6 Iconic Wristwatches Every Collector Needs
In the world of watches, there are those storied timepieces that are infamous for their innovative design, the thrilling stories behind their inception, or the larger-than-life designers who dreamed them up. Cristina Miller, the Chief Commercial Officer of 1stdibs, heads up the jewelry and watch division of the online marketplace that boasts a curated selection of antiques, art, and fashion. Here, she pinpoints the timepieces that are worth the hunt and that every watch enthusiast—and burgeoning collectors—should have their eyes on.
"Watches are such a personal expression. They carry a level of seriousness and purpose because they are functional jewelry, and, of course, watches are some of the only jewelry that men traditionally wear," says Miller. "They come in multiple makes and materials, and for those who really know watches, they can convey status, mood, and other social queues."
Miller says that rare vintage designs or limited-edition timepieces that are hard to find on the market tend to be the pieces that collectors are consistently on the lookout for. "Vintage Pateks are usually in great demand," she says. "Rolex is always popular, especially with male buyers, and Cartier with female buyers. Currently, we are seeing moderate demand for Audemars Piguet, but I do think Audemars Piguet may become more popular down the road."
When adding to a collection, limited editions of designs are not to be ignored. "Limited editions usually have added details that differentiate them from the regular versions that make them special timepieces," Miller says. "For example, the Cartier Limited Edition Crash Diamond Rose Gold Wristwatch has the diamonds all around the bracelet and the bezel in combination with the rose gold. This piece is very hard to find, and it stands out right away from the regular Cartier Crash."
For those just starting to collect, the key is gravitating toward the designs that interest and speak to you. "Collectors or casual consumers seek the stories out behind these timepieces to signal their own status and tastes," says Miller. "In doing so, they eventually elevate these pieces into collectibles."
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