Everything You Need to Know About a Pocket Watch

Dating back to the 17th century, men’s pocket watches have long been an accessory that’s part function and part fashion. Portable, easily carried in the trouser pocket, and featuring a stylish chain, they can adorn outfits both formal and informal.

However, pocket watches aren’t as popular as they once were, with the majority of people switching to the simpler wristwatch over time.

If you’re hoping to add one of these pieces to your wardrobe and shopping for a pocket watch for sale, here’s everything you need to know, including:

• What are the various features of a pocket watch?
• What types of pocket watches are available?
• What is the history of the pocket watch?

Plus, learn how to set and how to wear a pocket watch so you’re ready to add the accessory any time the occasion calls for it.

What Is a Pocket Watch? The 7 Key Features

At its core, a pocket watch is a small, portable timepiece designed to fit inside the wearer’s pocket.  More specifically, it features seven key components:

• The bow, or the circular loop on one end of the watch, where the pocket watch chain attaches
• The pendant, which holds the winding stem
• The crown, for winding and setting
• The case frame, which holds all of the watch’s internal components
• The bezel, which holds the glass covering the watch dial in place
• The watch dial, otherwise known as the face
• The watch hands or arms

You might also have something called a pocket watch fob, which is an ornamental feature attached to the chain that remains in view, even while the pocket watch is tucked away inside a pocket or jacket.

Different Kinds of Pocket Watches

The two primary types of pocket watches are open face and hunter style.

• Open face: As far as pocket watches go, the open face is a more modern design, without a cover.
• Hunter: The hunter pocket watch features a covering that can be opened and closed to reveal the watch face.

These two categories of pocket watches can be further broken down into other types. For example, there’s the half-hunter pocket watch (or demi-hunter pocket watch), which includes the hunter’s characteristic cover, but with a small window that allows the wearer to view the time without opening it up. There’s also a double hunter, which features openable coverings on both sides of the watch.

When Were Pocket Watches Invented?

The first recorded pocket watch belonged to King Charles II of England who was recorded wearing the accessory in 1675. The noble had a real need for the item, as he popularized a newly trendy piece of clothing: the pocketed waistcoat.

Prior to this, men would wear a precursor, a type of watch known as a Nuremberg Egg. These were larger timepieces produced in the 1500s that resembled an egg-shaped column. The watches could be carried in a purse, worn around the neck, or worn on the wrist, even though they were a far cry from today’s wristwatch. The watch had a hinged cover and the entire design could be quite fine and ornate, incorporating an engraving and precious metals such as gold.

In the time of King Charles II, pocket watches were considered a luxury item, relegated to men of status, before mass production in the 1800s made the accessory more accessible to the average consumer. One of the most popular pocket watchmakers of the day was the Waltham Watch Company.

How to Set a Pocket Watch

Most pocket watches can be set using the pendant method, which simply requires you to tug on the pendant and crown. This motion will snap the watch into the setting mode, allowing you to turn the crown until the watch is set. This method is similar to how you might set a wristwatch.

Other, less common, modes of setting a pocket watch exist, too. For example, lever set watches are handled by opening the watch’s cover, pulling out a lever, and then using the crown to set the watch. The additional step of pulling out the lever was implemented so that the watch couldn’t be accidentally reset without the wearer knowing it.

Then there are key wind pocket watches that require a key to set them. For these models, you open up either the bezel or rear of the watch, insert a key, and then rotate it until the watch is set.

More rare are Swiss-made watches that require pin setting. This is where the wearer holds down a pin on the side of the case and twists the crown to set the watch.

How to Wear a Pocket Watch

There are a few ways to wear a pocket watch, depending on your overall outfit, but the most traditional method is with a waistcoat. Here’s how it works:

What to Think About When Buying a Pocket Watch

When you’re perusing pocket watches for sale, think about important factors such as the condition of any antique pocket watches you find, the type of movement that you want, and how you plan to wear it.

If you’re looking for a vintage or antique pocket watch, always purchase from a reputable seller. If you’re purchasing a watch online, look at customers’ past reviews and examine the seller’s warranty, ensuring you can return your purchase if necessary.

Also consider whether you want a hand-wound mechanical, automatic, or quartz movement. While a hand-wound movement may feel more nostalgic and have a certain appeal, an automatic or quartz movement may be more convenient for your lifestyle.

Lastly, consider how you plan on wearing your pocket watch. If you only plan on wearing it in formal settings, you might go for something more luxurious and high-end. But if you plan on wearing it more often, you might pick something made from a more durable material.

Pocket Watch FAQs

Is a Pocket Watch a Good Gift?

When buying any jewelry gift, it’s ultimately the recipient and their taste that should determine whether or not something is the right choice. If you’re considering buying a pocket watch as a gift, first consider the recipient’s lifestyle and whether or not they’re likely to wear a pocket watch at all.

What Price Can You Expect to Pay for a Pocket Watch?

You can purchase pocket watches at a range of price points, from less than $100 to tens of thousands of dollars.

Where Can You Buy a Chain for a Pocket Watch?

Any jewelry store that sells pocket watches will likely sell pocket watch chains, too.

Is There a Market for Secondhand Pocket Watches?

While the market for secondhand pocket watches may not be as robust as used watches overall, you will be able to find used pocket watches for sale online. There, you can also find buyers for your own used pocket watches.

What Makes the Perfect Pocket Watch?

The perfect pocket watch will be one that fits your lifestyle, personal style, and budget.

Protect Your Pocket Watch with Comprehensive Jewelry Insurance

When purchasing any piece of jewelry, protection is key. Keep your pocket watch safe from hazards like loss or mysterious disappearance, theft, damage, and more with BriteCo’s comprehensive jewelry coverage. Starting at just 1-2% of your watch’s value per year, it’s a nominal fee for ultimate piece of mind.

Get your free BriteCo watch insurance quote today.

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Is Buying a Rolex a Good Investment?

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