Skip to main content

Watches

to
597
4,050
2,893
2,645
3,632
3,952
1,306
2,218
109
7,571
1,529
Watches For Sale
Rolex Gold Presidential Day-Date Watch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with a white face. 41 mm face #47K05851 Size 6 1/2 inches Comes with its original box ad extra links.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Gold Steel Rolex Lady Oyster Date , Ref 6917, Automatic Wrist Watch
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gold & Steel Rolex Lady Oyster Date , Ref 6917, Automatic Wrist Watch Dial : White with Roman Numerals Case : Gold & Stainless Steel , 26mm Strap : Gold & Steel , to fit a 16 cm w...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Gold, Steel

Ebel 1911 Ladies Wristwatch – 18K Yellow Gold Quartz Leather Strap 879901
By Ebel
Located in Berlin, DE
Timeless elegance – the Ebel 1911 ladies’ watch combines luxurious materials with clean lines and subtle sophistication. The case is crafted fro...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Gruen Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Veri Thin with Custom Dial circa 1940 s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Veri-Thin / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm, Lug Tip to Lug...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Mens Rolex Oyster Ref 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Date Automatic 1980s RA489
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref.16013 automatic, c.1987, in excellent aesthetic and working condition. Verified authentic by a...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Gucci Estate Swiss Made Stainless Steel Ladies Wristwatch
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Gucci Estate Swiss Made Stainless Steel Ladies Wristwatch G43 This iconic Gucci stainless steel watch is a timeless piece of luxury and style. The sleek design is crafted...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Submariner No Date w/ Box paper Ref. 14060
Located in Central Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 14060 Year: 1991 Serial number: N2xxxxx Reference: C04897 Case: Show sign of wear with slight polished from previous w/ inner case back stamped 14060 Di...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Midsize Yacht-Master 35mm Steel Gold Men s or Ladies Watch 68623
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Midsize Yacht-Master 35mm Steel & Gold Men's or Ladies Watch 68623 - Automatic winding; sapphire crystal. Midsize Yacht-Master. Stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold bezel ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Jaeger LeCoultre Rose Gold Reverso Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Reference 250.2.86 Wrist Watch, 39 x 23 M.M. 18k Rose Gold case, Quartz movement, Black dial with raised Gold markers, newer Hirsch Black Crocodil...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Patek Philippe Complications World Time 5930G 2019 Papers
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Patek Philippe World Time 5930G-010 Men's Watch This exquisite watch features a 39.5mm case made of 18K white gold, complemented by a smooth 18K white gold bezel. The striking blue d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Cailbre Ref 3389 42mm Silver Dial Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: Ref 3389 Model: Cartier Calibre Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Dial: Silver Dial Face: Sapphir...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Longines Flagship S/Steel Vintage c1970 s Swiss Manual 34mm Gents Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Timepieces by Longines have been long admired for their functionality, desirability & power This particular example is a Longines Flagship – an elegant gents' watch, dating from c...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Day Date President 1803 Buckley Dial 18K Yellow Gold Leather Strap
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1803 Serial: 3841*** Year: 1974 Model: Rolex Day Date Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: Custom Leather Band Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: ...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Vintage Rolex Yellow Gold Automatic Coral dial Ladies Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1978 Rolex Reference 6719 Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 M.M. 14k Yellow Gold 3 piece Oyster case with Fluted bezel, Oyster Perpetual Automatic, self winding movement, Custom finished ...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Oyster Precision 6423 Arrowhead Dagger Dial Watch
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand : Rolex Model: Oysterdate Precision Reference number: 6423 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Hand Wind Case Material: Stainless Steel Measurements :34mm diame...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Corum Coin Watch in 18k Yellow Gold – Automatic
Located in Berlin, DE
This Corum Coin Watch from the 1980s is a stunning vintage timepiece that reflects classic craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Made from solid 18k...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Tank Américaine 18k White Gold Full Set – 1994 Quartz – Ref. 3012905
Located in Berlin, BE
Cartier Tank Américaine in 18k White Gold – Full Set This elegant Cartier Tank Américaine watch, crafted in solid 18k white gold, comes as a full set with original box and papers. I...
Category

