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Watches For Sale
Vacheron Constantin Vintage Dress Watch Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
A vintage 35mm dress wristwatch in yellow gold by Vacheron Constantin. Features a silver dial with a small seconds display at 6 o'clock and Arabic numbers 3,9 & 12. Fitted with plast...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex GMT-Master II Batgirl 126710BLNR
Located in London, GB
A GMT-Master II Batgirl in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with the date and a blue second time zone hand. The ceramic blue and black bidirectional rotatable bezel featu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Vintage Precision Rose Gold 9522
Located in London, GB
A 36mm vintage Rolex "Flying Saucer" Precision in rose gold. Features a rose champagne dial with a small seconds display. The piece is fitted with plastic glass, a manual wind moveme...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Omega Vintage Seamaster XVI Olympic Games Melbourne 2580
Located in London, GB
A vintage 34mm yellow gold Melbourne Olympic Games XVI Seamster by Omega. Featuring a champagne dial that has developed a spider effect over time. The case back features a design of ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Franck Muller Vanguard Titanium UAE Dial V 45 SC DT TT BR NR UAE
Located in London, GB
A limited edition titanium Vanguard by Franck Muller. Featuring a black dial with Arabic numbers and a date display at 6 o'clock. The dial also features the flag of the UAE and a falcon which is the emblem of the United Arab Emirates; this is also engraved on the case back along with the words, "PROUD TO BE EMIRATI." The 7 emirates are displayed around the outer edge. Fitted with sapphire crystal and an automatic movement. The watch is presented on a black rubber Franck Muller strap...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Titanium

Army & Navy Gold Half Hunter Minute Repeater Pocket Watch C1882
Located in London, GB
Army & Navy. A Very Heavy 18ct Yellow Gold Half Hunter Keless Lever Minute Repeater Pocket Watch, C1882. Dial: The excellent white enamel dial numbered with Roman numerals outer min...
Category

19th Century British Antique Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Parentesi 18 Kt Gold Vintage Link Bangle Watch French Marks
Located in Milano, IT
Stunning Bulgari Parentesi Vintage Bangle Watch. Iconic vintage Bulgari Parentesi 18 carat yellow gold necklace is composed of sculpted geometr...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

A. Lange & Sohne Saxonia 39mm 205.086/LS2053AX
Located in Surfside, FL
A. Lange & Sohne Saxonia Thin in 18k white gold on navy blue crocodile strap and original 18k white gold tang buckle. Manual wind with solid silver and blue gold-flux dial. 39 mm cas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Bell & Ross Aviator 39mm BRS-98-PBCD-00756
Located in Surfside, FL
Bell & Ross Aviation Phantom Black Ceramic with a black dial and black diamond bezel on a black ceramic link bracelet and stainless steel deployant buckle. Quartz w/ subseconds. 39 m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Franck Muller Master of Complication 35mm 8005 H SC
Located in Surfside, FL
Franck Muller Master of Complication Conquistador in stainless steel with black leather strap on FM stainless steel tang buckle. With sweep seconds and date. 49 mm length (lug to lug) by 35 mm width case size. With box and papers. Ref 8005 H SC. Circa 2000. Fine Pre-owned Franck Muller Watch. Certified preowned Sport Franck Muller Master of Complication 8005 H SC watch is made out of Stainless steel on a Black Leather band with a Stainless Steel tang buckle. This Franck Muller watch has a 35 x 41 mm case with a Tonneau caseback and Black Arabic Numeral dial. It is Certified Authentic and comes backed by 12-month warranty. Each watch is inspected by certified in-house master-trained watchmakers before shipment including final servicing, cleaning, and polishing. If you have inquiries about this Franck Muller Master of Complication watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Harry Winston Classic 23mm 222
Located in Surfside, FL
Harry Winston sporty tank wrist watch in yellow and white gold on a black crocodile strap. Yellow gold outer and inner bands frame one of white gold. Quartz. 23 mm case size. Ref 222...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Breitling Premier 42mm RB0118371G1P2
Located in Surfside, FL
Breitling Premier in 18k rose gold on leather strap. Auto w/ subseconds, date and chronograph. 42 mm case size. With box. Ref RB0118371G1P2. Fine Pre-owned Breitling Watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore "Alinghi Team" 44mm 26062FS.OO.A002CA.01
Located in Surfside, FL
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore "Alinghi Team" in carbon fiber on original black rubber. Auto w/ date and chronograph. 44 mm case size. Circa 2007, comes with box and papers. Limi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Omega Speedmaster 44mm 31192445101007
Located in Surfside, FL
Like New 2023 Omega Speedmaster in black ceramic on original black fabric strap and ceramic deployant buckle. Auto w/ subseconds, date and chronograph. 44 mm case size. With box and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Patek Philippe Calatrava 33mm 3802/200
Located in Surfside, FL
Patek Philippe Calatrava 3802 in 18k yellow gold on a black alligator strap with 18k deployant buckle. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. 33...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

