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Watches For Sale
Period: 18th Century
Period: 1940s
Gruen Gold Filled Art Deco Curvex Style Watch with Original Dial circa 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Curvex METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Width 22mm MOVEME...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Waltham Gold Filled Art Deco Tonneau Shaped Watch with original Dial
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Premier METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 21mm ...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Rolex Centregraph Gold Filled Ladies Wrist Watch circa, 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Centregraph METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 28mm X Diameter 22mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber DIAL / HANDS: / ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Brown Leather, 9mm / Regular Length 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 unique little watch is all original and was probably sold originally in Canada. These watches were produced for Rolex and marketed in Canada and the case was made in Canada. For import duty reasons Rolex sold...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Rolex 18Kt. Solid Rose Gold with Original Cord Band and Hardware circa 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolexl Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 4554 METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 17mm ...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Floral Bracelet Hidden Wrist Watch w Diamond Charm
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
A unique diamond and gold filigree charm covers the face of the hidden timepiece on this unique circa 1940's heirloom bracelet watch. Rich in style, it...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Mid-Century Gold Padlock Watch Bracelet
Located in Greenwich, CT
Lock up precious time with this Van Cleef & Arpels mid-century padlock gold watch bracelet. With a chic modern style, this one-of-a-kind and collectible timepiece will make sure you...
Category

1940s French Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Vacheron Constantin 18Kt. Yellow Gold with Breguet Style Engraved Dial 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Vacheron Constantin STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Dress Style METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 46mm Length X 38mm Diamete...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Precision Vintage Dresswatch, H/M 9K Yellow Gold, c 1948
Located in Canterbury, GB
Our vintage and rare Rolex Precision features a hallmarked 9k yellow gold case (30mm exc crown, 33mm inc crown, 37mm lug to lug) and attractive Arabic numeral dial with sub seconds d...
Category

1940s Vintage Watches

Rolex Precision 1940's Vintage Platinum "Star Dial" ladies Watch Extremely Rare
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Precision 1940's Vintage Platinum "Star Dial" ladies Watch Extremely Rare Vintage Ladies Rolex Diamond & Platinum Watch - Mechanical movement. Platinum case with diamond bezel...
Category

1940s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Tiffany & Co. by Schaffhausen International Watch Company Art Deco Style Watch
By IWC
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: International Watch Company, Schaffhausen Switzerland STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Round Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14 Kt. Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 37mm X Diam...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Watch with Original Dial Early 40's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm x Width 23mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 19 Jewels / Caliber 982 DIAL / HANDS: Original Sterling Silver Dial with 18Kt. Gold Applied Numerals / Gilt Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic Art Deco Style watch was produced by the iconic American house of Hamilton. It is in excellent original condition and very dependable. Hamilton was renowned for their navigational ships chronometers...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Oversize Omega Wrist Watch ca' 1947
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
An Omega wrist watch ca' 1947. Oversize steel case measuring approx. 37.5 mm. Reference 2609. Robust construction, movement #265. Original dial with patina.
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Watches

Titus Art Deco Odeonesque Concealed Cocktail Bracelet Watch Diamonds Gold 1940s
By Titus
Located in Lisbon, PT
Art Deco diamond and synthetic ruby odeonesque concealed bracelet and cocktail watch in 19.2kt yellow gold and platinum, signed Titus, Portugal, 1940s. This exquisite piece boasts a ...
Category

1940s Portuguese Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Omega Steel Art Deco 1940's Watch with Original Period Bracelet
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Round METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26mm X Diameter 20mm MOVEMEN...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Omega 1940s Retro Rose Gold and Rubies Bracelet Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Omega Ladies Bracelet Watch, 22 x 14 M.M. 14k Rose Gold Signed Omega 2 piece case, the case top is set with Fine color Rubies a...
Category

1940s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Patek Philippe Rose Gold Watch With Tube Bracelet
Located in Milano, IT
Rare Patek Philippe women's wristwatch with manual winding on 18k rose gold tube bracelet 1940s. Solid gold case and strap. The case measures 17x19 mm. / 0.669x0.748 inches, the tube...
Category

