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

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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.

Jade

4 out of 5 stars

"I purchased two pocket watches for the Ushers in my wedding. The quality was pretty good and so far there is only one complaint. They do not come with a normal pocket watch chain. Instead, they came with a necklace-like chain which is really odd. I will have to purchase different chains for them before gifting them."

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MONIQUE

5 out of 5 stars

"I bought this for my son in law and he loved it. He loves watches and is starting to collect them, but this is his first pocket watch which he says he’s always wanted to have one. Thank you so much!!"

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Torgosknees

5 out of 5 stars

"This pocket watch has met my expectations with great interest. I asked and the seller has provided. From now on, I will carry this with me wherever I go."

Personalized Double Hunter Pocket Watch - The Perfect Father's Day Gift
JJ Grindstaff

5 out of 5 stars

"This pocket watch is exactly how it looks in the pictures and has a good weight to it. The engraving came out nice and precisely how I wrote it."

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Lorraine Tyner

5 out of 5 stars

"I was quite pleased with this quality- crafted, classic pocket watch. Gift for my son. They did a great job engraving it, getting it there on time and incredibly quick response time to my communication with them, specifically, Christopher 🙂"

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Gail

4 out of 5 stars

"This is a beautiful pocket watche! The seller did exactly what I asked for with the engraving! And this came very fast."

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Pocket Watches

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Old Waltham pocket watch, runs sporadically, needs restoration

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

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Two lovely pocket watches — as is imperfect for tinkering or resale—

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