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Watches For Sale
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King with Custom Pink Dial 1960s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 28x31mm quartz
Located in Berlin, BE
Presenting a refined pre-owned Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, a timepiece that seamlessly combines elegance with a sporty flair. Designed specif...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Watches

Materials

Quartz, Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 36mm 126234 Gold Steel Jubilee Green Palm Motif Dial Watch B&P
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 126234 Department: Men Style: Luxury Country/Region of Manufacture: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Hamilton Watch Co. Gold Filled Grade 910 Open Face Pocket Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Hamilton Watch Co. Gold Filled Grade 910 Open Face Pocket Watch - Manual; 17 jewels . Gold Filled (47 mm) . White dial with Arabic numerals; sub dial at 6 o'clock. Pre-owned with cus...
Category

20th Century American Watches

Rolex President Day-Date Men s 18k Yellow Gold Watch Vignette Dial 18378
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex President Day-Date Men's Watch 18378 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, Quickset, sapphire crystal. President Day-Date. 18K Yellow Gold with factory diamond and ruby bezel. Factor...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Antique 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Watch Chain Necklace with Heart Slide
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Romantic heirloom at a lengthy sixty inches, this fine antique 14 karat gold ladies watch chain necklace with heart slide is rarely seen in thi...
Category

Early 20th Century North American Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ladies Chopard 18k White Gold Diamond Watch Rare JLC Deployment Clasp ref 8/6495
Located in Richmond, CA
A beautiful vintage Chopard 18K solid white gold wristwatch (reference 8/6495), with a full factory diamond bezel on a blue croco leather band, and factory paired with a Jaeger LeCoultre JLC 18K white gold deployment clasp...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Rolex Submariner 41mm 18K Yellow Gold Ceramic Black Dial Watch 126618LN
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned excellent condition. 2023 card. Box and papers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex 18 Karat Gold With Diamond Bezel President circa 1980 s with Original Box
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: President / Reference 18000 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 43mm Length X 36mm Diam...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

New 2024 Rolex Daytona Steel Ceramic Newest Style Black Dial Watch 126500LN
Located in New York, NY
Brand new Newer model. 2024 card. Box and papers are included. General Information Brand: Rolex Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona Model Number: 126500LN Type: Wristwatch Style: Lux...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

18 Karat Yellow Gold Rolex President Lady Datejust, Automatic, Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt Yellow Gold Rolex President Lady Oyster Datejust, Set with Diamonds Movement: Automatic Functions: Hours, minutes, sweep seconds, date Case: 18 kt. yellow gold, diameter 26 ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 116234 Roman White Dial Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 116234 Watch features a 36mm stainless steel case with an 18K white gold fluted bezel. It has a white dial with steel hands, Roman numeral hour marker...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust Steel 18K Yellow Gold Custom Diamonds Black Dial Watch 69173
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. Custom Dial and bezel. It comes with a Chronostore box and a 1 year Seller warranty. Natural Diamonds
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Vintage Rolex Ref 1501 70s Automatic Grey Sigma Dial 34mm Case.
Located in New York, NY
Here’s a vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 1501 automatic with a grey sigma dial from the 1970s. 34mm stainless steel case with engined turned bezel and drilled lugs. Fitted o...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe Gondolo Annular Men s 18k White Gold Watch 5135G
Located in Dallas, TX
Patek Philippe Gondolo Annular Men's 18k White Gold Watch 5135G - Automatic winding. 18k White gold case with exposition back to view movement (39mm x 51mm). Silver dial with gold ma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

