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Wrist Watches For Sale
Antique Art Deco 1920s 3.00 Carat Diamond Watch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with Marquise, Old European, Single, and Bageutte cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 3.00 carats. Circa 1920s Size 6 1/4 inches
Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Rolex 14Kt Solid Gold Ladies Dress Watch circa 1960 s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Mid Century Modernist METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Gold / Gold Filled Bracelet CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length...
Category

1960s Swiss Modernist Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Rolex Ladies 14Kt Solid White Gold Mid Century Modern Watch circa 1960 s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Mid Century Modern / Reference 1656 METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1956 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm ...
Category

1960s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 35mm 1960s Mens Automatic All Original RA679
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's all original stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1500 Date automatic, c.1965, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ruby and Diamond Swiss Quartz Movement Watch in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A stunning work of wearable art, this one-of-a-kind Swiss Quartz movement ruby and diamond watch in 18 karat gold by Dilys’ represents the brand’...
Category

2010s Hong Kong Belle Époque Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex 34MM 18 Karat Gold Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date Wrist Watch
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A distinguished Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date watch. The round case is crafted from stainless steel, featuring a champagne sunburst dial with baton ind...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Precision Ref 6426 34mm Mens 1950s Manual Wind All Original RA682
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Royal Precision Ref.6426 manual hand-wind, c.1976, all original, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorge...
Category

1970s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Sea-Dweller w/ Oyster Bracelet Ref. 16600
Located in Central Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 16600 Year: 1991’s Serial number: N4XXXXX Reference: C04779 Case: Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case back stamped 16600 Dial...
Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Cartier Tank Francaise Midsize Stainless Steel Yellow Gold Watch 2465 W51012Q4
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Tank Francaise Midsize Stainless Steel Yellow Gold Watch 2465 W51012Q4 - Quartz. Stainless steel yellow gold case (25mm x 30mm). Ivory colored dial with black Rom...
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Piaget Polo 9131 C701 Champagne Dial Manual Winding 18k YG 1980s
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Description SKU 1962 Brand Piaget Model Polo Reference 9131 C701 Year 1980s Dial Champagne Dial Case 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Diameter 25mm Length 17.6cm Movement Ma...
Category

1980s Vintage Wrist Watches

Rolex Datejust 36mm Olive Green Diamond Dial Gold Steel Oyster Watch 126233
Located in Aventura, FL
This Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in Oystersteel and yellow gold features an olive-green, diamond-set dial and an Oyster bracelet. This dial features a Roman VI and IX in 18 ct gold,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel

Rolex President Day-Date Men s 18k Gold Watch 18038
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex President Day-Date Men's 18k Gold Watch 18038 - Automatic winding; quick-set; sapphire crystal. President - Day-Date. 18k yellow gold case with fluted bezel. Silver dial with s...
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

1934 BLACK STARR FROST Mens 14K Gold - Gifted by Iconic TV Host Ed Sullivan
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1934 BLACK STARR & FROST by Zenith Vintage Mens 14K Gold Watch...
Category

1930s Swiss Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Cartier Drive de Cartier Steel Leather Watch
Located in New York, NY
Experience timeless elegance with the Cartier Drive de Cartier Watch, a stunning blend of sophistication and functionality. Crafted from durable stainless steel, this exquisite timep...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Omega 1967 18KT Yellow Gold Cocktail Watch Ref. A29396
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Omega cocktail watch circa 1967, crafted in 18KT yellow gold with a square 11 x 11mm case and matching mesh bracelet. The champagne dial is finished with gold and black stick...
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Platinum and Diamond Cocktail Watch, Ladies Wristwatch
Located in NEWARK, GB
This exquisite Art Deco ladies watch is crafted from dazzling diamonds and precious platinum, making it the perfect timeless accessory for any special occasion. Boasting an impressi...
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Rolex Lady Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch Mother Of Pearl Dial 2001
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Lady Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch. This Rolex Lady Datejust 18k Yellow Gold Wristwatch was made in 2001. It is in very good condition with very little signs of wear. ...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1950s Zenith x Tiffany Co. 34.5MM 14KT Yellow Gold – Bumper Automatic
Located in New York, NY
A rare and collectible collaboration, this vintage 1950s Zenith is double signed by Tiffany Co. and features a 34.5mm 14KT yellow gold case. The cream dial is marked with appli...
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Rolex Day Date 1803 President 18k Solid Gold 1970s Mens Vintage Automatic RA699
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless icon, Rolex 18k solid gold Oyster Day-Date ref.1803 "The President", c.1976, in excellent working condition! Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex sign...
Category

