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Watches For Sale
Rolex Datejust 36mm White Dial Stainless Steel Automatic Oyster Watch 16200
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex Datejust 36 White Dial Steel Mens Watch 16200. Officially certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement with quickset date function. Stainless steel oyster case 36.0 mm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Submariner 16613 Two-Tone Gold Steel Blue Dial Automatic Men s Watch
Located in Westport, CT
An authentic Rolex Submariner 16613, a luxurious and durable timepiece that seamlessly blends functionality with style. This gold and stainless steel men’s watch comes with its original box, making it an excellent choice for collectors and enthusiasts. It features a striking Rolex midnight-blue index dial with a date indicator at 3 o’clock, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and a date magnification cyclops for easy readability. The watch is equipped with a yellow gold rotatable bezel and a graduated sixty-minute blue enamel bezel, adding to its refined design. Designed for both reliability and comfort, this Submariner showcases a Rolex two-tone yellow gold and stainless steel oyster bracelet with an extendable flip-lock deployment clasp for a secure and adjustable fit. Whether worn for daily use or as part of a collection, this Rolex Submariner 16613 is a statement of precision and craftsmanship. Polishing is available upon request. Reference Number: "16613", made in ~2008. Case Dimensions: - Lug-To-Lug: 50 mm - Diameter(W/Crown): 46 mm - Diamter(W/O Crown): 40 mm - Case Height: 13 mm - Lug Width: 26 mm Rolex Submariner Yellow Gold Steel Blue Watch & Box Keywords: Rolex Submariner 16613, Rolex gold steel watch, Rolex blue dial, men's luxury watch, Rolex dive watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage Circa 1940 Hamilton 14KT Yellow Gold-Filled Curved Watch – Manual Wind
Located in New York, NY
A classic circa 1940 Hamilton dress watch, featuring a 28mm x 33mm curved 14KT yellow gold-filled case, designed for a refined and comfortable fit. The silver dial is elegantly adorn...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Chopard Two O Ten White Women s Watch - 118473-9001
Located in istanbul, TR
Brand Model and Reference number : Chopard Two O Ten White Dial Two Tone Ladies Watch 118473-9001. This watch is maden 18kt rose gold and stainless steel case with a 18kt rose gold ...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1960s Piaget Gold Watch with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds on the bezel. Signed by Piaget Circa 1960s 25mm face 6 1/2 inch band Model #9825 A6 Serial #302456
Category

1960s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex 16013 Datejust 36mm 18k SS Mens Diamond MOP Dial Automatic 1980s RA552B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A dazzling iconic classic, Men's 18k gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 16013 Datejust diamond set mother of pearl dial automatic, c.1986, in excellent working condition...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Sky-Dweller Rose Gold Rhodium Grey Index 42mm Dial 326935 Box Papers
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Bold, innovative, and unmistakably luxurious, the Rolex Sky-Dweller Ref. 326935 is the ultimate travel companion for the modern jet-setter. Crafted from Rolex’s proprietary 18K Evero...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Rhodium

Rolex Cellini Watch in 18K White Gold, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Cellini Reference manual wind in 18K white gold with a grey sunburst dial from the 70s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements include a 32mm c...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Omega 18k Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Dial Hand Wind Women s Watch
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Omega Case Size: 20 x 23mm Movement: Hand Wind Stone: Lapis Lazuli Dial Material: 18k Yellow Gold Size: 6.75" Weight: 68.6 Grams Condition: Great condition, keeping good time ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Jaeger LeCoultre "Reverso" 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Watch
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Jaeger LeCoultre "Reverso" 1881001 267.3.08 18 Karat White Gold watch , There are 768 Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately 4.30 carats total Color Range of: E, Cla...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Submariner 1680 Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch
Located in Westport, CT
An original vintage black Rolex Submariner (1680) circa 1980s. This magnificent piece features a jet-black dial, date window, rotating bezel, automatic movement, and a stainless stee...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Cartier Ronde Solo 2889 Mid Size Rose Gold Quartz Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2020 Cartier Ronde Solo Reference 2886 Mid size Wrist watch, 29 M.M 2 piece 18k Rose Gold Water Resistant case. Sapphire Set Crown, Quartz Movement, Sapphire Glass Crystal, Sil...
Category

