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1929 Rolex

Rolex 9ct. Solid Gold Art Deco Ladies Wristwatch ca 1920's, with Original Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Baguette Style METAL / MATERIAL
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex 9 Carat Gold Cushion Shaped Watch with Original Breguet Dial from 1922
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shape / Fixed Wire Lugs METAL
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rare Circa 1920’s Woman’s Rolex Watch Box Presentation Case
By Rolex
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage 1920’s intricate designed pressboard watch box is in excellent condition and is made with meticulous craftsmanship. Beautifully embossed top, reminiscent of tooled leath...
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather, Wood

Rolex Silver Tonneau Shape with Rare Original Breguet Engine Turned Dial 1920's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tonneau / Reference 575 METAL / MATERIAL
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Antique Art Deco Rolex 9k Rose Gold Square 15j Mechanical Hand Wound Wrist Watch
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Rolex - Mechanical - Hand Wound - 15 Jewels - Swiss Made Gross Weight
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Art-Deco 1924 Rolex ref 2363 9K Rose Gold 25mm Hinged Cushion Case Ladies' Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This sophisticated ladies’ timepiece is a Rolex ref 2363 from Art-Deco c1920’s period, classy
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Recent Sales

Rolex Lady's Rose Gold Prototype Submarine Aqua Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Paris, FR
Extremely rare and early Rolex submarine aqua prototype wristwatch manufactured for P.Orr&Sons Ltd
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Enamel, Gold

Rolex Rare Art Deco Open Face Pocket Watch Vintage 9 Karat Gold Silver Dial
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A Rare 9k Yellow Gold Art Deco Open Face Vintage Gents 40mm Pocket Watch, silver dial with art deco arabic numbers, small seconds at 6 0'clock, blued steel hands, a fixed 9k yellow g...
Category

Vintage 1920s Pocket Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Rolex 18ct Gold Vintage Manual Wristwatch – Circa 1927
By Rolex
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A rare Rolex vintage wristwatch, featuring a manual movement housed in an elegant 18ct gold case
Category

Vintage 1920s Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Ladies Rose Gold Wristwatch, circa 1920
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920 Rolex Ladies Wrist watch, 28 MM Rolex W.D. Wilsdorf & Davis English 9K Rose Gold case
Category

Vintage 1920s British Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold

Antique Ladies Pre 1926 18k ROLEX wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in Victoria, BC
Here is a lovely Antique Ladies Pre 1926 18k ROLEX wristwatch This watch has recently been
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex "Princess" Watch 9K Yellow Gold Manual Wind 1926 Manufacture
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This is an exceptionally rare 1926 Rolex "Princess" watch. It is a reference 2058. The watch is
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Very Rare Vintage Rolex Oyster Prima 1925, Original Box & Paperwork, Circa 1925
By Rolex
Located in Canterbury, England
Rolex invented the first waterproof wristwatch, the Oyster. This is a very early example of such a
Category

Vintage 1920s Wrist Watches

Antique Rolex Gold Plated Keyless Lever Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1920s
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex. A Rose Gold Plated Keyless Lever Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1920s. Dial: The excellent white
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Rolex Art Deco 18kt, White Gold Ladies Wristwatch with Diamonds
By Rolex
Located in Braintree, GB
Rolex Art Deco 18kt. white gold ladies wristwatch with diamonds. Fully hallmarked case 18kt white
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1920s Rare Vintage Rolex 9 Karat Rose Gold Marconi Digital Jump Hour Watch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
not by Rolex), plastic glass, manual wind movement, in good condition, comes with an original Rolex
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Art Deco Ladies Diamond Rolex Cocktail Watch in 18ct White Gold
By Rolex
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
An original 1920s fine quality ladies ‘cocktail’ wristwatch by Rolex in 18ct white gold case and
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Art Deco Rolex 15K Rose Gold Old European Diamond Bezel Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Rolex 15K Rose Gold Old European Diamond Bezel Watch. This incredible
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Rolex Prince Brancard, Art Deco, Silver, 1929
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A very rare, fine and well-preserved Art Deco vintage wristwatch in silver by Rolex made in 1929
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver

Rolex 18 Karat Yellow Gold Early Oyster Cushion Shape, circa 1920s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Oyster / Screw Down Crown METAL
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex Dress Watch Handmade
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / METAL / MATERIAL: 9kt. Solid
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex 9Ct. English Market Art Deco Ladies Rolex from 1920's with Enamel Dial
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Campaign Style with Wire Lugs METAL
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Art Deco, Gold, 1927
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco vintage wristwatch by Rolex dated 1927. This unusual and rare rectangular shaped Rolex
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Art Deco, Gold, 1927
Rolex Art Deco, Gold, 1927
W 0.87 in D 0.28 in L 1.42 in
Rolex Art Deco Silver Wristwatch, 1925
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco vintage wristwatch by Rolex made in 1925. Silver rectangular shaped case marked with
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver

Rolex Art Deco Silver Wristwatch, 1925
Rolex Art Deco Silver Wristwatch, 1925
H 0.36 in W 1.5 in Dm 0.99 in
Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch 1926
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A rare vintage Officers wristwatch by Rolex made in 1926. Sterling Silver round case with hinged
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch 1926
Rolex Silver Officers Trench Watch 1926
W 1.23 in D 0.28 in L 1.26 in
Sterling Silver Rolex, Art Deco, 1926
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco vintage wristwatch by Rolex dated 1926. This unusual and rare square shaped Rolex was
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Rolex Ladies Rose Gold Wristwatch, circa 1920
By Rolex
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920 Rolex Ladies Wrist watch, 28 MM Rolex W.D. Wilsdorf & Davis English 9K Rose Gold case
Category

Vintage 1920s British Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold

Rolex Rare Stainless Steel Open Face Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
engraved cream dial signed Rolex with gilt baton and 3, 6 and 9 arabic numbers, a subsidiary seconds dial
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Pocket Watches

Rolex Rose Gold Officers Trench Watch, 1928
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A rare vintage Officers wristwatch in Rose Gold by Rolex made in 1928. Rose gold round case with
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Rose Gold Officers Trench Watch, 1928
Rolex Rose Gold Officers Trench Watch, 1928
D 0.32 in Dm 1.3 in L 1.58 in
Rolex Sterling Silver Art Deco Tonneau Wristwatch, 1926
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco vintage wristwatch by Rolex made in 1926. The silver tonneau shaped case marked “7
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver

Rolex Ladies White Gold Diamond Wristwatch, 1924
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco wristwatch by Rolex made in 1924. The 18 carat white gold case is set with diamonds
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Vintage Octagon Manual Wristwatch circa 1936
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Octagon METAL / MATERIAL: 9Ct. Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex Yellow Gold Oyster Vintage Octagon Manual Wristwatch, circa 1936
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Octagon METAL / MATERIAL: 9Ct. Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex White Gold Diamond Art Deco Wristwatch, 1926
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco vintage wristwatch by Rolex made in 1926. 18 carat white gold case, set with diamonds
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Enamel Inlay Octagonal Manual Watch, 1920's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Octagon METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel and Gold Art Deco Ladies Watch, circa 1920's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 6311 METAL / MATERIAL
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex 9Kt Gold Art Deco Tank Style Watch circa 1920's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Tank METAL / MATERIAL: 9Kt Solid
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex, White Gold & Diamond Art Deco Wristwatch, Dated 1927
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A fine and rare Art Deco vintage wristwatch by Rolex made in 1927. This rare shaped ladies diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex 9ct. Solid Gold Made for the British Commonwealth, circa 1920's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shape METAL / MATERIAL: 9Ct. Gold
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex Ladies White Gold Diamond Chronometer Art Deco Wristwatch, 1926
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
A rare Art Deco diamond wristwatch by Rolex made in 1926 . The 18 carat white gold case is set
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex 18Kt White Gold Art Deco Ladies Watch Entirely Hand Made circa 1926-27
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Octagon Shape METAL / MATERIAL
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Rolex 9 Carat Gold U.K. Ladies Watch with Original Fitted Bracelet, circa 1920s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Bracelet Watch / Reference 920
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rare 1920s Rolex Oyster Officers 9 Karat Rose Gold Wristwatch
By Rolex
Located in New york, NY
Rolex Oyster Cushion Shaped Officers Watch in 9k Rose Gold, circa late 1920s Case dimensions
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

9k Gold

1920's Rolex Trench / WW1 "Hermetic" or Submarine Double Cases" Sterling Silver
By Rolex
Located in Raleigh, NC
watch to find. I searched on the web and could not find a single Sterling Silver Hermetic Rolex. Let’s
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rolex Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
From Rolex’s very limited array of pocket watches, this 1920s watch is one of Rolex’s oldest
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
Rolex Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
H 1.33 in D 0.33 in Dm 0.98 in
Vintage Rolex Oyster Cushion-Shaped Watch, 1925
By Rolex
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1925 Vintage Rolex Very Early Oyster Imperial Chronometre Cushion Shape Nickle watch with Original
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Wrist Watches

