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Baume Mercier Diamond Square Textured Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By Baume Mercier
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's Baume Mercier Diamond square textured 18k yellow gold wristwatch is an exquisite symphony of luxurious design and meticulous craftsmanship. Its alluring yellow gold case...
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Vintage Precision Rose Gold 9522
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 36mm vintage Rolex "Flying Saucer" Precision in rose gold. Features a rose champagne dial with a small seconds display. The piece is fitted with plastic glass, a manual wind moveme...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Patek Philippe Calatrava Yellow Gold Wristwatch Ref. 2452J
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
A vintage manual wind Patek Philippe watch from the Calatrava collection, featuring a 35 mm case
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel, Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe Round Crystal Dial Leather Strap Wristwatch in Yellow Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
A classic Patek Philippe wristwatch, featuring a round dial covered in crystal with hours and hands represented by yellow gold lines. Case and case back are made of 18K yellow gold. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

C.D. Peacock Art Deco Style 18 Karat French Hallmarked Wristwatch from 1953
Located in Long Beach, CA
movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This rare watch by the legendary house of C.D. Peacock is entirely
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

LeCoultre Yellow Gold Custom Colored Dial Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
original to watch. Black strap. 14k yellow gold Length: 38mm Diameter: 32mm Band width at case: 18mm Case
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Bueche-Girod Lapis-Lazuli Dial, Diamond Bezel Classic Wristwatch
By Bueche Girod
Located in Palm Beach, FL
example of mid-20th century cocktail jewelry.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hamilton Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By Hamilton
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's Hamilton 14k yellow gold wristwatch. Rectangle dial with 9 row mesh 14k yellow gold band with a fold over safety buckle. Full one year service warranty. Band length is 6 3/8 i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega King Midas Yellow Gold Quartz Men s Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Stamford, CT
Omega King Midas 14k yellow gold 8 inch wristwatch. Circa 1960-1970 Produced this men's watch as an
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Men s Stainless Steel Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1952 steel Omega manual wind 2667-2 wristwatch with strap. Caliber 420. Natural patina and slight staining to dial. All original. Length: 40.42mm Width: 32.50mm Band width a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Longines 1933 Caliber 13.82 Calatrava Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By Longines
Located in Stamford, CT
All original 1933, 33mm Calatrava 13.82 18k yellow gold wristwatch. Original dial and hands. Hinged 18k solid gold case. Crocodile band. Length: 39mm Width: 33mm Band width at cas...
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Gilt Tiffany Co Stainless Steel Gold Automatic Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Stamford, CT
: Acier Staybrite Omega Watch Co 2597-2 Movement: Omega Watch Co 17 jewels 351 11869795 All of our pre
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gilt Metal, Stainless Steel, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel

Patek Philippe Tiffany Co. Yellow Gold Gondolo Engraved mechanical Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
Engraved on back: " Bill on your fiftieth birthday with deep affection from all your partners April 2, 1914-1964" 18 kt., mechanical, dia. ap. 25 x 25 mm., dial, movement, case & c...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Ladies Diamond Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Stamford, CT
Ladies late 1960's Omega diamond dress wristwatch. Crafted in 18k yellow gold accented with a 24 round cut diamonds along the bezel which are set in 18k white gold. Solid Omega mesh ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Money Clip in 14 Karat Solid White Gold with Jade and Diamonds May 13th...
Located in Long Beach, CA
Low profile money clip in 14K white gold with diamond set "S" or "5" and "13". If these are lucky symbols for you or someone you know, it could be a meaningful gift.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, White Gold

Vintage Rolex Datejust 1964 Reference 1603
By Rolex
Located in Tucson, AZ
original markers, date display at 3 o’clock, and signature fluted bezel, the watch exemplifies mid-century
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

.12 Carat Diamond Pearl Lady in Red Ladies Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's Lady in red wristwatch. Bright, customized red dial by Peter Suchy Jewelers. Manual wind movement. Bright red band. 20 cultured crème color pearls 2.1mm -2.8mm 6 single cut d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tritona Cal AS 1130 German Military
Located in London, GB
from the mid-20th century. These Tritona watches were often issued to German military personnel during
Category