2010s French Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Cartier Cougar 18K Yellow Gold – Ref. 887904
Located in Berlin, BE
Cartier Cougar 18K Yellow Gold – Ref. 887904 Elegant Cartier Cougar in 18K yellow gold, featuring a precise quartz movement. Reference 887904. A timeless and sophisticated design th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days PAM01359 PAM 1359 44mm Black Dial Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: PAM01359 / PAM 1359 Serial: BB187**** Year: 2016-2020 Model: Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Black Rubber ...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage 1980s Piaget Gold Watch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold. Signed by Piaget 32mm face Model #13427 A4 Automatic movement Circa 1980s
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Oyster Date Precision Stainless Steel Men s Wristwatch Ref 6066
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century all original, 1951 Rolex stainless steel oyster date precision wristwatch. Red date wheel. Original ruby steel riveted oyster band. Unpolished, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT-Master II Black Red COKE Bezel Stainless Steel Black 40mm 16710 Watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A true classic from the golden era of Rolex sport models, this 2000 Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 16710 features the iconic black and red “Coke” bezel, making it a standout piece for coll...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex President Day-Date Men s Watch 18238 Tiffany Dial
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex President Day-Date Men's Watch 18238 - Automatic winding,31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel . White Tiffany dial with Roman markers. ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Rolex President Day Date 18K Rose Gold 1803 36mm Original Rolex Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1803 Serial: 215*** Year: 1969 Model: Rolex President Day Date Case Material: 18K Rose Gold Band: 18K Rose Gold Bezel: 18K Rose Gold Dial: Champagne Face: Acrylic C...
Category

1960s Vintage Watches

Chopard La Strada ref. 8357 Diamonds Mother Of Pearl Dial In Original Box
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand: Chopard Model: La Strada Reference Number: 8357 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Chopard Quartz Case Material: Stainless Steel Measurements : Case width: 24...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Yacht-Master II 44mm 116681 18K Rose Steel Mercedes Hands Box Papers
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Yacht-Master II (reference 116681) is a distinguished timepiece that exemplifies Rolex's commitment to blending classic design with advanced functionality. Crafted from a h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Large 18K Gold Quartz 25mm Watch
Located in Miami, FL
The Cartier Tank, 25mm crafted in 18K yellow gold unisex watch. Roman numerals, original lizard skin strap. Complete with original Cartier Box. No papers, buckle not Cartier or 18k g...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Bulgari Parentesi Yellow Gold Diamond Watch Bracelet BG01
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Parentesi watch bracelet by Bvlgari, set in 18k yellow gold, adorned with approx. 2.50ctw G/VS diamonds. All diamond dial. Bracelet will fit approx. 7" wrist (medium size). C...
Category

20th Century Italian Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Piaget Polo 18K Yellow Gold Diamond-Set Ladies Wristwatch
Located in Miami, FL
Piaget Polo Yellow Gold Diamond-Set Ladies Wristwatch A timepiece from Piaget, this Polo ladies' wristwatch exudes luxury and elegance with its diamond-accented bezel and classic ye...
Category

1990s European Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 36mm No Holes Steel Silver Dial Automatic Watch 16220
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. No holes case. Clean dial and hands. 🕰️ General Information Brand: Rolex Model Name: Datejust 16220 Model Number: 16220 Type: Wristwatch Department...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

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

Bulgari Tubogas Yellow Gold Coil Wrap Watch Bracelet BB191T
Located in New York, NY
Classic 18k yellow gold wrap Tubogas watch by Bvlgari, featuring black dial with applied gold stick markers. The bracelet is slightly flexible, will comfortably fit a small size wri...
Category