1990s French Aesthetic Movement Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Harry Winston Loop Diamond White Gold Watch
Located in Feasterville, PA
The Harry Winston Diamond White Gold Watch from the Loop Collection is a luxurious and meticulously crafted timepiece. The watch case and bracelet are made from 18k white gold, offer...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Cartier Santos WSSA0018 Large Size Mens Watch Box Papers
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Santos 4072 is a sophisticated men's watch that features a 40mm stainless steel case, giving it a robust yet stylish appearance. The stainl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Steel

Hamilton Yellow Gold Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's Hamilton 14k yellow gold wristwatch. Rectangle dial with 9 row mesh 14k yellow gold band with a fold over safety buckle. Full one year se...
Category

Mid-20th Century Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tag Heuer diamond watch vintage
Located in Jupiter, FL
Pretty Tag Heuer diamond watch, the strap is old but can easily be changed at any of their stores. The watch itself is in great condition, we o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond

Arnold Son GMT Timekeeper Automatic Men s Watch Ref. 1SGM-787
Located in New York, NY
The Arnold & Son GMT Timekeeper II is a testament to the brand's horological expertise, featuring a dual-time function that caters to the needs of global travelers. The 42mm stainles...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Day-Date 1803 Wristwatch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a Rolex Day-Date wristwatch. The watch showcases a round case made from 18ct rose gold, featuring a silver dial with bold hour markers and the iconic Rolex crown. The da...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Ronde Solo Ref 3517 Large Steel Automatic Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2018 Cartier Reference 3517 Ronde Solo Wrist Watch, 42 M.M. 2 piece Stainless Steel Water Resistant case, Automatic, Self winding movement, Sapphire set crown, Sapphire Glass C...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Yacht‑Master 40mm 126655 18K Rose Gold Black Dial Oysterflex Box Papers
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Yacht-Master 40, reference 126655, features a luxurious 18K Everose gold 40mm case with a matte black Cerachrom bezel, offering a striking contrast and enhanced durability....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Omega Seamaster 600 Gold-Plated S/Steel Vintage Manual 34mm Gents Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This versatile vintage timepiece by Omega features: Rounded S/Steel Gold-Plated case, measuring 34mm, Case back is signed & bearing a Seamaster logo Fitted with Swiss Manual...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Steel

PATEK PHILIPPE Nautilus Vintage watch steel/yellow gold and diamonds
Located in London, England
PATEK PHILIPPE Nautilus Vintage Lady steel/yellow gold 18k with factory diamonds. Ladies' wrist watch, ref. 4700/52. Stainless steel/yellow gold 18K, case number 2876844, bezel set ...
Category

1980s European Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 16014 36mm 18k White Gold SS Automatic 1970s RA520B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's Rolex 18k white gold and stainless steel Oyster Perpetual 16014 Datejust automatic, c.1978, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watch...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

White Gold, Stainless Steel

Tiffany Rolex Geneve Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1970's Rolex Geneve ladies wristwatch. Hand textured solid 14k yellow gold band. Tiffany & Co Rolex dial. Length: 22.41mm Width: 25.2mm Band width at case: 15.72mm Case thickness: 5.75mm Band: 14k yellow gold textured band Dial: white Rolex Geneve Tiffany Outside case: 14k 3652 Movement: Rolex 1600...
Category

Late 20th Century Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1959 Omega Seamaster – Automatic
Located in New York, NY
A 1959 Omega Seamaster featuring a 34mm solid 14KT yellow gold case and a silver dial with applied gold stick hour markers. Powered by the automatic Omega Caliber 570 movement. Spec...
Category

Mid-20th Century Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Cartier Tank Divan Stainless Steel Watch
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Tank Divan Stainless Steel Watch Details: Case size: 38mm x 24mm Case Material: Stainless steel Movement: Quartz Dial: White with Roman numerals Crystal: Sapphire Strap mat...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rado Golden Horse Silver Automatic Date Round 22mm Women Watch
By RADO
Located in Toronto, CA
Description Brand : Rado Model: Golden Horse Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Material: Stainless Steel Measurements :22mm diameter (excluding crown...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Factory Original Dial with Gold Baton Markers 1970 s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 3...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

14k Hamilton Diamond Watch. Vintage Ladies Hamilton Classic String Wristwatch
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning watch piece. Hamilton fully mechanical wristwatch. 14k White Gold Case with multiple diamonds. 14k White Gold Kreiser Cable Band. Condition: Watch winds up and ticks. Needs...
Category

