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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 35mm Mens Automatic 1970s w Paper RA534
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA549
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 Mens 36mm 18k SS 1970s Automatic Swiss RA558B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
timepiece for your uncompromising lifestyle. THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Set Automatic 1980s RA548
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond Dial Automatic 1980s RA551
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
automatic movement, quickset date feature, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 Mens 36mm 18k SS 1970s Automatic Swiss RA558
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond MOP Dial Automatic 1980s RA552B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, dare to dazzle. THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond MOP Dial Automatic 1980s RA552
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
dazzle. THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1601 36mm 18k W Gold SS 1960s Mens Automatic RA621B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, measures 19.5cm with the watch, in very good vintage condition. An iconic classic, Rolex 1601 Datejust
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 16014 36mm 18k White Gold SS Automatic 1970s RA520B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 16014 36mm 18k White Gold SS Automatic 1970s RA520
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

White Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 6467 9k Solid Gold 34mm Automatic 1950s RA482
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.6564 automatic dress watch, c
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Ref 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Date Automatic 1980s RA521B
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 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Ref 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Date Automatic 1980s RA521
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Ref 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Date Automatic 1980s RA489B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Ref 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Date Automatic 1980s RA488B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
lifestyle, a fine addition to your collection. THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Ref 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Date Automatic 1980s RA489
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 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Ref 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Date Automatic 1980s RA488
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 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1007 34mm 18k Solid Gold Automatic 1960s RA438
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
pristine vintage condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 chronometer-certified automatic movement, cleaned and
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1007 34mm 18k Solid Gold Automatic 1960s RA438
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
pristine vintage condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 chronometer-certified automatic movement, cleaned and
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1002 34mm 14k Solid Gold Automatic 1960s NA111R
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious vintage classic, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision ref.1002 automatic, c.1961
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref 1002 34mm 14k Solid Gold Automatic 1960s NA111
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

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 16013 18k SS 36mm Linen Dial Automatic 1980s NA108B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
collection. You deserved it! THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 18k Gold SS 36mm Automatic 1980s NA108
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
today. THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 36mm 18k SS Automatic 1980s Swiss RA395B
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
with any style, for every occasion THE FINEST AND MOST VARIED SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 36mm 18k SS Automatic 1980s Swiss RA395
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, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 36mm 18k SS Automatic Swiss 1970s RA393
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
SELECTION OF VINTAGE WATCHES IN THE WORLD CLASSIC PRE-OWNED COLLECTIBLE TIMEPIECES FROM BEVERLY HILLS
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 36mm 18k SS Automatic 1980s Swiss NA103R
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
automatic movement, quickset date feature, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 36mm 18k SS Automatic 1980s Swiss NA106
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
automatic movement, quickset date feature, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 16013 36mm 18k SS Automatic 1980s Swiss NA103
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
automatic movement, quickset date feature, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Watch is
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

IWC Ingenieur SL Automatic Ref 3505 Aka Skinny , Swiss Only Dial, Year x 1984
By IWC
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very rare IWC Ingenieur SL Automatic reference 3505 features a 34mm stainless steel case with
Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Longines Vintage Automatic Women s Watch with Day and Date
By Longines
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Longines Vintage Automatic Women's Watch with Day and Date Classic stainless steel design with a
Category

20th Century Swiss Post-Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Platinum Swatch Watch, Tresor Magique, Automatic, Swiss, 1993
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very rare genuine platinum Swatch Watch made in a limited edition in 1993. This watch was named the
Category

20th Century Swiss Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Platinum

CERTINA 14K Yellow Gold Men s Watch with 14K Bracelet
Located in Skien, NO
**Vintage Certina 14K Gold Men's Automatic Watch, Late 20th Century** A distinguished timepiece
Category

