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Rolex Stainless Steel Vintage Submariner Date automatic Wristwatch Ref 1680
By Rolex
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: automatic 1575 movement Function: hours, minutes, seconds, date Case: round 40mm
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe yellow gold Vintage World Time factory seal automatic wristwatch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Princeton, NJ
Vintage Patek Philippe 5131J-001 The watch features an automatic movement with an exhibition back
Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Cartier Tank Américaine 18 Karat Yellow Gold Model W26035K2 Automatic
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Cartier Tank Américaine 18 Karat Yellow Gold Model W26035K2 23mm x 42mm Dial, Automatic
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Vintage Cosmograph Daytona Automatic Wristwatch Ref 6264
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Very Rare Stainless Steel Cosmograph Daytona Vintage Gents Wristwatch, black dial with applied
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1980 s Cartier Santos Ghost Dial Automatic Wristwatch Reference 2961
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 1980's Cartier Santos watch in great condition. The rare gray dial is referred to as
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Omega Constellation 168.005 Gold Capped Date Automatic 1960s Vintage RA509
By Omega
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
168.005, in excellent vintage condition. 24-jeweled Omega cal.561 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Ref 1002 Oyster Perpetual Automatic 1960s Swiss Vintage RA143
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Ref.1002 Air King Oyster perpetual automatic dress watch, c.1976
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Midsize Rolex Ref 6548 Oyster Perpetual Automatic 1960s Vintage Swiss RA127
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's midsize Rolex ref.6548 Oyster Perpetual automatic dress watch, c.1966, all
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Ref 1501 Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic 1970s Vintage RJC181S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet, measuring a full 21cm with the watch, in excellent vintage condition
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Ref 1500 Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic 1970s Vintage RA293
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
watch, in very good vintage condition, some stretch due to age. A classic icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Date
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex 1500 Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic 1960s Vintage Swiss RA259
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King Automatic, 1970s Vintage RJC190
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
excellent vintage condition, case serial no.5401244. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1520 automatic movement, cleaned
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Midsize Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6548 30mm Automatic 1950s Vintage RA528
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Charming vintage classic, Rolex midsize Oyster Perpetual ref.6548 automatic, c.1958, in excellent
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 Automatic 1970s Vintage Swiss MA209
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, vintage condition. A gorgeous classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Date 1500 automatic, a stunning addition to any
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1024 Gold-Capped Automatic 1960s Vintage RA185
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Omega Constellation 18k Gold Bezel Mens Date Automatic 1960s Vintage RA539
By Omega
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
excellent vintage condition. Omega cal.564 automatic movement, cleaned, in excellent running condition
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 Automatic 1960s Vintage Swiss RA199
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Vintage 1944 Steel Automatic with Bubble Back Style Military Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1944 Rolex Reference 6565 Wrist watch, 34 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece Oyster case with
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rare Vintage Rolex Submariner James Bond Big Crown Stainless Steel Automatic
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Very Rare Stainless Steel Submariner Vintage Gents Wristwatch, original tropical gilt dial with
Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Piaget Yellow Gold Vintage Tiger s Eye Dial Automatic Wristwatch, 1980s
By Piaget
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: mechanical Function: hours, minutes Case: round 24mm 18k yellow gold case with diamond bezel, plastic protective crystal, winding crown Diamonds: 36 round brilliant cuts = ...
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Vintage Rolex Day-Date Florentine Finish Champagne Dial 1806 Automatic
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Extremely Rare 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Vintage Gents Wristwatch, champagne
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Vintage Gold Automatic Wristwatch with Bubble Back Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1945 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6567 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M 14K yellow Gold 3 piece case
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Vintage Gold Automatic Wristwatch with Bubble Back Dial
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1945 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 6567 Wrist Watch, 34 M.M 14K yellow Gold 3 piece case
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage IWC Automatic, Lightly Patinated Dial, Superb Patinated Dial, Circa 1960
By IWC
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage IWC automatic features a large stainless steel case of 35mm and has a date function and
Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Men s Ref. 4021, Automatic Winding
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Men's Ref. 4021 - Automatic winding. 14K Yellow case
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

