Vintage Quartz Watch

Vintage Quartz Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact vintage quartz watch you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 70 vintage editions and 23 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect vintage quartz watch among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a vintage quartz watch has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Omega, Cartier and Gucci are consistently popular. While most can agree that any vintage quartz watch from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 10 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. 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 tumbled alternatives. When shopping for a vintage quartz watch, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Vintage Quartz Watch?

Prices for a vintage quartz watch can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $69 and can go as high as $62,348, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,300.

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 Quartz Watch

Are quartz watches collectible?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, some quartz watches are collectible, luxury timepieces. Established watchmakers such as Omega, Carrier and Rolex created quartz pieces to withstand the test of time in trend and quality. You’ll find a wide selection of collectible quartz watches on 1stDibs.
Is quartz a good make of watch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024
Many watch lovers believe that quartz is a good make of watch. With their electronic components, quartz watches can keep time reliably and require little maintenance beyond battery replacements and proper storage and cleaning, as recommended by the manufacturer. Quartz watches are often more economically priced than mechanical alternatives and don't require winding. However, one major downside of quartz watches is they typically don't last for as long as mechanical timepieces, as their electronic components wear out over time. While mechanical watches often remain in good enough condition to become heirloom pieces, quartz watches have an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Explore a selection of quartz watches on 1stDibs.
What is the life expectancy of a quartz watch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024
The life expectancy of a quartz watch varies. However, well-made quartz timepieces can typically perform reliably for 20 to 30 years before the electronic components inside begin to wear out. To extend the life of your quartz watch for as long as possible, be sure to follow the maker's care and maintenance instructions. Typically, you should keep your watch stored in a cool, dry place in its original packaging between uses to protect it from dust, sunlight, moisture and extreme temperatures. Explore a variety of quartz watches on 1stDibs.
Who made the world s first quartz watch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
The world's first quartz watch was the Seiko Astron 35SQ. It debuted in 1969. After its release, other watchmakers introduced economically priced quartz watches to meet the growing demand for the timepieces. By the mid-1970s, the watchmaking industry found itself in the midst of the Quartz Crisis. During this period, many luxury watchmakers struggled financially due to reduced interest in traditional mechanical watches. Find a variety of vintage Seiko watches on 1stDibs.
Does Omega have quartz watches?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, Omega has quartz watches. Some popular models include the Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Quartz and the Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300M Quartz timepieces. You can find a collection of Omega watches on 1stDibs.
Do Rolex watches have quartz movements?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Most Rolex watches do not have quartz movement, instead they use a Perpetual rotor to power the watch. There were a couple of Rolex watch models that used quartz movement, the most popular being the Rolex Oysterquartz. The Oysterquartz is no longer in production, but it can be found in the second-hand market.. Find Rolex watches, including the rare Oysterquartz, on 1stDibs.
Did Rolex make a quartz watch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, Rolex made the Oysterquartz watch starting in the 1970s. Not many were made, with around an estimated 25,000 models making it to market. Shop a range of expertly vetted Rolex watches from top boutiques worldwide on 1stDibs.
Does Rolex make quartz watches?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
No, Rolex doesn't currently make quartz watches. However, the company did in the past. The Rolex Oysterquartz is the name of that timepiece, which debuted in 1977. Rolex produced three models of the watch over a 25-year period and sold about 25,000 of them. Shop a range of Rolex quartz watches on 1stDibs.
How long does a quartz watch last?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
How long a quartz watch lasts depends on a variety of factors. The quality of the craftsmanship, the strength of the materials, how frequently it's worn and how well it's cared for will all influence the longevity of a particular timepiece. Generally, most quartz watches have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of watches.
Are Patek Philippe watches quartz or mechanical?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Patek Philippe watches may be quartz or mechanical, depending on the model. The brand uses quartz movements in some Gondolo, Nautilus and Aquanaut timepieces. However, the majority of the brand's watches feature manual or self-winding mechanical movement. Find a collection of Patek Philippe watches on 1stDibs.
Did Cartier ever make quartz watches?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
Yes, Cartier does make quartz watches. The luxury jewelry and watchmaker introduced a line of high-precision quartz timepieces in 2018. Find a collection of Cartier watches from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
Did Rolex ever make a quartz watch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, Rolex joined the quartz movement popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The first Rolex quartz watch was the Date 5100. The company then released the Oysterquartz Datejust and the Oysterquartz Date-Date models. Very few Date 5100s were released, and the Oysterquartz models were only produced for 25 years. Find a collection of expertly vetted Rolex watches, including rare Oysterquartz models, from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
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.
How much did the first Seiko quartz watch cost?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
The first Seiko quartz watch cost ¥ $450,000. That timepiece was called the Astron 35SQ, and it was launched in 1969. At that time, its price tag was around $1,250, roughly $9,000 when adjusted for inflation. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage Seiko watches.
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.
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 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.
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 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.