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Watches For Sale
Style: Modern
Style: Revival
Rolex Datejust 6917 Light Blue Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Jubilee Band
Located in San Pedro, CA
Pre-Owned Rolex 6917 Ladies 26mm Two Tone Datejust Watch, Custom Light Blue Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial & Fluted Bezel on Rolex 14K Yellow Gold And Stainless Steel Jubilee Band. ...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

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

Gomelsky Audrey 6 Gold Tone Steel Green Dial Quartz Ladies Watch G0120147279
Located in New York, NY
This brand new Gomelsky by Shinola Audrey 6 G0120147279 is a beautiful Ladies timepiece that is powered by a quartz movement which is cased in a stainless steel case. It has a round ...
Category

2010s American Modern Watches

Gomelsky Audrey 6 Gold Tone Steel Tan Dial Quartz Ladies Watch G0120147278
Located in New York, NY
This brand new Gomelsky by Shinola Audrey 6 G0120147278 is a beautiful Ladies timepiece that is powered by a quartz movement which is cased in a stainless steel case. It has a round ...
Category

2010s American Modern Watches

Cartier Panthere Watch in 18k Yellow Gold with Custom Pave Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Panthere METAL: 18k Yellow Gold MOVEMENT: Quartz CASE SIZE: 22mm WRIST: 7.25 inches
Category

2010s French Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Longines Watch 18-Carat Gold
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover our Longines Ladies Watch, vintage but never worn and with its original label. Featuring a 19 mm round case in 18-carat gold, this watch embodies the perfect marriage of sophistication and discretion. The white dial, adorned with Arabic and baton numerals, creates a refined aesthetic. The baton-shaped hands mark time with precision, adding a touch of modernity to this classic timepiece. The black leather strap, 19 cm long, offers exceptional comfort while enhancing the watch's charm. The mechanical movement with its daily manual winding takes you back in time. With a total weight of 15g (including 10g gold), this Longines women's watch is a lightweight accessory that combines finesse and Swiss watchmaking quality. Perfect for all occasions, it will become the symbol of your distinguished style and sense of refinement. Opt for exclusivity and craftsmanship with the Longines Watch for Women...
Category

1950s French Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Serpenti Vintage BB19 1 T Watch
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Serpenti Vintage BB19 1 T Watch. Bulgari’s Tubogas Snake watch is an internationally recognizable classic. Immaculately crafted from 18K yellow gold, this rar...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Stainless Steel Centre
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Cartier Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Centre / Santos Series METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 2000 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 33mm X Diameter 27mm ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

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 18Kt. Gold President with Custom Tiffany Blue Diamond Marker Dial, 1980's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: President / Reference 18000 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

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 Date with Rare Flawless Black Dial circa, 1970's
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 43mm X...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Datejust with Original Silvered Dial And Papers circa, 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and White Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSI...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

White Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Thunderbird Bezel Custom Blue Dial, Early 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm ...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare Flawless Black Dial circa, 1970's
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 43mm X...
Category

1970s 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

Cartier 18K Rose Gold Captive WG600003 Ladies Diamond Watch
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier Captive de Cartier 18K Rose Gold Diamond Bezel 50 mm Watch, reference number WG600003, features an 18K rose gold case measuring 50 mm in diameter. This model is equipp...
Category

20th Century French Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Custom Turquoise Tiffany Dial & Diamond Watch 114300
Located in Newton, MA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual stainless steel customized aftermarket turquoise colored diamond dial and diamond bezel offered by Alex & Co. This stunning timepiece is pre-owned in excellent...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm 1.75ct Diamonds ICE Blue Steel Watch Ref 77080
Located in Pleasanton, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm Watch customized with 1.75 carats of Genuine Diamonds. The Entire Watch Is Genuine Only Custom Diamond Dial and Bezel is added. The entire bezel and Dial ...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm Stainless Steel Pink Dial Watch Ref 77080
Located in Pleasanton, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm Watch Pre-owned W/Gift Box 100% Authentic Authenticity Card Condition - (Great Condition) - See Pics Watch Reference - 77080 Model - Oyster Perpetual D...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 116400 Milgauss 40mm Stainless Steel Orange Hand Black Dial Watch
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Model features quick-set movement...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Lady Watch in Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
Elevate your style with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Lady watch - fusion of elegance and precision. Audemars Piguet, a pioneer in Haute Horology since 1875, has a rich history of ...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel, Steel

Cosmos Watch, 18 Carats White Gold
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover our Cosmos Ladies' Watch with its round 15 mm case in 18-carat white gold. This refined timepiece embodies the perfect marriage of sophistication and minimalism. The white d...
Category

