Unique Vintage Watches
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Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 1025 Watch, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
watch with Rare Unique Triangle Beveled Pattern Bezel with Original Silver Dial with Applied Gold Color
Category
1960s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Vacheron Constantin 18 Karat Yellow Gold Basket Weave Watch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Dallas, TX
From Vacheron Constantin, this 1970s 18k yellow gold watch has a unique square case with a basket
Category
1970s Modern Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe Ellipse in 18k Yellow Gold with Sigma Dial on a Unique Brick
By Patek Philippe
Located in Surfside, FL
Patek Philippe Ellipse in 18k with Sigma dial on a unique brick link bracelet. Auto. 30 mm case
Category
1980s Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank Française W51028Q3 Ladies
Watch - Elegant Steel Quartz
By Cartier
Located in Holtsville, NY
durability for daily wear.
Protected by a sapphire crystal windshield, the watch features a unique pink
Category
1990s Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Never Used Art Deco Gents Wrist Watch, 1930s, Luxia, Swiss
Located in Westward ho, GB
Luxia. Swiss made, 1930s. Watches in this condition, from those years are unique, difficult to find
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Unique Vintage Watches
Superb Art Deco Gents Wrist Watch by Lov, circa 1930s
Located in Westward ho, GB
made watch is by LOV . Watches in this condition, from those years are unique, difficult to find. This
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Unique Vintage Watches
Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre Ladies 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch, 1960s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1960's Vintage Jaeger - Le Coultre Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Back Wind watch with Unique Ridged Sides
Category
1960s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Cartier Panthère de Cartier Mini WSPN0019 New Ladies Watch Luxury Timepiece
By Cartier
Located in Holtsville, NY
innovation. The Panthère is celebrated for its unique blend of watch and jewelry characteristics, appealing
Category
1980s Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Authentic Rolex Datejust 16234, Silver Tapestry, Tropical T Series, Men
s Watch
By Rolex
Located in Holtsville, NY
adds character and depth, making each watch uniquely its own. The automatic movement within ensures
Category
Late 20th Century Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
White Gold, Silver
1980s-1990s Chopard Happy Diamond Emerald Approx 14 Carat Bracelet Watch
By Chopard
Located in New york, NY
-winning special-order piece unique, “Happy Diamond” Chopard Bracelet watches. Furthermore, it is the only
Category
1990s Swiss Contemporary Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Original Art Deco Gents Wrist Watch by Lov/ Never Worn, circa 1930
Located in Westward ho, GB
made watch is by LOV . Watches in this condition, from those years are unique, difficult to find. This
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Steel
Omega 18 Karat Gold Diamond Set Double Tiger Eye Dial Bracelet Watch
By Omega
Located in New york, NY
emphasis was on the dial in many of these wide uniquely shaped bracelet watches... sometimes with different
Category
1970s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Tiger s Eye, 18k Gold
Stylish Art Deco Gents Wrist Watch by Lov or Never Worn, circa 1930
Located in Westward ho, GB
. This Swiss made watch is by LOV . Watches in this condition, from those years are unique, difficult to
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Steel
Original Art Deco Gents Wrist Watch by Lov or Never Worn, circa 1930
Located in Westward ho, GB
made watch is by LOV . Watches in this condition, from those years are unique, difficult to find. This
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Steel
One of a Kind Fred Paris Gerald Genta Diamond MOP Gold Watch Bracelet
By Gérald Genta
Located in Lambertville, NJ
One of a kind unique custom made watch, featuring Gerald Genta mechanical movement in a Fred Paris
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Datejust 36mm 6605
By Rolex
Located in Surfside, FL
Between Red and Black). Additionally, the watch includes a unique accessory: a Rolex USA Jubilee style
Category
1950s Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
$11,800
Cartier Yellow Gold A One of a Kind Santos 1960s Blue Enamel and Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
enamel.
A special watch for a unique person.
Signed stamped and numbered
Category
1960s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Diamond Dial Datejust Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
watch is a unique addition to any watch collection.
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rolex King Midas Cellini Reference 4126 with Rare Case, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970's Vintage Rolex King Midas Cellini Ref. 4126 18k Yellow Gold watch with Unique Rare Studded
Category
1970s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Hermes Stainless Steel Openwork Wristwatch
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
band. A unique interesting watch.