Vintage 1940s European Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Jaeger LeCoultre for Pierre Cardin 1970s Large Steel Mechanical Wristwatch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Mid Century Wrist Watch for Pierre Cardin, 47 X 30 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 piece case
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

1940s Retro Ruby and Diamond Watch, Bracelet and Brooch Clip
By Concord Watch
Located in Wailea, HI
1940's Retro Ruby and Diamond Watch, Bracelet and Brooch Clip A Truly Remarkable Piece of Jewelry
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Vintage Girard Perregaux Mid Century Modern Ladies Watch Brooch Pin
By Girard Perregaux
Located in Montreal, QC
called "nurse watches" or pendant watches, popular in the mid-20th century, typically featuring small
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Brooches

Materials

Gold-filled

Antique Victorian 18K Rose Gold Enamel Pocket Watch Key, Mid-19th Century
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This exceptional pocket watch key is a fine example of 19th-century horological artistry and the
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel

Mid Century Modern Long Silver Brutalist Watch Chain Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
tripled for a shorter look. Or suspend a watch, locket or pendant; measuring approx. 57.5” long; weighing
Category

Vintage 1960s Modernist Link Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Gold Galloping Horse Motif Pocket Watch Chain, 19th Century
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This rare and luxurious 19th-century pocket watch chain is an outstanding example of equestrian
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Dutch Victorian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Platinum Diamond Bracelet Watch
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Platinum Diamond Bracelet Watch 39.9 grams 92 Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Gold Filled Victorian Watch Fob with Carnelian Cabochon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
ornate floral repousse work to the setting. Simply a wonderful fob! Date: Early to Mid-19th Century
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Gold-filled

Antique Sterling Silver Turquoise Coral Watch Band
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Sterling Silver Turquoise Coral Watch Band Good condition! It has some toning but looks great! 5
Category

Mid-20th Century Charm Bracelets

Materials

Coral, Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Diamond and Gold Ring Watch by Bueche Girod
By Bueche Girod
Located in Midhurst, GB
This completely fabulous Bueche Girod ring watch, crafted in gold and adorned with 20 diamonds
Category

Mid-20th Century European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Retro Gold and Diamond Tassel Bracelet Watch (Not Functioning)
Located in Princeton, NJ
An attractive and special retro 14 karat yellow gold tassel bracelet with a mechanical watch
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Blue Enamel Bow Watch Lapel Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Embrace timeless elegance with our exquisite Panto watch brooch. This captivating piece features a
Category

Mid-20th Century Brooches

Materials

18k Gold

Antique White Gold Diamond Ring Watch Circa 1890 s
Located in Mayfair, London, London
, making it an exceptional collector's item. At its heart, the ring showcases a manual wind watch
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Antique Victorian Yellow Gold and Smoky Quartz Watch Fob Pendant
Located in New York, NY
An ornate watch fob featuring a faceted smoky quartz set in an intricately detailed gold frame. The
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Quartz, Gold

Antique 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Early Victorian Round Pocket Watch Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
back in time with this exquisite early Victorian pocket watch locket, crafted from 15ct yellow gold
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro 14K Yellow Gold Mystery Watch Diamond Bracelet w Accent Tassel Charm
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
design of this mid-century diamond accented woven 14 karat yellow gold bracelet with unique mystery
Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Italian 18k Gold Aventurine Etruscan Revival Watch Fob Pendant Charm
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
as a sophisticated decoration to a pocket watch, handbag or other personal items. Weight: 20.68
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Etruscan Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aventurine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Champlevé Green Enamel Diamond Châtelaine and Watch Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
with Diamonds. Mid 19th Century. Working watch expertly refurbished. More Beautiful in real time! A
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Bulova 2 dial Watch In 10k Gold With New Brown Lather Strap Circa 1940s
By Bulova Watch Company
Located in New York, NY
Bulova 2 dial Watch In 10k Gold With New Brown Lather Strap Circa 1940s stylish art Deco and
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

