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Modern Watches

MODERN STYLE

Rooted in centuries of history of adornment dating back to the ancient world, modern jewelry reimagines traditional techniques, forms and materials for expressive new pieces. As opposed to contemporary jewelry, which responds to the moment in which it was created, modern jewelry often describes designs from the 20th to 21st centuries that reflect movements and trends in visual culture.

Modern jewelry emerged from the 19th-century shift away from jewelry indicating rank or social status. The Industrial Revolution allowed machine-made jewelry using electric gold plating, metal alloys and imitation stones, making beautiful jewelry widely accessible. Although mass production deemphasized the materials of the jewelry, the vision of the designer remained important, something that would be furthered in the 1960s with what’s known as the “critique of preciousness.”

A design fair called the “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes” brought global attention to the Art Deco style in 1925 and gathered a mix of jewelry artists alongside master jewelers like Van Cleef & Arpels, Mauboussin and Boucheron. Art Deco designs from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels unconventionally mixed gemstones like placing rock crystals next to diamonds while borrowing motifs from eclectic sources including Asian lacquer and Persian carpets. Among Cartier’s foremost design preoccupations at the time were high-contrast color combinations and crisp, geometric forms and patterns. In the early 20th century, modernist jewelers like Margaret De Patta and artists such as Alexander Calder — who is better known for his kinetic sculptures than his provocative jewelry — explored sculptural metalwork in which geometric shapes and lines were preferred over elaborate ornamentation.

Many of the innovations in modern jewelry were propelled by women designers such as Wendy Ramshaw, who used paper to craft her accessories in the 1960s. During the 1970s, Elsa Peretti created day-to-night pieces for Tiffany & Co. while designers like Lea Stein experimented with layering plastic, a material that had been employed in jewelry since the mid-19th century and had expanded into Bakelite, acrylics and other unique materials.

Find a collection of modern watches, bracelets, engagement rings, necklaces, earrings and other jewelry on 1stDibs.

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Period: 1950s
Style: Modern
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 Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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 Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Oyster Very Flat "Officially Certified" 18K Yellow Gold Ref. # 6512 "Rare"
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rolex Oyster Veriflat "Officially Certified Chronometer", Ref. #6512 1`957 "Extremely Rare" Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced pr...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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 Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Audemars Piguet, Possibly Unique 18k YGold & Lapis Lazuli Wristwatch, C.1955.
Located in Paris, FR
Extremely Rare and possibly unique Audemars Piguet Haute Joaillerie Watch, Circa 1955. The first feature that catches the eye on this fabulous creation by Audemars Piguet is the wove...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Vintage Ladies Rolex Precision 18K Ref. #2604 1950's Champagne Dial, Cal. # 1400
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage Ladies Rolex Precision 18K Ref. # 2604, 1950's Champagne Dial, Cal. # 1400 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to be...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe 2484J 32mm Disco Volante Calatrava Watch, Circa 1957
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This Patek Philippe 2484J "Disco Violante" (Flying saucer) Vintage Calatrava watch is made in 18K yellow gold with a stepped fluted case, turned down lugs. The dial is silvered, rai...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Early and Rare Datejust "Big Bubble" from 1953
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Early Datejust / Reference 6305 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Eska Watch Gold Plated
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover our Eska watch with its 20-micron gold-plated case. The yellow shell decoration on the lugs gives this model a feminine touch. With its 17 mm square design, this watch embod...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Lip Watch 18-Carats Gold
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover our Lip Ladies' Watch with its round 22 mm case in 18-carat gold. This refined timepiece embodies the perfect marriage of sophistication and minimalism. The white dial, adorned with Arabic numerals and baton hands, offers optimal legibility while adding a touch of grace. The original mechanical movement, in perfect condition, accompanies you every day with manual winding. The black leather strap, 22 cm long, delicately wraps the wrist, bringing comfort and style to every moment. The combination of the lustrous gold case and the leather strap creates a visual harmony that underlines the beauty of this Lip watch...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Acha Watok Women Watch
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover our Acha Watok watch, a timepiece that combines sophistication and functionality. The 19 mm gold-plated case gives this watch a touch of luxury, while its mechanical movemen...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Date from 1953 or 54
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SI...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel and 14Kt. Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet. circa 1950s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 6532 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel and 14Kt Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 / 54 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 25 Jewels / Caliber 1030 "Butterfly" DIAL / HANDS: Black with Sharks Tooth Markers / Baton Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Jubilee Bracelet 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a rare and early Oyster Perpetual Date model with an excellent condition Two Tone Bracelet. The bracelet has the rare and sought after "Big Rolex...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Omega Women's 18k Gold Mechanical Hand-Winding Watch Ref #442 w/ Leather Band
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Omega Women's 18k Gold Mechanical Hand-Winding Watch Ref #442 w/ Leather Band Movement #244 Movement Serial #142470XX Case #11322091.2740 Year: 1954 18k Yellow Gold Round Case 27 mm ...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Two Tone with Factory Original Dial From 1953
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6105 METAL / MATERIAL: Two Tone Stainless Steel & Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Leng...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with 2 Tone Salmon Dial, circa 1958
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6548 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1958 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Diamet...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Original Patinated Black Dial 1958
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 6605 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1958 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

