwatch crafted in solid 14K white gold with striking stepped diamond-set shoulders inspired by classic skyscraper architecture. Powered by a high-gra...
Category
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, White Gold
Poiray 2023 Montre Ma Premiere Mini Acier Stainless Steel New Strap Watch
By Poiray
Located in PARIS, FR
Poiray Ma Première Mini watch in steel, quartz movement, gadrooned steel case back, nude patent leather strap (Summer 2023 collection) with steel pin buckle. Diameter 1.8 cm, total w...
Category
2010s French Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Hermes gold 1997 H HEURE MEDIUM 30MM Watch Gold Epsom
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Heure H watch (Medium model, 30 mm) is crafted in yellow gold–plated steel with a cream sunburst dial. It features a sleek square case (lug-to-lug 30 mm, w...
Category
1990s Swiss Wrist Watches
Vintage Ladies 14k White Gold "Omega" Manual Cocktail Watch w/ .85pts Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Ladies 14k White Gold "Omega" Manual Cocktail Watch w/ .85pts Diamonds
Specifications:
main stone: ROUND CUT DIAMONDS
diamonds: 40 PIECES
carat total weight: APP...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, White Gold
$4,450 Sale Price
40% Off
Free Shipping
Vintage Swiss Made Jaeger-LeCoultre Ladies
18K Gold
Diamonds Cocktail watch
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Swiss Made Jaeger-LeCoultre Ladies' 18K Gold & Diamonds Cocktail watch
Swiss Made Jaeger-LeCoultre Ladies' cocktail watch which can be dated back to the 1950's. The watch f...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage IWC 18k Gold Diamond
Onyx Cushion Case Automatic Watch 36mm - 3278
By IWC
Located in Orlando, FL
Vintage IWC 18k Yellow Gold Watch with Onyx Inlay & Diamond Bezel – 36mm
A striking and uncommon design from International Watch Co. (IWC), this vintage men’s dress watch features a...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold


