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Art Deco Ladies White Gold Filled Manual Watch with Emeralds, Serviced, C1928
Located in Westward ho, GB
c1928 ladies Art Deco manual wrist watch, newly serviced Oct 2022. Original and in very beautiful
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Emerald, Gold-filled, White Gold

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Vendome Manual Wristwatch, circa 1970s
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
dial with Roman figures and blued steel hands. Powered by 17 jewel manual wind movement. A classic
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Elgin 563174 Pocket Watch 14k Yellow Gold White Dial Case Manual
By Elgin
Located in Surfside, FL
Ladies Elgin multi color gold hunter case pocket watch "6 size" in 14k. 15 jewels. Elaborate floral
Category

Vintage 1980s Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Ladies Rose Gold Concealed Dial Bracelet Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Verona, IT
18k rose gold Patek Philippe concealed dial bracelet watch, made in the 1940s. Pink dial with
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Art Deco Ladies 14k White Gold Filled Wrist Watch, c1932
Located in Westward ho, GB
For your consideration is this truly beautiful ladies original Art Deco manual wrist watch with
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Gold-filled, White Gold

Piaget, Gold Ladies Bracelet Watch W/Onyx Dial Diamonds
By Piaget
Located in New York City, NY
This is a Piaget, 18k yellow gold ladies bracelet watch with black onyx dial & baguette diamonds
Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Cartier Paris Rose Gold Tonneau shaped Large ladies watch. Circa 1996
By Cartier
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Cartier Paris Rose Gold Tonneau, Rare #44 of production. The watch measures 39 x 21mm (without
Category

1990s French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Piaget 9706 A6 White Gold Jade Dial Diamond Bezel Ladies Watch
By Piaget
Located in Great Neck, NY
White Gold Size: Will fit a 6.5" wrist Clasp: 18k White Gold Clasp Movement: Manual Wind Additional
Category

Late 20th Century European Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, White Gold

Benrus Classic Manual Wristwatch Reference W4751
By Benrus
Located in Surfside, FL
Vintage Ladies Benrus manual wind leather band with two piece clasp. Certified pre-owned. Manual
Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

10k Gold

Patek Philippe 1928-1929 Early Cushion Ladies Watch, 18K, Breguet Dial Sold 1933
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Patek Philippe 1928-1929 Early Cushion Ladies Watch; Made in 18K yellow gold measuring 21 x 21mm
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

9 Karat Gold 1930s Vintage Helvetia Ladies Wristwatch
Located in Carlisle, GB
9k Gold 1930’s Vintage Helvetia Ladies wristwatch This lovely tiny manual wind vintage ladies
Category

Vintage 1930s Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold

Retro Diamond Ruby Rose Gold Platinum Geometric Ladies Wristwatch
Located in Lombard, IL
good condition. Stamp 14K platinum on clasp - diamonds set in platinum. 7" length - Manual wind - no
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Movado Ladies Multicolor White Gold Diamond Turquoise Bracelet Wristwatch
By Movado
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Truly Unique 18k White Gold Wide-Link Bracelet Watch with Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Cartier Ladies 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gondole circa 1970s with Deployant
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold lady Gondole model circa 1970’s. Scarce and great looking elongated 24 x
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ladies Cartier Dual Time Zone Tonneau 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds circa 2000s
By Cartier
Located in West Hollywood, CA
be set to whatever time zone you wish. Powering the watch are technically two separate manual wind
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Piaget 1970 s Tiger Eye Dial And Bezel 18k Yellow Gold 25mm
By Piaget
Located in London, GB
condition vintage Piaget 18k Yellow Gold ladies wristwatch circa 1970's. An incredible Tiger Eye dial and
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Tiger s Eye, Yellow Gold

Rolex lady s yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Florentine wristwatch Ref 6551
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
: 6551 Circa: 1960s Movement: Manual-wind Rolex Cal. 1160 Case: 30mm 14k yellow gold with
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Chopard REF. 5053 1 Rare Opal Dial Large Diamond Bezel Oblong Case 18k
By Piaget
Located in London, GB
housing factory set round brilliant diamonds, sapphire crystal glass and manual-wind movement. This watch
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold

Omega 1970s De Ville Emerald Collection, Emerald-Cut Raised, Oblong Case
By Omega
Located in London, GB
bracelet, clasp with the Omega logo and manual-wind movement. This watch will fit a wrist of 16.5cm. It
Category

Vintage 1970s European Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Ladies 14 Karat White Gold Bulova Timepiece
By Bulova
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Dainty 14K white gold vintage Bulova is a 17 jewel manual wind watch. It is circa 1958 with
Category

Vintage 1950s American Modern More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Ladies 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Hamilton Timepiece
By Hamilton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14K white gold lady's Hamilton watch 17 jewel manual wind watch with black cord strap and 20 single
Category

Vintage 1950s American Modern More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Corum $10 US Gold Coin Ladies Watch Manual Wind
By Corum
Located in Simpsonville, SC
craftsmanship, the Coin Watch in 18K gold is a distinctive piece that merges history with modern watchmaking — a
Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe Ladies Yellow Gold Bracelet Manual Wind Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
: 18 Jewels / Manual Winding DIAL / HANDS: Original Charcoal Ellipse / Solid Gold Baton Hands
Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hamilton Manual Wind Ladies Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Birmingham, AL
This Gorgeous Vintage Hamilton Watch is made in 14K yellow Gold. It has a 7 inch bracelet and is
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage 1940s Omega Ladies Cocktail Watch 14K Yellow Gold – Manual Wind
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
A stunning 1940s Omega ladies' cocktail watch featuring a 14K yellow gold rectangular case with
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Chopard Ladies Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Chopard
Located in Firenze, IT
CHOPARD - a lady's wrist watch. Yellow gold case, stamped 750 with poincon. Numbered 336256 5107
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Flamor Ladies Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Women watch Flamor. Rectangular 18 carat yellow gold case. Revised and controlled watch - Perfect
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Blancpain Movement Manual Wind Ladies Watch 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Blancpain
Located in Fairfield, CT
Presenting a splendid example of mid-20th century craftsmanship, this 14 karat yellow gold ladies
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Piaget, Ladies 18 Karat Gold, Diamond and Malachite Manual Wind Bracelet Watch
By Piaget
Located in Braintree, GB
Piaget, Ladies 18K gold, diamond and malachite manual wind bracelet watch. Gender: Ladies Movement
Category

Early 2000s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Omega Ladies Yellow Gold Turler Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Princeton, NJ
Ladies Omega Turler manual wind watch with covered 15mm dial and mesh bracelet. The watch serial
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Ladies Gold Diamond Case manual wind Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
foxtail bracelet with an 18k yellow gold box clasp, mineral glass, back winder manual wind movement, in
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega White Gold Silver Dial Diamond Set Ladies Vintage Manual Wind Watch 8082
By Omega
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k White Gold Ladies Vintage Wristwatch, silver dial with applied index batons, a fixed 18k
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White 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

Jaeger LeCoultre Ladies Yellow Gold Duoplan manual wind Wristwatch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Mayfair, London, London
18k yellow gold bracelet with an 18k yellow gold pin buckle (not by JLC), mineral glass, manual wind
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Longines Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Lapis Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Longines
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Very Unusual Longines Ladies Wrist watch. 18K Yellow Gold and measuring 33 MM in
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Vintage Rolex Orchid 18k Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Manual Wind Ladies Watch 327
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Width: 15 mm Case Material: Yellow Gold Case Color: Gold Watch Shape: Oval Caseback: Solid Case
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

DeLaneau Ladies White Gold Diamond Dress manual wind Wristwatch
By Delaneau
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: manual wind Function: hours, minutes Case: 31mm oval 18k white gold case with diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Corum 18k Yellow Gold Manual Wind Ladies Golden Bridge
By Corum
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: manual wind Function: hours, minutes Case: 20 x 34mm 18K yellow gold and Lucite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Ladies Rolex 18 Karat Gold Cellini Ref.4106 Manual-Wind Dress Watch, LV867YEL
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, ladies 18k white and yellow gold Rolex Cellini Geneve manual wind dress watch, c
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Omega Diamond Manual Wind Ladies Wristwatch 18 Karat White Gold
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
snake bracelet of 18 karat white gold. Diamonds weigh 2.00 carats total. Manual Wind Mechanical movement.
Category

20th Century Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Patek Philippe Tegolino Manual Wind 18K Gold Gubelin Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Circa 1940 Patek Philippe Tegolino Gubelin manual wind wristwatch in 18K yellow gold with a
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

Rolex Ladies White Gold Cellini Manual Wind Wristwatch Ref 3803
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
gold jewellery style clasp, sapphire glass, manual wind movement, in excellent condition, comes with a
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Hamilton Ladies Rose Gold Diamond Ruby Vintage manual wind Wristwatch
By Hamilton
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: manual wind Function: hours, minutes Case: 14mm 14k rose gold case with diamonds, rubies
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Blancpain Ladies Yellow Gold Baton Dial Diamond Set Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Blancpain
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ladies Wristwatch, silvered dial with applied index batons, an 18k
Category

Vintage 1960s British Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Paris Tortue Yellow Gold and Diamond Ladies Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Cartier Paris Tortue Collection Ladies Wrist watch. 30 X 23 MM 18K yellow Gold Case
Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Piaget Ladies White Gold Diamond Set Dual Time Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Piaget
Located in Mayfair, London, London
integrated bracelet with a textured 18k white gold jewellery style clasp, sapphire glass, manual wind
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Jaeger LeCoultre Ladies White Gold Diamond Manual Wind Wristwatch Ref 166448
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ladies watch Jaeger- LeCoultre. Rectangular 18 carat white gold case, eagle head hallmark. Set
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

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

Patek Philippe Calatrava Ladies Gold Brown Dial 4858J Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Mayfair, London, London
strap with a brown satin finish and an original 18k yellow gold pin buckle, sapphire glass, manual wind
Category

Early 2000s British Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Ladies Yellow Gold Enamel Jazz Style Manual Wind Wristwatch
Located in London, GB
type. The arched rectangular hinged gold case with sapphire winder Manual-wind, 17-jewel movement
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Ellipse Black Onyx Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Ellipse Diamond Lady's Wristwatch by Cartier with Original Cartier Manual Wind
Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Lucien Piccard Ladies yellow Gold Gem Set Manual Wind Wristwatch, 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
and 3/8 inch thick. 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual Wind Movement. Silvered Dial with Raised Gold and
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Amethyst, Chrysophrase, Garnet, Opal, Cultured Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Top...

Ladies Gold Diamond Pearl and Onyx French Manual Wind Cocktail Wristwatch
Located in London, GB
An Early 20th Century, ladies', 18ct gold cocktail watch, with a silvered, octagonal dial, with
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre Ladies 18K Yellow Gold Duo Plan Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Mayfair, London, London
18k yellow gold bracelet with an 18k yellow gold pin buckle (not by JLC), mineral glass, manual wind
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Ladies Tricolor Gold Precision Manual Wind Bracelet Wristwatch, circa 1950
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Watch - Manual winding. 18k green gold case watch and bracelet measure 24mm wide. Hooded cover is
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Precision Rare Retro Manual Wind Bracelet Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Watch - Manual winding. 18k green gold case watch and bracelet measure 24mm wide. Hooded cover is
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe Cocktail Ladies Gold Diamond Set 4277/1 Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Mayfair, London, London
leather strap with a gold plated pin buckle (both not by Patek Philippe), sapphire glass, manual wind
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Piaget Diamond Set Ladies White Gold Silver Dial 3819P5 Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Piaget
Located in Mayfair, London, London
integrated bracelet with an 18k white gold jewellery style clasp, mineral glass, manual wind movement, in
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

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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.