IWC Big Pilot Saint Exupery 46mm IW500421
By IWC
Located in Surfside, FL
IWC Big Pilot Antoine de Saint Exupery Limited Edition Tobacco Brown dial in 18k rose gold on brown leather strap and 18k rose gold deployant buckle. Auto w/ sweep seconds, date and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Patek Philippe Gondolo 25mm 5009
Located in Surfside, FL
Patek Philippe Gondolo in 18k yellow gold on Italian made crocodile strap with PP 18k tang buckle. 215 Calibre. Manual w/ subseconds. 25 mm case size. Ref 5009. Fine Pre-owned Patek ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Hublot Big Bang 48mm 771.CI.1170.RX
Located in Surfside, FL
Hublot Big Bang King Power Unico GMT Worldtime Skeleton in black ceramic on a rubber strap with deployant buckle. Automatic movement under glass w/ world time function. With box. Recently factory serviced Dec 2023. 48mm case size. Ref 771.CI.1170.RX. Fine Pre-owned Hublot Watch. Certified preowned Sport Hublot Big Bang 771.CI.1170.RX watch on a Black Rubber strap with a Ceramic Deployant buckle. This Hublot watch has a 48 x 48 mm case with a Round caseback and Skeleton No Marker dial. It is Certified Authentic and comes backed by 12-month warranty. Each watch is inspected by certified in-house master-trained watchmakers before shipment including final servicing, cleaning, and polishing. If you have inquiries about this Hublot Big Bang watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Rolex GMT-Master II "Coke" 40mm 16710
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex GMT-Master II "Coke" in stainless steel. Auto w/ sweep seconds, date and dual time. 40 mm case size. Circa 1998. Ref 16710. **Bank Wire Only at this Price** Fine Pre-owned Role...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore "T3 Terminator" 48mm 25863TI.OO.A08CU.01
Located in Surfside, FL
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore "T3 Terminator" in titanium on original tan alligator strap. Auto w/ subseconds, date and chronograph. 48 mm case size. Circa 2004, comes with arch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Titanium

Piaget Polo 14mm 15201C727
Located in Surfside, FL
Ladies Piaget Polo in 18k yellow gold with factory original diamonds on the dial, case, and bracelet. Quartz. Ref 15201C727. 14mm x 17mm Will fit up to a 6.75" wrist. Fine Pre-owned ...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Ballon Bleu 42mm WE900851
Located in Surfside, FL
Cartier Ballon Bleu in 18k rose gold with an orignal diamond bezel on a Cartier black matte alligator leather strap on a Cartier 18k rise gold deployant buckle. Auto w/ sweep seconds...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

IWC Big Pilot 48mm IW501903
By IWC
Located in Surfside, FL
IWC Big Pilot watch Top Gun Boutique Edition in a black ceramic case with black dial and green luminescence markers on a black calkskin leather strap & stainless steel deployant buck...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

IWC Flieger Chronograph 43mm iw377704
By IWC
Located in Surfside, FL
IWC Pilot Chronograph Fliegeruhr in stainless steel with a black dial on a stainless steel bracelet. Auto w/ date, day and chronograph. 43 mm case size. Ref iw377704. Fine Pre-owned ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