White Gold

Omega, De Ville Electronic men s wristwatch. Approx. 1970.
Located in bronshoj, DK
Omega, De Ville Electronic men's wristwatch. Approximately 1970. The watch is running. With date display. In excellent condition. The steel bracelet is not original and needs cleanin...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Rolex Datejust Steel 18 Karat White Gold Bezel Blue Baton Dial Mens Watch 116334
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. The original Box and Papers are not included. Comes with a seller presentation box and authenticity card. Covered by a one-year seller warranty Details: Brand Rolex Depar...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Patek Philippe Ellipse 3987 18K Yellow Gold Hobnail Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Patek Philippe Ellipse Reference 3987 is a timeless classic that exemplifies elegance and sophistication. Manufactured in the 1990s, this timepiece features a stunning 18k yellow...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Lady Datejust 69173 26mm Mother Of Pearl Dial Diamond Bezel 18k Gold Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69173 Serial: R43**** Year: 1988 Model: Rolex Ladies Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel with Diamond Encrusted Lugs Band: 18k Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel

Brand New Authentic Rolex New Style Green Cream Box Only
Located in New York, NY
100% Authentic. Brand new Rolex new model green cream box only. (no other accessories are included) All our Items undergo thorough inspection and authentication, ensuring you receiv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Rolex Datejust 16203 Silver Arabic Dial 18K Yellow Gold Steel Box Paper 2003
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16203 Serial: Y830*** Year: 2003 Model: Rolex Datejust Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18K Yellow Gold & Stainless Steel Bezel: 18K Yellow...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

New Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite Black Dial Men Automatic Jubilee Watch 126720VTNR
Located in New York, NY
New. Comes with the original box and papers. 5-year Rolex Warranty
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex President Day Date II 218349 41mm Diamond Dial Bezel 18K White Gold 2013
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 218349 Serial: Q7906*** Year: 2013 Model: President Day Date II Case Material: 18K White Gold Band: 18K White Gold Bezel: Factory Diamond Bezel Dial: Factory Diamond ...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Day-Date 36mm 18K Rose Gold Eisenkiesel Diamond Dial Watch 128235
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Comes with original box and papers. đź•° Rolex Day-Date 128235-0041 Brand: Rolex Model: Day-Date Model Number: 128235-0041 Department: Unisex Adult Style: Luxury Country/Regi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

18k Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Full Factory Diamonds Wrist Watch
Located in Antwerp, BE
Extremely Luxurious and Beautiful Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Haute Joaillerie Full Factory Diamonds Movement: quartz Functions: hours, minutes Case: 18 kt. yellow gold, diameter 2...
Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Omega Genève Ref 1360102 Oversize Cal. 1030 Mens Watch
Located in Toronto, CA
Description Brand: Omega Model: Genève Reference Number: 1360102 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Manual Wind Cal. 1030 Case Material: Stainless steel Measuremen...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref 6694 34mm Mens Manual Wind 1960s Vintage RA564
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Iconic classic, Men's Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 hand-wind dress watch, c.1962, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 Silver Dial Watch, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Here's a Rolex Oyster Precision reference 6426 with a silver dial manual wind from the 1970s. Measurements include a 34mm case and 19mm lug width. Fits up to a 7 inch wrist. Ready to...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

Silver

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Custom Made Blue Dial, circa 1970 s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm x 34mm MOVEME...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Ronde Solo 36 MM steel Quartz Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2015 Cartier Ronde Solo Wrist Watch, 36 M.M 2 Piece stainless steel water resistant case, Sapphire crown, Sapphire Glass Crystal. Silver dial with Black Roman numerals and a C...
Category

2010s French Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Day-Date President 118238 Champagne Dial Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Day-Date President 118238 Mens Watch. 36mm 18K yellow gold case with 18K yellow gold fluted bezel. Champagne dial with gold hands and gold index hour markers. Minute markers ar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Collector 1950s Platinum Diamond Cocktail Wristwatch, Swiss Movement
Located in London, GB
A sophisticated retro 1950s platinum diamond cocktail watch featuring a Swiss mechanical hand-wind movement. The off-white dial with go...
Category