1950s French Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Poiray "Rive Droite" Watch
Located in Vannes, FR
Its roundness evokes the most beautiful squares that have made Paris history. Playing with the colors and materials of its interchangeable bracelets, the elegant Rive Droite watch ch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Poiray "Rive Droite" Watch Black Strap Diamond Silver
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover the Rive Droite watch, a true tribute to the most famous Parisian squares that have marked history. With its elegant round shape, it evokes the charming and timeless atmosph...
Category

2010s French Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Silver

Bulova Watch, Set-o-matic, Blue Dial
Located in Vannes, FR
Bulova Watch, Set-o-Matic, Blue Dial Vintage self-winding wristwatch. This timepiece features the "Dual-Day" functionality, which was revolutionary in ...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Piaget 18K White Gold 15201 Polo Evening Diamond Ladies Wrist Watch
Located in New York, NY
This Pristine Condition preowned 21st century Piaget POLO all diamond watch is the perfect glamour piece. Featuring all original factory-set diamonds, approximately 20.00 carats, E-F, color VVS Clarity. This Piaget quartz...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Corum Stainless Steel Chrono Bubble Quartz Men's Watch Leather Band 396.150.20
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Corum Stainless Steel Chrono Bubble Quartz Men's Watch Leather Band 396.150.20 Case #698530 Model #396.150.20 Movement #251272 Stainless Steel Round Cas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Jules Jurgensen 14k White Gold Mechanical Hand-Winding Watch w/ Leather Band
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Jules Jurgensen 14k White Gold Mechanical Hand-Winding Watch w/ Leather Band Movement #FHF34-21-302581 Case #5350001 14k White Gold Textured Square Case 27 mm Wide 22 mm Long Lug-to...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

Historical Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Big Red 6263 steel 1979
Located in Bilbao, ES
First launched in 1963 and created specifically for the world of automotive racing, the Rolex Daytona collection is arguably one of the most popular and universally respected lines of timepieces from the brand’s entire catalog. And among the numerous references that make up this iconic collection of chronograph watches, the “Big Red” Rolex...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Steel

HERMES Serie Quartz Watch Lizard Strap 25mm
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications Brand: HERMES Model: Serie Case Size: 25 mm ​ ​Bracelet Length: 8" will fit a wrist size up to 7" Material: Stainless steel Movement : Quartz Bracelet: gen...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Louis Model 2441 with Date c.2003
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Louis Model 2441 with Date c.2003 26mm x 34mm Quartz Movement ships in a Cartier red travel p...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Santos Galbée lady bicolor wristwatch in yellow gold plated & steel
Located in Paris, IDF
Superb​ ​Watch​ ​Woman​ ​Cartier​ ​Santos​ ​Galbée​ ​bicolor Movement​ ​:​ ​Automatic Case​ ​:​ ​Gold/Steel Bracelet/Bracelet​ ​:​ ​Original Bracelet​ ​length​ ​:​ ​can​ ​fit​ ​wris...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Watches

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Money Clip
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: Tiffany & Co. Style: Money Clip Metal: 925 sterling silver Measurements: 1.25" x 1.10" Total Weight: 17 Grams Stamped: "925" "Tiffany & Co." "Elsa P...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gomelsky Shirley Fromer Steel Black Dial Quartz Ladies Wacth G0120072637
Located in New York, NY
This brand new Gomelsky Shirley G0120072637 is a beautiful Ladie's timepiece that is powered by quartz (battery) movement which is cased in a stainle...
Category

2010s American Modern Watches

Cartier 18K White Gold Panthere De Cartier 1925 Ref. 2476 28mm Ladies Watch
Located in New York, NY
Adorn your wrist with the timeless elegance of the Cartier Panthère 1925 Belt Watch in 18K White Gold. This exquisite timepiece, featuring a refined blend of vintage inspiration and ...
Category

20th Century French Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

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

Orange Sapphire & Diamond Pave Dial Luxury Swis Quartz Exotic Leather Band Watch
By Effy
Located in Alexandria, VA
· Quality Swiss-Quartz movement guarantees precision timing · Mother-of-Pearl dial micro-paved with diamonds and gemstones enhances any dress style · Scratch-...
Category

2010s American Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Sapphire, Stainless Steel

18K Yellow Gold Tiger Eye Baume & Mercier Women Wrist Watch
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a 18K gold Lady’s Baumé & Mercier Watch. It is recognized as an elegant dress watch. It has a manual winding movement. The round dial is made of Tiger Eye and is hallmarked B...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

