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Watches For Sale
Period: 1960s
Period: 1940s
Omega Seamaster 563 De Ville Men's Wrist Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Always in style, a retro classic Omega Seamaster 563 De Ville Gold Filled Men's Wrist Watch. The height of popularity 1950-60s, this sleek 34mm timepiece...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Classic Indexed Bezel, circa 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1501 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Mid 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 26 Jewels / Caliber 1570 DIAL / HANDS: Custom Copper Dial...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

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 Stainless Steel Air King With Custom Purple Dial circa, 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 550 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X Diameter 34mm...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

LIP Vintage Women Watch N.O.S off White Dial Yellow Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
Looking for a vintage women's wristwatch that combines retro style with superior quality? Look no further than the Lip women's wristwatch. Carefully crafted, this vintage watch embod...
Category

1960s French Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lip Women Watch N.O.S White Dial White Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
This women's wristwatch from LIP is a real jewel of retro style. Meticulously designed, this watch embodies timeless elegance and refinement. Made entirely of 18-carat white gold, it...
Category

1960s French Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Omega Geneve Yellow Gold 18K Wristwatch 1960S
Located in Geneva, CH
Omega Geneve Wristwatch in 18k yellow gold with manual movement. Circular case in yellow gold, fluted crown, snap-on back. Silver dial, applied gold ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Omega Yellow Gold Filled Mid Century Design Ladies Watch in New Condition
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Mid Century / Round METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 23mm X Diameter 17mm...
Category

1960s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original Charcoal Dial from, 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer BubbleBack 14K Yellow Gold Dial Ref. #3131
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer BubbleBack 14K Yellow Gold Dial Ref. #3131 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being ...
Category

1940s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Jaeger LeCoultre, Concealed Watch Bracelet
Located in London, GB
An 18k yellow gold articulated panel concealed watch bracelet by Jaeger LeCoultre Length: 18.5cm Weight: 67gr
Category

1960s European Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Breitling Top Time Wristwatch ref 2000-33. Heavy Gold Capped Case, Year c 1967.
Located in Canterbury, GB
Our vintage and very rare Breitling Top Time, reference 2000-33, features a heavy gold capped case (36mm exc crown) and notably a black/ silver dial with red chrono hand (aka the rev...
Category

1960s Vintage Watches

IWC Schaffhausen R 1210 Caliber 401 Steel 1960 Breguet Hairspring Pre Portofino
By IWC
Located in PARIS, FR
IWC Schaffhausen International Watch Co. Founded in 1868 for the discerning Gentlemen In 1868, American engineer and watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones (1841–1916), who had been a director of E. Howard & Co., in Boston, then America's leading watchmaking company, founded the International Watch Company with the intention of combining Swiss craftsmanship with the modern engineering technology from the U.S. to manufacture watch movements and other watch parts for the American market. Wear IWC watch it's integrate the club of famous clients : John Malkovich, Michael Jordan, Ben Stiller, Quentin Tarantino, Jason Statham, Bradley Cooper, Jason Bateman, Sacha Baron Cohen, Mario Ballotelli, Dwayne Johnson...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel

Vintage 1966 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Salmon Dial 14K Yellow Gold Watch
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Rolex Gender: Unisex Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold Weight: 53.53 grams 14K yellow gold ROLEX Swiss made watch. The "Rolex" trademark (or hallmark) can also be found on the i...
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 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

18k Gold Men's Watch Omega Constellation Chronometer
Located in Montreal, QC
Omega Constellation chronometer, automatic day-date 18k gold men's watch with leather strap, circa 1960-69. Lug width 19mm, mechanical ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex President Day Date 1803 18K Yellow Gold Rare Blue Pie Pan Dial
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 1803 Serial: 1669*** Year: 1967 Model: President Day Date Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Rare Factory Blu...
Category

1960s Vintage Watches

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 Stainless Oyster Perpetual Datejust "Thunderbird" from 1967 Original Dial
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust "Thunderbird" / Reference 1625 METAL / MATERIAL: 2 Tone Steel and 14Kt. Solid Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEA...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

14K Bulova Accutron Spaceview ‘Alpha’, 1961
Located in New York, NY
Extremely rare 14K solid yellow gold vintage Bulova Accutron asymmetrical Spaceview ‘Alpha’, dated 1961, with the shield-shape case, and signature visible jade movement. The electro-...
Category

1960s North American Modernist Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual With Original Patinated Dial 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1964 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm x Diamet...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