1940s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

VINTAGE OMEGA TIFFANY & CO. CHRONOMETRE 14K REF. # 2364 1940's
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Here is a fantastic piece of Omega history from 1940's, One of the first Chronometers with ref. 2364 in super all original condition with solid 14K band & buckle. It is increasingly ...
Category

1940s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Bulova Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Watch with Original Dial from 1950's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Bulova Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm X Width 21mm ...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Westfield by Bulova Art Deco Tonneau Shape with
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Westfield Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Kelbert Ladies 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold Art Deco Watch Hand Made 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Kelbert Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X Width 14mm MOVEME...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Bubble Back S.S., Circa 1948
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Bubble Back Ref. 2940 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale. S...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Universal 18K Yellow Gold Model 820 Men's Wrist Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Smart looking with a square case made of 18K yellow gold, this unusual vintage Universal Men's Wrist Watch is a unique addition to one's coveted watch collection. With simple elegance, this circa late '40's square case (no. 18203-1) measures a modest 1-1/8 x 1-1/8 square. The retro watch face...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Ladies 18Kt Rose Gold Art Deco Watch with Cord Band from 1940's Hand Made
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 4211 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1946 or 47 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 26 X Width 17 ...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Gruen Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Style Watch with Original Dial from 1940
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Len...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Gruen Gold Filled Art Deco Curvex Watch with Diamond Dial 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 449 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 22mm...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Omega 1940's Gild dial
Located in London, GB
Omega Black Gilt dial from approximately the 1940’s, a really stunning example of an early Omega that has kept its originality with the dial although naturally aged and discoloured i...
Category

1940s Vintage Watches

Hamilton Gold-Filled Art Deco Watch with Articulating Lugs 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Articulated Case METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 51mm X Width 27mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 72 DIAL / HANDS: Sterling Silver with 18Kt. Solid Gold Applied Numerals / Gilt Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This wonderful Art Deco watch was produced by the legendary American House of Hamilton, from Lancaster PA. The dial is done is Sterling Silver with Solid 18Kt. Gold Applied Numerals. Only the worlds finest Swiss Watches went to this extreme. We seldom see this model and this one is in exceptional condition. It is offered with an original Hamilton Buckle and with what we think was the original New, Old Stock Strap as well. The strap, while being new is to dried out to actually use. This watch can easily be worn every day and counted on to get you there on time, every time. Hamilton Watch Company History The wrong train, on the wrong track, at the wrong time at the end of the 19th century frequently resulted in disastrous train wrecks. In response to the critical need for accuracy on the nation’s railroads, laws were passed in 1891 establishing set standards of accuracy. All engineers and railroad workers were required to purchase and maintain their watches to keep accurate time based on set standards, about 30 seconds per week was the tolerance. This was the inspiration for The Hamilton Watch Company which was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The company was started by a group of investors who were looking to create a high-quality, American-made watch. Hamilton quickly became a leading manufacturer of pocket watches, and by the early 1900s, the company was supplying watches to the US military. In 1917, Hamilton introduced its first wristwatch for service men entering the first World War. The wristwatch quickly became popular with both soldiers and civilians recognizing how practical they were. Hamilton continued to grow throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and by the 1940s, the company was one of the largest watchmakers in the world. Hamilton had exceptional engineers and designers and their watches were elegantly styled as well as dependable. As a watchmaker myself I consider Hamilton to be one of the worlds “best” watches. It was mass produced perfection. Even today, you can take 100 old Hamilton’s of the same model apart and shake them up in a bag and reassemble 100 watches that will work perfectly with almost no adjustment. This is an achievement. In the early 1930’s our family store in Los Angeles was a “Hamilton” Store. Even during the depression though Hamilton did not allow you to discount the price to sell a watch. Also, in the neighborhood was another Hamilton store and one day the owner sent in a “shill” to buy a Hamilton from us, someone gave them a slight discount. Well, that was all it took for Hamilton to “pull the line” from us. In those days the local jewelry supply houses sold you the watches and they were all told not to sell to us...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

1940s Rolex Unisex Manual Wristwatch
Located in London, GB
This is a 1940s 14ct yellow gold unisex Rolex Chronometer watch. The dial is an off-white colour with rose gold hands and roman numeral indices...
Category

