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Vintage Cocktail Watches

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Ebel Cocktail in Yellow Gold with a Champagne dial 10mm Manual watch
By Ebel
Located in Surfside, FL
Ebel Vintage Cocktail watch with tourmalines and diamonds in 18k yellow gold with bark finish
Category

1950s Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Omega Cocktail 13.5mm
By Omega
Located in Surfside, FL
Vintage Omega Cocktail watch in 14k white gold with diamond bezel. Mesh bracelet. Manual wind. 13.5
Category

20th Century Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

White Gold

Croton Cocktail Platinum Wristwatch
By Croton
Located in Surfside, FL
Croton Cocktail watch in platinum & diamond bracelet extensions and then white gold filled bracelet
Category

20th Century Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Platinum

Hamilton Cocktail 14k White Gold Wristwatch
By Hamilton
Located in Surfside, FL
Hamilton Cocktail watch in 14k white gold with diamonds. 22 jewel manual wind movement. 15 mm case
Category

1950s Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

White Gold

Hamilton Cocktail 14k White Gold Wristwatch
By Hamilton
Located in Surfside, FL
Hamilton Cocktail watch in 14k white gold and 0.45 carats in diamond accents G-H color, VS-SI
Category

1950s Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

White Gold

Jaeger Lecoultre Cocktail 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch Ref 706953
Located in Surfside, FL
Jaeger LeCoultre vintage cocktail watch in 18k yellow gold. Manual wind with crown on the back of
Category

20th Century Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Hamilton Cocktail in White Gold with a White dial 14mm Manual watch
By Hamilton
Located in Surfside, FL
Hamilton Cocktail in 14k white gold. Manual. 14 mm case size. Fine Pre-owned Hamilton Watch
Category

20th Century Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

White Gold

Mathey Tissot Cocktail 17mm
Located in Surfside, FL
Vintage Mathey Tissot diamond cocktail bracelet watch in platinum with over 12.50 carats in round
Category

1950s Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Platinum

Borel Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Manual Wind Cocktail Wristwatch circa 1960s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Man’s Borel “Cocktail” watch gold filled case circa 1960’s. Featuring a large for the era, fancy
Category

1960s Swiss Retro Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Longines White Gold Diamond manual wind Cocktail Wristwatch, circa 1951
By Longines
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Lady Longines 14K white gold & diamond set cocktail watch circa 1940’s. Very nice looking vintage
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

Hamilton Lady s Platinum Diamond Cocktail Wristwatch
By Hamilton
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
An impressive diamond and platinum cocktail watch from Hamilton. Featuring 72 diamonds in an
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Ernest Borel Lady s Gold-Filled Kaleidoscope Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
Ladies' "Cocktail" watch by ERNEST BOREL. With the mesmerizing kaleidoscope dial, in continuously
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Omega Beehive Ladies Wristwatch, circa 1950s
By Omega
Located in Toorak, Victoria
18kt yellow gold beehive detail ladies wristwatch. This sweet 1957 cocktail watch features a petite
Category

1950s Retro Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Omega Classic 123 Platinum Silver Dial Manual Watch
By Omega
Located in Surfside, FL
spring loaded cover reveals the omega cocktail watch. Manual wind. 17 mm case size. Watch fits 6 inch
Category

1960s Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Platinum, Silver

Piaget Classic Cocktail 18k 750 Factory Set Diamonds Solid Gold Watch Ref 8148
By Piaget
Located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, IDF
countless others. Make the perfect gift with this fabulous Piaget cocktail watch in fine 18k gold. MODEL
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Hamilton Ladies White Gold Diamond Manual Cocktail Wristwatch
By Hamilton
Located in ALTRINCHAM, GB
Hamilton 14ct gold and diamond mid-century cocktail watch with the face hidden under a diamond set
Category

Mid-20th Century American Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Bueche Girod 9801 18k White Gold Manual Watch
By Bueche Girod
Located in Surfside, FL
Colorful Australian Fire opal dial Bueche Girod diamond cocktail watch in 18k white gold with
Category

1970s Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

White Gold

Bueche Girod 9801 18 Karat White Gold Manual Watch
By Bueche Girod
Located in Miami, FL
Colorful Australian Fire opal dial Bueche Girod diamond cocktail watch in 18k white gold with
Category

1970s Modern Vintage Cocktail Watches

Lusserna Classic 14mm
Located in Surfside, FL
Lusserna Cocktail watch in 14k white gold with approx 2 cts in F-G Color, VVS-VS Clarity diamonds
Category

1940s Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Cartier 8064269, 18 Karat White Gold, White Dial, Diamond Case Manual
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail watch with diamonds, thin and slender backwind case from 1950s. Case signed and dial
Category

1950s Modern Vintage Cocktail Watches

Ernest Borel Cocktail Yellow Gold-Plated Ladies Watch, 1990s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1990's Ernest Borel Ladies Synchron 26 Cocktail Yellow Gold Plated watch with Original Kaleidoscope
Category

1990s Swiss Vintage Cocktail Watches

Omega DeVille Mini Yellow Gold Diamond Cocktail Ladies Watch 1450
By Omega
Located in Atlanta, GA
Omega DeVille Mini Yellow Gold Diamond Cocktail Ladies Watch 1450. Quartz movement. Yellow gold
Category

1970s Vintage Cocktail Watches

Rolex Cellini Orchid Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ladies Watch 2672 Papers
By Rolex
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rolex Cellini Orchid Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ladies Watch 2672 Papers. Manual winding movement
Category

