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Rare Cartier Tank Basculante Yellow Gold 2499
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare yellow gold Tank Basculante wristwatch by Cartier. Featuring a silver guilloche dial with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier 1930s EWC Gold Ladies Mechanical Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa late 1930s Cartier Ladies Wrist Watch, 22 X 20 M.M. 18K Yellow Gold 2 piece signed and
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Pasha Moonphase Yellow Gold 30011
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A striking mens Cartier Pasha in yellow gold. Featuring a cream dial with a blue centre and further
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Classic Tank Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Cartier Ladies Classic Tank Wrist Watch, 27 X 20 MM 18K yellow Gold case. Manual wind
Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Lip yellow Gold Vintage manual Wristwatch, 1950s
Located in Poitiers, FR
Antique man watch. Round case in 18 carats yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. Brand Lip, Calendar
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Ladies Diabolo Yellow Gold Diamond Quartz Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Diabolo Ladies Wristwatch by Cartier. This gorgeous watch comes with
Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18kt Yellow Gold Quartz Wristwatch - Cartier
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow Gold Horseshoe Quartz Watch with Leather Strap & Cabochon Sapphire Thumbpiece
Category

Late 20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Cellini Mechanical Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Poitiers, FR
Watch in 18 karats yellow gold. Rolex ladies watch, Cellini model. Round case in 18 karats yellow
Category

Vintage 1980s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hermes Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Kilim H Bracelet Wristwatch
By Hermès
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet Kilim Watch by Hermes. This watch comes with original Hermes
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Set Quartz Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Cartier Ladies Wrist watch, 36 X 14 MM 18K Yellow Gold case with flexible lugs. Cartier
Category

Early 2000s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Tank Louis Rose Gold Men’s WT200005
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
Cartier Tank Louis Gents, Model # WT200005. 18kt rose gold rectangular shape 40.40x32.5mm case
Category

2010s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Chaumet Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Quartz Wristwatch
By Chaumet
Located in New York City, NY
Important 18K yellow gold and diamond ladies wrist watch by Chaumet. It features a brick-like
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Paris Vintage Yellow Gold Faberge Tonneau Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s scarce Cartier Paris "Faberge Tonneau" Wrist watch, 32 X 21 MM 2 Piece 18K Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1980s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Paris Vintage Yellow Gold Faberge Tonneau Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s scarce Cartier Paris "Faberge Tonneau" Wrist watch, 32 X 26 MM 2 Piece 18K Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1980s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Calibre De Cartier Rose Gold Automatic Wristwatch Ref 88177RX
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Watch-statement - Calibre de Cartier. Authentic. Comes with Cartier box. Made of 18K rose gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Rivoli Quartz Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Cartier Rivoli Collection 18K Yellow Gold ladies Wrist Watch, 24 MM Water Resistant case
Category

Early 2000s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Three Color Gold Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Designer: Cartier Material: 18k white, yellow and rose gold Ring Size: Cartier size 48 (4.75
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Rose Gold Ronde Solo Quartz Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2014 Cartier Ronde Solo De Cartier, 29 MM water resistant 18K Pink Gold Case with Steel Back
Category

2010s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Cartier Yellow Gold Emerald Panther Panthere Bangle quartz Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Emerald Panther Panthere Bangle Bracelet Watch by Cartier. This watch comes with
Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Chanel Ladies White Gold Diamond Secret Camélia Quartz Wristwatch
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Secret Camélia Ladies Wristwatch by Chanel. This watch comes with Chanel
Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Lady s Yellow Gold Baignoire Quartz Wristwatch Ref 1954
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold lady's Baignoire wristwatch by Cartier. This watch comes with its original
Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cartier Lady s Yellow Gold Tank American Quartz Wristwatch Ref 2482
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2005 reference 2482 Cartier Classic 18k Yellow Gold Tank American Ladies Wrist watch
Category

Early 2000s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Chanel Ladies Yellow Gold Link Bracelet Quartz Wristwatch
By Chanel
Located in Boca Raton, FL
bracelet are fashioned in 18 karat yellow gold, black dial, and faceted crystal. Signed Chanel Paris, 18K
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Lady s White Gold Diamond Wristwatch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
This classically distinct Van Cleef & Arpels ladies' watch is crafted in 18K white gold, featuring
Category

Late 20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Cartier Double C Mechanical Travel Alarm Yellow Gold Clock
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k yellow gold Double C by Mechanical Travel Alarm Clock by Cartier. This clock is in mint, like
Category

20th Century French Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Hermes Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Cape Cod Quartz Wristwatch
By Hermès
Located in Southampton, PA
18k yellow gold diamond Cape Cod watch by Hermes. With 96 round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1
Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Ballon Bleu Automatic Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2013 Cartier Ballon Bleu 42MM XL 18K Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel Wrist Watch, water
Category

2010s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Breguet Classique Gents White Gold Silver Dial 3910 Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Breguet
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k White Gold Classique Gents Wristwatch, silver dial with roman numerals, small seconds at 6 0
Category

2010s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Hermes Kilim Full Diamond H White Gold Bracelet Ladies Wristwatch
By Hermès
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Full Diamond H Bracelet Kilim Ladies Watch by Hermes. With 11076 round brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1960s 18 Karat Rose Gold Longines Ladies Wristwatch
By Longines
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ladies' wristwatch in 18 karats rose gold. The square shape box, has a cream amati background, with
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

1980s Zenith 18 Karat Gold Ladies Mechanical Wristwatch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Lady's wristwatch signed Zenith. Round case and bracelet in 18 karats yellow gold, owl hallmark
Category