1940s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold-filled, White Gold

Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Ladies Rolex Oyster Perpetual Tiffany & Co. Model Name Oyster Perpetual Material Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold Movement Automatic Case S...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph Thunderbird 16253 14K Yellow Gold Stainless Jubilee
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16253 Serial: 7365*** Year: 1982 Model: Rolex Turn-O-Graph Thunderbird Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 14K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel ...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Vintage Piaget Manual Wind 1970s 18K White Gold Blue Lapis Dial 25mm Baignoire
Located in New York, NY
Here’s a Piaget Baignoire in 18k white gold with a blue lapis stone dial manual wind from the 1970s. Measurements include a 25mm case and 18mm lug width. On an aftermarket blue leath...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Steel Blue Arabic Dial Automatic Watch 116000
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with original box and papers. 🕰️ General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Model Number: 116000 Year Manufactured: 2010-20...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Yachtmaster 40 18K Gold Blue Sunburst Dial 2000 16628 Boxed Rolex Service
Located in London, GB
Rolex Yachtmaster 40mm Solid 18K Yellow Gold Blue Sunburst Dial Reference 16628 P Serial Dates the manufacture of the watch to the year 2000 Case does not have lug-holes, br...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Unworn Rolex Datejust 41 White Jubilee Reference# 126300, Complete set, 2025
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126300-0006 is a masterful blend of timeless design and modern innovation, making it a standout in the world of luxury timepieces. Crafted entirely from Ro...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

French 1960s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Retro Lady s Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Lady's watch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. The case is square, decorated with golden Arabic numerals. The bottom marked "Juvénia Swiss manufacture Switerland". Small ...
Category

1960s French Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Tank Francaise 20mm Black Dial Steel Ladies Quartz Watch W51026Q3
Located in New York, NY
Very good pre-owned condition. No Box and papers. 🖤 Cartier Tank Française W51026Q3 Women’s Quartz Watch (20mm) 📌 General Overview Brand: Cartier Model Name: Tank Française Mode...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

1982 Rolex Lady Datejust 26MM 6917 Champagne Diamond Bezel 18K Yellow Gold Watch
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Diameter: 26.00 mm Weight: 29.47 grams One ladies 18K yellow gold diamond ROLEX Swiss-made watch. The metal was tested an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Classic Vintage 2910-5 Jumbo Case Circa 1950
Located in London, GB
Omega Classic Vintage 2910-5 Jumbo Case Circa 1950 A rare find from the golden age of Omega—this Vintage Omega 2910-5 is a timeless classic from the 1950s. With its larger 35mm Jumbo case, this piece offers a bold vintage presence that was well ahead of its time. Product Features: ✅ Model: Omega 2910-5 ✅ Year: Circa 1950 (based on serial number) ✅ Case Size: 35mm Jumbo (rare for the era) ✅ Case Material: Stainless steel with bold steel lugs ✅ Dial: Original white dial with minimal signs of aging ✅ Hour Markers & Hands: Silver baton markers with matching hands ✅ Crown: Generic steel crown ✅ Movement: Manual wind, running at approximately +30 seconds/day ✅ Strap: Brown leather strap with steel buckle (can be changed on request) ✅ Condition: Very good vintage condition with minor wear consistent with age Condition Notes: No significant marks on the dial, case, or glass Light signs of wear throughout, as expected for a watch of this age Unpolished and clean—retains original vintage charm Custom Options Available: 🔧 Servicing available upon request ✨ Case polishing optional 🔄 Strap can be changed to your preference Why Buy From Us? 🕰️ Specialists in vintage timepieces – Carefully curated watches with authenticity and heritage 🛠️ Expertly inspected and guaranteed – 12-month warranty for peace of mind 👀 Personal viewing option – Visit us in Mayfair, London 📞 Excellent customer service – Responsive, knowledgeable, and trustworthy Looking for a clean, classic, and oversized vintage Omega...
Category