IWC Pilot 39mm IW326801
By IWC
Located in Surfside, FL
IWC Pilot Spitfire in stainless steel on brown strap with white stitching with IWC stainless steel tang buckle. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. Comes with pouch. 39 mm case size. Ref...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Unused Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore "Jarno Trulli" 42mm 26202AU.OO.D002CA
Located in Surfside, FL
SEALED & UNUSED Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore "Jano Trulli" in carbon fiber on original black rubber strap. Auto w/ date and chronograph. 42 mm case size. Circa 2011. Ref 26202A...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Audemars Piguet Offshore "Juan Pablo Montoya" 42mm 26030RO.OO.D001IN.01
Located in Surfside, FL
Audemars Piguet "Juan Pablo Montoya" Offshore in 18k rose gold & carbon fiber on original black calfskin strap. Auto w/ subseconds, date and chronograph. 42 mm case size. With box an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Breitling Bentley GMT 49mm AB0431
Located in Surfside, FL
Breitling Bentley B04 GMT in stainless steel. Auto w/ sweep seconds, date, chronograph and dual time. 49 mm case size. Ref AB0431. Fine Pre-owned Bre...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Chronoswiss Lunar Chronograph 38mm CH7523
Located in Surfside, FL
Chronoswiss Lunar Chronograph in stainless steel on leather strap with deployant buckle. Automatic movement under glass w/ subseconds, date, moonphas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Chronoswiss Kairos 30mm CH 2022 KD
Located in Surfside, FL
Chronoswiss Kairos in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel with an original diamond bezel on a black crocodile strap with a Chronoswiss two-tone tang buckle. Automatic movement under ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold

Franck Muller Classic 39mm 7391 B S6 VIN
Located in Surfside, FL
Franck Muller Classic in 18k & stainless steel on a black alligator strap with a 18k tang buckle . Manual w/ subseconds. 39 mm case size. With box and papers. Ref 7391 B S6 VIN. Fine...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Audemars Piguet Millenary 39mm 14908OR/O/0002
Located in Surfside, FL
Audemars Piguet Millenary in 18k yellow gold on a burgundy strap with an 18k yellow gold AP tang buckle. Auto w/ date and sweep seconds. 39 mm case size. With box and open papers. Ref 14908OR/O/0002. Fine Pre-owned Audemars Piguet Watch. Certified preowned Dress Audemars Piguet Millenary 14908OR/O/0002 watch is made out of yellow gold on a Burgundy Alligator band with a 18k Yellow Gold tang buckle. This Audemars Piguet watch has a 39 x 35 mm case with a Oval caseback and White Arabic Numeral dial. It is Certified Authentic and comes backed by 12-month warranty. Each watch is inspected by certified in-house master-trained watchmakers before shipment including final servicing, cleaning, and polishing. If you have inquiries about this Audemars Piguet Millenary watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Calatrava 35mm 5120
Located in Surfside, FL
Patek Philippe Calatrava in 18k white gold on black alligator strap with PP 18k white gold tang buckle. 27 Jewels. Auto. 35 mm case size. Ref 5120. Fine Pre-owned Patek Philippe Watc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Santos 33mm W20026K1
Located in Surfside, FL
Cartier Santos Ronde in stainless steel with a white roman numeral dial and a original Cartier deployant buckle. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. 33 mm case size. Ref W20026K1. Fine P...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 41mm 126303
Located in Surfside, FL
Rolex Datejust in 18k & stainless steel. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. 41 mm case size. With box and papers. *Bank wire only at this price* Ref 126303. Circa 2022 Fine Pre-owned Ro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Corum $5 Coin 24mm
Located in Surfside, FL
Corum $5 Coin watch in 18k yellow gold on an 18k mesh bracelet. Fits up to 6.25 inches wrist. Manual. 24 mm case size. Fine Pre-owned Corum Watch. Certified preowned Dress Corum $5...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Corum $5 Coin 24mm
Corum $5 Coin 24mm
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IWC Portuguese 42mm IW500705
By IWC
Located in Surfside, FL
IWC Portuguese 7-Day in stainless steel with silver dial. Automatic movement under glass with 31 jewels and 168 hours power reserve. Dial features date,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Corum $20 Coin 35mm
Located in Surfside, FL
Collectible Corum $20 Coin watch dial signed Tiffany & Co. double eagle. 18k mesh bracelet. Auto. 35 mm case size. Length 7.25 inches. With original Tiffany & Co. box. Ref 1904. Fine...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Corum $20 Coin 35mm
Corum $20 Coin 35mm
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Omega Classic 13mm 8007
Located in Surfside, FL
Art Deco cocktail Omega classic watch in platinum on a spidel stainless steel bracelet 13 mm case size. Ref 8007. Circa 1940s. Fine Pre-owned Omega Watch...
Category