Vintage 1980s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Rose Gold Diamond Limited Edition Crash Wristwatch Ref HP100653
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Limited Edition Number 12 out of 67 ever made Cartier Crash 18k Rose Gold Diamond Watch. This watch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Lady s Rose Gold Diamond Declaration Quartz Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k rose gold 37mm x 16mm Cartier Declaration Swiss quartz watch with pavé diamond set ring detail
Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Titanium

Van Cleef Arpels Yellow Gold Universal Movement Mechanical Travel Clock
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York City, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels chic 18k yellow gold travel clock. Twisted rope design for stand and crown
Category

Vintage 1960s French Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Panthere Ladies Quartz Wristwatch in Full 18 Karat Gold
By Cartier
Located in Braintree, GB
Cartier Panthere ladies quartz wristwatch in full 18k gold. Gender: Ladies Case Size : 22 mm
Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ladies Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra Quartz Wristwatch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k yellow gold Vintage Alhambra lady's quartz wristwatch designed by Van Cleef & Arpels
Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Yellow Gold 1847 Diablo Chronograph Quartz Wristwatch Ref 1400
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold 1847 Diabolo Chronograph Quartz Wristwatch by Cartier. Cartier Diabolo 1400
Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Baume Mercier Ladies 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By Baume Mercier
Located in Poitiers, FR
Baume & Mercier women's watch. Rectangular case in 18 karats yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Panthere de Cartier Medium Yellow Gold 8839
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
clasp, both in yellow gold. In excellent condition, the watch comes with our presentation box, our one
Category

Late 20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Large Roadster Automatic Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Tustin, CA
Authentic Cartier 18k Gold Steel Two Tone Automatic Large Roadster W62031Y4. This watch
Category

2010s French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Cartier Rose Gold Diamond Tank Americaine Midsize Automatic Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Cartier Midsize 18k rose gold and diamond Tank Americaine wristwatch, Reference 1725. With Round
Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Chanel Ladies Yellow Gold Pearl Mademoiselle Bracelet Wristwatch
By Chanel
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18 karat yellow gold and pearl. The face measures 7/8" x 7/8". The watch is 7" long, so it perfectly
Category

Vintage 1980s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Ladies White Gold Diamond Love Quartz Wristwatch Ref WE800231
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Cartier lady's 18k white gold and diamond Love wristwatch, Ref. WE800231. This watch comes with
Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Hermes Paris Jaeger LeCoultre "Etrier" Gold Driver Wristwatch
By Hermès
Located in Greenwich, CT
"Etrier" 18 karat yellow gold driver wristwatch is the ultimate wardrobe must have and will become a
Category

2010s French Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

1950s Omega Leather 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Poitiers, FR
Lady's gold wristwatch in 18 karats yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. Round shaped, the dial is
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Santos Automatic Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
an 18K yellow Gold Bezel, automatic, self Winding Movement. White Dial with Black roman Numerals a
Category

Early 2000s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Cartier Ladies White Gold Diamond Tank Americaine Quartz Wristwatch Ref 113119LX
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k white gold and diamonds Tank Americaine Ladies wristwatch, Ref. 2489 113119LX. With 48 round
Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Lady s Yellow Gold Diamond Panther Quartz Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990 Cartier 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond set Ladies Panther Wrist Watch, Quartz Movement
Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Tank Française White Gold Automatic Large Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
This automatic Cartier Tank Française is made in 18kt white gold. Indices are in roman, there is a
Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Jaeger-LeCoultre Hermes Etriers Yellow Gold Mechanical Ladies Wristwatch c1960
By Hermès
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover this Watch for women, yellow gold 18 carat with his original bracelet. Yellow gold clasp
Category

Vintage 1960s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Submariner Smurf 18 Karat White Gold Gents 116619LB, 2009
By Rolex
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
: Automatic Case: 18k White Gold Dial: Blue Bracelet: 18k White Gold Oyster Strap Length: Adjustable up to
Category

Early 2000s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Day-Date Automatic Wristwatch Ref 18238, 1993
By Rolex
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
: Automatic Case Size: 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Mother of Pearl Diamond Baguette Dial Bracelet: 18k Yellow Gold
Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Lady s White Gold Diamond Quartz Wristwatch Ref 13-5951
By Chopard
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2010 Chopard Reference 13-5951, 18K white Gold 34 X 21 MM water resistant case, Fine White
Category

2010s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Daytona Chronograph Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
: Stainless Steel 18k Yellow Gold Dial: Grey Baton Bracelet: Stainless Steel 18k Yellow Gold
Category

2010s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Chopard Lady s White Gold Diamond Imperiale Chronograph Quartz Wristwatch
By Chopard
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2011 18K White Gold and Diamond Chopard Imperiale Chronograph Wrist Watch, 32 M.M. Water
Category

2010s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Omega Deville Ladies White Gold Diamond Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Poitiers, FR
Women watch Omega Deville. Square case in 18 carat white gold, set with 32 round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

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

Cartier, Tank, 18 Karat Gold and Diamonds, 21001243, Women, 1990-1999
By Cartier
Located in Braintree, GB
Cartier - Tank - 18K Gold & Diamonds - 21001243 - Women - 1990-1999 Gender: Ladies Case Size
Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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French 18k Gold Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact french 18k gold watch you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 273 vintage or 8 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a french 18k gold watch may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Finding an appealing french 18k gold watch — no matter the origin — is easy, but Cartier, LB Exclusive and A. Augis each produced a popular version that is worth a look. A french 18k gold watch of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 66, is particularly popular. Today, if you’re looking for a rose cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes french cut and round cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a french 18k gold watch, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a French 18k Gold Watch?

On average, a french 18k gold watch at 1stDibs sells for $3,173, while they’re typically $359 on the low end and $72,500 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You

Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.

Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.

Bulgari’s legendary 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 wristwatches.

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.

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.

Are you shopping for a wristwatch? 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 antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.