20th Century Italian Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Cartier Calibre Black Dial Leather 42mm Men s Steel Watch Box W7100041
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Calibre de Cartier (ref. W7100041) is a commanding yet refined 42mm stainless steel timepiece, striking a balance between sporty presence and elegant sophistication. It f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Ballon Bleu Midsize Stainless Steel Yellow Gold Watch W69008Z3 3005
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Ballon Bleu Midsize Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold Watch W69008Z3 3005 - Quartz. Stainless steel and yellow gold case (36mm). Silver guilloche dial with black Roman numerals....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Patek Philippe Vintage Watch 18k Yellow Gold Black Dial Aftermarket 14k Bracelet
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Patek Philippe Vintage Watch 18k Yellow Gold Black Dial Aftermarket 14k Soldered on Bracelet This Patek Philippe Vintage Watch is in excellent co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Day-Date 118208 18K Yellow Gold Linen Dial Full-Set
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Day-Date 118208 Watch. This timepiece features a 36mm case made of 18K yellow gold, complemented by a smoothed 18K yellow gold bezel. The dial is a champagne linen color, equip...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Tiffany Co. and Oscar Heyman Art Deco Diamond Wristwatch
Located in New Orleans, LA
A dazzling example of Art Deco elegance, this exquisite wristwatch by Oscar Heyman for Tiffany & Co. is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. The cream dial is adorned with stri...
Category

20th Century American Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Peter Suchy 14k Yellow Gold Ladies Quartz Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
Peter Suchy Ladies 14k yellow gold wristwatch. Round white dial with roman numerals. Reliable quartz movement. 7.5 inch Panther graduated band with a textured three position catch. D...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Two-Toned Logo Face Datejust Watch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel with a fluted bezel and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. 36mm face Model #126233 Serial #L1662xxx Size 6 1/2 inches Comes with its ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso 265.8.08 Factory Diamond Bezel Quartz
Located in London, GB
We love a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso – especially when enhanced with a factory gem-set bezel. This reference 265.8.08 combines timeless elegance with subtle luxury, featuring a factory...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bvlgari Diagono Ergon EG40S 40mm Watch
Located in New York, NY
Bvglari Diagono Ergon EG40S 40mm Watch with Black Rubber. -Condition: Like-New, Pristine -Brand: Bvlgari -Model: Diagono -Style: EG40S -Dial: Black -Material: Stainless Steel -Case...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bvlgari Estate Sapphire Crystal Quartz Watch Stainless Steel 38 mm
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bvlgari Estate Sapphire Crystal Quartz Watch Stainless Steel 38 mm B12 This elegant Authentic Bvlgari Watch is made of stainless steel. Newly polished TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 P...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Crystal, Quartz, Sapphire, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Lady Datejust President 18K Yellow Gold White Dial Ladies Watch 6927
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. The watch was produced in 1982. The original box and papers are not included. Comes with a chronostore box. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * ...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

A. Lange Söhne 18 Karat Gold Savonette Pocket Watch, 52mm
Located in Berlin, DE
This elegant A. Lange & Söhne triple-hinged savonette pocket watch is a refined example of Glashütte’s finest watchmaking traditions. Crafted from solid 18K yellow gold, the case is ...
Category

20th Century German Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco 0.70 Carat Sapphire, 2.92 Carat Diamond and Platinum Watch Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1920s Art Deco 0.70 carat sapphire, 2.92 carat diamond and platinum watch; part of our diverse collection of Art Deco jewelry. This stunning,...
Category

1920s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 6022 Mens 1950s Manual Hand Wind All Original RA676
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Rolex ref.6022 Oyster Precision hand-wind dress watch, c.1952, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeou...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies President 69158 Factory Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Lugs 18K Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69158 Serial: E443*** Year: 1990 Model: Ladies President Crown Collection Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Factory Diamond Lugs Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Factory...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Piaget Polo Diamond 18K Gold M 501D Quartz Ladies Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Piaget Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Set White Dial Polo Quartz Wristwatch Key Features Brand & Model: Piaget Polo, Ref 23005 M 501D Movement: Quartz Case & Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold with ...
Category

1990s European Watches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold

Longines Ultra-Chron vintage gold case
Located in MADRID, ES
This Longines Ultra-Chron vintage is a collector piece the model is well known for its precision, it comes with the original box.
Category

