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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: 21st Century and Contemporary
Style: Modern
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rolex Datejust Turn-0-Graph 36mm Blue Dial Fluted Bezel Jubilee Watch 116264
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has been inspected to verify authenticity. ...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT Master II 126710BLNR 40mm Stainless Steel Batgirl Box Papers New 2023
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR wristwatch, featuring a 40mm stainless steel case with a bidirectional rotating GMT bezel in blue and black. The black dial boasts lumi...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116505 18K Rose Gold Watch Chocolate Dial UNWORN 2022
Located in New York, NY
Complete with its original Rolex box, booklets, swing tags and warranty card. Under Rolex warranty until April 2027. This 116505 Daytona looks absolutely magnificent in 18ct Everose ...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex Daytona 116515LN Rose Gold Oysterflex Chocolate Dial Men's Watch 2023 New
Located in New York, NY
The waterproof Oysterflex bracelet really is a game changer for the Daytona, and looks especially good on this Everose gold example with discontinued sunburst chocolate dial. This wa...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex Day-Date 40 228239 White Gold Grey Slate Dial Presidential UNWORN 2023
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex Day-Date has been a status symbol over the years and it isn't hard to see why! This new 40mm case size in white gold oozes sophistication and 'those in the know' are aware ...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

White Gold

Rolex Lady-Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel & Rose Gold 179171 Meteorite Diamond
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has been inspected to verify authenticity.Sale...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Daytona Stainless Steel Yellow Gold Black Dial Mens Watch 116523
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. Authenticity guaranteed! The sale...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex GMT-Master II 126720VTNR "Sprite" Left Hand Watch Jubilee Band Complete
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex GMT-Master II 126720VTNR “Sprite” is a genuine Rolex watch model that is known for its unique left-handed configuration and distinct design. It has a black dial and a two-c...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 36mm Champagne Palm Dial Oyster 126233, Unworn Watch Complete
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust Steel and Yellow Gold, Golden Palm Dial Mens Watch 126233 Unworn. Officially certified chronometer self-winding movement. Stainless steel and 18K yellow gold case 36.0...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Daytona Yellow Gold & Steel Black Mother Of Pearl Diamond Dial 116523 B/P
Located in New York, NY
The rare diamond set dial on this 18ct yellow gold & steel 116523 Daytona is absolutely magnificent. The gold crystal sub-dials contrast beautifully against the stormy dark purples a...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 41 Steel White Roman Dial Mens Jubilee Watch Complete 126300
Located in New York, NY
41mm 904L stainless steel case, screw-down steel back, screw-down crown with twinlock double waterproofness system, smooth bezel, scratch-resistant double anti-reflective sapphire cr...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Stainless Steel 40mm Black Men's Watch 116520
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. It is a genuine Rolex which has been inspected to verify authenticity. ...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex 126234 Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel Blue Motif Dial Watch New 2024
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Rolex 126234 Datejust 36mm wristwatch, a stunning timepiece with a silver case and bracelet. This luxury watch features a blue motif dial with stick indexes, luminous...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 31mm Azzurro-Blue Floral-Motif Diamond Dial Jubilee 278274 Unworn
Located in New York, NY
This Rolex Datejust watch for women is a stunning luxury timepiece with a 31mm stainless steel case and a beautiful blue floral-motif diamond dial. It is a versatile watch for both c...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

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

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

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 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

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 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 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 Datejust 26 Silver Index Dial Diamond Bezel Oyster Band Steel Watch 179160
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Rolex Series: Datejust Model: 179160 Case Diameter: 26 mm Bracelet: Oyster band; stainless steel Bezel: Custom diamond set Dial: Silver Index Carat Weight: 1.20 carats in tota...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Lady-Datejust 179163 Gold and Steel Oyster Bracelet with Gold Bezel
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Rolex Lady-Datejust 179163 Gold and Steel Oyster Bracelet with Gold Bezel Model #179163 Stainless Steel Case w/ 18k Yellow Gold Bezel 26 mm in Diameter Lug-to-Lug Width = 13 mm Lug...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Gold, Steel

Van Cleef & Arpels Ladies Wristwatch, Lady Arpels Papillon, 18K Gold, Butterfly
Located in Berlin, DE
Van Cleef & Arpels Ladies Wristwatch, Lady Arpels Papillon, 18K Gold, MOP (Mother of Pearl) Dial and Diamonds. Strap and 18K gold clasp also original VCA. Strap with signs of wear. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Santos de Cartier Automatic Steel Grey Dial Mens Bracelet Watch WSSA0037
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier Santos de Cartier wristwatch is a timeless piece that exudes class and luxury. The silver stainless steel case, black adlc bezel surrounding a gray dial on a stainless s...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Explorer Automatic Chronometer Black Dial Men's Watch 224270 Unworn
Located in New York, NY
Silver-tone stainless steel case with a silver-tone stainless steel oyster bracelet. Fixed silver-tone stainless steel bezel. Black dial with silver-tone hands and index hour markers...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Sky-Dweller 42mm Everose Gold Watch Rhodium Dial Oyster Bracelet 326935
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

