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Ladies 18 Carat Gold Watch

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Chopard 18 Karat Yellow Gold Happy Diamond Bracelet Watch
By Chopard
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Enjoy the high style of this fine vintage Ladies Chopard Happy Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ladies Chopard Happy Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Wristwatch Round Diamond Bezel
By Chopard
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
staple in the global world of high end jewelry. This elegant 18 karat yellow gold piece features gold
Category

20th Century Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ladies Chopard Happy Sport 18 Karat Rose Gold Wristwatch Square Diamond Bezel
By Chopard
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
links made of polished 18 karat rose gold, offering a rich, extravagant look. This stunning designer
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Ladies Chopard Happy Diamonds Sport 18 Karat Gold Wristwatch Round Diamond Bezel
By Chopard
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
) throughout the piece, as well as flexible links made of polished 18 karat yellow gold, offering a rich
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Trinity Tri-Gold Champagne Pave Diamond Dial Watch in 18 Karat Gold
By Cartier
Located in Towson, MD
One Estate 18k white, yellow and rose gold ‘tri-color’ ladies Cartier wristwatch from the Vendome
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

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

Ladies Two-Tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Diamond Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Ladies Two-Tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Diamond Bezel Watch. Absolutely exquisite wrist
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

DeLaneau 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Watch with Diamond Bows
By Delaneau
Located in New York, NY
to devote their entire collection to ladies timepieces. The face of this 18 karat yellow gold cushion
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Baume Mercier Ladies Wristwatch with Diamond Dial and Bezel in 18 Karat Gold
By Baume Mercier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Luxurious vintage Baume & Mercier ladies wristwatch embellished with 1.28 carats of glittering
Category

20th Century Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex 9 Carat Gold Ladies Wristwatch circa 1915 with Original Unrestored Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL: 9Ct. Solid
Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Mystery Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Lady's Rolex 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch. This interesting watch features 16 single cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ladies Rolex with 2.5 Carat Diamond Custom Dial and Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Hicksville, NY
combination of 18 karat yellow gold and stainless steel, weighing approximately 49 grams. Watch Details
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Mabros Ladies White Gold Diamond Quartz Wristwatch
Located in Hicksville, NY
Mabros 18 Karat White Gold 25 Carats of Diamonds Bracelet Watch F Color, VS clarity Diamonds All
Category

Vintage 1980s Hong Kong Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Secret Pavée Diamond 18k Yellow Ladies Watch Ref. VCA 1434
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Secret Pavée Diamond 18k yellow ladies watch Ref. VCA 1434 Serial #1386101
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Raymond Weil Geneve ref 5524. 18 Carat Yellow Gold. Excellent Condition.
By Raymond Weil
Located in Canterbury, England
large ladies vintage watch. A new quality leather strap is fitted with tang buckle and a presentation
Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Baume Mercier Ladies White Gold Diamond Quartz Wristwatch
By Baume Mercier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2010 Baume Mercier 18K White Gold Ladies Bracelet Wrist watch, 22 X 18 MM Oval 2 piece
Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier 18k White Gold Captive Ladies Diamond Dial Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
buckle are signed by Cartier, with reference number 3245 and serial number. The watch is made of 18
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vacheron Constantin Yellow Gold and Diamond Pave Ladies Mechanical Wristwatch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990 Vacheron Constantin Ladies Wrist Watch, 20 X 18 MM 2 piece case with Double Row Diamond
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Piaget Yellow Gold Diamonds and Pearl Dial Ladies Quartz Wristwatch
By Piaget
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990 Piaget Ladies Wrist Watch 18 X 14 M.M. 2 piece case, with a Bezel of fine White Round
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Piaget Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Black Onyx Polo Wristwatch, circa 1980
By Piaget
Located in Tustin, CA
18 karat yellow gold ladies Piaget Polo watch features a round black onyx face with two signature
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vacheron Constantin Diamond Ladies Wristwatch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in New York, NY
18 karat white gold.
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Woman Watch in 18K Yellow Gold, Circa 1940
Located in Paris, FR
Mechanical ladies' watch circa 1940 in 18-carat yellow gold in the shape of a half-sphere set with
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ladies Rolex Cellissima Cellini Diamond Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Ladies Rolex Cellissima Cellini wrist watch crafted in 18 karat white gold featuring a blue dial
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex 9 Ct Yellow Gold Ladies Early Wristwatch from 1915
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
: Gold Filled Period Bracelet / Fully Adjustable and Removeable Links WARRANTY: 18 months on the
Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Omega Vintage Tank Women Watch off White Dial Yellow Gold 18Karat
By Omega
Located in Vannes, FR
in 18 Ct yellow gold, giving the watch timeless elegance and incomparable value. The cushion-shaped
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Woman Watch in 18K Yellow Gold, Circa 1940 Tank Model Club Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Club brand mechanical ladies' watch circa 1940 Tank model in 18-carat yellow gold set with 2 rows
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French ladies Platinum Diamond Art Deco manual Wristwatch, 1930s
By Uti
Located in Poitiers, FR
of 11 brilliant-cut diamonds. Total weight of diamonds: approximately 0.15 carat. Bracelet in 18
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Fleurette Square Diamond Watch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
watch. Metal 18 karat white gold 25 Diamonds=1.92 carats F-VVS Dial White mother-of-pearl Strap Black
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Opal and Diamond Piaget Watch, circa 1970s
By Piaget
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful ladies' Piaget wristwatch circa 1970s, crafted in 18 karat white gold, with a spectacular
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Omega Lady s Rose Gold Diamond Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Omega 18k Rose Gold Ladies Wrist watch, measuring 18 MM and attached to a Rose Gold
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Ladies Diamond and Sapphire 18 Carat Gold Watch
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The strap on this watch is 9ct gold and the face is modelled in 18 ct gold. The face is also set
Category