1970s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold

Rolex Steel Datejust With Custom Made Green Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970 s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 36m...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Van Cleef Arpels La Collection 18K Gold Diamond Bezel Ladies Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Experience the Van Cleef & Arpels La Collection watch, crafted in 18K yellow gold. Its classic white dial features Roman numeral markers, while a stunning diamond-pave set bezel. Lim...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Art Deco Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Sicura Globetrotter GMT, 23 Jewel Manual Movement, 41mm Case, Year 1974...
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Sicura Globetrotter features a 41mm stainless steel case (44mm inc crown) with rotating blue/ red bezel and powered by a 23 jewel manually wound movement. The idea of the...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

French 20th Century 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Enamel Pocket Watch Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant Watch in 18 karat yellow gold. Antique pocket watch, round case. The back is white enamel, with black hands, black Roman numerals, and red Arabic numerals. The smooth gold ca...
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Chopard Mille Miglia Ltd Edition Chronograph Automatic Watch In 18K Rose G
Located in London, GB
Chopard Mille Miglia Ltd Edition Chronograph Automatic Watch  In 18K Rose Gold  Ltd edition with this being no 239 of 250. From the The Chopard Mille Miglia collection is this limi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Longines Yellow Gold Enamel Decagon Shape Open Faced Pocket Watch
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Case number 1535971, made 1920’s 14...
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18k Yellow Gold Custom Diamond Dial Bezel Ladies Watch 69173
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Custom Diamond dial and bezel. Comes with the gift box. General Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Datejust Model Number: 69173 Type: Wristwatch Department: Women Sty...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1501 35mm Mens Vintage Automatic 1970s RA604
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1501 Date automatic, c.1972, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed silver dial, ap...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Roadster 31mm 18K Yellow Gold Silver Dial Box Papers W62018Y5
Located in New York, NY
Pristine condition Cartier Roadster W62018Y5 is a sophisticated timepiece that embodies the brand's commitment to blending classic design with luxurious craftsmanship. Crafted from s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Twenty 4 4920R-001 Diamond Bezel Chocolate Dial 18K Rose Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 4920R-001 Model: Patek Philippe Twenty 4 Case Material: 18K Rose Gold Band: Satin Bezel: 18K Rose Gold & Diamond Bezel Dial: Chocolate Dial with Diamond Hour Markers...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Vintage Rare Chopard Model 4015/1 18 Karat Yellow Gold Card
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Rare Chopard 18k Yellow Gold, Model 4015/1, Manual Wind, Made in Switzerland c.1977 with Chopard Service Card 2025 and Chopard travel pouch Maker: Chopard Model: 4015 Year: ...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modernist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Unworn Breitling Superocean Reference# AB2030121B1A1, Complete set, 2024
Located in New York, NY
The Superocean Heritage B20 Automatic 44 is a modern tribute to Breitling’s legendary 1957 dive watch. Its 44mm stainless steel case paired with a black ceramic unidirectional bezel ...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 18k Rose Gold Silver Dial Watch 15551OR.ZZ.1356OR.01
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Fits up to 6 inches. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accuracy. It shows light signs of w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Cartier Ballon Bleu Moonphase 37mm Automatic Watch Box Papers WSBB0021
Located in New York, NY
iturn0image0The Cartier Ballon Bleu Moonphase 37mm (reference WSBB0021) is a refined timepiece that exemplifies Cartier's commitment to blending classic design with sophisticated ...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44mm 18K Rose Gold Black Dial IW503202 Papers
By IWC
Located in New York, NY
The IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar (reference IW503202) is a distinguished timepiece that exemplifies IWC's commitment to blending classic design with sophisticated craftsmanship...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Unworn Rolex Datejust 36 Grey Oyster Reference# 126234, Complete set, 2025
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126234-0046, often referred to as the “Wimbledon” model, exemplifies Rolex's enduring blend of innovation and timeless design. This particular reference st...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

White Gold, Sterling Silver

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.