1940s Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Platinum

Hublot Big Bang 45mm 312 pm 1128 rx
Located in Surfside, FL
Hublot Big Bang King in 18k rose gold on rubber strap with a Hublot 18k rose gold and ceramic deployant buckle. Auto with sweep seconds. 45 mm case size. With box and blank warranty card. Ref 312 pm 1128 rx. Fine Pre-owned Hublot Watch. Certified preowned Sport Hublot Big Bang 312 pm 1128 rx watch on a Black Rubber strap with a 18k & ceramic Deployant buckle. This Hublot watch has a 45 x 45 mm case with a Round caseback and Black Stick dial. It is Certified Authentic and comes backed by 12-month warranty. Each watch is inspected by certified in-house master-trained watchmakers before shipment including final servicing, cleaning, and polishing. If you have inquiries about this Hublot Big Bang watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Franck Muller Curvex 21.5mm 2251 MC D
Located in Surfside, FL
Frank Muller Cintree Curvex in 18k white gold with original diamond case, diamond bezel, and diamond bracelet. Approximately 4.5 carats of F-H color VS clarity diamonds. Manual wind movement displayed under glass. Measures 28mm long (lug to lug) by 22mm wide. Ref 2251 MC D. Circa 2000s. Fine Pre-owned Franck Muller Watch. Certified preowned Dress Franck Muller Curvex...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Vacheron Constantin Overseas 37mm 42040/423J
Located in Surfside, FL
Vacheron Constantin Overseas in 18k yellow gold with original diamond dial & 18k yellow gold link bracelet. Auto w/ sweep seconds and date. 37 mm case size. With box and papers, Circ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Corum $5 Coin 25mm
Located in Surfside, FL
Corum $5 Coin in 18k yellow gold with diamond crown on leather strap. Quartz. 25 mm case size. Circa 1990s. Fine Pre-owned Corum Watch. Certified preowned Classic Corum $5 Coin wat...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Corum $5 Coin 25mm
Corum $5 Coin 25mm
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IWC Top Gun "Mojave Desert" 44.5mm IW389103
By IWC
Located in Surfside, FL
IWC Pilot Chronograph Top Gun Edition "Mojave Desert" in tan ceramic on tan rubber strap & stainless steel deployant buckle. Auto w/ subseconds, date, day and chronograph. 44.5 mm case size. Ref IW389103. Circa 2019. Fine Pre-owned IWC Watch. Certified preowned Sport IWC Top Gun IW389103 watch on a Tan Rubber strap with a Stainless Steel Deployant buckle. This IWC watch has a 44.5 x 44.5 mm case with a Round caseback and Tan Arabic Numeral dial. It is Certified Authentic and comes backed by 12-month warranty. Each watch is inspected by certified in-house master-trained watchmakers before shipment including final servicing, cleaning, and polishing. If you have inquiries about this IWC Top Gun watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Swiss made pocket watch 50mm 1671
Located in Surfside, FL
French/Swiss high grade unsigned hunter case pocket watch in 18k yellow gold with high grade (likely Vacheron Constantin) movement. Manual wind. 50 mm case size. Ref 1671. Fine Pre-o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Movado Classic 14mm 73 16 9697
Located in Surfside, FL
Movado Classic in 18k yellow gold with Mother of pearl dial and diamond shoulders. Quartz. 14 mm case size. Ref 73 16 9697. Fine Pre-owned Movado Watch. Certified preowned Dress Mo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Calatrava 36mm 2525 1
Located in Surfside, FL
Patek Philippe Calatrava in 18k rose gold on a black alligator strap. Featuring unique silver dial with triangular gold applied markers. The 2525-1 was launched in 1953 with only 300...
Category

