FLATO Platinum and Diamond Travel Watch
By Paul Flato
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This unusual watch clock was created by Paul Flato in New York in the 1930s.
Vintage 1930s American Pocket Watches
Diamond, Platinum
FLATO Platinum and Diamond Travel Watch
By Paul Flato
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This unusual watch clock was created by Paul Flato in New York in the 1930s.
Diamond, Platinum
Cyma Stainless Steel Navy Star with Original Dial and Hands, Circa 1950's
By Cyma
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is an unusual watch with an original dial with rose markers and hands.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Two Tone Zephyr with Original Bracelet from 1968
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
You can wear this unusual watch for all sorts of occasions and count on it to get you there on time, evry time.
Gold, Stainless Steel
Cyma Stainless Steel Navy Star with Original Dial and Hands, Circa 1950's
By Cyma
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is an unusual watch with an original dial with rose markers and hands.
Stainless Steel
Thomas Russell Liverpool. A Gold Keyless Fusee Up & Down Watch C1906
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Russell also had a fallback in case the keyless mechanism stopped working, a key could be used. This pocket watch is indeed rare and unusual watch. I believe that this watch moveme...
Gold, 18k Gold
0.75 Carat Ruby 0.52 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Watch - Vintage 1964
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This unusual watch secures to one side of the watch case with a hallmarked push fit clasp and benefits from the additional security of a hinged safety clasp.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
17th Century Antique Fireplace Mantle in Burgundy Hard Stone
Located in Beervelde, BE
The details of the carving on the jambs and front are very Fine and unusual. Watch carefully the images and you ll be impressed.
Stone
Unusual Lecoultre Disco Volante Watch in 14K Gold
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
An unusual "disco volante" or flying saucer wristwatch from Lecoultre, in 14k gold. Diameter across not including crown is 32.5mm. Approx. weight 28 grams. Manual wind movement runni...
14k Gold
Rockford Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Pocket Watch from 1886
By Rockford Watch Company
Located in Long Beach, CA
We will continue to service it for you. It is a large watch with an unusual case design and we supply it with pocket watch chain as well.
Illinois Gold Filled Art Deco Pocket Watch with Rare Hammered Case and Red Dial
By Illinois Watch Company
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is one of the most unusual Illinois pocket watches I have ever seen.
Gold-filled
Tag Heuer 3000 professional, reference 932206, unusual design, Year 1987
By TAG Heuer
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and rare Tag Heuer 3000 professional, reference 932.206 features a 40mm (inc crown guard) stainless steel case with grey dial. An unusual design from the post Tag takeove...
Rolex Steel Datejust with Custom Carbonized Finish Unusual Custom Dial, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1603 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel with Carbonized Finish CIRCA / YEAR: 1964 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Lengt...
Seiko 6130 0040 AKA the "Pogue".. Chronograph, unusual dial and bezel, 1974.
By Seiko
Located in Canterbury, England
Our Seiko 6130 0040 the "Pogue" named after being worn in space by Col. William Pogue, is presented in good condition with signs of use overall. A very attractive one register chrono...
Rolex Steel and White Gold Datejust with Unusual Black Dial Rose Batons, Early 1
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel / 14Kt. White Gold Bezel CIRCA / YEAR: Early 1960's DIMENSIONS / S...
Vintage White Gold and Diamond Handwind Watch Ring
Located in New York, NY
Combining fine jewelry and horology, this unusual ring watch offers both decorative appeal and collectible charm.
Diamond
Universal Geneve Pink Gold Bumper Automatic Watch
By Univeral Geneve
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Rare to find in nice condition this unusual Universal Geneve dress watch. Bumper automatic, cal. 138, solid pink gold, 18k.
18k Gold
Longines Cuff Watch Bracelet Sterling Silver ca' 1970's
By Longines
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
An unusual cuff watch in sterling silver by Longines, ca' 1970's.
Vintage Ernest Borel Cocktail Kaleidoscope Gold Tone Automatic Men's Watch
Located in New York, NY
Bold, conversation-starting, and highly recognizable, it is a standout piece for collectors of unusual vintage watches and mid-century design. Brand: Ernest Borel Model: Cocktail C...
Gold Plate
Hilton White Gold Filled Mid Century Mystery Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
They specialized in unusual men's and ladies watches for the unique jeweler around the world.
Bueche Girod Dual Time Mechanical Watch Ca' 1970's
By Bueche Girod
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
An unusual dual time mechanical watch by Bueche Girod in 18k gold.
18k Gold
Van Der Bauwede Genève "Spider" Diamond, Sapphire, and Aquamarine Tonneau Watch
By VAN DER BAUWEDE
Located in Antwerp, BE
Ideal for collectors of Van Der Bauwede watches or anyone seeking an unusual and elegant statement watch.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Stainless Steel
A Rare Swiss Musical Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch C.1820s
By Unbranded
Located in Mayfair, London, London
This is what makes this watch a very unusual and rare piece to own. This lovely rare pocket watch is made to look like a Breguet pocket watch, but it was made by a very competent wa...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Art Deco GIA diamond face 9.00 carat diamond platinum cocktail watch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
At the center rests a GIA-certified hexagonal portrait cut diamond weighing 0.69 carat, graded G color and VS2 clarity, serving as the actual watch face. This unusual and luxurious d...
Diamond, Platinum
Movado St.Christopher Coin Watch Sterling Silver Retailed By Turler
By Movado
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
An unusual sterling silver coin watch by Movado ca' 1950's-60's.
Sterling Silver
18K Gold Cartier La Dona Sport Wrist Watch with Cartier Leather Strap
By Cartier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Having a very interesting case shape and crown placement, this watch is unusual, sporty and elegant. The dial has a silver background with Roman Numeral black markers above a field o...
18k Gold
A. Barthelay for Moribito Sterling Silver Bracelet Art Deco Watch circa 1970
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is an unusual and unique unisex bracelet watch made in Sterling Silver.
Sterling Silver
A. Lange & Sohne. A Rare Rose Gold Open Face Pocket Watch C1900
By A. Lange & Söhne
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The compensation balance with micrometer regulation, blued steel overcoil hair spring and gold escape wheel showing that this is a top quality movement. This watch is rare as it is ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Essex Nickel Silver One Button Chronograph Original Enamel Dial Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This unusual military style watch has a flawless enamel dial and original Breguet style Arabic numerals and a matching pair of original blued steel Bregu...
Essex Nickel Silver One Button Chronograph Original Enamel Dial Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This unusual military style watch has a flawless enamel dial and original Breguet style Arabic numerals and a matching pair of original blued steel Bregu...
A Swiss Perpetual Minute Repeater Chronograph Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1900
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The other unusual aspect of the watch is that the phases of the moon are situated at the nine o'clock.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
1960's Ulysse Nardin Vintage Mens Large 36000 BPH Chronometer Watch - SS
By Ulysse Nardin
Located in Suwanee, GA
It is very uncommon with a large, retro case powered by a high-frequency movement, an unusual combination. It’s a watch that feels deliberate and design-driven - strong in form, ba...
Stainless Steel
Rose Gold Quarter Repeater Chronograph Keyless Lever Full Hunter Pocket Watch
Located in Mayfair, London, London
This is a fine example of a Swiss Repeating pocket watch with an unusual dial and an unusual chronograph hand.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
1.56 Carat Ruby 1.02 Carat Diamond Ladies Cocktail Watch in White Gold Art Deco
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning ladies vintage cocktail watch has been crafted in 9k white gold. This 1940s wristwatch has an unusual, geometric Art Deco style design.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, White Gold
Fremes Steel Aquamatic Art Deco Watch circa 1940's Bumper Model Original Dial
Located in Long Beach, CA
But... it is a completely unique watch with an unusual patinated dial. We have never seen this model before.
Stainless Steel
Tiffany & Co Mathey-Tissot 14k Gold Heavy Art Deco Flared Lug Mens Watch
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A very unusual wrist watch ca' 1940's with exaggerated (flared) lugs.
14k Gold
Zenith 18 Karat White Gold Art Deco Tank Style Watch, circa 1930s
By Zenith
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is done in the classic art deco style and the two piece case is very unusual. The watch has just been serviced by our team and comes with an 18 month warranty on this nearly 100 y...
White Gold
LAPEL WATCH 1915 Swiss Art Deco Guilloche Blue Enameled Silver And Gilt Brass.
