Skip to main content

Manual Wind Ladies Watch Gold

to
21
599
157
680
330
260
160
93
87
72
56
55
39
28
23
17
17
10
4
2
1
1
150
129
98
72
36
Sort By
Piaget Lady s Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet Wristwatch
By Piaget
Located in Chicago, IL
Carat. Gold Textured Dial with Raised Gold Markers. Manual Wind Movement. Comes in Original Piaget
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Piaget Lady s Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Wristwatch
By Piaget
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Piaget 18K yellow Gold ladies Watch measuring 1 1/8 X 7/8 inch and having a Round
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Lady s Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Rolex ladies bracelet Watch, 14k yellow Gold, signed Rolex Case and attached to a 14k
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Piaget Lady s White Gold Diamond Lapis Wristwatch
By Piaget
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 Piaget ladies 18K White Gold wrist watch, measuring 1 x 7/8 inch, original factory bezel
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

14K Yellow Gold Tiffany Co. Wristwatch 17j, 1978
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14K Yellow Gold Tiffany & Co. Wristwatch 17j, 1978 Ladies vintage 14k yellow gold Tiffany & Co
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Universal Geneve Gold Diamond and Malachite Mechanical Wristwatch
By Universal Genève
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Universal Geneve Ladies Wrist Watch, 25 M.M. 18K Yellow Gold 2 Piece case with Diamond
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Jaeger Lecoultre His And Hers Set Gold Wristwatches
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Very rare 18k yellow gold Jaeger LeCoultre set of two thin manual-wind watches by Van Cleef &
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Piaget Yellow Gold Diamond and Turquoise Stone Dial Mechanical Wristwatch
By Piaget
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 Piaget Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 M.M. 2 Piece 18K Yellow Gold case, White Gold Bezel set
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Baum Mercier 1960s Yellow Gold and Diamond Iceberg Hidden Bracelet Wristwatch
By Baume Mercier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Baum & Mercier 14K Yellow Gold Mid Century Funky cool "Iceberg" Ladies Hidden Wrist
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Diamond Covered Bracelet Wristwatch Ref 3266/80
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Patek Philippe Reference 3266/80 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Covered Wrist watch. Measuring
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Piaget Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Tigers Eye Dial Wristwatch Ref 9329A6 - 179549
By Piaget
Located in MIAMI, FL
Circa 1960s 18K Yellow Gold vintage Piaget Ladies Wrist Watch, Manual Wind movement, solid genuine
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Tiger s Eye, 18k Gold

Patek Philippe Silver Dial Diamond Set 3395/1 White Gold Cocktail Wristwatch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Mayfair, London, London
with an 18k white gold jewellery style clasp, sapphire glass, manual wind movement, in excellent
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Patek Philippe Platinum Diamond Emerald and Pearl Bracelet 1920s Wristwatch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Patek Philippe Ladies Art Deco Wrist Watch, 35 MM X 10 MM Platinum French hallmarked
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Art Deco Ladies Geometric Enamel Wrist Watch By Elgin, Fully Serviced, c1933
By Elgin Clocks
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this lovely Art Deco ladies wrist watch which looks great for both
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Vintage Solid 18-Carat Gold Diamond Ladies Rolex Precision Bracelet Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
wind movement I have ever seen. The watch is 70 grams of solid 18-carat gold stamped 750, its 16.7cm
Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Tiffany Co. Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
manual wind and not in working order. Case is signed Tiffany & Co France 18K, 53549. The watch is 6 1/2
Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Ladies Deco Covered Watch
By Omega
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Omega 18k ladies Deco watch with woven gold tassel, diamond accent, diamond hinged cover on an
Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Piaget 18k Malachite Ladies Watch
By Piaget
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Piaget 18k yellow gold and green malachite dress watch. This has a manual wind movement, 26mm x
Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe Ladies Diamond 18k Gold Dress Watch # 4506/1
By Patek Philippe
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Patek Philippe 18k yellow gold and diamond dress watch. It has a 18 jewel manual wind movement
Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe Ladies Yellow Gold Calatrava Wristwatch Ref 4905
By Patek Philippe
Located in Miami Beach, FL
showing the manual-wind movement.
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Tank Louis Yellow Gold Leather Strap Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier 'Tank Louis' ladies watch crafted in 18 karat yellow gold features a classic
Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Small Platinum Ceinture Ladies Wristwatch, circa 1975
By Cartier
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This is the small 25x25 version of the Cartier Ceinture equipped with a manual wind movement. The
Category

Vintage 1970s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

Longines Ladies Rose Gold Conquest Calendar Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1967
By Longines
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The is an elegant Longines Conquest calendar watch with a caliber 291 manual wind movement, an
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Paris Ladies Yellow Gold Mini Tank manual wind Wristwatch, circa 1960s
By Cartier
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Cartier Paris Mini Tank in 18k yellow gold has a manual wind movement, cream dial with Roman
Category

Vintage 1960s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe 7119J Ladies Calatrava Manual Wind Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: This Patek Philippe 7119J ladies Calatrava watch features a manual wind movement with
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Yellow Gold Ladies Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Pre Owned Ladies Manual Winding wrist watch. White Dial with black Roman numerals. 18k
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Ladies Omega 18ct White Gold and Diamond Watch, Manual Wind, Circa 1970
By Omega
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A beautiful Omega ladies 18ct white gold and diamond cocktail wristwatch with manual winding
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vacheron Constantin Ladies White Gold Manual wind Wristwatch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in New York, NY
Timeless and elegant day to night wrist watch. Made and signed by VACHERON CONSTANTIN. 18K white
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Paris Ladies White Gold Diamond Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Paris Ladies 18K White Gold and Diamond Manual Wind Watch with Guilloche Dial Case Shape
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold "Gondole" Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Cartier dial with Roman figures and blued steel hands. Powered by 17 jewel manual wind movement. With
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Vacheron Constantin Hermès Ladies Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Fine lady's 18k yellow gold manual winding watch with 18k yellow gold bracelet. Mechanical
Category