1950s British Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18 kt Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Automatic, Ref 14790 BA
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 kt Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Automatic Reference 14790BA.OO.0789BA.01 with Box & Extract from the Archives , Collectors watch in...
Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Gruen 14Kt Solid Gold Curvex Art Deco Watch with Original Box circa 1940 s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Curvex METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Gold / Reference 568 CIRCA / YEAR: 1947-48 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Wi...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Breguet Marine Chronograph 5527BB/Y2/5WV 18K White Gold Blue Dial Box Papers 22
Located in New York, NY
Breguet Marine Chronograph 5527BB/Y2/5WV, featuring a 42.3mm 18k white gold case with a brushed and polished finish. The striking blue dial showcases a sunburst pattern with applied ...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

White Gold

Rolex Daytona 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Sticks Dial Men Watch 116518LN
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned mint-like new condition. 2020 card. Box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Daytona Model Number: 116518LN Style: Luxury Department: Men Year Manufa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Breitling Navitimer World 46mm Chronograph Blue Dial Steel Band Men Watch A24322
Located in Aventura, FL
Introducing the distinguished elegance of the Breitling Navitimer World A24322. This impressive timepiece features a robust 46mm stainless steel case, complemented by a captivating b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Steel

Berthoud / Universal Genève Uni Compax Chronograph Wrist Watch, Rare Collectors
Located in Antwerp, BE
Extermely Rare Collectors Watch with Universal Genève Big Eyes Chronograph Caliber Universal 385 . Case : Stainless Steel, 35 mm
Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Watches

Materials

Steel

Omega Century 10k Gold-Filled Manual Winding Watch
Located in Montreal, QC
Omega century 10k gold-filled manual winding watch caliber 266, circa 1950. No band, 17 jewel case gold & steel, lug 18mm, case #3099347, movement...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

10k Gold, Gold-filled, Steel

Waltham 14k Yellow Gold Hunters Cased Pocket Watch Circa 1900 Hand Engraved
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Hunters Case Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1900 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 45mm Diameter MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / Jewels 17 / Caliber 12 Size Royal DIAL / HANDS: White Enamel Dial with Roman Numerals / Blued Steel Spade Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement This is a "vault find" watch, it has been locked up for nearly 50 years, which means it needs a service. We will give it a factory quality service by our finest watchmaker as part of the purchase price before it is shipped out to you. This will delay shipping for a few days of course. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This solid gold watch is entirely hand made and hand engraved. It is in excellent original condition. The dial is done in Kiln Fired Enamel and the movement is high grade. The workmanship is exceptional and as is the condition of the watch itself. This watch is supplied with a gold filled pocket watch chain, or a solid gold pocket...
Category

Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Vintage Movado Ermeto Tiffany Co. Stainless Steel Brown Leather Travel Clock
Located in New York, NY
A rare and elegant collaboration between Movado and Tiffany & Co., this vintage Movado Ermeto travel clock embodies the sophistication of early 20th-century design. The Ermeto line, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Omega Mechanical Automatic Watch 18kt
Located in New York, NY
Geneve Ladies Watch Circa 1970's High grade Swiss Mechanical Movement Working Order. 7 inch Wearable Length 36 grams 17mm diameter case
Category

20th Century American Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Blue Dial 1970s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Category

1970s Swiss Modernist Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

MINT Cartier Panthere Small WGPN0006 18K Rose Gold Ladies Watch Box Papers
Located in New York, NY
At once a watch and jewel, the Panthère de Cartier timepiece is one of the most distinctive Cartier designs. Born in the 80s and more contemporary than ever, it is a true style icon ...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Rolex Datejust 26mm 18K Gold Steel Champagne Roman Dial Ladies Watch 69173
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Good condition. It was produced between 1980-1990. No original box and papers. Comes with a gift box. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Steel

Cartier Pasha C Steel Salmon Grid Dial 35mm 2324 Automatic Watch
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand: Cartier Model: Pasha C Reference: 2324 Features : Date - Salmon Grid Dial Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Material: SS Measurements : :Case...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vivienne Westwood Jewel Watch
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Vivienne Westwood unisex watch Steel Blue/violet dial with golden rose lugs Case size mm 36 Quartz movement, perfectly working With box Express shipping included in the price !
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Watches