OMEGA De Ville Prestige Steel Quartz Watch 34mm Generic Alligator Strap
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications ​ ​Brand: Omega ​ ​Model: De Ville Prestige Case Size: 34 mm Strap Length: 9", fits a wrist up to 8.25" Material: Stainless steel Movement : Quartz Bracele...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer Rose Gold & Steel Men's Watch
Located in New York, NY
Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer Rose Gold & Steel Men's Watch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Steel

1955 Vintage ROLEX Precision 3 Carat Diamond Lady’s Watch G-H VS1 Earth Mined
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1955 Vintage ROLEX Precision 3 Carat Diamond Lady’s Watch G-H VS1 Earth Mined 1955 Rolex Precision Serial number of 1955 Dial signed Rolex, Precision All 18K Yellow gold 3 Carat of...
Category

1950s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Tank Française Watch 18k Yellow Gold Model W5000256 on Navy Strap
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Tank Française Model W5000256 c.2000 20mm x 25mm Cartier Navy Alligator Strap Quartz Movement Like new condition. Ships in Cartier red velvet travel pouc...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Orange Sapphire Diamonds Pave Dial Luxury Swiss Quartz Exotic Leather Band Watch
By Effy
Located in Alexandria, VA
· Quality Swiss-Quartz movement guarantees precision timing · Mother-of-Pearl dial micro-paved with diamonds and gemstones enhances any dress style · Scratch-...
Category

2010s American Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Sapphire, Stainless Steel

Audemars Piguet, 18k White Gold, Diamond Index & Hands 'Cobra' Watch, C.1970
Located in Paris, FR
Superb and rare Audemars Piguet Cobra watch entirely in 18-carat white gold (84.4 grams) with navy blue dial, diamond indexes and diamond-set hands ! It is very rare to find this wat...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Rolex Day-Date 36mm 18238 18K Yellow Gold Watch Fluted Bezel Champagne Diamond
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. Leather strap and gold plated buckle are custom aftermarket. The watch its...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 126334 Stainless Steel 41mm Gray Wimbledon Dial Diamond Bezel
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent Rolex Datejust wristwatch is a true masterpiece of Swiss craftsmanship. With its exquisite Wimbledon Dial and elegant Roman numerals, it is the epitome of luxury and...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

BVLGARI Team Watch Leather Strap 28mm
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications Brand: BVLGARI Case Size: 28 mm Strap Length: ~8", fits a wrist up to 7" Material: Stainless steel Movement : Quartz Bracelet: original BVLGARI leather str...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone Black lndex Dial Jubilee 16013 Circa 1987 Complete
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Model features quick-set movement...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold

Diamonds Pave Dial Luxury Swiss Quartz Exotic Watch
By Effy
Located in Alexandria, VA
· Quality Swiss-Quartz movement guarantees precision timing · Mother-of-Pearl dial micro-paved with diamonds and gemstones enhances any dress style · Scratch-resista...
Category

2010s American Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm Stainless Steel Tiffany Blue Dial Watch Ref 77080
Located in Pleasanton, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm Watch Pre-owned w/ Gift Box 100% Authentic Authenticity Card Condition - (Great Condition) - See Pics Watch Reference - 77080 Model - Oyster Perpetual Di...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm 1ct Diamonds Black MOP Dial Watch 77080
Located in Pleasanton, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm Watch customized with 1 carats of Genuine Diamonds! The entire bezel has been beautifully handset in white "SI" round brilliant cut diamonds. The diamonds...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm Stainless Steel Blue Dial Watch 77080
Located in Pleasanton, CA
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm Watch Pre-owned W/Gift Box 100% Authentic Authenticity Card Condition - (Great Condition) - See Pics Watch Reference - 77080 Model - Oyster Perpetual D...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel

Rolex Panda Cosmograph Daytona 116500LN White Dial Box/Papers MINT
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona 116500LN 40mm polished 904L stainless steel case, screw-down back and push buttons, screw-down crown and push buttons with Triplock triple w...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Sky-Dweller 42mm Everose Gold Rhodium Dial Oyster Bracelet 326935 Stickers
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Rolex Sky-Dweller 42mm watch features a rose gold case, bracelet and a bidirectional rotating fluted bezel. The rhodium dial with stick indexes and sunburst pattern add...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex Steel Ladies Oysterdate with Original Bracelet & Rare Charcoal Dial 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6466 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Diameter 3...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 36mm Two Tone Champagne Dial Jubilee 16013 Circa 1988 Papers
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Model features quick-set movement...
Category

1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

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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