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco enameled lapel watch. This is a very unusual and handsome lapel watch, created in Switzerland during the art deco period, back in the 1915.
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Bronze, Enamel, 18k Gold, Gilt Metal
Buren Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Articulated Lugs From the 1940's
By Buren
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This unique watch Buren is done with an unusual articulated design.
Gold-filled
UTI Paris 1930 Art-Deco Odd Shape Pocket Watch In Solid 18Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Pocket watch designed by UTI Paris. This is a very unusual pocket watch created in Paris France by the watchmakers UTI during the art-deco period, back in 1930.
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Bailey Banks and Biddle 14 Karat Solid Gold Two-Tone Art Deco Watch, circa 1930s
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a unique hand made watch in an unusual Art Deco style. The architectural lugs structured with flat topped bezel and white gold hour markers fitte...
14k Gold
Poljot (USSR) 34 x 42mm stainless steel gold coloured case, patination, c1967
Located in Canterbury, England
This is a great Soviet era mens watch with an unusual cushion case. we date manufacture to c.1967 Vintage collection: all vintage collection watches are watchmaker reviewed, come wit...
Vintage 1950s Movado for Cartier 14K YG Manual Double Stamp White 13 mm
By Movado
Located in New York, NY
It is a piece for someone who appreciates clever design, strong gold work, and the charm of unusual mid-century watches. Worn closed, it reads as a refined gold bracelet, with the ut...
14k Gold
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Black Finish and Custom Finished Dial ca 1965
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This is a completely unique one of a kind watch with an unusual dial and a Carbonized Black Case.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Black Finish and Custom Made Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This is a completely unique one of a kind watch with an unusual dial and a black finish. The watch still has its original factory rating on it and keeps factory time.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Black Finish and Custom Made Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This is a completely unique one of a kind watch with an unusual dial and a black finish. The watch still has its original factory rating on it and keeps factory time.
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s Corum 55522 18K Yellow Gold Manual Wind Onyx and Coral Dial 30x34m
Located in New York, NY
It is for someone who values unusual materials, obscure executions, and watches that were never meant to be common.
1950's SWISS DATE-O-GRAPH Vintage Mens Triple Date Calendar - 18K Gold Plated
Located in Suwanee, GA
This special watch features an unusual calendar design. The second crown located at ten is used both to advance the month in its window and to rotate the date bezel.
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Original Bracelet, late 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
The dial is a rare jet black with unusual block markers and the watch still has its original Oyster Bracelet.
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Original Patinated Charcoal Dial from 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is the perfect unisex size and it can be worn for all types of occasions. We seldom see this watch with this unusual dial.
Stainless Steel
Le Coultre 14Kt. Yellow Gold in New Old Stock Condition Hand Made, circa 1950's
Located in Long Beach, CA
LeCoultre was the main supplier for Cartier for most of their early history doing exceptional collaborative watches with unusual complications. We have just serviced this watch, fo...
Zenith 14kt. Two Tone Solid Gold Designed for the Russian Marker, circa 1915
By Zenith
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Zenith Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Russian Market METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt Two Tone Gold Yellow and White CIRCA / YEAR: 1915 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Rolex Steel Rare Super Oyster Model with Original Dial from the Mid 1950's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
It is also fitted with one of the last generations of the "Bubble Back" movement, the 645 caliber, an oversized example of the original caliber. This is a watch for a collector of un...
Unusual Antique Victorian Mahogany Watch and Clock Repairer’s Chest
Located in Suffolk, GB
Unusual antique Victorian mahogany watch and clock repairer’s chest having a shaped gallery with a carved gilded phoenix to the centre above eight hand painted drawers displaying the...
Other
5 Dollar 1910 Gold Coin Watch Chain 18ct
Located in Milano, MI
Unusual pocket watch chain in 18ct gold from the 1940s circa with a 5 Dollar coin Half Eagle, Indian Head - dated 1910 minted in 900/1000 (21.6ct) gold.
Gold
LEICHT MAYER 1925 Enameled Lapel Pendant-Brooch Watch In 18Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Lapel pendant-brooch watch designed by Leicht Mayer. This is a very unusual lapel-pendant-brooch necklace watch created during the art-deco period in Lucerne Switzerland by the watc...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Beautiful Antique Loving Cherubs Gold Metal Pocket Watch Holder or Porte Montre
Located in Tustin, CA
Pocket watches were a necessity during this era and fine shops along the Palais Royal specialized in selling unusual and whimsical pocket watch accessories.
