Skip to main content

Vintage Jaeger Lecoultre

to
12
108
96
185
116
39
37
28
28
25
21
6
3
3
2
1
187
2
1
1
1
Sort By
Beautiful Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Black Fish Marina Clock 526
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Black Fish Marina Clock 526 - Perpetual. Case 9 in. (23 cm
Category

20th Century Swiss Desk Accessories

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Watch, c.1950s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in London, GB
This Vintage dress watch comes from the master horologists at Jaeger-LeCoultre, The 14 carat rose
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Wrist Watches

Jaeger-LeCoultre Vintage Rose Gold and Small seconds on the dial
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in MADRID, ES
This is a vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Vintage with rose gold case and leayther bracelet, and with
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

A Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre Atmos Clock Working With Original Box & Paperwork
Located in London, GB
This Jaeger LeCoultre Atmos Clock is a vintage masterpiece that comes with its original box and
Category

Mid-20th Century Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

Jaeger LeCoultre 18k Yellow Gold Triple Calendar Moonphase
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Triple Calendar Moonphase men’s wristwatch, crafted from 18k
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Swiss Made 15 Jewel Perpetual Motion Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
The vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos mantel clock is a remarkable feat of horological engineering
Category

20th Century Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

Jaeger-LeCoultre vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Manual Wristwatch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Braintree, GB
Jaeger-LeCoultre vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Manual Wristwatch. Made in Circa 1950 - 1960s. This
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jaeger-LeCoultre 18 Karat Gold Vintage Memovox Wristwatch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in New York City, NY
Fine 18K yellow gold Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox wristwatch. It features an automatic movement and an
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Gold

Jaeger LeCoultre Vintage Brass Table Clock, 8 Day Movement
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Jaeger LeCoultre Vintage Brass Table Clock, 8 Day Movement Round acrylic and brass table clock from
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Jaeger LeCoultre, Atmos "Embassy", Swiss Vintage Clock, manufactured 1969
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Greven, DE
Jaeger LeCoultre - Atmos VII "Embassy" Switzerland Gold-plated and lacquered brass Year of
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Vintage 1960's Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Mariner Automatic Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the LeCoultre Master Mariner vintage 1960's wristwatch. This exquisite timepiece
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Jaeger LeCoultre Vintage WWII Military Mens Radium Numeral Wrist Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A Jaeger-LeCoultre military issue wristwatch crafted in base metal
Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Jaeger LeCoultre Pendant Pocket Watch Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Silver Dial
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in London, GB
A 39 mm vintage pendant pocket watch by Jaeger LeCoultre, crafted from 18k yellow gold. Featuring
Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Jaeger-LeCoultre Vintage Hand-Winding Alarm Watch W/ Original Box and Case
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Jaeger- Lecoultre Hand-Winding Alarm Watch W/ Original Box and Case Model: Alarm watch Movement
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Jaeger LeCoultre 18k Gold Memovox Automatic 37mm Mechanical Alarm Wrist Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a gorgeous vintage Memovox Automatic wrist watch crafted in Switzerland by Jaeger
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Atmos Jaeger le Coultre Mantle Clock 20th Century
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in London, GB
This is a very elegant Vintage Atmos perpetual mantle clock by Jaeger-Le Coultre, with a jewelled
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

Vintage Jaegar LeCoultre Power Matic Stainless Steel Wrist Watch Circa 1955
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A vintage Jaegar LeCoultre powe matic wrist watch crafted in
Category

Mid-20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage LeCoultre 32MM 14K Yellow Gold Silver Dial Manual Wind Watch 733528
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned vintage watch. Aftermarket band and buckle. Free polishing upon request. The watch is
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Jaeger Le Coultre Alarm Watch. 10k Gold Filled Mens JLC Memovox Vintage Watch.
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
JAEGER LeCoultre Wrist Alarm Watch Winds up, wonderful alarm at set time. Works. Genuine Mens
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Ladies 18kt Yellow Gold Jaeger Le Coultre Back Winder Wrist Watch Rare
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage Ladies 18kt Yellow Gold Jaeger Le Coultre Back Winder Wrist Watch Extremely rare
Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jaeger-LeCoultre - Mémovox mechanical travel watch from the 1970s
By Jaeger & Co.
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
This watch is a vintage classic from the renowned Jaeger-LeCoultre brand, specifically the Mémovox
Category