1940s Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega 1940s Gent's Wristwatch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a beautifully crafted watch from the world renowned watchmakers, Omega. A classic vintage design offers an off-white dial playing host to gold hour batons, Omega signatu...
Category

1940s Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold

Buren Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Articulated Lugs From the 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Buren Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm Length X 23mm Diameter MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber DIAL / HANDS: Silvered with Gilt Numerals ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 14mm / Regular Length 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 unique watch Buren is done with an unusual articulated design. These watches were called "Drivers Watches...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Mathey Tissot Gold Filled Watch in New Condition, Circa 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Mathey Tissot Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14k Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSI...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Elgin Rose Gold Filled Art Deco Watch Tortue Shaped Watch from 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tortue Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Rose Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm X Width 26mm MO...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, Rose Gold

Minerva Stainless Steel Art Deco 3 Register Chronograph, circa 1940's
By Minerva
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Minerva Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Chronograph METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length x...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Vintage 1940s Patek Philippe Gents Manual Wristwatch
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful and rare 1940s gents Patek Philippe wristwatch. The watch features a silver dial with white hour and minute hands and a seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The watch ha...
Category

1940s Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, Silver

Hamilton 14Kt Gold "Midas" Art Deco Watch 1940's with Original Dial Strap & Box
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Midas Series / Art Deco Tank METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 22mm X Width 33mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 19 Jewels / Caliber 982M DIAL / HANDS: Original Two Tone in Sterling Silver with 18Kt. Solid Gold Applied Numerals ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 16mm / Regular Length 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 is a great looking and dependable watch by this legendary American House from Lancaster Pennsylvania. This watch is offered with what appears to be an original period Alligator strap and an original Hamilton buckle and box. While the strap is to fragile to be practical it does indicate that this watch is in nearly new condition. Hamilton was devoted to excellence from their most modest watch to their finest. For example, Hamilton Dials were made in all Sterling Silver with Solid Gold 18Kt. Applied Numerals. No American house did this on all their watches. Only the finest Swiss houses had this level of quality. This watch will keep dependable time for the next 200 years if you give it a service every so often. Hamilton History The wrong train, on the wrong track, at the wrong time at the end of the 19th century frequently resulted in disastrous train wrecks. In response to the critical need for accuracy on the nation’s railroads, laws were passed in 1891 establishing set standards of accuracy. All engineers and railroad workers were required to purchase and maintain their watches to keep accurate time based on set standards, about 30 seconds per week was the tolerance. This was the inspiration for The Hamilton Watch Company which was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The company was started by a group of investors who were looking to create a high-quality, American-made watch. Hamilton quickly became a leading manufacturer of pocket watches, and by the early 1900s, the company was supplying watches to the US military. In 1917, Hamilton introduced its first wristwatch for service men entering the first World War. The wristwatch quickly became popular with both soldiers and civilians recognizing how practical they were. Hamilton continued to grow throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and by the 1940s, the company was one of the largest watchmakers in the world. Hamilton had exceptional engineers and designers and their watches were elegantly styled as well as dependable. As a watchmaker myself I consider Hamilton to be one of the worlds “best” watches. It was mass produced perfection. Even today, you can take 100 old Hamilton’s of the same model apart and shake them up in a bag and reassemble 100 watches that will work perfectly with almost no adjustment. This is an achievement. In the early 1930’s our family store in Los Angeles was a “Hamilton” Store. Even during the depression though Hamilton did not allow you to discount the price to sell a watch. Also, in the neighborhood was another Hamilton store and one day the owner sent in a “shill” to buy a Hamilton from us, someone gave them a slight discount. Well, that was all it took for Hamilton to “pull the line” from us. In those days the local jewelry supply houses sold you the watches and they were all told not to sell to us. We simply contacted Gruen, and they were very excited to have a new account...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Chronometer California Dial
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
ROLEX REF. 3458 BUBBLE BACK.STAINLESS STEEL BEAUTIFULL PATINA Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Chronometer, .Ref. #3458. Made in the 1940s.. Fine and rare, tonneau shaped, Self-winding, sta...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Timor WW Dirty Dozen
Located in London, GB
Part of the collectable and sought after so called ' Dirty Dozen' British Military watches from the second World War. This Timor is an original example of the watch, yes it shows s...
Category