Late 20th Century Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Eterna-Matic 3000 yellow gold vintage Automatic Wristwatch, 1960s
By Eterna Matic
Located in Poitiers, FR
Watch in 18 karats yellow gold, owl and weevil hallmark. Square shape, this vintage gold watch is
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Men s Two-Tone Vintage Automatic Watch Mov 471 Link Band 1954
By Omega
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Omega Men's Two-Tone Vintage Automatic Watch Mov 471 Link Band 1954 Movement #471 Movement Serial
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage 1990s Stainless Steel Swatch Automatic / Mechanical Watch
By Swatch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This charming pre-owned vintage automatic watch is working and it is running well. Visible signs of
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1970s Longines Automatic Ultra-Chron Wristwatch
By Longines
Located in Carlisle, GB
This Pre-owned vintage Automatic watch is in Good Working condition and is running well. tiny
Category

Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1970s Stainless Steel Citizen Chronograph 8110 Automatic Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This charming pre-own 38mm diameter vintage automatic watch is working and it is running well
Category

Vintage 1970s Japanese Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1970s Gold-Plated SS Back Omega Automatic Seamaster Cosmic 2000 Watch
By Omega
Located in Carlisle, GB
This charming pre-owned vintage automatic Watch is in good working condition and it is running well
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage Stainless Steel Favre-Leuba Geneve Twin Matic Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful pre-owned 35mm diameter (excluding crown) vintage automatic watch is in good working
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Boucheron Watch Reflet Yellow Gold
By Boucheron
Located in PARIS, FR
Vintage automatic watch signed by Boucheron in yellow gold 750 thousandths (18 carats). reflex
Category

20th Century French Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Sea-Dweller 16660, Black Dial Certified Authentic
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Automatic Watch 40MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Sea-Dweller 16660, White Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Automatic Watch 40MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Rolex Sea-Dweller 16660, Silver Dial, Certified and Warranty
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Automatic Watch 40MM. Verified and Certified by WatchFacts. 1 year warranty offered by WatchFacts.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Vintage 1960s Gold Plate and Stainless Steel MuDu 25 Jewels Doublematic Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful pre-owned 33mm diameter (excluding crown) vintage automatic watch is in good working
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1970s Stainless Steel Automatic Bulova Watch
By Bulova Watch Company
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful vintage mechanical automatic watch is in good working condition and is running well
Category

Vintage 1970s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

18 Kt Gold ZENITH Automatic Watch, Vintage, 1970s
By Zenith Watch Company
Located in Palermo, IT
18 Kt Gold ZENITH Automatic Watch,Vintage,1970s. Solid Gold case, 34 mm, champagne colored dial
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 1960s Gold-Plated and Stainless Steel Back Waltham Automatic Watch
By American Waltham Watch Co.
Located in Carlisle, GB
This pre-owned 34mm diameter vintage 25 Jewels automatic watch is in good working condition and it
Category

Vintage 1960s American Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1990s Swatch Automatic Watch
By Swatch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This Charming pre-owned very good condition swatch automatic watch from the 90s . Its Unique blue
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Longines Automatic Stainless Steel Watch, 1956
By Longines
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1956 Vintage Longines Stainless Steel Automatic watch with Silver Dial with Applied Steel Arabic 2
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Omega Automatic Reference 1660141 Watch, 1970
By Omega
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970 Vintage Omega Rare Day-Date Automatic Ref. 166.0141 18k Yellow Gold Plated and Stainless Steel
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage IWC Automatic Stainless Steel Watch, 1960
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1960 Vintage International Watch Company (IWC) Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Longines Automatic Stainless Steel Watch, 1956
By Longines
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1956 Vintage Longines Ref. 2220-P Stainless Steel watch with Original Solver Dial with Allied Steel
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Wittnauer Automatic Stainless Steel Watch, 1960s
By Wittnauer
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1960's Vintage Wittnauer Automatic Reference 9002. Stainless Steel Case. 34mm wide. Silver dial
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

1970s, Stainless Steel Vintage Automatic / Mechanical Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful 37mm diameter 1970’s vintage watch is in good working condition but I cannot
Category

Vintage 1970s Japanese Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 1970s Caravelle Automatic Ladies Swiss Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful vintage mechanical watch is working and it is running well. Visible tiny scratches
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver Plate, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.