White Gold, Stainless Steel

Universal Geneve Stainless Steel Doctors Pulsation Chronograph Manual Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Universal Geneve Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Three Register Chronograph / Drs. Pulsation METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 45mm X Diameter 36mm CIRCA: 1950's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Cal. 130 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Baton Markers ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 18mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Universal Geneve, founded near the end of the 19th century established themselves in Geneva, hence their name. They specialized in producing their own caliber movements and produced their first chronograph watch in the early teens. They focused on sports and professional watches and chronographs for particular industries. This example, set up as a Drs. pulsation watch...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Hamilton White Gold Filled Dress Style
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round Dress Style METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 35mm Length X 31mm Diameter M...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Lord Elgin Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Hand-Winding Watch Black Dial 1953 Mov #556
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
14k Yellow Gold Lord Elgin Vintage Hand-Winding Watch Black Dial 1953 Case #4902 Serial #496881 Movement #556 Movement Serial #F436722 14k Yellow G...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Elgin White Gold Filled Art Deco Round Watch with Custom Finished Dial, 1950s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Shock Master / Round Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 38mm Length X 29mm Di...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Vintage Omega Ω Men's Seamaster Calendar Automatic 14k Gold Filled Watch w/ Date
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Vintage Omega Ω Men's Seamaster Calendar Automatic 14k Gold Filled Watch w/ Date Movement #502.16043765 Case #KX6275.D70767 14k Gold Filled Case 3...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Gold-filled

Vintage Omega 14k Yellow Gold Hand-Winding Mechanical Watch w/ Leather Strap
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Vintage Omega 14k Yellow Gold Hand-Winding Mechanical Watch w/ Leather Strap Includes Genuine Omega Hand-Winding Mechanical Movement 14k Yellow Gold Case 28...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lucien Piccard 14k Yellow Gold Men's Dress Hand-Winding Watch w/ Leather Band
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Lucien Piccard 14k Yellow Gold Men's Dress Hand-Winding Watch w/ Leather Band Movement #C18695 Case #36720 14k Yellow Gold Square Case with Radial Brushed Bezel 26 mm Wide (27 mm w/...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Dress Watch w/ Leather Band Mov #580
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Omega Ladies 18k Yellow Gold Dress Watch w/ Leather Band Mov #580 Movement #580 Movement Serial #184222XX Year: 1961 Case #1102261 18k Yellow Gold Case 15 mm in Diameter (17 mm w/ C...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Universal Geneve 18k Rose Gold Automatic Polerouter Date w/ Leather Band 69
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Universal Geneve 18k Rose Gold Automatic Polerouter Date w/ Leather Band 69 Movement #69 Movement Serial #329805 18k Gold Round Case w/ Fancy Lugs 33 mm in...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Omega Constellation Stainless Steel with Original Dial and Bracelet 1950s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Constellation METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 32mm Length X 44mm Diameter MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Automatic Winding / 24 Jewels / Caliber 551 DIAL / HANDS: Factory Original Silver Dial with Silver Baton Markers / Silver Dauphine Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Factory Original Constellation Bracelet...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Tissot 14k Gold Filled Square Automatic Men's Watch with Leather Band Mov 285
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Tissot 14k Gold Filled Square Automatic Men's Watch with Leather Band Mov 285 Movement #285-1 Movement Serial #2957972 Case #2524799 14k Gold Filled Square ...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Gold-filled