1940s British Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel

Movado Triple Date Calender 4823
Located in London, GB
What an absolutely stunning watch, thought to hark back from the 1940's (hard to be certain with Movado Serial Numbers) this rose gold triple date calendar 4823 is very special. 18ct...
Category

1940s Vintage Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Rare Art-Deco Gruen Veri-Thin Manual Watch. Unusual TV Shaped Case. Hooded Lugs.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Fine & Rare Art-Deco circa 1940's "Veri-Thin" Gents' Wristwatch by Gruen Watch Company features: - Rarely seen Unusual & Well Proportioned Case, of slimmer profile designed a...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

ATP British Military unsigned
Located in London, GB
Watch: ATP British Military Unsigned Stock Number: CHW5298 Price: £500.00 At the beginning of world war two, The British Army needed watches for its troops fighting overseas. They acquired watches from many brands under the new Army Trade Pattern or A.T.P. These watches were often civilian watches slightly modified to meet the hurried specification issued by the British Army. This is a civilian watch issued with Army paybook ref engraved on caseback quite a rare occurrence as the watch finish is to retail standard and not military. Measuring 31mm diameter and 38mm lug to lug. Stainless steel case with screwback. Mid case composite chrome base metal bezel...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel

Cyma Dirty Dozen WWW
By Cyma
Located in London, GB
An original Cyma from the 1940's that was later part of the so called 'Dirty Dozen' collection of British Military watches from World War 2. Admittedly not the rarest of them but a ...
Category

1940s British Vintage Watches

Mens Omega Cosmic Ref 2486-1 Moonphase Triple Date 37mm Manual Wind 1940s JM22
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A collector's classic, Men's Omega Cosmic jumbo 37mm Moonphase watch with triple date, c.1940s. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous, unres...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Watches

Rare Gruen 416 Swiss Men's Wrist Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
We love vintage timepieces and this one of our favorite finds by Gruen Watch. Circa 1940's and in amazing condition, this sharp looking Gruen 416 Swiss Wrist Watch...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel

Timor ATP British Military
Located in London, GB
Watch: Timor ATP British Military Stock Number: CHW5297 Price: £950.00 At the beginning of world war two, The British Army needed watches for its troops fighting overseas. They acquired watches from many brands under the new Army Trade Pattern or A.T.P. These watches were often civilian watches slightly modified to meet the hurried specification issued by the British Army. Timor was one of the few that built a whole new watch just for the British Army Stainless steel case measuring 31mm diameter. Timor 15 Jewel manual wind movement. Mid case composite chrome base metal bezel...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel

Gruen 10k Gold Filled Art Deco Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style / Reference 770 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Retro 14 Karat Ruby Diamond Watch Ciny Watch Co. Le Noirmont, circa 1940s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This gorgeous 14K retro watch is from the company Ciny and is from 1940. It has a snake bracelet in 14K Gold and is filled with Diamonds and Rubies. The Diamonds are, VS G-H and the...
Category

