Vintage Watches Are the Latest Must-Have: A Guide to Discovering Your Next Heirloom-Worthy Item

      Vintage watches have subtly evolved from being niche collector's items to essential accessories for fashion aficionados looking for something more distinctive than the latest It bag. As is often the case with trends, women are at the forefront. Rather than choosing contemporary designs that saturate the market, women are exploring auctions, vintage shops, and even rummaging through their grandparents' jewelry collections for unique timepieces with a narrative. The allure is found in the finer details: the patina on an aged dial, the heft of a solid-gold case, and the connection to history that these watches provide. It's no longer just about telling time; it's about expressing taste, refinement, and an appreciation for craftsmanship that endures. This trend is part of a broader movement towards timeless fashion. Much like the rise of understated luxury bags and minimalist jewelry, the emphasis is now on investment pieces that transcend fleeting seasonal styles. Celebrities have further fueled this trend, showcasing everything from delicate Art Deco designs to bold, colorful watches from the '70s. For many women, choosing vintage also connects to sustainability, serving as an eco-friendly alternative to mass-produced modern items. Furthermore, there's an undeniable charm in wearing a watch that feels unique, especially when it complements both a tailored blazer and a silk slip dress seamlessly. If you’re still relying solely on your smartwatch, consider this your invitation to delve into vintage—it's the ultimate accessory that everyone's buzzing about. Proceed to discover some of the trend's notable enthusiasts, gather experts' top suggestions for sourcing timepieces, and browse my favorite vintage women's watches currently available.

      Who's Wearing What

      As the first major event of the year, the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet set a high standard for fashion. The vibrant gowns and dramatic capes were certainly eye-catching, but my favorite detail was considerably smaller: Nicole Kidman's delicate vintage Omega watch. This rare Art Nouveau piece from 1920 was "crafted with the curves and arabesque decoration of the era," Omega noted in a press release. "The fantasy platinum case is adorned with 24 brilliant-cut diamonds and is worn on a black fabric strap." This 105-year-old watch exemplifies that true elegance is timeless. Vintage watches also made a significant impact at this year's Met Gala, both on the red carpet and during the after-parties. For instance, Hailey Bieber opted for an Audemars Piguet timepiece from 1975 featuring white gold and an opal dial, rather than new jewelry. According to the Oxford Museum of Natural History, precious opals are as distinct as fingerprints, showcasing a radiant array of colors that shift with different viewing angles—this phenomenon is known as iridescence.

      At the 2025 Met Gala after-parties, Jenna Ortega attended in a Balmain bodysuit paired with a striking accessory: a vintage Heuer pocket watch from 1914. To learn more about this inventive look, I spoke with Taylor Stoddard, who connected Ortega with the watch. "For Jenna Ortega's Met Gala ensemble, I worked closely with [PR executive] Alessandra de Tomaso to find the ideal pocket watch using a mood board and sketch that considered style, dimensions, weight, and chain," Stoddard shared. "When it came to sourcing, I turned to my friend and knowledgeable collector Jeff Stein, who always accommodates my ambitious requests, even on short notice. From his personal collection, he generously provided three museum-worthy options, including the gold rattrapante chronograph that ultimately became the actress's choice."

      "For [Ortega's] tuxedo-inspired bodysuit," Stoddard continued, "the chain was elegantly looped over one of the buttons, with the watch secured at her right hip, perfectly complementing the evening's refined theme. And I must stress this was not just a prop! It was a fully functioning timepiece that had been serviced just weeks earlier. Plus, it had never been utilized in this way before, making it an exciting first for Jenna and the brand. Bringing this vision to life required constant communication with global teams, managing complex shipments, and mobilizing an extensive range of resources, but when that first photo was captured, it felt purely magical and worth every bit of chaos."

      Sourcing Vintage Watches 101

      For tips on acquiring your next heirloom-quality vintage watch, I consulted Stoddard and two other experts: watch collector and content creator Georgia Benjamin, and Julia Rabinowitsch, founder of The Millennial Decorator. Both Benjamin and Rabinowitsch stressed the importance of trying watches in person. "Try, try, try. You won't know your style until you've tested pieces," Benjamin advised. They also concurred that establishing a personal connection with a piece outweighs current trends. Benjamin asserted, "Don't purchase a vintage watch just because it's trendy now; it might be out of style tomorrow. Select something timeless that truly resonates with you." Rabinowitsch reiterated this point: "Buying