Why do people use pocket watches?

Pocket watches are the hallmark of fine craftsmanship and mechanical ingenuity. Although they saw something of a decline in the 20th century when wrist watches became more in demand, this distinguished timepiece retained its flair and never fully went out of style. It’s no wonder collectors avidly seek out antique pocket watches today. Elaborately etched and endowed with sophisticated ornamentation, pocket watches are as much a work of art as they are useful timekeepers. Whether you love vintage charm or are looking for a conversation starter with a function, you'll find a wide range of sellers on Etsy with finely crafted pocket watches. Choose between new designs as well as vintage pocket watches that are ideal for collecting or as perfect outfit accessories.

What are the different types of pocket watches?

As personal timepieces grew in popularity, two main types of pocket watches rose to prominence: the open face and the hunter. The open-face pocket watch looks exactly like it sounds. The watch face is uncovered and always visible, protected by the glass crystal on the front, with the watch stem at the 12 o'clock position. The hunter or hunter-case watch comes equipped with an elegant metal lid to cover the watch face, protecting the glass crystal from dust and scratching, and with a spring hinge for easy opening and closing. A half hunter case features a center crystal to view the time through the watch cover. 3_What are the different parts of a pocket watch?

What are the different parts of a pocket watch?

Each piece of a quality pocket watch—vintage or modern—is the result of meticulous precision and careful design. Pocket watches made after the 1850s contain the same external parts, usually arranged the same way across makes and models. These are the common parts of a pocket watch: Case: The case is the outer shell that makes up most of the body of the pocket watch and holds the inner workings of the mechanism. The case usually consists of polished precious or semi-precious metal and often contains artistic etchings and other decorative embellishments—which adds a level of elegance to gold and silver pocket-watch cases. Crystal : The crystal is the clear glass covering for the watch face that protects the delicate hands and interior decorations. Bezel : The bezel is a ring that secures the crystal to the front of the watch. Usually made of the same material and design style as the case, a bezel often contains fine engravings that give the watch a sophisticated flair. Face: The face is the interior portion of the pocket watch that displays the time. The watch face consists of hands, which are markers on the dial that tell you what time it is. The dial indicates hours, minutes, and seconds. Crown: The crown is the part of the watch stem used to wind and set the pocket watch. On an open-face pocket watch, the crown sits at the 12 o'clock position. On a hunter pocket watch, it sits at the 3 o'clock position, opposite the cover hinge. Bow: The bow is a hinged ring attached to the watch stem that is used to affix a pocket-watch chain to the timepiece.

What do you look for when choosing a pocket watch?

There are no wrong choices when it comes to picking your preferred style of pocket watch. Couple the perfect look with your desired functionality, and you’re all set. Shops on Etsy have several different materials for pocket watches. Stainless steel is strong, durable, and doesn’t tarnish. Brass is a common material for vintage pocket watches and can come gold or silver plated. For a luxurious option, gold pocket watches come in yellow, rose, or white gold. Silver stands out, as do wood pocket watches and gunmetal pocket watches. Don’t overlook the outside of your pocket watch—it will likely be visible more than the interior. A smooth exterior is simple and classic. Pay tribute to the pocket watch’s history with a train image on the exterior; you’ll also find everything from steampunk designs to crests, flowers, and space. If you’re going for a half hunter case, you’ll find amazing viewing windows. See your watch face through the tree of life or a heart shape. When it comes to your watch face, consider appearance and visibility. A traditional railroad pocket watch features large, bold markings you can easily see. If you like numbers on your watch, you can go with traditional numbers or Roman numerals. For some added features, consider a pocket watch with a chronograph or the moon phase. You can even see the inner workings with a skeleton design watch .

What are some ways to customize a pocket watch?

Make your pocket watch one of a kind with a custom engraving. Names or initials make a watch unique to the owner. Many shops on Etsy will let you choose the font, style, and message. Commemorate an important moment or achievement with an engraved date, which is perfect for accomplishments such as graduations or weddings. Symbols such as crosses, bowties, or hearts can also be added to many custom pocket watches . Custom pocket watches make terrific gifts, whether it’s for a recent retiree, your wedding party, or your parents for their anniversary.

How do you wear a pocket watch?

