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Van Cleef Arpels X Gérald Genta : Pierre Arpels Watch - Vintage 1980
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in PARIS, FR
• Movement: Manual winding mechanical • Strap: Original leather with 18K gold buckle, handmade and signed
Category

Vintage 1980s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

ART NOUVEAU 1900 Plique à Jour Enamel Watch In 18Kt Gold With Rose Cuts Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
crafted in a round shape with sculpted floriated motifs in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with little
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel, 18k Gold

Cartier HPI00762 Panthere Divine Diamond Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier HPI00762 Panthere Divine Rose Gold Diamond Ladies Watch This stunning Cartier Panthere
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Le Cirque Animalier Coccinelles Diamond Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Ladies Watch This stunning Cartier 18k Rose Gold le Circue Animalier Diamond Pave Ladybug & Enamel Dial
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Vivid Yellow, White Diamond Panther Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER Vivid Yellow, White Diamond Panther Watch A magnificent 18k yellow gold Panthere watch, set
Category

Vintage 1980s French Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold

Majestic Chopard genve wrist watch Gstaad 33/8120
By Chopard
Located in Berlin, BE
Chopard Gstaad Quartz Watch Description Brand: Chopard Model: Gstaad Reference Number: 33/8120
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Chopard Mauboussin Diamond Mother of Pearl 18K White Gold Wristwatch
By Mauboussin
Located in Miami, FL
Mauboussin Diamond and Mother-of-Pearl 18K White Gold Wristwatch 18K White Gold, offering a sleek
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Alhambra Watch Model 129974 18 Karat Yellow Full-Set
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Model 129974 18k Yellow Gold 25mm Gold Dial, Quartz Movement
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Lady Diamond Manual Wind Wristwatch, 18kt Wt Gold Plat, France, c1935
Located in London, GB
Hallmarks: French – Eagle and dog’s heads Comments: This beautiful wristwatch is made in 18kt white gold
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Mauboussin Paris 1950 Mido Skeleton Round Watch pendant Stainless 18kt And Onyx
By Mauboussin
Located in Miami, FL
skeleton watch was crafted with stainless steel parts, a 18 karats white gold bale and a sharp round
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Pocket Watches

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold, Copper, Steel, Stainless Steel

Cartier Yellow Gold Ronde Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
signature blued steel sword hands. A cabochon sapphire crown and matching 18K yellow gold tang buckle
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
equipped with an original white gold pin buckle. The watch is in excellent condition, comes with our own
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Chanel 18KT Gold Square Wristwatch with Black Alligator Band
By Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Chanel wristwatch is Swiss made. The wristwatch has a thick square shaped bezel made of 18
Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Le Roy Fils. A Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Quarter Repeater C1880
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Le Roy & Fils. An 18ct Yellow Gold Open Face Keyless Lever Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch C1880
Category

Antique 1880s French Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Boucheron Ladies Yellow Gold Dress Wristwatch
By Boucheron
Located in Darnestown, MD
This versatile Boucheron 18 gold watch can be dressed up or down. It comes with a gold band or can
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Rare Cartier Tank Basculante Platinum Rose Gold
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare, platinum and rose gold Tank Basculante by Cartier. Featuring a silver guilloche dial with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum

CARTIER Paris 1970 Automatic Large Ceinture Wristwatch In 18 Kt Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
. It was crafted in an octagonal shape in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. The
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Hermes Cape Cod Automatic Wristwatch 18 Karat Yellow Gold 31 Mm Rectangular Case
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the epitome of elegance and style, behold the exquisite unisex 18 karat yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

C.D. Peacock Art Deco Style 18 Karat French Hallmarked Wristwatch from 1953
Located in Long Beach, CA
Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 15mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Paris Vendome Large Automatic Original Deployant Buckle Ca 1970 s
By Cartier
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
This is an unusual find-a ca' 1970's Cartier Vendome Automatic watch. Large version measuring 33mm
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels "Papillon" Diamond Wristwatch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels "Papillon" mop And Diamond Wristwatch. The round dial of the watch made of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Janesich Art Deco Era Travel Clock
By Janesich
Located in New York, NY
top are in onyx. The 18 karat yellow gold case has Persian-style frames. The pusher is in the shape of
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Rotonde De Cartier Large Date W1556220
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
, and a Cartier brown leather strap equipped with an original rose gold folding clasp. This watch is in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Panther Panthere Emerald Onyx Bangle Bracelet Quartz Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Emerald Black Onyx Panther Panthere Bangle Bracelet Watch by Cartier. The Cartier
Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Rectangular rf.6009
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Berlin, BE
rare and distinguished model. The Royal Oak Rectangular in 18kt yellow gold offers an elegant, slightly
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Santos Galbée 29mm Ref. 2319
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, BE
stainless steel and 18k gold. Featuring an automatic movement, this classic timepiece embodies Cartier’s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Cartier 21 Must de Cartier Ref.1340
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, BE
model features a 28mm stainless steel/gold case with a classic silver/gold dial adorned with Roman
Category

Antique 19th Century French Aesthetic Movement Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Diamond Emerald Covered Wristwatch
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Emerald covered watch is set with fifteen round cut Emeralds, two cabochon Emeralds and ten
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 18k Gold French Watch Chain Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This antique French Victorian watch chain necklace is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and features
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French 18K Yellow Gold Fancy Faceted Curb Link Watch Chain Necklace
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold watch chain adapted to a necklace featuring 3-dimensional
Category