Alice Kwartler has sold the finest antique gold and diamond
Category
1970s French Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Steel
Piaget White Gold Diamond Turquoise Manual Wind Bracelet Wristwatch
By Piaget
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Stylish and Unique White Gold Bracelet Watch with Diamonds
Turquoise, by Piaget. Original
Category
1970s Swiss Modern Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
White Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
IWC Novecento 18k yellow gold Wristwatch Ref 3545
By IWC
Located in Surfside, FL
, month, day and date. Case length 40 mm lug to lug and width 26.4 mm. Very unique for a rectangular watch
Category
20th Century Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Cartier White Gold Limited Series Driver Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
anniversary of the Cartier. This watch is unique in that features a 18k white gold deployment clasp that opens
Category
1990s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
18k Gold, White Gold
Patek Philippe Classic 28mm 438
By Patek Philippe
Located in Surfside, FL
a case diameter of 28mm (not including the crown). This manual wind watch features unique Arabic
Category
1940s Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rare Never Worn, Art Deco Swiss Tank Gentleman
s Wristwatch, circa 1930
Located in Westward ho, GB
made watch is by Lanco and still has it's original label attached. Watches in this condition, from
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Unique Vintage Watches
Rolex 14K YG Oyster Perpetual ref# 1002
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
a unique charm to this watch.The unique original dial also features gold baton hands, and atypically
Category
1970s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Blue Dial Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
watch its own unique look and feel, different from every other 1680 around.
Category
1970s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Rolex Yellow Gold Datejust Wristwatch Ref 1601 circa 1961
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
beautiful hue, which makes this watch truly unique. Exceptionally mint condition case with heavy lugs
Category
1960s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Large 1960s Patek Philippe Gilbert Albert 18 Kt Asymmetrical Wristwatch
By Patek Philippe
Located in New york, NY
Patek Philippe as part of the unique series of handmade asymmetrical watches. These unique timepieces
Category
1960s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Vacheron
Constantin 18K YG dress model
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
complete with original large parchment warranty,, smaller guarantee, and brass medallion all showing unique
Category
1960s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
18k Gold
OMEGA - Vintage Flightmaster Chronograph GMT Cal 911 Ref 145.036
By Omega
Located in Los Angeles, CA
functionality of each button and further enhance the uniqueness of the watch. When judging these vintage models
Category
1970s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Cartier Baignoire Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire set
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
, elongated oval shape, which gives it a unique and timeless look.
This watch features sparkling diamonds
Category
1990s Swiss Modern Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
1952 Rolex Precision Model 6044 “Royal” Oyster
By Rolex
Located in Raleigh, NC
1952! Let me introduce you to a special watch. It’s a Rolex that has a very special Crown.
One of
Category
1950s Swiss Modernist Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
1964 Rolex Submariner Tropical Dial Stainless Steel 5513 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
simple humidity and pressure changes over decades and gives a totally unique patina to each watch in this
Category
1960s Unknown Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
1964 Rolex Submariner Tropical Dial Stainless Steel 5513 Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire
simple humidity and pressure changes over decades and gives a totally unique patina to each watch in this
Category
1960s Unknown Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Rolex Yellow Gold Virated Dial Submariner Wristwatch Ref 1680/8
By Rolex
Located in Paris, FR
Extremely rare and maybe unique Rolex submariner reference 1680/8 in yellow gold with a virated
Category
1970s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Gold
Ettore Sottsass Chronograph Watch, Collection Sottsass for Seiko, Japan, 1993
By Seiko, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Chicago, IL
First edition, out-of-production Sottsass Collection chronograph wrist watch designed by Ettore
Category
1990s Japanese Post-Modern Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Piaget 1970s Gold "Cage" Bracelet
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
style and gold work of this piece is reminiscent of the collectible and coveted Piaget bracelet watches
Category
1970s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Ettore Sottsass Collection Seiko Chronograph Wristwatch, 1st Ed., Japan, 1993
Located in Chicago, IL
, which is what creates the unique floating effect on these watches and chronographs.
Later, in 1995
Category
1990s Japanese Post-Modern Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Crystal, Stainless Steel
Montgomery Buttons Kaluhiokalani, Small Faces Surfboard circa 1980
By Small Faces Surfboards
Located in Los Angeles, CA
miles away in Venice California. What made Buttons unique and a thrill to watch was his ability to take
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Fiberglass, Foam
Patek Philippe 4815/1J La Flamme Bracelet Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
flexible bracelet was extremely unique to Patek Philippe
This watch was made in 1994 and sold in 1995
Category
20th Century Swiss Modern Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Vacheron Constantin 18 Karat Yellow Gold Basket Weave Watch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Dallas, TX
From Vacheron Constantin, this 1970s 18 karat yellow gold watch has a unique square case with a
Category
1970s Modern Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18 Karat 3-Color Gold White Diamond Necklace Watch Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Antwerp, BE
: 0.118 inches
Length Watch: 1.33 inches
Width Watch: 0.98 inches
Unique one of a kind piece
All of our
Category
1980s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
White Diamond, 18k Gold
1970s Piaget Platinum Diamond Emerald Concealed Bracelet Watch Approx 25 Carat
By Piaget
Located in New york, NY
.
In addition to this extremely unique and beloved period bracelet watch concept which was implemented
Category
1970s Swiss Retro Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Hermes Black Leather Gold Plated Steel "Medor" Studded Hidden Face Watch
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1995, this unique vintage Hermes watch features a black leather band and gold plated steel
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Unique Vintage Watches
Art Deco Gents Wristwatch by Lov/ Never Worn, circa 1930
Located in Westward ho, GB
. This Swiss made watch is by LOV . Watches in this condition, from those years are unique, difficult to
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
watch a unique and interesting appearance. The watch was made circa 1986 with serial number 916XXXX
Category
1980s Swiss Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Ettore Sottsass Watch, Collection Sottsass for Seiko, Japan, 1993
By Seiko, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Chicago, IL
level, which is what creates the unique floating effect on these watches and chronographs. A very
Category
1990s Japanese Post-Modern Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Ettore Sottsass Chronograph, Collection Sottsass for Seiko, Purple, Japan, 1993
By Seiko, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Chicago, IL
unique floating effect on these watches and chronographs. A very subtile and clever design requiring high
Category
1990s Japanese Post-Modern Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Universal Geneve Yellow Gold Polerouter Deluxe Vintage Automatic Wristwatch
By Universal Genève
Located in Boston, MA
unique bombe style lugs, note the inward curvature of the lugs that gives this watch a truly unique
Category
Mid-20th Century Unique Vintage Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
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Unique Vintage Watches For Sale on 1stDibs
On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of unique vintage watches. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and yellow gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 614 vintage editions and 84 modern creations to choose from as well. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 19th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. The designs in our inventory of unique vintage watches bearing modern or Art Deco hallmarks are very popular. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Rolex, Cartier and Omega are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Browse our collection of 71 diamond versions today to add the perfect touch to your look. There are many round cut, marquise cut and mixed cut unique vintage watches for sale. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of unique vintage watches, as most of the options available are for women.
How Much are Unique Vintage Watches?
Prices for unique vintage watches start at $111 and top out at $275,000 with these watches, on average, selling for $3,844.
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 Unique Vintage Watches
- What is a vintage watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A vintage watch is any watch that is at least two decades old. A model number can usually be found on a watch's movement for identification purposes, and date marks on the back of a watch can usually tell you if it is vintage. Vintage timepieces have made a comeback for serious collectors as well as casual enthusiasts all over the world. Find a collection of vintage watches on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024There is no single most sought-after vintage watch. Trends in collecting do vary over time, but some watches have reached an iconic status and tend to remain popular among collectors year after year. Examples of such watches include the Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 105.003, the TAG Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B, Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 96, Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 5402, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921, the Longines 13ZN Chronograph, the Zenith El Primero Ref. A384, the Tudor Submariner Ref. 7928, the Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806, the IWC Big Pilot Ref. 5002, the Cartier Tank Louis Cartier, the Breguet Type XX, the Universal Genève Polerouter, the Seiko 6139 "Pogue," the Hamilton Ventura and the Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. 165.014. Shop a diverse assortment of vintage watches on 1stDibs.
- How old is my vintage watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024To determine how old your vintage watch is, first do some research using trusted online resources. Start by looking at the back of your watch to see if there are any numbers, such as serial or model numbers. Cross-referencing these numbers with online reference guides can often give you a rough idea of when a watch was produced. If you can't find any type of identifying number, you can learn more about the maker to find out when it crafted similar watches or have a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert assist you with the dating process. Shop a wide range of watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The easiest way to determine if a watch is vintage is to look for a date on the back. If the date is more than 20 years old, the timepiece would be considered vintage. If a watch lacks a date, a certified appraiser has the knowledge and experience needed to determine its age. Find a variety of watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The gold content of a vintage watch will depend on the make and model of the watch. Gold is a popular choice for luxury watches due to its finish and yellow-golden hue that can be achieved through gold or gold-plated bands. Shop a wide selection of expertly vetted vintage watches on 1stDibs.