You can wear a pocket watch anyway you’d like. The traditional method involves the watch placed in your waistcoat pocket, with the chain passing through a button hole, and the end of the chain tucked in the waistcoat pocket on the opposite side. You can use this same method with practically any attire that has pockets and buttons, such as a suit jacket. With just a shirt, you can put your watch in your pants pocket, either passing the chain through a lower button hole or your belt loop. It’s common to wear a pocket watch on the side opposite your dominant hand so you can check the time with your primary hand still free.

Pocket Watches

(16,177 Results)

There's so much more for you to discover

Shop by interest

Pocket Watches

Review spotlight

Here is a selection of four-star and five-star reviews from customers who were delighted with the products they found in this category.

Rose Miller

5 out of 5 stars

"So pleased with the pocket watch I bought for my nephew. Seller was very helpful with their communication making sure the design was what I wanted and also helping with troubleshooting when the product arrived."

Groomsmen Gift,Personalized Engraved Pocket Watch,Wedding Party Favor, Best Man Gift, Personalized Gift For Men/Groom/Father,Christmas gift
Canna Luvnw

5 out of 5 stars

"Beautiful pocket watch with a lovey box. Very pleased with this gift."

Engraved Pocket Watch – Personalized Graduation Gift for Him, Birthday gift for him
Hannah Morris

4 out of 5 stars

"I didn't receive the leather case I ordered along with it, but the pocket watch was gorgeous and surpassed my expectations. My husband never goes anywhere without it now."

Vintage Style Pocket Watch, Engraved Pocket Watch, Customized Pocket Watch, Anniversary Gift, Wedding Gift, Birthday Gift, Mother's Day Gift
Heather Sherrill

5 out of 5 stars

"This seller is amazing! Communication is the best & they nailed my vision to create the perfect design for my son's pocket watch. I am so excited to gift this! He will cherish this forever & I can't wait to see his face when he gets to open it. I searched Google high & low for what I wanted & it doesn't exist. Found this seller & they made it happen 10,0000 stars!! Such a personal, special keepsake, THANK YOU !!"

Vintage Style Pocket Watch, Engraved Pocket Watch, Personalized Pocket Watch, Anniversary, Birthday Gift, Wedding Gift, Mother's Day Gift
Savannah Lavoie

5 out of 5 stars

"Love the watches for our groomsman! Seller responds to messages quickly and is very nice, would definitely buy from this shop again!"

Pocket Watch Personalized | Engraved Pocket Watch | Custom Vintage Looking Pocket Watches With Chain | Gift For Dad | Gift For Him Boyfriend
Keturah Palmer

5 out of 5 stars

"We bought this as a father of the groom gift. Top quality and really lovely, i preferred the watches in the gold colour as they're more classic but this was my partners fav. He thought that the black was very cool and sleek, but I will say the navy blended in the the black unless in direct light. Delivery was practically next day it was so quick lol"

Pocket Watch Chain Box Half Hunter Skeleton Vintage Mechanical Pocket Watches Man Black Blue Steampunk Taschenuhr Montre Gousset De Poche

Pocket Watches

PERSONALIZED Double Hunter Pocket Watch for Men, Stainless Steel Gold Vintage Pocket Mechanical Pocket Watch Gift, Retro Pocket Watch Gift

Engraved Pocket Watch – Personalized Graduation Gift for Him, Birthday gift for him

Vintage Style Pocket Watch, Personalized Pocket Watch, Engraved Pocket Watch, Anniversary, Wedding Gift, Birthday Gift, Mother's Day Gift

CUSTOM Engraved Mechanical Pocket Watch for Men, PERSONALIZED Pocketwatch Watch for Husband Anniversary, Steampunk Pocket Watch Engraved

Vintage Style Pocket Watch, Engraved Pocket Watch, Personalized Pocket Watch, Anniversary, Birthday Gift, Wedding Gift, Mother's Day Gift

Personalized Metal Case Pocket Watch in Gift Box The Perfect Gift for Men,Groomsmen, and Dad,Anniversary Gift Ideal for Christmas Gift

Personalized Groomsman Pocket Watch, Pocket Watch, Gift for Groomsman, Engraved Pocket Watch, Pocket Watch, Valentine Gift for Boyfriend

ENGRAVED Vintage Steampunk Pocket Watch, , Groomsmen Pocket Watch Gift, Wedding Party Gift, Personalized Vintage Pocket Watch Gift for Dad