1950s Vintage Rolex Rose Gold Cream Dial Automatic Movement Wristwatch 4643
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k Rose Gold Perpetual Vintage Gents Wristwatch, cream dial with applied hour markers, small
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Girard Perregaux G90 Vintage Automatic Power Reserve Gold / Steel Ref 1020
By Girard Perragaux
Located in București, București
The watch is in a very good condition and it’s working well. It shows slight signs of wear and
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Steel

Rolex Day-Date Vintage White Gold Silver Dial 1803 Automatic Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k White Gold Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Vintage Gents Wristwatch from 1964, silver dial with
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Vintage Steel and 14K Automatic Custom Dial Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
yellow Gold bezel and Yellow Gold crown. Caliber 1570 Automatic, self winding movement. Custom Black and
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6634 34mm Gold Capped Automatic 1950s Vintage RA434
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
", Oyster Perpetual 6634 automatic dress watch, highly versatile, add a vintage charm to your collection
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1018 36mm Automatic 1960s Vintage Swiss RA433B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic vintage classic, Men's Rolex Ref.1018 Oyster perpetual automatic dress watch, c.1966, in
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Ref 6634 Oyster Perpetual Gold Capped Automatic 1950s Vintage RA237
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's Gold-Capped Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6634 automatic dress watch, c.1957
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1018 36mm Automatic 1960s Vintage Swiss RA433S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage classic, Men's rare Rolex Ref.1018 Oyster perpetual automatic dress watch, c.1966, in
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1018 36mm Automatic 1960s Vintage Swiss RA433
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare vintage classic, Men's Rolex Ref.1018 Oyster perpetual automatic dress watch, c.1966, in
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Ref 1603 Oyster Datejust 36mm Automatic 1970s Swiss Vintage RA226R
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
certified automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is all original
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 35mm Automatic 1970s Vintage RA429B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rolex cal.1570 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 35mm Automatic 1970s Vintage RA429
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rolex cal.1570 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1603 36mm Automatic 1970s Swiss Vintage RA226B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
addition to your collection. THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Ref 1501 Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic 1970s Vintage Swiss RJC181
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 35mm Automatic 1970s Swiss Vintage RA495B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage classic from Rolex, Men's Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1975, in excellent
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6565 34mm Mens Automatic 1950s Swiss Vintage RA547S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6565 automatic dress watch, c
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6634 Gold Capped Automatic 1950s Vintage RA237B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic luxury, Men's Gold-Capped Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6634 automatic dress watch, c.1957
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Men s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6564 Automatic, c.1950s Swiss Vintage RA139
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare classic, Men's Rolex ref.6564 Oyster Perpetual automatic dress watch, c.1955. Verified
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 35mm Automatic 1970s Vintage RA429S
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
stainless steel Oyster bracelet, measures 19cm with the watch, in very good vintage condition. A timeless
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Ref 1603 Oyster Datejust Automatic 1970s Swiss Vintage Luxury RA226
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
bracelet, measuring a full 21.5cm with the watch, in very good vintage condition. Timeless classic, Men's
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1600 14k SS Automatic 1960s Swiss Vintage RA169
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
bracelet, measures 19cm with the watch, in very good vintage condition. An iconic classic, Men's 14k gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Ref 1500 Oyster Perpetual Date Automatic 1960s Swiss Vintage RA259B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
steel case measures 35mm wide, in excellent vintage condition. 25-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 COSC automatic
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 35mm Automatic 1970s Vintage RA495
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
very good vintage condition. A classic icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 automatic
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Ref 1601 Oyster Datejust 18k SS Automatic 1960s Vintage RJC159B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Watch CONDITION : Pre-owned 100% AUTHENTIC PRODUCTS AND BRANDS All of our vintage pre - owned watches
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 18k SS Automatic 1980s Vintage RJC184P
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
occasion, a fine addition to any collection. THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vacheron Constantin 18K Rose Gold Vintage Men s Watch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Dallas, TX
Vacheron Constantin 18K Rose Gold Vintage Men's Watch - Automatic winding. 18K Rose gold ( 34 mm
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1960s Vintage NA141B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic vintage, Men's Rolex Oyster Precision Ref.5500 "Air-King" automatic, c.1969, in excellent
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Ref 1011 Oyster Perpetual 18k Gold Automatic 1970s Vintage RJC154G
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, perfect for those special occasions. THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 18k Gold SS 1960s Automatic Vintage RJC142B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
occasions, highly versatile. THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1970s Vintage NA140
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA Watch
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Precision 5500 Air King 34m Automatic 1970s Vintage NA140G
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Rolex Oyster "Air-King" Precision Ref.5500 automatic, c.1972, unpolished, in
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Ref 1038 Oyster Perpetual 18k SS Automatic 1960s Vintage RJC185B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
to your collection. THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