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Rolex Datejust 31mm 18k Rose Gold/Steel Watch White Roman Dial Diamonds 178271
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 31mm 18k Rose Gold/Steel Watch White Roman Dial Custom Diamond Bezel 178271 This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall conditi...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Steel

Cartier Rose Gold Diamond Tank Louis Large Watch Manual Wind
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18 karat Rose Gold Tank Louis Cartier watch, large model, Manufacture mechanical movement with manual winding, caliber 1917 MC. Case in rose gold is set with 40 round brilliant-cut d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Yacht-Master II 18KT W/G Automatic Mens Watch 116689 Complete
Located in New York, NY
Presenting the exquisite Rolex Yacht-Master II 116689 in impeccable condition. This timepiece epitomizes luxury and precision, featuring a stunning white dial and platinum bezel hous...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

White Gold

Rolex 41mm Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Datejust Silver Index 126333 2022 NEW
Located in New York, NY
This Rolex Datejust wristwatch is a luxurious and sporty timepiece that exudes elegance and style. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, this watch features ...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Chopard Watch Crafted in luxurious 18K gold
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing the exquisite Chopard Happy Diamond Watch! Crafted in luxurious 18K gold, this timepiece features a delicate bracelet and a sleek 30mm case size. Experience the elegance ...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Concord 18k Gold & Diamond Ladies Watch Ref. #51.25.160, Mother of Pearl Dial
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Concord 18k Gold & Diamond Ladies Watch Ref. 51.25.160 Description / Condition: All watches have been professionally scrutinized and serviced prior to being offered for sale. 1.30 ca...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Hublot Big Bang 44 mm BLACK DIAL CERAMIC BEZEL RUBBER BAND 301.SB.131.RX UNWORN
Located in New York, NY
This Hublot Big Bang wristwatch is a stylish and functional accessory for any man. With a 44mm round stainless steel case and polished finish, the watch has a sleek and modern look. ...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Daytona Glacier Ice Blue Dial 40mm Platinum Watch 116506 Complete Mint
Located in New York, NY
This Rolex Cosmograph Daytona wristwatch is a luxurious and sporty accessory perfect for men who appreciate high-end timepieces. Made of platinum, the watch features a silver case co...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Platinum

Vintage Gucci 3900l ladies wristwatch, gold plated, boxed
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish ladies Gucci 3900l gold plated watch. This is a bracelet strap watch with an elegant rectangular shape face and a rich black dial. Most often come in white dial colour so this is a particularly nice one. It is gold plated stainless steel and comes with a vintage Gucci watch box...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Rolex Datejust 41 Steel & 18k WG Blue Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel 126334
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Rolex Datejust 41 wristwatch is a combination of luxury and elegance. Featuring a blue diamond dial with diamond markers and a custom diamond bezel with 100% natural di...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust II 41mm Steel/18k WG Rhodium Diamond Dial Watch Oyster 116334
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. It can easily pass as unworn. Sale comes with a Rolex box, appraisal certi...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust II 41mm Steel/18k WG Rhodium Diamond Dial Watch Oyster 116334
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. It can easily pass as unworn. Diamonds are 100% natural. Sale comes with a...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 126334 Stainless Steel 41mm Gray Wimbledon Dial Complete MINT
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

Rolex Daytona Stainless Steel Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Mens Watch 116523
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. Authenticity guaranteed! The sale...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust II 41mm Steel Blue Index Dial Diamond Bezel Watch Oyster 116334
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and does not have any visible scratches or blemishes. It can easily pass as unworn. Diamonds are 100% natural. Sale comes with a...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Day-Date II 218238 Yellow Gold Watch White Roman Dial Complete
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with this luxurious Rolex Day-Date II 218238 wristwatch. The yellow gold case and band exude opulence and sophistication, while the white Roman dial with day and d...
Category

2010s Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Bvlgari Tubogas 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Swiss Ladies Watch
Located in Miami, FL
This midsize Ladies Bvlgari Bulgari Tubogas watch in 18k yellow gold, a timeless highly desired masterpiece, perfect for everyday wear. It has a beautiful black dial with gold numer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

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​ ​wrists​ ​up​ ​to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Watches

Cartier Tank Francaise 2302 Stainless Steel Watch Medium Size
Located in Miami, FL
Brand: Cartier Model Name: Tank Francaise Model Number : 2302 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 28 mm x 32 mm Dial: Silver Dial with Black Roman Numerals Crown: Sapphire​​​​​​​...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Cellini 18K White Gold Cellissima 26mm Dial Diamond Bezel 6671 Watch
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Cellini 18K White Gold Cellissima 26mm Dial Diamond Bezel 6671 Watch – a masterpiece that seamlessly fuses elegance and precision. This exquisite timepiece showcases a luxuriou...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

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