1950s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Panerai Luminor 44mm PAM00590
Located in Surfside, FL
Panerai Luminor 8 Days in stainless steel on a leather strap. Manual w/ subseconds. 44 mm case size. Ref PAM00590. Fine Pre-owned Panerai Watch. Certified preowned Classic Panerai ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Tiffany & Co. pocket watch 44mm 1
Located in Surfside, FL
Tiffany & Co. pocket watch in 18k yellow gold smooth high polish finish. Hairline crack on the porcelain dial. 44mm case size. Manual wind movement made by Agassiz, 17 jewels. Double...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Swiss made pocket watch 52mm 38490
Located in Surfside, FL
Swiss high grade quarter hour repeater chronograph pocket watch in 18k yellow gold. Manual wind movement with chronograph, quarter hour repeater and sub seconds complications. 52 mm ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Tortue 38mm W1545951
Located in Surfside, FL
Limited Edition Cartier Tortue XL 8-Day in 18k white gold on leather strap with deployant buckle. Manual wind movement under glass w/ subseconds, date and power reserve. 38 mm case size. Ref W1545951. Fine Pre-owned Cartier Watch. Certified preowned Dress Cartier Tortue W1545951 watch is made out of white gold on a Black Leather strap with a 18k White Gold Deployant buckle. This Cartier watch has a 38 x 37 mm case with a Tonneau caseback and Silver Guilloche Roman Numeral dial. It is Certified Authentic and comes backed by 12-month warranty. Each watch is inspected by certified in-house master-trained watchmakers before shipment including final servicing, cleaning, and polishing. If you have inquiries about this Cartier Tortue watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Breitling Chronomat 40mm AB0140
Located in Surfside, FL
Breitling Chronomat in stainless steel with silver stick dial and stainless steel link bracelet. Auto w/ subseconds, date and chronograph. 40 mm case size. With papers. Ref AB014012. Fine Pre-owned Breitling Watch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe Aquanaut 36mm 5065
Located in Surfside, FL
Patek Philippe Aquanaut in stainless steel on a rubber strap, with a black stick dial. Auto movement under glass w/ sweep seconds and date...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cartier Pasha Seatimer Chrono 42mm W301970M
Located in Surfside, FL
Cartier Pasha Seatimer Chronograph in 18k yellow gold with black rubber center links. Auto w/ subseconds, date and chronograph. 42 mm case size. With box, papers and booklet. Ref W30...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Longines Classic 29mm
Located in Surfside, FL
Longines Classic in 14k yellow gold with a brown lizard strap with an original diamond bezel. Manual. 29 mm case size. Circa 1948. Fine Pre-owned Longines Watch. Certified preowned...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Patek Philippe Twenty 4 25mm 4910
Located in Surfside, FL
Patek Philippe Twenty 4 in stainless steel with factory diamond bezel and dial. Quartz. 30 mm length (lug to lug) by 25 mm width case size. Ref...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore "Triple Date" 38mm 25807ST.OO.1010ST.01
Located in Surfside, FL
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Triple Date in stainless steel with charcoal grey dial. Auto w/ subseconds, date, day and month. 38 mm case size. Ref 25807ST.OO.1010ST.01. Circa l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe Ellipse 34mm 3583
Located in Surfside, FL
Patek Philippe Ellipse in 18k yellow gold with beautiful patina on dial. Manual. 34 mm x 23 mm case size. Will fit up to a 7" wrist. Ref 3583. Fine Pre-owned Patek Philippe Watch. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique, Vintage and Luxury Watches for Sale: Shop Rolex Watches, Omega Watches and Cartier Watches on 1stDibs

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, vintage and luxury 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. Bulgari’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, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs that includes Cartier watches, Rolex watches, Patek Philippe watches and more — we promise it will be worth your time.

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