1940s American Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Cushion Shaped American Watch with Original Dial 1940
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shaped METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Width 25mm MOVEMENT / CALIB...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Waltham White Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Style Watch American Made 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 24mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewel / Caliber 750 B DIAL / HANDS: Original with Arabic Numerals / ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 17mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Through the American civil war and two World Wars, and beyond, Waltham's legacy and spirit lives on in this wonderful vintage watch. It is truly a representation of the idea of American Exceptionalism. The wonderfully crafted design is timeless. Even after 100 years or more, this watch can dependably be worn, used and counted on to get you there on time, every time. It is versatile enough to be worn for all types of occasions and various clothes. Wear it with a suit or even for more casual occasions but, certainly, feel confident that you are wearing a piece of history. The Waltham Watch Company was an American watch manufacturing house founded in 1850 in Roxbury, Massachusetts. It was the first American company to mass-produce watches using interchangeable parts. The company's watches were known for their quality and affordability, and they quickly became popular with consumers. Waltham played a major role in the development of the American watch industry as well as establishing the concept of “mass produced” products. By the way, Henry Ford was a watchmaker, and he was inspired to build cars the same way Waltham Watches were produced, for the masses with interchangeable parts. Waltham’s success helped to make the United States a major player in the global watch market as well as promote the idea of “industrialization.” Before the Waltham Watch Company, watches were generally produced by hand, in “cottage” industries. They were owned by the wealthier class or the “working class” that needed to know the time. The company's affordable watches made them accessible to a wider range of people and helped to change the way people thought about time. Prior to this, people used their local Church bells to direct them in their daily lives. The Company continued to grow and prosper throughout the 19th century. During the American Civil War, they supplied watches to the military, and of course they grew because of this association. In 1885, they moved their headquarters to Waltham, Massachusetts, and changed their name to the American Waltham Watch Company. Waltham was a major exhibitor at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The company's exhibit at the exposition was housed in a large pavilion that was designed to resemble a factory. The pavilion was filled with watches of all shapes and sizes, as well as machinery used in the manufacturing process. The exhibit was a major success, and it helped to raise the profile of Waltham watches around the world. Amongst the visitors at the exhibition was a contingent from Switzerland. When they realized what Waltham was doing, they quickly understood that their methods were outdated and soon enough they would be a country unable to compete. They also went to the Waltham factory for a visit after the exhibition. It is said that they purchased a few of Waltham’s higher grade movements. The director of the factory said he would have them “adjusted” before they left, but they said it was not necessary. When they arrived back in Switzerland, they checked them and were shocked at the level of quality and accuracy. This prompted them to buy some of the equipment that Waltham was using so they could start building better watches that were less expensive and more accurate. Some of that machinery ended up in the small town of Schaffhausen and became The International Watch Company. They are still in business today making exceptional watches. The military, for any nation, is a powerful source of revenue for industrial contracts. So, any industry would prosper during war and Waltham continued to be a supplier to the military for over 100 years. Through WW 1...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, White Gold

Rolex Precision Steel Wristwatch, c1945
Located in London, GB
Vintage Rolex Precision wristwatch dated Circa 1945. Snap back Stainless Steel case with tapered, teardrop, overlaid fancy lugs. Rolex, 17-Rubies (Jewels) precision lever escapemen...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Yellow Gold Bubble Back Wristwatch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex Bubbleback 3131 14k yellow gold 32mm in exceptionally nice condition. From the 1940s. It has a lovely patina on the dial, the crystal is in very good condition. The case is not...
Category

1940s Swiss Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

CARTIER 14K Gold Vintage Calatrava Watch ft. collaboration by Movado
Located in San Fernando, CA
Introducing an extraordinary find - an exceptionally rare co-branded Cartier wristwatch crafted by Movado, approximately dating back to the 1940s. This exquisitely handmade timepiec...
Category

1940s Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold

ATP British Military unsigned Grana Dial
Located in London, GB
A rare find and even more so with an unsigned dial, we know its Grana from the Movement markings and we know its a 15 Jewel K.F.320 movement. ATP style watch made exclusively for the...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel

Universal Geneve 18Kt Pink Gold Art Deco Ladies Watch Hand Made from 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Universal Geneve Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Pink Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 27mm X Width 15mm MOVEMEN...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Seth Thomas Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tonneau Shape with Original Dial 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Seth Thomas STYLE / REFERENCE: Reference N901 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 25mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 001 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Arabic Numerals / Gilt Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Seth Thomas was a legendary American Clock Company...
Category

1940s American Vintage Watches

Materials

10k Gold, Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Elgin Yellow Gold Filled from 1939 with Hand Engraved Monogram Tortue Shaped
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tortue Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1939 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 25mm X Diameter 42mm...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, Yellow Gold

Elgin Yellow Gold Filled 1940's Art deco Tonneau Shaped Watch with Original Dial
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tonneau Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 27mm...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Patek Philippe 18Kt. Two-Tone Oversized Art Deco Wristwatch from 1940s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Solid Yellow and White Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 47mm X Width 29mm CIRCA: 1940's MOVEMEN...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Longines Stainless Steel Art Deco Ladies Watch with Cord Band from 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Longines Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Round METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Diameter 21mm MOV...
Category

1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Antique, New and Vintage Watches

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, new and classic vintage 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. Bvlgari’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, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.

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