Cartier Square Tank by Bueche Girod
Located in Heerlen, NL
Watch made for Cartier New York by Bueche Girod a Suisse based company who produced watches for a short period for the Cartier New York branche. Handwounded movement with folded buck...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Omega 9kt yellow gold from 1960's, Ref. 315418
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage Omega 9kt yellow gold from 1960's. Watch has long service award engraved on case back from H.J Heinz company. Reference: 315418 Period: 1960's Movement: 24 jewels, Mechanica...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

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

Breitling UTI Toptime Chronograph 17765-5 Watch Only
Located in London, GB
Back in the mid 50s collaborations between the French watch manufacturer UTI (1906-1984) and other major watch brands were established which allowed UTI to launch onto the market wat...
Category

1960s Vintage Watches

Materials

Steel

Patek Philippe Ref 3420 Yellow Gold Mechanical Gents Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Patek Philippe Reference 3420 Wrist watch. 34 M.M. 3 Piece 18k yellow Gold case, 18 Jewel, Mechanical, manual wind Nickle lever movement, Original, Excellent mint conditio...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

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

Vintage Tudor Manual Wind Dresswatch, Super Provenance, Circa 1960.
Located in Canterbury, GB
Our vintage and very attractive, manual wind, round 9k yellow gold cased Tudor, with sub seconds dial and ivory coloured arabic numeral dial, is presented in excellent condition give...
Category

1960s Vintage Watches

Breitling Chronomat ref 808 Wristwatch, 175 Manually Movement, Circa 1962.
Located in Canterbury, GB
Our vintage and rare Breitling Chronomat reference 808 features a 39mm case and white dial, powered by a venus 175 manually wound movement, and rotating bezel. The chronograph second...
Category

1960s Vintage Watches

Carven Golden Metal Watch Paved with Glass Paste Cabochons, 1960s
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Carven - Golden metal watch paved with glass paste cabochons. Functional watch dating from the 1960s. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 18 c...
Category

1960s French Vintage Watches

Omega Constellation Automatic Chronometer Day-Date - Vintage 18k Men's Watch
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is an iconic Swiss Made Omega Constellation Automatic Chronometer with reference number 168.045, dating back to 1969 based on its serial number. The case measures 36mm wide ...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

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

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

Zenith Stainless Steel Moderne Sport Automatic Wristwatch 1960s Rare Model
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Zenith Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Moderne Sports Style METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA: 1960's DIMENSIONS: Length 44mm X Diameter 37mm MOVEMENT / CALI...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Omega Constellation Automatic Pie Pan Date with Original Rice Bracelet
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Omega Constellation Pie Pan Automatic This vintage Omega Constellation ‘Pie-Pan’ stainless steel wristwatch on Original Rice Bracelet Circa 1962 and is in overall Excellent Condition as it is Recently Serviced. Original White dial with Silver Batons Date box...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern 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

Vintage Alsta Inca Bloc Chronograph 1960's Ref. # 732, Valjoux Caliver #7730
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Alsta Incabloc Valjoux Chronograph 1960's Ref. 732 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale. Min...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

Wittnauer 3 Register Chronograph Valjoux Cal. #72 Ref. 800 Vintage 1940's
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage 1940's Wittnauer 3 Register Chronograph Valjoux 72 Ref. 800 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date With Diamond Bezel & Custom Purple Dial 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Orologio da Polso da Donna in Oro Rosa Marvin
Located in Milano, IT
Orologio da polso da donna marca svizzera Marvin in oro rosa 18k anni '60, cassa diametro 20 mm. / 0.787 inches. Movimento a carica manuale, in buone condizioni e funzionante anche s...
Category

1960s Swiss 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

Rare Blackened Gold Bulgari Watch Tubogas Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare version of the iconic Bulgari Tubogas watch made in alternated blackened and yellow 18k gold. The case is pear-shaped, with white face, gold batons and gold bar indices decor...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex 1960 Automatic Wrist Watch with Rare West Point Military Academy Dial
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960 Rolex Wrist Watch for West Point Military Academy, 35 M.M 14k Gold Filled 2 piece case, Caliber 1530 Automatic, Self winding movement, Silver Satin dial with raised Gold s...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

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

Omega 14 Karat Solid Yellow Gold with Unique Original Quadrant Dial Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Seamaster Automatic METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Diameter 34mm CIRCA: 1962 MOVEMENT / ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

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 Two Tone Oyster Perpetual Date With Rare Original Bracelet circa, 1969
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone 14Kt. & Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1969 DIMENSIONS / SIZ...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Tissot 14k Rose Gold Visodate Seaster Automatic Men's Watch 27B.621
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Tissot 14k Rose Gold Visodate Seaster Automatic Men's Watch 27B.621 Movement #27B.621 Case #N.56020-10 14k Rose Gold Round Case 33 mm in Diameter (34 mm w/...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

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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