- What is a vintage-style watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024A vintage-style watch is a contemporary timepiece with a design that draws inspiration from watches produced in previous eras. To be considered a vintage watch rather than a vintage-style watch, a timepiece must be at least 20 years old. Antique watches are at least 100 years old. Explore a wide variety of vintage watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024All Elgin watches are at least vintage, if not antiques. In the 1960s, the Elgin National Watch Company discontinued its watch production, and by the 1980s, the Elgin brand was phased out completely by the company it had previously merged with. Since any timepiece between 20 and 99 years old is vintage, many Elgin watches fall under that category. Any Elgin watch that is 100 years old or older is antique. You can identify an antique Elgin watch using the serial number, which you'll find inside the movement. By cross-referencing the serial number found on your timepiece to information published on trusted online resources, you can identify its year of production. If your watch doesn't have a serial number, it was likely produced in the 18th century, making it an antique. If you'd like assistance with dating your watch, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a variety of Elgin watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023To identify your vintage Omega watch, first find its serial number. Those made before 1944 have seven-digit numbers; from 1944 on, the numbers have eight digits. On vintage models, the serial number is engraved on the inside of the case back.You can cross-reference this number online to find out what model your watch is. Explore a wide variety of Omega watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Wind a vintage Omega watch by twisting the crown at the side in a clockwise direction. Stop winding once you feel the movement of the crown stop. Browse a range of authenticated vintage and contemporary Omega watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024To identify a vintage Hamilton watch, grab a magnifying glass and look for its model number, serial number and case number. Most timepieces produced by Hamilton will display one, two or all three of these numbers. The model and case numbers generally appear on the back of the case, and you can usually find the serial number on the lugs. You can enter these numbers into the search tool on the National Association of Watch Clock Collectors's official website to learn about your watch's age, style name and other characteristics. If you have any difficulty, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can help you. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of vintage Hamilton watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024To identify a vintage Omega watch, first find its serial number. On most vintage timepieces, this number appears on the inside of the caseback. By cross-referencing the number with the information provided by trusted online resources, you can learn what model your watch is and discover other details like its ownership history. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of vintage Omega watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Seiko watches include a few different identifying marks. Before 1970, serial numbers were seven digits, and limited-edition models had a piece number. Modern Seiko watches have a six-digit serial number, which includes the manufacturing date. You can also shop expertly vetted vintage Seiko watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024To date a vintage LeCoultre watch, the best approach is to use the serial number. You can cross-reference the number on your timepiece to information published on trusted online resources to determine its year of production. The serial number appears on the watch's movement, so it's necessary to remove the case back to examine it. If you're unfamiliar with how to do this safely, you may wish to have an authorized repair person open your watch. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Jaeger-LeCoultre watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022You can check if your vintage Omega watch is the real deal by cross-referencing the serial number stamped on the watch. The serial number is seven to eight digits long, and if it doesn’t match the company’s database, this is a serious red flag that can indicate that the piece is fake. You can also shop expertly vetted vintage Omega watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024Yes, some old vintage watches are worth something. There is often a market for vintage pieces from well-known watchmakers, such as Patek Philippe, Omega, Rolex, TAG Heuer, Audemars Piguet, Longines and Breitling. Generally, the maker, type, materials, age and condition will largely determine the potential value of a vintage timepiece. If you'd like to find out how much your watch may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. Explore a variety of vintage watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Many watch lovers believe that vintage Cartier watches are a good investment. French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the best-known and internationally revered jewelers in the world. One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, many people only used pocket watches.) Louis Cartier designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to check the time more easily while flying. Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, inspired by the linear forms of World War I military tanks, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Cartier watches is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find Cartier watches and other watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The best vintage Omega timepiece to buy is largely a matter of personal preference. The Seamaster and Speedmaster are two timeless options available in a variety of finishes and styles. No matter which watch you choose, only buy from a reputable dealer or online platform to ensure you receive an authentic timepiece. You'll find a collection of expertly vetted Omega watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To authenticate a vintage Cartier watch, remove the case back and you’ll see the brand name inscribed. “CARTIER” is located at the seven o’clock or ten o’clock markers and “SWISS MADE” under the six o’clock marker on genuine watches. Counterfeiters often omit these details or even spell the brand name wrong. Cartier watches have a substantial weight due to the high quality materials used to craft the timepiece, and a lightweight watch could be an indication that your piece is a fake. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of genuine Cartier timepieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023To tell if a vintage Gucci watch is real, look for a serial number on the back of the case and/or on the original box if you have it. Then, contact Gucci customer service by phone for assistance with authentication. If you are unable to find a serial number, the best approach is likely to take the timepiece to a knowledgeable appraiser who can authenticate the item. Find a range of Gucci watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Unless you have training in jewelry repair, you should not take the back off a vintage Omega watch on your own. Opening the timepieces requires a specially designed tool available only to jewelers authorized to service Omega watches. Shop a selection of Omega watches on 1stDibs.
Read More
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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.
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