1970s Swiss Retro Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Omega Del1950031417 Golden Dial Gold Plated Tonneau Case Men s Wat
Located in Toronto, CA
Description Brand: Omega Model: Deville Reference Number:1950031 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Quartz Cal.1417 Case Material: Gold Plated Stainless steel Meas...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Rolex Daytona 116523 Diamond White Dial Two-Tone Mens Watch
Located in Great Neck, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Daytona 116523 Mens Watch. 40mm stainless steel case. 18K yellow gold tachymeter bezel. White dial with gold hands and factory diamond hour marker. Three sub-d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Solo W5200024 18K Rose Gold Ladies Watch Box Papers
Located in Great Neck, NY
Cartier Tank Solo W5200024 / 3168 Ladies Watch. 24mm 18K rose gold case. Sliver dial with blue steel hands and Roman numeral hour markers. Minute markers on the inner dial. Brown lea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

CHOPARD 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Ladies Wristwatch
Located in New York, NY
This Vintage Piece is created by Chopard. Luxuriously made from 18k Yellow Gold, The watch features diamond bezel. Specifications Primary Stone Type : Diamond Primary Carat Weight : ...
Category

20th Century Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jaeger for Pierre Cardin Espace Space Age Mens Watch - Stainless Steel
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 1957 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ladies Watch Ref. 6719
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this 1957 Rolex Oyster Perpetual ladies watch (Ref. 313315) embodies timeless elegance and enduring craftsmansh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Baume Mercier Diamond Bezel Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
Experience the epitome of elegance with the Baume Mercier Diamond Bezel Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch. Quartz movement. The oval shape case is glistening with a halo of round c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1920s Ollendorff Platinum Diamond Art Deco Swiss Wristwatch, 2.0ct Total
Located in North Attleboro, MA
A masterpiece of 1920s Art Deco design, this platinum and diamond wristwatch by Ollendorff captures the height of Swiss craftsmanship and architectural glamour. With 56 diamonds tota...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Tank Solo W1018755 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Cartier Tank Solo Small Ladies Watch (Model W1018755) features a quartz movement and is crafted in an 18k yellow gold rectangular case measuring 31.0 x 24.4 mm. It has a stainles...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Titoni Cosmo King Two-Tone Date Automatic Men’s Watch
Located in New York, NY
Classic Titoni Cosmo King automatic men’s watch featuring a two-tone stainless steel and gold-tone case and bracelet. The gold sunburst dial is set with diamond-style hour markers, g...
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Cellini 18K Gold Manual Wind Mocha Dial 32mm Case.
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Cellini manual wind in 18K yellow gold with a mocha sunburst dial from the late 70s, early 80s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements include ...
Category

1970s Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

1964 Omega Vintage Mens Cal. 560 Stainless Steel Watch, Automatic, Date
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Omega Ladies Seamaster Aqua Terra Stainless Steel 30mm Date Wrist Watch
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A contemporary Omega ladies Aqua Terra wrist watch crafted in stainless steel. The watch showcases a silver pinstripe dial adorned with arrow markers...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Audemars Piguet 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Cobra Bracelet Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Audemars Piguet watch is a luxurious timepiece that embodies elegance and craftsmanship. It features a 34 mm case made of 18K yellow gold, giving it a warm and opulent appearance...
Category

1970s Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Bulova Excellency 2 dial Watch In 10k Gold With New Lather Strap Circa 1940s
Located in New York, NY
Bulova Excellency 2 dial Watch In 10k Gold With New Lather Strap Circa 1940s stylish art Deco and unusual gents manual wrist watch dating to 1940s, Bulova Ranger in gold, serviced wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

10k Gold

Tag Heuer Professional Ladies Watch WN1353 Stainless Yellow Gold 18k Quartz
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Tag Heuer Model: Professional Model Number: WN1353 Movement: Quartz Warranty: 1 Year Dial Color: Silver Metal Content: Stainless Steel 18k Yellow Gold Fastening Type: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

1972 Omega Dynamic Vintage Mens Large 39mm Cal. 565 Watch Quick-Setting Date SS
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Elegant Elgin 14k White Gold Wind-Up Wristwatch with Diamonds
Located in Bloomington, MN
This watch is crafted in 14k white gold and features diamond, with an Elgin wind up wristwatch design. The single-cut diamonds total 0.06ctw, near colorless with SI clarity. It weig...
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Platinum Diamond Ladies Watch, 1.80ct Natural Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Indulge in timeless elegance with this exquisite vintage ladies watch, beautifully crafted in a combination of a platinum case and victorian cut natural diamonds on black velvet leat...
Category