Antique 19th Century French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French 19th Century 18k Yellow Gold Pompom Key Watch Chain Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Necklace in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. An antique watch chain, it is made of fine
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Link Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Retro tank watch ring in 18k gold and diamond
Located in PARIS, FR
French Retro tank watch ring in 18 karat gold and diamond with an octagonal shape, centered on a
Category

Vintage 1940s European Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Estate French H. Stern 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Mid Century Watch
By H. Stern
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate French H. Stern 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Mid Century Watch. This vintage
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Boucheron 7.75 Diamond and 18K Gold Ladies Watch
By Boucheron
Located in Norwood, NJ
. Fully hallmarked. 18K yellow gold Set with 234 diamonds with an approx. 7.75 total carat weight. 110
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

French 20th Century 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch Chain Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Chain in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Antique watch chain with geometrically
Category

Early 20th Century French Retro Chain Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Gold Bird Ashtray and Pocket Watch Holder
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Gold Bird Pocket Watch Holder circa 1950 18k hammered yellow gold watch holder &
Category

Vintage 1950s French Desk Accessories

Materials

18k Gold

French Georgian Watch Key With Gem Stones c.1810
Located in Stamford, CT
A French Watch Key c. 1810 is 18kt gold on silver set with an oval amethyst, citrine and dendritic
Category

Antique 1860s French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Amethyst, Citrine, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian French Grand Size Carnelian Watch key Pendant or Fob
Located in Stamford, CT
An 18kt gold French Carnelian Large Scale Watch Key, so sleek and smooth it looks modern. It is in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Bracelet Covered Dial Watch
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1910-1919 Provenance: France Circumference: 18 cm Weight: 126 gr Il bracciale in oro 18
Category

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Platinum Yellow Gold Diamond Black Enamel Pendant Watch Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
enamel minute bars on the perimeter. The watch crystal is held within a fine gold ring that is surrounded
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco More Objets d Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Slider Necklace-Watch In Platinum 18Kt Gold Wood And Diamonds
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
France by the iconic jewelry house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1980. This beautiful necklace-watch
Category

Vintage 1980s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Guilloche Ruby Enamel, Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lapel Watch
Located in New York, NY
This elegant antique lapel was realized in France, circa 1860. It features a circular pendant
Category

Antique 1860s French Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

VERGER FRERES 1905 Edwardian Enameled Pendant Watch In Platinum Diamonds
By Verger Frères
Located in Miami, FL
in Paris France by the Verger Freres company, back in the 1905. The pendant-watch has been crafted in
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Verger Freres 1901 Spaulding Co Edwardian Watch-Pendant Guilloche 18Kt Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
magnificent watch pendant, created by Ferdinand Verger Freres in platinum, 18 karats yellow gold, diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Tiffany Co. 1910 Edwardian Guilloche Pendant Watch In Platinum With Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
. Crafted with rectangular shape in solid platinum and yellow gold of 18 karats. Embellished with engine
Category

Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel, S...

Van Cleef Arpels 1925 Paris Lapel Clip Watch Platinum With 2.17 Ctw Diamonds
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Art deco lapel clip watch designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Fabulous and very rare lapel clip watch
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

1960s Retro Omega De Ville 18 Karat Gold Men s Watch
By Omega
Located in Poitiers, FR
Omega De Ville men's watch. Square case in 18 karats yellow gold, owl hallmark. Total length: 20.5
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Eterna-Matic 3000 yellow gold vintage Automatic Wristwatch, 1960s
By Eterna Matic
Located in Poitiers, FR
Watch in 18 karats yellow gold, owl and weevil hallmark. Square shape, this vintage gold watch is
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Tank Le Francaise 2403 5.33ctw Diamond 18K White Gold Watch
By Cartier
Located in Fuquay Varina, NC
bracelet pave watch, 2403. Cartier caliber quartz movement, silver dial with black painted Roman numerals
Category

Late 20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Nouveau French Omega Ladies Gold Diamond Mechanical movement Pocket Watch
By Omega
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An Omega 18k yellow gold ladies pocket watch set with old mine cut diamond. Mechanical movement.
Category

Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18k Tri-Colour Gold Rare and Earlyverge Fusee Pocket Watch Signed Lenoir a Paris
Located in Carlisle, GB
This stunning and rare early verge Fusee Paris 40mm diameter (excluding crown) pocket watch is in
Category

Antique 1790s French Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Gold

18K Bueche Girod Hobnail Design French Wristwatch
By Bueche Girod
Located in Bradford, Ontario
from 18k gold that is specifically designed to catch light and sparkle when worn. Great watch and in
Category

Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

French 18 Karat Gold, Diamond, RM Pendant Watch #42342, circa 1810
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
Circa 1810, working French pendant watch or a petite pocket watch features an 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Early Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Cartier Watch 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Little Neck, NY
Vintage Cartier Watch 18 Yellow gold. Cartier Paris Quartz 18kyg Swiss Made 660100932
Category

20th Century Guianese Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Piaget Yellow Gold Watch on a Leather Strap
By Piaget
Located in Paris, IDF
A 18K yellow gold Piaget vintage watch, set on a leather bracelet (not Piaget) with a Piaget 18K
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18 Karat Gold Stem-Wind Dress / Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautifully 18K Gold Full engraved case antique Dress Pocket Watch is in good Working
Category

Vintage 1910s French Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Enamel, Gold

Panthere de Cartier Unisex 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Crown set with a blue sapphire, silvered dial. Blue steel sword-shaped hands, 18K yellow gold
Category

1990s French Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow 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.