Pocket Watch - Personalized Gold Tone Roman Quartz Pocket Watch

Personalized Custom Pocket Watch with Photo, Engraved Gift for Him, Anniversary, Valentine's Day, Groomsman Gift, Wedding Gift

POCKET WATCH with WOOD Box, Personalized Pocket Watch, Engraved Watch, Gifts for Him, Mens Gift, For Groom, Groomsmen Gift, Fathers day

Elgin pocket watch

Pocket Watch Chain Box Half Hunter Skeleton Vintage Mechanical Pocket Watches Man Bronze Green Steampunk Taschenuhr Montre Gousset De Poche

Vintage 14K Gold Filled Pocket Watch Case 25 Years

Vintage Royal Silver Double Hunter Mechanical Skeleton Pocket Watch

Men's Wood Pocket Watch for Men, Custom Wood Pocket Watch, Engrave Wood Pocket Watch, Wood Anniversary Gift, Groomsmen Pocket Watch Gift

Pocket Watch Chain Box Half Hunter Skeleton Vintage Mechanical Pocket Watches Man Black Blue Steampunk Taschenuhr Montre Gousset De Poche

Vintage Style Pocket Watch, Engraved Pocket Watch, Customized Pocket Watch, Groomsman Gift, Wedding Gift, Gift for Father, Birthday Day

Groomsmen Gift,Personalized Engraved Pocket Watch,Wedding Party Favor, Best Man Gift, Personalized Gift For Men/Groom/Father,Christmas gift

Personalized Gunmetal Pocket Watch - Groomsmen Gift - Fathers Day Gift - Wedding Party Gift - Engraved, Customized, Monogrammed for Free

Personalized Sun & Moon Brass Pocket Watch Personalized for Groom, Groomsmen,Custom Engraved Pocket Watch,Mechanical Watch

Pocket Watch, Personalized Gift, Engraved Watch, Custom Pocket Watch, Corporate Gift Retirement Gift Groomsmen Gift, Christmas Gifts for Him

Vintage Silver To My Husband Quartz Roman Numeral Pocket Watch

Mount Royal Hunter Pocket Watch, Personalized Silver Pocket Watch, High Quality Engraved Pocket Watches for Men

An Antique 1905 Illinois 12 Size 11 Jewels 20 Year Gold Filled Case Not Running # 5

Personalized Pocket Watch | Groomsmen Gifts Proposal | Custom Pocket Watch for Best Man | Gifts for Dad | Men's Watch | Anniversary Gifts

Vintage Brelsen Signature Silver Mechanical Demi Half Hunter Retro Pocket Watch

Personalized Pocket Watch, Personalized Watch, Engraved Pocket Watch, Pocket Watch with Chain, Mens Watch, Gifts for Him, Gifts for Dad

Engraved Brushed Gold Double Hunter Mechanical Pocket Watch with Gift Box - Personalized Groomsmen Gifts - Anniversary Gift For Men

Personalized Silver Pocket Watch with Photo and Wooden Gift Box, Valentine's Day, Gift for Him, Anniversary Gift, Groomsmen Gift

Engraved Pocket Watch in Exquisite Abalone Decorated Keepsake Box - Personalized Gift for Special Occasions

Attractive Antique Georgian Verge Fusee Pocket Watch Relic

Copper Personalized Mens Pocket Watch,Mechanical Pocket Watch,Steampunk Pocket Watch,Pocket Watch Chain,Groom Gift,Groomsmen Gift

Jean Pierre® of Switzerland Silver Mechanical Double Hunter Skeleton Pocket Watch - Personalized Pocket Watch

PERSONALIZED Double Hunter Pocket Watch for Men, Stainless Steel Rose Gold Pocket Mechanical Pocket Watch Gift, Steampunk Pocket Watch,

Personalized Pocket Watch Gift Grooms - Custom Picture Pocket Watches - Engraving Pocket Watch Gift for Groomsmen - Photo Pocket Watch Gift

Antique Rolled Rose Gold Pocket Watch Swiss 15 Jewels

Vintage antique pocket watch case gold filled.#2570WB.Free shipping!!!