10k Gold

Jaeger-LeCoultre Art Deco Ladies Watch in 14 Karat White Gold, circa 1940s-1950s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Long Beach, CA
complicated watches which were sold by Cartier. In fact this model is the exact example of the watch sold by
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Dial, circa 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men s Wristwatch Ref 6066
By Rolex
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century all original, 1951 Rolex stainless steel oyster date precision wristwatch. Red date
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Concord Ladies Diamond Mesh Watch, Quartz Movement, Retro
By Concord Watch
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
Ladies Diamond mesh Concord watch. The movement is quartz. The metal is 14 karat. Retro style
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Art Deco Bulova Gents White Gold Fill Watch, Serviced, circa 1935
By Bulova Watch Company
Located in Westward ho, GB
For your consideration is this rather stylish and unusual gents manual wrist watch dating to 1935
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, White Gold

Art Deco White Gold Filled Ladies Watch by Bulova, Serviced, circa 1935
By Bulova Watch Company
Located in Westward ho, GB
We are delighted to be able to offer you this wonderful ladies Art Deco watch made by the American
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, White Gold

Cartier Pasha Stainless Steel Automatic Mid-Size Watch W31015M7
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Rating: 100 m (10 ATM) Model: Pasha Display: Analog Serial Number: W31015M7 Watch Shape: Round Year of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Lapine Paris Madame de Pompadour Portrait Pocket Watch
Located in Greenwich, CT
chain movement, mounted in a gold case, circa mid-18th century, numbered 4822, designed by Lepine Paris
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Georgian Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Oscar Heyman Platinum Diamond Mid-Century Bracelet Wristwatch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in San Francisco, CA
, Oscar Heyman, comes this stunning platinum and diamond Art Deco inspired watch bracelet. The tapered
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Ballon Bleu 18 Karat Rose Gold Automatic Mid-Size Watch WE9005Z3
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
: Ballon Bleu Display: Analog Serial Number: WE9005Z3 Watch Shape: Round Year of Manufacture: Not
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Air-King 5 Serial Stainless Steel Automatic Mid-Size Watch 5500
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Resistance Rating: 50 m (5 ATM) Model: Air-King (5 Serial) Display: Analog Serial Number: 5500 Watch Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

VACHERON CONSTANTIN Mid Century Gold Wristwatch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Southampton, NY
A 1940’s classic, this Vacheron & Constantin wristwatch of chic 18K yellow gold has a 35mm face with sleek gold baton hands and Roman numerals, a sweep second hand dial and teardrop ...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Retro Diamond Gold Cover Watch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Retro 1940s beauty was created in 14KT yellwo gold evoking the essence of the era. The watch
Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Patek Philippe 2488J Manual Wind Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: This 2488J vintage rectangular Patek Philippe watch features sub-seconds dial, and a
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe 3491/3G Ladies Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: This Patek Philippe 3491/3G ladies watch features a 26 x 26 mm case with textured
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

1940s Dress Watch by Andre Vassort
By Andre Vassort
Located in London, GB
18ct Gold and Diamond set mechanical dress watch by Andre Vassort
Category

Mid-20th Century French Post-War Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Steel IWC International Watch Company, 1950s
Located in Bologna, IT
A vintage Steel IWC International Watch Company, dating from the 1950s. BRAND IWC International
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Patek Philippe 2551J Calatrava Watch, circa 1955
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
gold. The watch measures 36mm in diameter, powered with an 12-600 caliber automatic movement, #762136
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

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Mid Century Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate mid century watch for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and 14k Gold. You can easily find a 1056 antique edition and 24 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect mid century watch may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic mid century watch over the years, but those made by Rolex, Patek Philippe and Georg Jensen are often thought to be among the most beautiful. While most can agree that any mid century watch from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 184 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also brilliant cut cut and rose cut cut versions available here, too. If you’re browsing our inventory for a mid century 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 Mid Century Watch?

The price for a mid century watch starts at $98 and tops out at $190,000 with these watches, on average, selling for $3,192.

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.

Questions About Mid Century Watch
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century is considered the middle of the century, however as it pertains to furniture and design, mid-century is an American design movement known for its modern style, construction and the Modernist movement. It is typically simple and clean lines without embellishments. Shop a range of mid-century modern designs on 1stDIbs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.