1950s European Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Rolex Datejust II 116334 41mm White Dial Stainless Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116334 Serial: G313*** Year: 2011 Model: Rolex Datejust II Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K White Gold Fluted Bezel Dial: White...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Daytona 18k Gold With Black Face Diamond Dot Dial
Located in London, GB
Rolex Daytona 18k Gold Diamond Dot Dial 1999 Model - Solid 18k Yellow gold Daytona watch with chronograph black face and diamond dot dial. Solid gold bracelet with folding clasp cl...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Omega Watch. Ladies Omega Constellation Black Dial Womens Wristwatch
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Omega Constellation Black Dial Stainless Steel Condition: Great condition for the age. Limited wear. New battery installed. Details: 23mm case New battery installed. 6....
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph – Reference AB0127211B1X1
Located in Berlin, DE
The Breitling Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph – Reference AB0127211B1X1 – is a masterpiece of classic watchmaking and a symbol of precision engineering and masculine elegance. This high-...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Rolex Datejust All Diamond Two Tone Men s Watch
Located in New York, NY
Two tone 18k gold and stainless steel men's Datejust Rolex watch. Featuring after marker full diamond dial, bezel and bracelet. Applied gold Roman markers, date window at 3 o'clock. ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Genuine 18k Rolex Watch. ROLEX Cellini 3808 Mechanical Windup. Milanese bracelet
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k Rolex Cellini Watch with attached 18k White Gold Milanese Bracelet 1600 Caliber Rolex Movement Ref. 3808. 1970 Circa Case Is 18k White Gold. Bracelet is 18k White Gold Beau...
Category

1970s Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Bulgari Tubogas Serpent Snake Yellow Gold Bracelet Wristwatch
Located in Southampton, PA
18k yellow gold Tubogas Serpent Snake bracelet watch by Bulgari. The Authentic Bulgari 18k Yellow Gold Tubogas Serpenti Snake Bracelet Watch combines exquisite craftsmanship with ico...
Category

1990s Italian Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

1960s Retro Omega De Ville 18 Karat Gold Men s Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Omega De Ville men's watch. Square case in 18 karats yellow gold, owl hallmark. Total length: 20.5 cm, width of the bracelet: 2.2 cm to 0.6 cm, Cas...
Category

1960s French Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Lady Datejust Grey Diamond Dial 26mm 69179
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 26mm Lady Datejust in white gold by Rolex. Featuring a grey dial with diamond-set hour markers and a fixed white gold fluted bezel. Fitted with a sapphire glass, a self-winding aut...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Scarce Hamilton White Gold "Ventura" Electric Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Scarce and hard to find Hamilton Electric Ventura Wrist watch, 49 x 31 M.M. 2 piece 14k White Gold case with its eccentric flared lug tops. Hamilton 505 Electric movement,...
Category

1960s American Modernist Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K White Gold Steel Pink Roman Dial Watch 179174
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in Excellent condition. Comes with an original box but no paper. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Lady-Datejust Model Number: 179174 Type: Wristwatch Department...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Tudor Rolex Rose Logo Radial Arabic Numerals c1960 s 30mm Manual Mens Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This Tudor Rolex Vintage Gents’ Watch is dating from 1960’s, it is in good working order & in overall good original condition An ivory-beige coloured Dial is adorned with brand’s ic...
Category

1960s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Omega Seamaster Deville With Date ca 1960 s
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Here is a classic Omega Seamaster Deville with a date. Stainless steel with original bracelet, this watch is very clean and keeping really good time (under 10 seconds per day). Love...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mint Rolex Daytona 116503 40mm 18K Two Tone Champagne Dial Box and Papers
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Daytona 116503 is a distinguished timepiece that exemplifies the brand's commitment to blending classic design with luxurious craftsmanship. Crafted from a combination of 1...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Breitling Bentley GMT A47362 49mm British Racing Green Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: A47362S4/B919 Serial: 2286***/*** Year: 2016 Model: Breitling Bentley GMT - British Green Racing Limited Edition (Only 1000 Made) Case Material: Stainless...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage Women s Watch Signed Rof
Located in Vannes, FR
This small vintage women's watch by Rof Prestige is a real jewel of summer elegance. Its sea green background, ideal for summer, brings a touch of freshness and sophistication. The l...
Category

19th Century French Antique Watches

Materials

Base Metal

Vintage Women
s Watch Signed Rof
Vintage Women
s Watch Signed Rof
$426 Sale Price
20% Off

Antique, Vintage and Luxury Watches for Sale: Shop Rolex Watches, Omega Watches and Cartier Watches on 1stDibs

Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs.

While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind. 

Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. 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.

Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic 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 watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory. 

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

When shopping for a watch, 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 exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs that includes Cartier watches, Rolex watches, Patek Philippe watches and more — we promise it will be worth your time.