Vintage 1930s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Cellini Geneve 4335 Vintage 18 Karat Gold Manual Wind Square Ladies Watch
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex Cellini Geneve 4335 Vintage 18K Gold Manual Wind Square Lady's Watch
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Wrist Watches

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Vendome Tank Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
powered by 17 jewel manual wind movement with cabochon sapphire crown. With crocodile strap and Cartier
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ladies Yellow Gold Vintage Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Manual Wind Ladies Dress Watch Gold Toned Dial with Hours and
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe 4860J Ladies Officers Case Calatrava Manual Wind Watch Circa 1994
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Patek Philippe 4860J Ladies Style Officers Case Calatrava. The watch made in 18K yellow gold with a
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Stone Dial Cellini Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Cellini 18K Yellow Gold Manual Wind Ladies Watch Factory Brown Stone Degrade Dial With Rolex
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe Ladies Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch Ref 3306
By Patek Philippe
Located in Dallas, TX
Patek Philippe Ladies 3306 Wrist Watch in 18K Yellow Gold. This is an heirloom piece you can pass
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Tank Louis Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
hands and signed SWISS. Powered by 17 jewel manual wind caliber ETA 2512 movement with cabochon sapphire
Category

1990s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Vacheron Constantin Ladies White Gold Diamond Manual Wind Bracelet Wristwatch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Beautiful Opal Diamond Bracelet Watch by Vacheron Constantin. 18k Solid White Gold. Classic
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Piaget ladies White Gold Diamond Opal Manual-Wind Bracelet Wristwatch
By Piaget
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Beautiful 18k White Gold Woven-Link Bracelet Watch with Opal Diamond Dial, by Piaget
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Omega Ladies Yellow Gold Dress Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1951
By Omega
Located in West Hollywood, CA
jewel manual wind caliber 244 movement serial # 13.0 million. Note, band attachments visible in photo
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Patek Philippe Ladies Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch Ref 3266
By Patek Philippe
Located in Dallas, TX
Patek Philippe Ladies 3266 Wrist Watch in 18K Yellow Gold. This is an heirloom piece you can pass
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Ladies White Gold Diamond Coral Manual-Wind Bracelet Wristwatch
By Chopard
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. Original Fitted Coral Dial. Unusual Case Design. Manual-Wind Movement.
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Chopard Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Coral Bracelet Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Chopard
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dial with Manufacturer's and Swiss Marks. circa 1970s Manual Wind.
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Ceinture manual wind Wristwatch, circa 1970s
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
with classic black Roman figures and blued steel hands. Powered by 17 jewel manual wind ETA 2512
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Santos Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1940s
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Movement #168 (17 jewels) Case #46231 18k Yellow Gold Case w/ Faceted Sapphire Crown 20 mm Wide (23
Category

Vintage 1940s French Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Turquoise Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1970s
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An 18k Yellow Gold Turquoise & Diamond Watch by Cartier. Manual Wind Movement. Case Measures 25mm
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold

Piaget Ladies White Gold Diamond Onyx Mystery Bracelet Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Piaget
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center. "Mystery" Hour Marker. Solid 18k White Gold Woven-Link Bracelet. Manual Wind Movement
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Patek Philippe 7119G Ladies Calatrava Manual Wind, Not Worn
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Patek Philippe 7119G Ladies Calatrava 31 mm Manual Wind Circ. 2011 This Classic Calatrava, comes
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Tank Louis Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1970s
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
steel hands and signed SWISS. Powered by 17 jewel manual wind Cartier ETA 2512-1 movement with Cartier
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Tank Louis manual wind Wristwatch, circa 1970s
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
time has added to an already beautiful dial. Powered by 17 jewel manual wind Cartier ETA 2512-1
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Ladies Cartier Gondola 18 Karat Yellow Gold Manual Wind, circa 1970s
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
jewel manual wind signed Cartier movement. An attractive medium sized thin dress model. Offered on
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Ladies gold plated Tank Louis manual wind wristwatch, circa 1970s
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
screws and is powered by a 17 jewel manual wind Cartier ETA 2512-1 movement with Cartier cabochon
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Cartier Ladies yellow gold Vendome Tank manual wind wristwatch, circa 1970s
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
powered by 17 jewel manual wind movement with cabochon sapphire crown. With Cartier signed unworn dark
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Piaget Ladies Yellow Gold Mother-of-Pearl Altiplano Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Piaget
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Gold Dial Color: Mother of Pearl w/ Arabic Numerals Movement: Mechanical Engine: Piaget
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Precision Dress Model manual wind wristwatch, c 1950s
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
with applied gold indexes, applied Rolex logo, and gilt sword hands. Powered by 17 jewel manual wind
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Piaget Ladies White Gold and Onyx Pave Diamond Dial Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
Piaget 18K White Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch Factory Pave Diamond Dial Accented by Onyx Inlaid
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Manual Wind Ladies Watch Gold", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Manual Wind Ladies Watch Gold For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact piece of manual wind ladies watch gold you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and yellow gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 970 vintage editions and 71 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for an item from our selection of manual wind ladies watch gold from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. A choice in our collection of manual wind ladies watch gold from Piaget, Cartier and Rolex — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. An object in our assortment of manual wind ladies watch gold can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 311 diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. 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 baguette cut and marquise cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for an option in this array of manual wind ladies watch gold, 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 Manual Wind Ladies Watch Gold?

The price for a piece of manual wind ladies watch gold starts at $269 and tops out at $162,000 with these watches, on average, selling for $6,116.

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.