1920s Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

TAG Heuer Professional Stainless Steel Date Quartz Men’s Watch Ref. WK1112
Located in New York, NY
Classic TAG Heuer Professional men’s watch featuring a bold blue dial with luminous markers and a date window at 3 o’clock. Crafted in stainless steel, this model includes a unidirec...
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Panthère 107000M 18K yellow Gold Ladies Watch Box Papers
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Cartier Panthère 107000M Ladies Watch is a timeless piece that exudes luxury and elegance. With a 22mm 18K yellow gold case and a smooth 18K yellow gold bezel, this watch is desi...
Category

1990s Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Milgauss 40mm 116400 Steel White Dial Automatic Men Watch Box Papers
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with original box and paper.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Day-Date 40mm Blue Ombré Dial Diamond Bezel White Gold Watch 228349RBR
Located in Aventura, FL
The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 18ct white gold with a blue ombré dial, diamond-set bezel and a President bracelet. Gem-setters, like sculptors, finely carve the precious metal t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Bulova 2 dial Watch In 10k Gold With New Brown Lather Strap Circa 1940s
Located in New York, NY
Bulova 2 dial Watch In 10k Gold With New Brown Lather Strap Circa 1940s stylish art Deco and unusual gents manual wrist watch dating to 1940s, Bulova Ranger in gold, serviced with ne...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

10k Gold

Breitling Navitimer Montbrillant Datora A21330 43mm White Dial Stainless Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: A21330 Serial: 217**** Model: Breitling Montbrillant Datora Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Leather ...
Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies 18 Karat Gold Stainless Steel Datejust Black Dial
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A Rolex Datejust wristwatch crafted in stainless steel and 18k gold. The round case features a black dial with baton indexes, offering a sleek and m...
Category

1990s Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Ballon Bleu W6920033 3284 36mm Pink Mother Of Pearl Dial 18k Gold Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: W6920033 / 3284 Serial: 3555**** Model: Cartier Ballon Bleu Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: 18k Rose Gold Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainles...
Category

Early 2000s Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex 18Kt Gold Ladies Modernist Style for Serpico Laino Diamond Bezel 1960 s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 106 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold / Factory Diamond Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Dia...
Category

1960s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Custom Made Rolex Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm "Lug Tip to ...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Longines Flagship 38.5mm Day-Date Steel White Dial Automatic Watch L4.899.3.21.7
Located in New York, NY
Brand new and comes with an original box and papers. Brand: Longines Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: L4.899.3.21.7 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Sty...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

1940 s Patek Philippe Vintage Mens Watch with Contract or Period Large "Top Hat"
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rado Diastar Automatic Gold-Tone Rare Dial Men Watch
By RADO
Located in Toronto, CA
Description Brand: Rado Model: Diastar Reference Number :6230013.3 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Material: Tungsten & Stainless steel Measuremen...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Gold

Vintage IWC 18KT Gold Coral, Onyx Diamond Wristwatch, 1970s
By IWC
Located in Braintree, GB
A rare and distinctive 1970s IWC wristwatch crafted in 18kt yellow gold and set with striking carved coral, polished onyx panels and pavé-set diamonds at each corner of the case. The...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Datejust Midsize 31mm Grey Floral Motif Dial Oyster Steel Watch 178240
Located in Aventura, FL
This Rolex Datejust 31mm features a grey floral dial and a stainless steel Oyster bracelet. It fitted with a smooth stainless steel bezel. The Datejust is one of Rolex’s oldest colle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Cartier Ellipse Ladies Yellow Gold and Diamond Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990 Cartier Ellipse Ladies Wrist Watch, 25 x 22 M.M. 2 piece 18k Yellow Gold case set with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds and a Sapphire set crown, Quartz movement, off White d...
Category

1990s French Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1968 Omega Constellation Mens Automatic Chronometer Watch - Stainless Steel
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1969 OMEGA SEAMASTER Mens Vintage Cal. 565 Stainless Steel Watch
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage 18ct Gold and Diamond Longines Ladies Wristwatch
Located in Portland, England
This exquisite Swiss Longines Ladies wristwatch is crafted in solid 18ct yellow gold and offers a timeless silhouette ideal for both daily wear and formal occasions. The case measure...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Rare Vintage Rotary Gold Plated Automatic Wristwatch
Located in Portland, England
A striking and rare 1970s Swiss-made Rotary wristwatch, featuring a 25-jewel automatic movement housed in a polished gold-plated case. This timepiece perfectly captures the refined m...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

1968 OMEGA DYNAMIC First Generation Vintage Mens Cal. 565 SS Steel Watch - Mint
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Vintage Rolex Cellini Ref 4084 70s Manual Wind 18K Yellow Gold Red Vignette Dial
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Rolex Cellini reference 4084 with a red vignette dial in 18K yellow gold from the 70s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements include a 30mm tank cas...
Category

1970s Vintage Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Antique, Vintage and Luxury Wristwatches for Sale on 1stDibs

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.

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