PERSONALIZED Double Hunter Pocket Watch for Men, Stainless Steel Black Vintage Pocket Mechanical Pocket Watch Gift, Retro Pocket Watch Gift,

Vintage Style Pocket Watch, Engraved Pocket Watch, Customized Pocket Watch, Anniversary Gift, Wedding Gift, Birthday Gift, Mother's Day Gift

Pocket Watch Chain Box Open Face Skeleton Vintage Mechanical Pocket Watches Man Silver Black Steampunk Taschenuhr Montre Gousset De Poche

Personalized Luxury Smooth Black Pocket Watch with Roman Numeral

Pocket Watch Mens Gift Anniversary Birthday Wedding Usher Groomsman Christmas Present Pocket Watches UK Chain Silver Black Full Hunter

Pocket Watch Chain Box Half Hunter Skeleton Vintage Mechanical Pocket Watches Man Bronze Gold Steampunk Taschenuhr Montre Gousset De Poche

Antique Edwardian DENNISON Cased Sterling Silver Pocket Watch ~ Original Box ~ Hallmarked Birmingham England 1908

Time Lord Mechanical Pocket Watch,Personalized Pocket Watch,Brass Pocket Watch for Groom, Groomsmen, Father of the Bride Gift,Mechanical

Custom Engraved Vintage Pocket Watch, Personalized Pocket Watch, Pocket Watch, Engraved Pocket Watch, Vintage Watch, Antique Pocket Watch

Custom Pocket Watch, Engraved Pocket Watch | Personalized Gifts for Men | Anniversary gifts for him, Valentines gifts for him

Personalized Custom Black Pocket Watch with Photo and Case, Engraved Valentine's Day Gift Idea, Gift for Him, Anniversary Gift Wedding Gift

Pocket Watch Chain Box Half Hunter Skeleton Vintage Mechanical Pocket Watches Man Bronze Wooden Steampunk Taschenuhr Montre Gousset De Poche

Graduation Gift *Personalized Graduation Gift *Best Graduation Gift *Personalized Pocket Watch *Gift for graduation *Graduation 2023

Vintage Style Pocket Watch *Personalized Pocket Watch *Anniversary Gift *Wedding Gift *Gift for Him *Engraved Pocket Watch *Birthday Gift

Engraved Wood Pocket Watch and wooden Box – Personalized Graduation Gift, Birthday gift for Him

Pocket Watch Mens Gift Anniversary Birthday Wedding Usher Groomsman Christmas Pocket Watches UK Present Chain Steampunk Silver Open Face

Personalized Gousset watch, pocket watch, Lamartine steel skeleton watch, birthday gift, personalized Valentine's Day gift

Personalized twelve constellation pocket watches, customized quartz pocket watches, handmade pocket watches, holiday gifts, unique gifts

Winding Mechanical Pocket Watch with Silver Blue Dial- Free Engraving

Peaky Blinders pocket watch gift, Peaky Blinders wedding gift, Tommy Shelby - By order of the Peaky Blinders

Pocket Watch Mens Gift Anniversary Birthday Wedding Groomsman Valentines Pocket Watches UK Present Chain Steampunk Black Gold Open Face

Groomsmen gift, gift for boyfriend, Gunmetal finished Wind-up movement Pocket watch, Best-men gift, Father's day gift

Vintage Silver To My Son Quartz Roman Numeral Pocket Watch

Personalized Gold Color Pocket Watch with Photo and Gift Box, Engraved Valentine's Day Gift, Gift for Him, Anniversary Gift, Groomsmen Gift

Engraved Gold Mechanical Pocket Watch, Personalized Groomsmen Gifts - Engraved Wedding Date -Anniversary Gift For Men

Vintage Style Pocket Watch *Engraved Pocket Watch *Personalized Pocket Watch *Mother's Day Gift *Anniversary *Wedding Gift *Birthday Gift

There's so much more for you to discover

Shop by interest

Related to Pocket Watches

Graduation Gift Personalized Graduation Gift Best Graduation Gift Personalized Pocket Watch Gift for graduation *Graduation 2023

Vintage Style Pocket Watch Personalized Pocket Watch Anniversary Gift Wedding Gift Gift for Him Engraved Pocket Watch Birthday Gift

Vintage Style Pocket Watch Engraved Pocket Watch Personalized Pocket Watch Mother's Day Gift Anniversary Wedding Gift Birthday Gift