20th Century Swiss Post-Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Mens LeCoultre Master Mariner cal 1902/03 38mm Day Date Automatic 1970s NA123
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's LeCoultre Master Mariner day-date automatic, c.1970s, in excellent working
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre Stainless Steel Watch, 1950s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1950's Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Stainless Steel watch with Salmon Color Dial with Applied Rose
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Midsize 18 Karat Rose Gold Watch, 1960s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1960's Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Ladies 18k Rose Gold watch with Original Champagne Dial with
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Stainless Steel Watch, 1940s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1940's - 1950's Vintage Jaeger-Le Coultre Stainless Steel watch with Original Patina Silver Dial
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Power Reserve Automatic, 1950s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1950's Vintage Jaeger - Le Coultre 40 Hour Power Reserve Bumper Automatic Stainless Steel watch
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Bumper Automatic Watch, 1940s-1950s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1940's - 1950's Vintage Jaeger-Le Coultre 10k Yellow Gold Filled Bumper Automatic watch with Silver
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre Power Reserve Automatic Watch, 1950s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1950's Vintage Jaeger - Le Coultre 40 Hour Power Reserve Bumper Automatic 10k Yellow Gold Filed
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox Wrist Alarm Watch, 1950s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1950's Vintage Jaeger - Le Coultre Memovox Alarm Automatic with RARE Date Feature 10k Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox Stainless Steel Watch, 1950s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1950's Vintage Jaeger - Le Coultre Wrist Alarm Ref. 2404 Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre Wrist Alarm Stainless Steel Watch, 1950s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1950's Vintage Jaeger - Le Coultre Wrist Alarm Stainless Steel watch with Original Silver Dial with
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Mystery Dial 14 Karat White Gold Watch, 1960s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1960's Vintage Jaeger - Le Coultre 14kt White Gold Mystery Dial watch with Silver Satin Dial with
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Square-Shaped Watch in 14 Karat Gold and Steel, 1940s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1940's Vintage Jaeger - Le Coultre 14k Rose Gold with Stainless Steel Case Back with Two Tone Gray
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Jaeger Lecoultre Vintage Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Jackson Heights, NY
Jaeger Lecoultre 18k Gold Plated Winding movement 15mm x 20mm
Category

Vintage 1930s Wrist Watches

Jaeger LeCoultre Vintage Collection 69293 CAL493 Hobnail Case Men Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Miami, FL
Jaeger LeCoultre Vintage Collection 69293 CAL493 Hobnail Case Men Watch 33mm
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Jaeger LeCoultre Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Automatic Men's Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Jaeger LeCoultre Band Color: Brown Gender: Men's Case Size: 32-35.5mm MPN: Does Not Apply
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage LeCoultre 10 Karat White Gold Filled Watch, 1950s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1950's Vintage Jaeger - Le Coultre 10k White Gold Filled watch with Unique Decorative Lugs with
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Cartier Travel Clock with a Jaeger LeCoultre Movement, 1940s
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1940's Vintage Cartier Travel Alarm Clock Copper Plated with Movement Made By Le Coultre with
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Jaeger LeCoultre Vintage 141.008.1 Triple-Date Mens Hand Wind 18K YG Watch 32mm
Located in Miami, FL
Jaeger LeCoultre Vintage 141.008.1 Triple-Date Mens Hand Wind 18K YG Watch 32mm
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Jaeger Lecoultre Stainless Steel circa 1950’s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Jaeger Lecoultre stainless steel manual wind dress model circa 1950’s. Featuring a very
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Chronograph Men's Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Chronograph Men's Watch - Manual winding; chronograph. Stainless steel
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Stainless Steel Memovox Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Stainless Steel Memovox Watch - Manual winding. Stainless Steel ( 37 mm
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Stainless Steel Memovox Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Stainless Steel Memovox Watch - Manual winding. Stainless Steel ( 37 mm
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre HPG Memovox Alarm Automatic Steel Men's Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre HPG Memovox Alarm Automatic Steel Men's Watch - Automatic winding, date
Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Reference E395, Outstanding Condition, circa 1964
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Canterbury, England
Our rare and attractive vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre reference E395 features a 36mm stainless steel
Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ladies Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Retro Style Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Dallas, TX
Ladies Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre 14k Yellow Gold Ladies Retro Style Watch - Manual winding. 14k
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Ladies Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Retro Style Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Dallas, TX
Ladies Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre 14k Yellow Gold Ladies Retro Style Watch - Manual winding. 14k
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre Solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold Manual, circa 1960s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre Solid 18k Yellow Gold Manual c.1960's Gender: Mens Case Diameter : 34
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Türler Gold Mesh Wristwatch Bracelet
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare vintage ladies wristwatch, double stamped by Jaeger le Coultre and Türler. Made of 18k
Category

Vintage 1940s Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Platinum Diamond-Set Bracelet Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Miami, FL
Brilliance Jewels, Miami Questions? Call Us Anytime! 786,482,8100 Metal: Platinum Metal Purity: 925 Stones: Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Total Carat Weight: approx. 8 ct Diamond...
Category

Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Diamond 14k Gold Lady's Wristwatch Bracelet
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1950s Jaeger LeCoultre diamond 14k gold lady's watch is a fine timepiece made by one of
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre 18K Yellow Gold Triple Date Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
Presented in an 18k solid Yellow gold case , the original Jaeger-LeCoultre Triple Date Calendar
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Beautiful Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Baby Atmos Clock 526-5
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Dallas, TX
/vintage in very nice condition with slight patina. Includes color copy of the original instructions. Once
Category

20th Century Desk Accessories

Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre Ladies 18K Yellow Gold Duo Plan Manual Wind Wristwatch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in London, GB
A Very Rare 1930's 18k Yellow Gold Duo Plan Ladies Wristwatch, silver dial with index batons, an 18k yellow gold bracelet with an 18k yellow gold pin buckle (not by JLC), mineral gla...
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jaeger-LeCoultre Stainless Steel Vintage Memovox Manual Wristwatch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Stainless Steel Memovox Watch - Manual winding. Stainless Steel ( 37 mm
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Jaeger-LeCoultre Vintage Yellow Gold Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Southampton, PA
This vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece is presented with an 18K yellow gold case that measures 35
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Jewelry

Jaeger-LeCoultre Automatic Master Mariner Hpg Mens Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Media, PA
Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre Day Date Master Mariner HPG Men’s Watch 14K Solid Gold Case Automatic
Category

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Jaeger-Lecoultre Club Vintage Automatic All Stainless Watch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in London, GB
This vintage Jaeger-Lecoultre Club is an automatic watch from the 70's indicating day and date
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

LeCoultre Memovox Alarm 10k Gold Filled Steel Black Dial Men's Watch 2265
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre 2265 10k Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch. 10k Gold
Category

2010s Swiss Wrist Watches

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duetto Duo 266.8.11
Located in Surfside, FL
LeCoultre Watch. Certified preowned Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Duetto Duo 266.8.11 watch is made out
Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Vintage Jaeger Lecoultre", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Vintage Jaeger Lecoultre For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage jaeger lecoultre you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect vintage jaeger lecoultre may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a vintage jaeger lecoultre has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Cartier and Hermès are consistently popular. A vintage jaeger lecoultre of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 4, is particularly popular. Today, if you’re looking for a marquise cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes single cut and square cut alternatives. Most of our vintage jaeger lecoultre for sale are for men, but there are 40 pieces available to browse for women.

How Much is a Vintage Jaeger Lecoultre?

On average, a vintage jaeger lecoultre at 1stDibs sells for $3,695, while they’re typically $300 on the low end and $11,324 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Jaeger-LeCoultre for sale on 1stDibs

The exquisite art of watchmaking is on display in the distinctive designs of Jaeger-LeCoultre. The Swiss manufacturer is celebrated for its striking Art Deco–era antique clocks, while its range of sumptuous luxury watches spans the gamut of modern design, each one a time capsule of its period.

Jaeger-LeCoultre was established in 1833 by watchmaker Antoine LeCoultre in the Vallée de Joux of the Swiss mountains. LeCoultre was also an inventor who, in 1844, created the millionomètre. As the first instrument to measure thousandths of a millimeter with total accuracy, it refined the meticulous watchmaking process. By 1866, LeCoultre's son, Elie LeCoultre, took over the business. He revolutionized watchmaking by bringing all 180 skills involved in the trade into one workshop: LeCoultre & Cie Manufacture.

By 1903, the company had passed to Antoine LeCoultre's grandson, Jacques-David LeCoultre. He created a signature line of ultra-thin watches in partnership with Edmond Jaeger, a French watchmaker who specialized in flat watch cases. In 1907, Louis Cartier signed a contract with Jaeger so that Cartier would have movements for its popular timepieces produced exclusively at LeCoultre in Switzerland. This era saw the debut of Cartier’s Santos as well as its Tank watch.

Watchmakers at Jaeger-LeCoultre began to experiment with the Art Deco style that had encompassed the 1920s and the 1930s. At the time, there were many influences that led to the creation of Art Deco jewelry, while the cases of Art Deco clocks featured architectural details and saw an integration of materials such as brass, glass and marble. Iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre designs from this era include the 1928 Atmos clock and the Reverso watch. Stylish and practical, the coveted Reverso watch features a case that you can flip to protect the watch face.

During the 1950s and '60s, Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmakers continued the manufacturer’s tradition of prioritizing practical reliability. In 1958, the company introduced the robust and durable Geophysic watch collection. The Memovox Polaris, an alarm-equipped dive watch one could wear underwater, followed in 1968.

The best-known timepiece in the company's modern collection is the Master Control watch, unveiled in 1992. It symbolizes a return to the thin style and performance-first ethic of classic Jaeger-LeCoultre. In 2018, the watchmaker also launched the Polaris collection. Inspired by the original Memovox, the series features a sporty, elegant and contemporary look.

Find vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre wristwatches and pocket watches on 1stDibs.

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.