Patek Philippe 5970R Grand Complications Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Watch
Located in New York, NY
The Patek Philippe Reference 5970R showcases a 40mm rose gold case and a white dial set with rose gold baton markers and hours, minutes hand. This is a grand complications model featuring manual winding movement, chronograph, perpetual calendar complication with day, date, month, year, and moon phase. Exhibition caseback that lets you see the beautiful Caliber 27-70 Q; 24 jewels; power reserve approximately 50-60 hours; Gyromax balance; Geneva Seal; Cote de geneve...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Oyster Datejust Ref 1601 36mm 18k SS Mens 1970s Vintage Automatic RA592
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic icon, Rolex Men's Oyster Perpetual 1601 the Datejust automatic in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel, c.1973, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master ...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Lady TT Datejust Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel Jubilee Watch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
SKU 6917-TT-WMOP-DIA-AM-BDS-JBL Brand : Rolex Model : Datejust (Non-Quickset Model) Gender : Ladies Metals : 14K/Stainless Steel Case Size : 26 mm Dial : Custom Mother Of Pearl Dia...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 14k Gold Automatic Diamond Bezel 1960s RA412
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning classic, Men's solid 14k gold Rolex 1601 Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic with diamond dial and bezel, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed black dial, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 position, luxurious aftermarket diamond set hour markers, hands and dial in excellent, vintage condition, very minor show of age if any. Acrylic crystal. Stunning diamond set in 14k solid gold bezel, 14k solid gold case measures 36mm wide, in excellent condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Fitted on new, aftermarket leather strap and buckle. A timeless classic, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Datejust...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Exquisite Victorian Enamel Cherub Garden Scene 18 Karat Gold Swiss Pocket Watch
Located in Boston, MA
A Swiss Victorian pocket watch crafted in 18k gold. The round case measures 35mm in width, featuring an exquisite enamel design. The front showcases a detailed scene of two cherubs...
Category

1890s Victorian Antique Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 126303 Black Dial W/Card
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Rolex Datejust 126303 Men's Watch. It features a 41mm stainless steel case and an 18K yellow gold smooth bezel. The engraved rehaut enhances its elegance, while the black dial showca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

18 Kt Rainer Brand Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Wrist Watch, Collectors
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Rainer Brand Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Wrist Watch, Brand New In Box With all Warranty Papers, Rare Collectors Watch Case : 18 Kt ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm, Lug Tip to L...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Rolex Datejust 6827 31mm Diamond Dial
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A midsize Rolex Datejust ref. 6827 crafted in 18k yellow gold. Featuring a silver dial with applied diamond hour markers and a fluted yellow gold bezel. The watch is also fitted with...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rolex Watch Box, New Creme Empty Acs. Oyster Perpetual Daytona GMT Datejust New
Located in New York, NY
Used Authentic Rolex Watch BOX I used this box to display my watch Used but original box of Rolex + outer box Inner Box measurements in inches 7 inches X 5 Inches X 3 Inches ...
Category

2010s Watches

Rolex Datejust 69174 Sliver Dial Ladies Watch
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Datejust 69174 Ladies Watch. 26mm stainless steel case with 18K white gold fluted bezel. Silver dial with luminous steel hands and index hour markers. Minute markers on the out...
Category

20th Century Watches

Cartier Tank Francaise Mid-Size SS Automatic Calendar Watch Iob Ref. 2302
Located in Richmond, CA
A Cartier Mid-size (32mm) Tank Francaise bracelet watch in stainless steel (Ref.2302). The Swiss made movement is automatic winding. The dial is silver with black roman numeral markers and a date display at 6, the hands are blue, the crown is mounted with a blue cabochon sapphire. The full length bracelet is suitable for up to 8.5” wrist (3 removed links included). Comes with original Cartier watch...
Category

1990s Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Everose rainbow aftermarket, with box and papers 2018
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Everose rainbow aftermarket, with box and papers 2018 Model, Daytona 116505 ; Serial/Year. Current ; Case Dia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

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.

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