Rolex Steel Dress Wristwatch, Ref 2536, Circa 1928
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rolex dress watch in stainless steel, reference 2536. This early Rolex watch features an original
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Cushion Case Manual Wristwatch, circa 1928
By Rolex
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Early Rolex Oyster circa 1928 with original dial cosigned Bucherer and Rolex. Featuring a 32mm
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

People Also Browsed

Tiffany & Co. Two Tone 18Kt. Yellow & Platinum Art Deco Watch from 1920's
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Haas Neveux for Tiffany & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum & Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 27mm X Width 2...
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex 18Kt. Solid Rose Gold with Original Cord Band and Hardware circa 1940's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolexl Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 4554 METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 17mm ...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Divan MOP Dial Diamond Bezel Watch 2599
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
-Mint condition -Case size: 25x31mm -Stainless steel -Movement: Quartz -Roman numeral hour markers -Pink leather strap -Aftermarket Diamond Bezel: 2.6ct, E-F color, VS1 clarity -Come...
Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Art Deco 1930 Wrist Watch in .900 Platinum with 4.98 Ctw in Round Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
At deco platinum wristwatch. Beautiful highly decorated lady wristwatch, made in America during the art deco period, back in the 1930. This elegant wristwatch has been crafted in so...
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum

LeCoultre 14Kt Solid Gold with Original Gold Bracelet, circa 1930's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: LeCoultre Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Bracelet Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 31mm X...
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Art Deco White Gold Filled Ladies Watch by Bulova, Serviced, circa 1935
By Bulova Watch Company
Located in Westward ho, GB
We are delighted to be able to offer you this wonderful ladies Art Deco watch made by the American watch company Bulova. For your consideration is this very attractive Bulova ‘Miss A...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, White Gold

Cartier Tank Française 18K White Gold 2366 Automatic Date Watch
By Cartier
Located in Toronto, CA
Cartier Tank Française 18K White Gold 2366 Automatic Date Watch Boxed Brand: Cartier Model : Cartier Tank Française Reference Number : 2366 Watch Number: 892593 CD Fea...
Category

Early 2000s European Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Gruen Rare 14Kt Art Deco Tank Style Watch with Original Dial from 1930
By Gruen
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 23mm MOVEM...
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Vintage Movado Platinum 1.5ctw Diamond Fancy Dress Wrist Watch Black Cord Strap
By Movado
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an elegant and classic vintage Movado ladies' watch mounted in a solid platinum case that is covered with approximately 1.5 carats of fine quality diamonds. The watch co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

Patek Philippe Ref 96 Calatrava Vintage 1945 Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1945 Patek Philippe Reference 96 Calatrava Wrist Watch, 31 M.M. diameter x 7.5 M.M. thick 3 piece case. 18 Jewel Nickle Lever Mechanical, Manual wind movement, mint condition ...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe Ref 2493 Vintage Yellow Gold Wrist Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s Patek Philippe Reference 2493 Wrist Watch, 30 x 30 MM 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece stepped, cushion case with tear Drop lugs. Caliber 10-200 18 Jewel Nickle Lever movement. Si...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Longines 18Kt. Yellow Gold Men's Wrist Watch, French Hallmarked 1930's
By Longines
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Longines Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Modified Tonneau Shape CIRCA: 1930's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: 17 Jewels / Caliber 10.85 DIAL / HANDS: Roman Numerals / Blued Ste...
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Cartier Panthere Gold Diamond Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold Panthere lady's watch by Cartier. Case measures 23mm in diameter excl crown, bezel decorated with approx. 0.40ctw in diamonds. Cartier 5 row panthere bracelet will fi...
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Omega Stainless Steel Cream Dial Arab Numbers Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Ref. 2503. Made in 1950’s Case th...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Omega Stainless Steel Applied Roman Numerals Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Ref. 2271. Made in 1950’s Case thr...
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Piaget 4925D2 18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Ruby Ladies Watch
By Piaget
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Piaget Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Case Diameter: 21mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Bezel: 18k Yellow gold Ruby & Diamond bezel Dial: Gold & Ruby dial with yellow gold hands B...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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1929 Rolex For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the 1929 rolex you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 9k Gold and Silver — can elevate any look. Making the right choice when shopping for a 1929 rolex may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 20th Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. While most can agree that any 1929 rolex from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 3 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for an old european cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes alternatives. Finding a 1929 rolex for sale for women should be easy, but there are 20 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a 1929 Rolex?

The price for a 1929 rolex starts at $1,200 and tops out at $32,270 with these watches, on average, selling for $7,650.

Finding the Right Watches for You

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.