20th Century Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire Cocktail Ladies Watch 4628
By Patek Philippe
Located in Atlanta, GA
Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire Cocktail Ladies Watch 4628. Manual winding movement
Category

1990s Vintage Cocktail Watches

Patek Philippe 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ladies Watch 4179
By Patek Philippe
Located in Atlanta, GA
Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ladies Watch 4179. Manual winding movement. Caliber
Category

20th Century Swiss Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gubelin Lady s Yellow Gold Multigem Cocktail Wristwatch
By Gubelin
Located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, GB
The mechanical Swiss watch with baton dial is concealed beneath a closure adorned with flowers of
Category

1940s Swiss Modern Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold

Shreve Co Yellow Gold Cocktail Bracelet Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Shreve Co.
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Swiss movement. Great looking retro design lady’s dress watch. Like all our watches, this classic
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Beautiful Art Deco Ladies Solid Silver Cocktail Wristwatch, England, 1933
Located in Westward ho, GB
Beautiful Ladies Art Deco Vintage Solid sterling Silver wrist watch dating to 1933 . The white
Category

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Marcasite, Silver

Borel Women s Gold-Plated Hand-Winding Kaleidoscope Watch w/ Crystals New Band
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Model: Cocktail Gold-Plated Round Watch Case w/ Exhibition Back 24 mm in Diameter (26 mm w/ Crown) Lug
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Omega De Ville 18 Carat White Gold and Diamond Vintage Ladies Automatic Watch
Located in Hamilton, AU
An exquisite 1970s cocktail ladies automatic watch, this opulent Omega De Ville in 18 carat white
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Incredible Wrist Watch Coffee Table
Located in Miami, FL
Incredible Italian hand crafted coffee table in the shape of a wrist watch.The top of the table is
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Steel, Brass

Pocket Watch Motif Drinks Set
Located in New York, NY
1950's pocket watch themed cocktail set of shaker and six glasses
Category

1950s American Vintage Cocktail Watches

Swiss Made Cocktail Watch with Diamonds Platinum Manual
Located in Surfside, FL
Ladies Vintage Swiss made Cocktail watch with diamonds in platinum on nylon strap. Manual. Fine Pre
Category

20th Century Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Platinum

Vintage 1940s Silver Plated and Stainless Steel Marcaseed Ladies Cocktail Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
Vintage 1940’s Stainless Steel Marcaseed Ladies Cocktail Watch. This mechanical watch is working
Category

1940s Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Silver Plate, Stainless Steel

Vacheron Constantin 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Cocktail Watch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vacheron Constantin 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Cocktail Watch. Manually winding movement. 18k
Category

20th Century Vintage Cocktail Watches

18 Karat White Gold Vintage 1920s Hand-Winding Swiss Made Cocktail Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
18K White Gold Vintage 1920’s Hand-winding Swiss Made Cocktail watch. This watch is working and
Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Ladies Platinum and 2.80 Carat Diamond Cocktail Watch
Located in QLD , AU
on one wrist and of course a fabulously stylish cocktail watch on the other. This one fits the bill
Category

20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Platinum Ladies Cocktail Watch, c1929
Located in Westward ho, GB
wrist watch which comes with what is believed to be it's original case. A beautiful watch in original
Category

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Hamilton 22 Jewel 14 Karat White Gold 2 Carat 140 Diamond Ladies Cocktail Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Lauderdale by the Sea, FL
that virtually every millimeter of the front and watch strap has diamonds -they are not spaced out like
Category

1950s American Post-War Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Rolex Ladies White Gold Diamond Precision Cover Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
and classic cocktail watch. Mechanical Movement.
Category

1960s Swiss Modernist Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Omega Classic 123 Platinum Silver Dial Manual Watch
By Omega
Located in Surfside, FL
spring loaded cover reveals the omega cocktail watch. Manual wind. 17 mm case size. Watch fits 6 inch
Category

1960s Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Platinum, Silver

18 Karat 1950s Omega Double Marquis Diamond Set Flower Concealed Bracelet Watch
By Omega
Located in New york, NY
specially designed Marquis Diamond Set Double Wild flower Motif Concealed Omega cocktail bracelet watch
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Retro Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold

Vintage Brass and Lacquer DS Wrist Watch Coffee Table
Located in London, GB
A Vintage Brass and Lacquer DS Wrist Watch Coffee Table
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Cocktail Watches

Retro Ribbon Pin, circa 1942
Located in Newport Beach, CA
, topaz, and citine, in huge rectangular cuts used in cocktail rings, oversized bracelets, and watches
Category

1940s American Retro Vintage Cocktail Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

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Vintage Cocktail Watches For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of vintage cocktail watches. Frequently made of gold, yellow gold and 14k gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our selection of items includes 36 vintage examples as well as 4 contemporary versions. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 20th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many different pieces in our collection of vintage cocktail watches to choose from, but retro and Art Deco vintage cocktail watches are of considerable interest. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by Patek Philippe, Estate Jewelry and Hamilton are consistently popular. Any of these pieces can lend versatility to your look, but diamond versions, from our inventory of 21, are particularly popular. Today, if you’re looking for round cut vintage cocktail watches and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and old mine cut alternatives. Most of our vintage cocktail watches for sale are for women, but there are 3 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Vintage Cocktail Watches?

On average, vintage cocktail watches at 1stDibs sell for $6,400, while they’re typically $807 on the low end and $48,741 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 Cocktail Watches
  • 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 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 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 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 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 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To 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, 2023
    To 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, 2022
    Unless 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.