Brass
20th Century Murano Glass Vase Mid Century - Green/ Yellow, IT circa 1960/70
By Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
An outstanding, very decorative piece of Murano glass art with an unusual look. When you watch it from above it looks like a big wonderful blossom - see the last picture.
Murano Glass
Rolex Yellow Gold Rainbow Diamond and Sapphire Watch
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Unique and One-of-a-Kind Diamond & Sapphire "Rainbow" Bracelet Watch by Rolex. This rare and highly unusual watch is fresh to the market and there has never been one seen before.
White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Very Rare Two-Tone IWC "Top Hat"
Located in New York, NY
This really is a rare and unusual watch, and when it came out it was the flagship model for the IWC line, retailing for a price only stumped by the gold Ingenieur.
Art Deco Bulova Gents White Gold Fill Watch, Serviced, circa 1935
By Bulova Watch Company
Located in Westward ho, GB
For your consideration is this rather stylish and unusual gents manual wrist watch dating to 1935, named Bulova Ranger in white gold fill, just serviced ( Jan 2023) with new mainspri...
Gold-filled, White Gold
Unavailable
W 0.99 in L 1.58 in
Patek Philippe 2435J Vintage Rectangular Watch, Unusual Large Lugs, Circa 1948
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Patek Philippe 2435J rectangular shaped 18K yellow gold watch, made in 1948. The watch measures 25 x 40mm. The case design is with a flared case with large half roun...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
MATHEY-TISSOT Yellow Gold Wristwatch with Unusual Lugs
Located in Toronto, ON
Mint condition 14k yellow gold Mathey-Tissot manual-wind wristwatch with matte silvered dial, subsidiary seconds and unusual flared lugs.
OMEGA Yellow Gold Wristwatch with Sweep Seconds and Unusual Dial circa 1948
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
A very rare Omega chronometer wristwatch. Caliber: 30T2SCR Serial number: 1051094. Movement: Manual Wind. Dial: Silvered, unusual sector indication, applied Arabic and dot index...
Ancre 15 Rubis 18 Carat Gold Diamond Ladies Watch
Located in London, GB
Unusual Piece, The Wound Watch Is Hidden By Bracelet Fascia With An Opening Hinge.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable
H 0.04 in W 0.07 in D 0.02 in Dm 1.58 in L 0.07 in
1972 Alexis Barthelay Hand-Wound Movement Elliptical Sterling Silver Watch
By Alexis Barthelay
Located in Valenza, IT
Barthelay, now part of Frank Muller's watchland group, is known for creating haute gamme watches combining unusual material with stylish refined design.
Sterling Silver
Unavailable
H 0.31 in W 0.276 in Dm 2.117 in L 6.69 in
Original 1974 Alexis Barthelay Hand-Wound Movement Sterling Silver Watch
By Alexis Barthelay
Located in Valenza, IT
Barthelay, now part of Frank Muller's watchland group, is known for creating haute gamme watches combining unusual material with stylish refined design.
Sterling Silver
Unavailable
H 1 in W 0.31 in D 0.3 in L 7.5 in
Original 1970s Alexis Barthelay Manual-Winding Movement Chain Silver Watch
By Alexis Barthelay
Located in Valenza, IT
Barthelay, now part of Frank Muller's watchland group, is known for creating haute gamme watches combining unusual material with stylish refined design.
Blue Sapphire, Silver
Unavailable
H 1 in W 0.31 in D 0.3 in L 7.5 in
Original 1970s Alexis Barthelay Manual-Winding Movement Chain Silver Watch
By Alexis Barthelay
Located in Valenza, IT
Barthelay, now part of Frank Muller's watchland group, is known for creating haute gamme watches combining unusual material with stylish refined design.
Blue Sapphire, Silver
Rolex Date Automatic Ref. 1505 14 Karat Gold and Stainless Steel Watch, 1968
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1968 Vintage Rolex Date Automatic Ref. 1505 Two Tone 14k Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel and Stainless Steel watch with Original Unusual Silver Dial with Applied Gold Color Unique Square Ma...