Vintage 1950s British Modern More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, 9k Gold

Piaget Altiplano Diamond Wristwatch
By Piaget
Located in Miami, FL
Piaget Altiplano Diamond 24mm Ladies’ wristwatch. The face of the watch is crafted in 18 karat
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Solid 18-Carat Gold Diamond Ladies Rolex Precision Bracelet Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare solid 18-carat gold ladies Rolex Precision
Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Ladies Diamond Watch Conversion Necklace with Ametrine in White Gold circa 1930s
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
white gold Elgin ladies diamond watch, circa 1930. Eytan Brandes added a new backing and cleaned up all
Category

2010s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Belle Epoque, Gold, Diamond, Pearl Emerald Brooch Watch
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
45 single cut emeralds. The pocket watch to the inside of the rear has marks for 18 karat gold and
Category

Early 20th Century American Belle Époque Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 1925 Japonism Enameled Travel Clock In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Diamonds
By Cressarrow
Located in Miami, FL
with very elegant Japonism patterns in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with accents in platinum for the
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Bvlgari Trika Gold and Diamond Ladies Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Bulgari 'Trika' ladies watch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold featuring a chevron
Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Santos Demoiselle Gold and Diamond Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier Santos Demoiselle watch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The octagonal case (37
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Cartier Gold Diamond and Ruby Ladies Dress Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Retro Cartier ladies dress watch with an elegant woven bracelet crafted in 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Classique Gold and Diamond Ladies Watch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Van Cleef & Arpels 'Classique' watch crafted in 18 karat white gold with a double row
Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bvlgari LVCEA Stainless Steel and Rose Gold Watch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Bvlgari LVCEA Ladies watch crafted in 18 karat rose gold and stainless steel
Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Hermès Klikti White Gold and Diamond Women s Watch
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Hermès 'Klikti' ladies watch crafted in 18 karat white gold. The rectangular case
Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Hermès Cape Cod Diamond, Emerald, Mother-of-Pearl White Gold Watch
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Hermès 'Cape Cod' ladies watch crafted in 18 karat white gold. The case measures 32mm x
Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Piaget Polo Yellow Gold Diamond Ladies Watch
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Piaget polo ladies watch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and set with approximately 17
Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Audemars Piguet Gold Platinum Diamond Ladies Watch
By Audemars Piguet
Located in New York, NY
Elegant vintage Audemars Piguet watch crafted in 18 carat yellow gold and platinum. The watch is
Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Piaget White Gold Diamond and Agate Dial Ladies Watch
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Piaget ladies watch crafted in 18 karat white gold features a stunning oval agate stone
Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Panthere de Cartier Pink Gold and Diamond Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Classic Panthere de Cartier watch crafted in 18 karat pink gold with diamond bezel. The rectangular
Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Tank Américaine Yellow Gold and Diamond Leather Strap Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier Tank Américaine watch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold features an elongated case
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Tank Américaine White Gold and Diamond Leather Strap Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier Tank Américaine watch crafted in 18 karat white gold features an elongated case
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Piaget Yellow Gold Diamond and Lapis Dial Watch
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Piaget ladies watch made in 18 karat yellow gold with a stunning round lapis de lazuli
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18 Carat Gold Ladies Pocket Fob Watch, Working
Located in St Helens, GB
A fine antique fob pocket watch. Solid 18 carat gold example with floral engraving throughout the
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold

Chopard Imperiale Ladies Wrist Watch 18 Carat White Gold Full Diamonds
By Chopard
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
bezel. Case in 18 carat white gold. Dial and bracelet paved with diamonds. Dimension of the case
Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Omega Constellation Ladies Watch
By Omega
Located in London, GB
18K White Gold Omega Constellation Ladies Bracelet Dress Watch. The Watch Has A Lapis Blue Dial
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Omega De Ville 18 Carat White Gold and Diamond Vintage Ladies Automatic Watch
Located in Hamilton, AU
An exquisite 1970s cocktail ladies automatic watch, this opulent Omega De Ville in 18 carat white
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Ladies Chopard Two O Ten 18 Karat Gold and Steel 1.87 Carat Diamonds Watch
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Brand Chopard Model Two O Ten 108464-2001 Gender Ladies Condition Pre-owned Movement Swiss Quartz
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Cartier Baignoire Allongée 18 Carat Yellow Gold Lady Watch
By Cartier
Located in Paris, FR
Cartier ladies' watch, "Baignoire Allongée" model in 18K yellow gold, extra large elongated oval
Category

Early 2000s French Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe Twenty-4 Small 18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond Ladies Watch 4908
By Patek Philippe
Located in Atlanta, GA
Patek Philippe Twenty-4 Small 18K Rose Gold Diamond Ladies Watch 4908. Quartz movement. 18K rose
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier "Panther" Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A superb 18 carat yellow Gold Ladies Cartier "Panther" watch set with 2 rows of diamonds around the
Category

French Wrist Watches

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Ladies 18 Carat Gold Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact ladies 18 carat gold watch you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 50 vintage editions and 15 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect ladies 18 carat gold watch among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic ladies 18 carat gold watch over the years, but those made by Piaget, Rolex and Chopard are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A ladies 18 carat gold watch can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 39, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes asscher cut and baguette cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a ladies 18 carat gold watch, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Ladies 18 Carat Gold Watch?

The price for a ladies 18 carat gold watch starts at $1,566 and tops out at $88,000 with these watches, on average, selling for $6,898.

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.