Vintage Black Watch

Vintage Black Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage black watch you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, Stainless Steel and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 98 vintage or 25 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a vintage black watch may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Creating a vintage black watch has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Rolex, Cartier and JAR are consistently popular. A vintage black watch can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Onyx 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 brilliant cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a vintage black watch, you’ll find that many are available today for men, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and women.

How Much is a Vintage Black Watch?

Prices for a vintage black watch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $95 and can go as high as $52,613, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,084.

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 Black Watch

What is a vintage watch?
1 Answer
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.
Does Rolex make black watches?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023
Yes, Rolex does make black watches. The Swiss luxury watchmaker has offered black dials on many of its timepieces, including the Air-King, the Cellini, Datejust, the Day-Date, the Daytona, the Explorer, the GMT-Master II, the Milgauss, the Oyster Perpetual, the Sea-Dweller, the Sky-Dweller, the Submariner and the Yacht-Master. However, Rolex isn't known for producing black cases and bracelets, with the exception of custom orders. Find a wide range of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
What is the most sought-after vintage watch?
1 Answer
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.
How old is my vintage watch?
1 Answer
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.
How can you tell if a watch is vintage?
1 Answer
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.
Is there gold in vintage watches?
1 Answer
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.
What is a vintage-style watch?
1 Answer
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.
How much is a Piguet Black Panther watch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024
How much a Piguet Black Panther watch is will vary. The luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet actually released multiple versions of the timepiece produced in collaboration with Marvel. When it came to market, the standard titanium and ceramic version cost $162,000, while prices for the limited edition Royal Oak Concept "Black Panther" Flying Tourbillon began around $224,000. How much you would expect to pay for one on the secondary market would depend on the condition of the watch and its model. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Audemars Piguet watches.
Did Rolex ever make an All Black Watch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
No, Rolex has never made an all-black watch. However, it’s possible to have a Rolex customized to be all black and occasionally, you can find these customized timepieces on the used market. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of expertly-vetted Rolex watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
How can you tell if an Elgin watch is vintage?
1 Answer
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.
How do I identify my vintage Omega watch?
1 Answer
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.
How do I wind a vintage Omega watch?
1 Answer
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.
How do I identify a vintage Hamilton watch?
1 Answer
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.
How do you identify a vintage Omega watch?
1 Answer
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.
How can I tell if my Seiko watch is vintage?
1 Answer
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.
How do you date a vintage LeCoultre watch?
1 Answer
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.
How can I tell if my vintage Omega watch is real?
1 Answer
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.
Are old vintage watches worth anything?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024
Yes, 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.
Are vintage Cartier watches a good investment?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024
Many 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.
What is the best vintage Omega watch to buy?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
The 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.