Doxa 14k Rose Gold Anti-Magnetic Automatic Watch w/ Black Leather Band
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Doxa 14k Rose Gold Anti-Magnetic Automatic Watch w/ Black Leather Band Movement #113-11 1/2 Case #11565-14-1369346 14k Rose Gold Case 34 mm in Diameter (36 mm w/ Crown) Lug-to-Lug D...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

14k Rose Gold Doxa Hand-Winding Watch w/ Unique Patina Dial Black Leather Band
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
14k Rose Gold Doxa Hand-Winding Watch w/ Unique Patina Dial Black Leather Band Movement #ETA.1147 Case #904587 14k Rose Gold Case 36 mm in Diameter (37 mm w/ Crown) Lug-to-Lug Dist...
Category

1950s Russian Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

1950s Vintage Soviet Russia Mockba 14k Rose Gold Watch W/ Patina Dial
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
1950's Vintage Soviet Russia MOCKBA 14k Rose Gold Watch w/ Patina Dial Movement #222711.3.57 Case #9827.8 14k (0.583) Rose Gold Round Case 33 mm in Diamet...
Category

1950s Russian Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

14k Rose Gold Doxa Men's Hand-Winding Watch w/ Leather Band
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
14k Rose Gold Doxa Men's Hand-Winding Watch w/ Leather Band Movement #DOXA103 Case #1036514 Serial #1361518 14k Rose Gold Case 34 mm in Diameter (36 mm w/ Crown) Lug-to-Lug Width = ...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Precision Manual Wristwatch Ref 9004
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A rare and beautiful Rolex ref.#9004 in 18k gold, manual wind movement, 17 jewels. Original unrestored dial with warm tropical patina and gold markers,...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Longines 14k Gold Watch Tropical Patina
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A beautiful and rare Longines watch, ca' 1953. 14C yellow gold, reference # 6518 with mechanical manually wound movement, screw case back, caliber 23ZS. ...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Eterna Eternamatic Centenaire Vintage 1950's 18K Yellow Gold Mens Watch
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A beautiful and rare, time capsule Eterna 18k gold watch with matching 18k gold bracelet. Original box, hang tag, very good/excellent condition-unpolished, inside case free of jewelers marks...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Rare Datejust Reference 6605 with Original Dial from 1957
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 6605 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 / 58 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter ...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Benrus Yellow Gold Filled Mid Century All Original Watch, 1950's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Benrus Watch Co STYLE / REFERENCE: Mid Century METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled Top/ Stainless Steel Back CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm x D...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Rolex Steel Rare Reference 5504 20mm Bracelet Air King All Original Late 1959
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5504 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1959 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 25 Jewels / Caliber 1530 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Baton Markers / Dauphine Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Original Oyster Bracelet 20mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT I have only ever had a few of these, and have not seen one in many years. This early Air King that is all original and, with its original 20mm Oyster Bracelet. It is also fitted with the Caliber 1030 Butterfly oscillating weight. This is the only time Rolex produced the Air...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oysterdate with Rare Super Oyster Crown, circa 1951
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Super Oysterdate / Reference 6094 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel DIMENSIONS: Length 40mm X Dia...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Rolex Stanless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Dial from 1957
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual .Date / Reference 6534 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1957 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm x...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Universal Geneve Gold $20 Liberty Men's Hand-Winding Watch with Leather Band
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Universal Geneve 18k Gold $20 Liberty Men's Hand-Winding Watch w/ Leather Band Movement #ADJLV 18k Gold Case w/ $20 1894 Gold Liberty Cover and Back 3...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Rolex Oyster Date Yellow Gold Wristwatch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Yellow Gold Wristwatch, from the 1950s SPECIFICATIONS: ROLEX: model # 6305, METAL: 14k yellow gold case ...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Modern Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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