Unavailable
W 1.19 in Dm 1.19 in
Rare Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Vintage 14470sq Diamond Dial Automatic
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Milano, IT
Rare Audemar Piguet Royal Oak ref 14470 ST in steel with unusual original Diamond dial. The watch is in Mint condition and comes with original A.P. papers Automatic Movement, 30mm ca...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Chopard Yellow Gold Automatic Wristwatch, circa 1980s
By Chopard
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An Unusual 18k Yellow Gold Strap Watch by Chopard, Circa 1980's. 34mm Case Diameter.
18k Gold
1966 Rolex Tudor Oyster Princess Gold Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Bradford, Ontario
Take a close look at the photographs to confirm this watch’s condition. It comes with its original box and that is quite unusual with a watch of this vintage.
Gold
Piaget Lady's Yellow Gold Tiger's Eye Bracelet Wristwatch
By Piaget
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Manufactured in the early 1970's, this highly unusual and rare Piaget bracelet watch is truly one-of-a-kind.
Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold
1950s "Onsa" Swiss Made 17 Jewel Mens Watch
By Onsa Watch Company
Located in Papaikou, HI
Rare Swiss watch made by the Onsa Watch Company. Unusual square case, with a clean Minimalist dial, and chevron pointers at 3,6,9 and 12.
Metal
Boucheron Retro 18 Carat Yellow Gold Bracelet Watch
By Boucheron
Located in Mayfair, GB
Boucheron Retro 18 carat Yellow Gold Bracelet Watch An unusual heavy 18ct yellow gold wristwatch by world renowned design house Boucheron.
Yellow Gold
1990's Gucci Double Layer Gold Link Necklace with Watch Chain Style Clasp
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
One Ladies 18kt Yellow Gold Double Layer Link Necklace,Exhibiting An Unusual 18kt Watch Chain Style Clasp For Easy Wear.Necklace Is Designed With Five Gucci Signature Design Cow Bell...
Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable
Mabe Pearl Modernist Ring
Located in Huntington Woods, MI
The idea of the oval cylinder shape of this ring came from watching the unusual construction of a similarly shaped building in Michigan around 1980.
Pearl, 14k Gold
CARTIER Unusual Yellow Gold Coin Watch
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Gilt dial with black baton markers. This unusual watch may be worn as a pocket watch or as a pendant.
1890s Yellow Gold Man's Pocket Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
The Enamel dial is in perfect condition. This chronograph watch is set up with a true beat escapement. It is a unique and unusual watch.
18k Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Wristwatch Limited Edition 117/150
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Pre-owned with Cartier box. This unusual watch is designed to be worn on the side of the wrist so that it is easy to read while driving.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wright, Kay & Co. by Agassiz with Unusual Exhibition Back and Breguet Numerals
By Agassiz
Located in Long Beach, CA
They were renowned for their complicated movements and competed with Patek Philippe at all the major jewelry houses. This unusual watch with an exhibition back was a special order fo...
Longines Yellow Gold Architectural Theme Manual Watch
By Longines
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This unique and unusual watch done in 14Kt. solid gold is very rare.
Paul Breguette 14 Karat Solid Gold Unique Skeleton Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Paul Breguette STYLE / REFERENCE: Round Skeleton METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 36mm x 32mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual W...
Charles Frodsham Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, circa 1890s
Located in Mayfair, London, London
This is a very unusual watch because of it's size, being made for a lady, possible for a nurse.
Gold, 18k Gold
BAUME & MERCIER Mercier Clifton 10434
By Baume & Mercier
Located in London, GB
An unusual watch from the Baume and Mercier Clifton collection this 10434 model is in exceptional condition dated to 2020 is clearly had very little previous wrist wear.
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.
A fresh palette of dial colors and technological advances have elevated this classic watch model.
The elegant timepiece, which was designed more than a century ago, is garnering new interest thanks to a certain TV show.
The watch has transformed several times over, but it’s still undeniably a classic.
This is perhaps the least subtle version of the Submariner.
If you think this looks like the Rolex Kermit, you're correct.
This all-green version of the Submariner is much sought-after.
This model was designed for lefties.
This model's other nickname, Pussy Galore, come from a James Bond film.