Geneva Watch
Vintage 1960s Swiss Link Bracelets
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Wrist Watches
14k Gold
Vintage 1960s Italian Wrist Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s Swiss Belle Époque Pocket Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Late 20th Century American Wrist Watches
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s Swiss Victorian Pocket Watches
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century Swiss Aesthetic Movement Wrist Watches
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Vintage 1910s Swiss Wrist Watches
Vintage 1920s Swiss Pocket Watches
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Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1990s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Swiss Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1910s Swiss Pocket Watches
20th Century Swiss Artisan Wrist Watches
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Steel
Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches
Platinum
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Steel
1990s Swiss Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Scottish Pocket Watches
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1880s Swiss Late Victorian Pocket Watches
14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
White Gold
Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
18k Gold
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1940s Swiss Civil War Wrist Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Pocket Watches
White Gold
Early 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Gold-filled
Antique Early 1900s Swiss Art Nouveau Pocket Watches
Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Vintage 1910s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
Gold, Enamel
Antique 19th Century French Artisan Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Silver
2010s Wrist Watches
Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches
Antique Early 1900s Swiss Art Nouveau Pocket Watches
Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches
14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Steel
Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches
Steel
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Antique, New and Vintage Geneva Watches for Sale on 1stDibs
Antique, new and vintage Geneva watches are marked by a definitive certification — the Poinçon de Genève, referred to in English as the Hallmark of Geneva or the Geneva Seal, is reserved for mechanical watches made within the city or its canton (a region similar to a U.S. state) that adhere to superb traditional standards of craftsmanship.
Geneva, or Genève, is the name of the Swiss city known for producing some of the most impressive timepieces in the world. But the presence of the city’s name on the face of your vintage watch is far from a guarantee that your timepiece is reliable, high quality or even a product of Switzerland. Today’s devoted watch collectors know that while the terms “Swiss” and “Swiss Made” have been registered as trademarks in the United States and Hong Kong by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, similar measures haven’t been taken to stop manufacturers worldwide from associating their goods with Geneva and its centuries-old reputation for fine watchmaking.
Surprisingly, the history of Geneva as a center of haute horlogerie hinges on the Protestant Reformation. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, many French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution crossed the Jura Mountains seeking refuge in Calvinist Switzerland. Among them were expert watchmakers, who brought both know-how and labor to Geneva’s burgeoning cabinets, or workshops.
In 1886, the Grand Council of the Republic and Canton of Geneva passed a law creating the seal, with the aim of protecting the reputation of Geneva watches from poorly made counterfeits sold abroad. Naturally, the seal guarantees that your Geneva watch was made in Geneva, though not necessarily its parts. Thanks to our global economy, it’s not unusual for companies to source parts from various countries. However, four major steps in the manufacturing process must take place in Geneva: assembly, casing up, adjustment and testing. The watch must also be submitted by a business registered in Geneva.
A limited number of the industry’s most revered houses, including Vacheron Constantin, Roger Dubuis, Chopard and Cartier, have facilities in Geneva and consistently submit watches for certification. However, not all Geneva-based companies choose to apply for the seal — while Patek Philippe stood alongside Vacheron Constantin as one of the first brands to embrace the Geneva Seal, in 2009 the company introduced its own certification — and even among brands like the ones above, not all references are submitted. Though 20 million Swiss watches are manufactured every year, just 24,000 carry the seal, according to the Roger Dubuis website.
Find antique, new and vintage Geneva 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, new and classic vintage 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, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Geneva mark on a watch is a seal that represents an exceptional level of quality. It is issued by a state-controlled independent bureau in Geneva. On 1stDibs, find a range of watches featuring a Geneva mark.
- Who makes Geneva watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024The answer to the question of who makes Geneva watches depends on what you mean by the term Geneva watches. Some people refer to luxury timepieces made in Geneva, Switzerland, as Geneva watches. Some companies that produce timepieces in Geneva include Rolex, Patek Philippe, Baume et Mercier, Panerai, Piaget SA, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin. The Geneva Watch Group is also the name of a company that produces watches for various high-end brands. Among these Geneva watches are timepieces made by Kenneth Cole, BGBG Max Azaria, Cerutti 1881 and Saint Honoré. Explore a diverse assortment of watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024To identify your Geneva watch, examine the serial and reference numbers. Authentic timepieces made in the watchmaking capital come with certificates of origin and conformity. They also have serial and reference numbers indicating, respectively, the particular watch’s date of production and model. These can be researched to determine if the information conveyed by the number matches the watch it’s engraved on. Explore a collection of Geneva watches on 1stDibs.
- Are Geneva watches real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, Geneva watches are real gold. They're made with 14-karat gold and are never gold-plated.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024To tell if your Geneva watch is real, first refer to its Certificate of Origin and Conformity. Modern certificates include an identification code, which can be entered on the Geneva Seal website to verify the watch's authenticity. Some modern certificates also include a QR code that can be scanned with a smartphone to confirm authenticity. If you have a watch without an identification code or don't have the certificate, first examine the watch's movement. Genuine Geneva watches are known for the exceptional quality of their movements. This is one of the most critical aspects to consider when evaluating a potential purchase for authenticity. So, inspect your watch's work carefully for craftsmanship and precision. Next, examine the overall quality of the watch. Poorly crafted parts are a telltale sign of a fake. Use a loupe or magnifying glass to examine each component's material, craftsmanship and distinctive details. You can also seek the expert opinion of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of Geneva watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Whether Patek Philippe watches have the Geneva Seal on them depends on their age. Prior to the spring of 2009, all watches produced by the luxury Swiss watchmaker featured the seal, showing that they were manufactured in Geneva, Switzerland. Timepieces produced after that instead feature the Patek Philippe hallmark: two intertwined Ps positioned inside a shield. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Patek Philippe watches.
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