Rare Watches
Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
White Gold, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century Wrist Watches
14k Gold
Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches
Steel
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
White Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Antique 1890s Swiss Edwardian Pocket Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
Rose Gold, Silver, Niello
Vintage 1940s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches
1990s Wrist Watches
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
1990s Wrist Watches
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
Gold Plate
Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Steel
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
Antique 19th Century French Pocket Watches
Brass
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
Rose Gold
20th Century German Pocket Watches
Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
20th Century Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Antique 1880s Swiss Victorian Pocket Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Antique Early 1900s Swiss Art Nouveau Pocket Watches
Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
1990s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
2010s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Mixed Metal, Stainless Steel
Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Antique 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold
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Rare Watches For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Rare Watches?
Finding the Right Watches for You
Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs.
While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind.
Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. 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.
Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic 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 watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory.
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.
When shopping for a watch, 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 exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs that includes Cartier watches, Rolex watches, Patek Philippe watches and more — we promise it will be worth your time.
- How rare are AP watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Many people would consider AP watches to be rare. The Swiss luxury watchmaker typically manufactures only around 40,000 timepieces per year, and demand for them tends to be high. As a result, there are often lengthy waiting lists for Audemars Piguet watches. However, you can still find various models for sale on trusted online platforms. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Audemars Piguet watches.
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The Rolex Datejust Is Celebrating Its 80th Anniversary
The watch has transformed several times over, but it’s still undeniably a classic.
The Rolex Bluesy
This is perhaps the least subtle version of the Submariner.
Rolex Starbucks
If you think this looks like the Rolex Kermit, you're correct.
The Rolex Hulk
This all-green version of the Submariner is much sought-after.
The Rolex Sprite
This model was designed for lefties.
The Rolex Pepsi
This model's other nickname, Pussy Galore, come from a James Bond film.
Patek Philippe’s Calatrava Watch Is an Icon of Understated Elegance
Launched in 1932, the model has become emblematic of quality craftsmanship and timeless design.
Bulgari’s Serpenti Wristwatch Is the Power Piece of the Moment, Again
From Elizabeth Taylor to Zendaya, the Serpenti has been the accessory of choice for generations of it girls.