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Vintage Automatic Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage automatic watch for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, Stainless Steel and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 375 vintage or 29 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. If you’re looking for a vintage automatic watch 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 vintage automatic watch from Rolex, Omega and Seiko — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A vintage automatic watch can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 3, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. 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 alternatives. Most of our vintage automatic watch for sale are for men, but there are 112 pieces available to browse for women.

How Much is a Vintage Automatic Watch?

On average, a vintage automatic watch at 1stDibs sells for $3,734, while they’re typically $135 on the low end and $185,803 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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 Vintage Automatic Watch
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    It depends. Some Omega watch models feature automatic movement, which charges itself from the motion of your wrist as you wear it. Omega also offers quartz watches as well, which must be wound. Browse a wide range of Omega watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Omega has automatic watches. Most of the Omega Constellation watches, including the Omega Constellation Globemaster, are automatic watches. An automatic watch uses the motion of the wearer to power the winding mechanism. Find vintage and contemporary Omega watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    An automatic watch means a watch that is self-winding. It is a mechanical watch which is powered by the natural motion of the wearer.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, as of December 2021, all of the timepieces made by Omega are automatic watches. In the past, Omega did offer mechanical watches. Some of the watchmaker's most well-known collections are the Constellation, the Seamaster and the Speedmaster. Shop a selection of Omega watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Rolex watches are automatic. They run on a perpetual rotor that uses the movement of the wearer’s wrist to transfer energy to the mainspring of the watch. In fact, a ticking Rolex could indicate a fake! Shop professionally vetted Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 1, 2024
    Yes, some Cartier watches are automatic but the legendary French luxury house also creates collections that include watches with quartz movements. Cartier’s iconic Tank collection, which includes the Tank Française, the Tank Louis Cartier and other models, features both quartz and automatic options for all kinds of collectors. Each of the watches in the Panthère collection, however, carries a quartz movement.

    While quartz watches are powered by a pre-installed battery and a high-frequency quartz crystal, automatic watches rely on a spring system and are self-winding. An automatic watch does not have a battery and is recharged on the wrist owing to the wearer’s movements during the day.

    It was Louis Cartier, grandson of Cartier founder Louis-François Cartier, who was responsible for bringing watchmaking to the venerable maison when he presented Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont with a wristwatch in 1904. 

    Although the pocket watch was the de rigueur men’s accessory of the day, Santos-Dumont found his own pocket watch hard to consult while keeping his plane aloft. Louis fashioned a timepiece with a flat, square case on a leather strap that could be referred to easily at a glance. Named in honor of Louis’s friend, the Santos was eventually produced for sale in 1911. 

    Find vintage Cartier watches for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A 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, 2024
    There 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    To 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, 2023
    The 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, 2022
    The 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024
    A 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, 2024
    All 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, 2023
    To 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, 2022
    Wind 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, 2024
    To 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, 2024
    To 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, 2022
    Seiko 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, 2024
    To 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, 2022
    You 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.