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.

daz05463

5 out of 5 stars

"Seller was great. Communicate with us very well and delivered our gift earlier than expected. Quality of watch was beautiful. My brother loved his pocket watch. Thank you again, Nathan."

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

5 out of 5 stars

"Christopher was wonderful and quite the business man! I needed this particular gift and in this particular color and he really came through for me. My son loved his pocket watch."

PERSONALIZED Double Hunter Pocket Watch for Men, Stainless Steel Rose Gold Pocket Mechanical Pocket Watch Gift, Steampunk Pocket Watch,
markfranks71

5 out of 5 stars

"Excellent customer service!! He informed me right away that the watch I ordered would take a little longer due to the fact that he was waiting on his shipment. I still received my item in a timely manner. The pocket watch was a Christmas gift for my son. I had it engraved and it was so nice!! The engraving was perfect!! My son loved it!!"

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

5 out of 5 stars

"Beautifully made stand, very handsome and perfect for displaying my pocket watch."

Luxury Wooden Pocket Watch Display Stand Holder Hanger Hand Crafted from Real Wood with Brass Fittings on Special Low Price Offer
Connor Keuntje

4 out of 5 stars

"Beautiful little watch. They can fit an amazing amount of text on this thing. Appreciate that they’ll put text anywhere on the watch. As other reviews have said - it’s small. I looked at other pocket watches of mine to compare before buying, and I assumed they’d be the same. It’s smaller but still a nice item."

Personalized Gunmetal Pocket Watch Custom with Monogram, Engraved Gifts for Men, Best Man, Groomsman, Christmas, Monogrammed, Groomsmen Gift
Amber Mancil

5 out of 5 stars

"My fiancé loves these watches that he got for his party! Fast shipping and arrived exactly as pictured."

6 Engraved Pocket watches - Blue Roman Numerals - Engraved Gift for him - Personalized watch in gift box - Groomsmen gift - Men's watch

Pocket Watches

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Vintage 14K Gold Filled Pocket Watch Case 25 Years

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Gold Charles Hubert Mechanical Pocket Watch & Chain #3909-G

Official Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint Pocket Watch

Jean Pierre® of Switzerland Gold Mechanical Open Face Skeleton Pocket Watch - Personalized Pocket Watch

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Pocket watch converter, Pocketwatch wrist holder

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Brelsen Black Roman Steampunk Quartz Demi Pocket Watch

Original Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint Pocket Watch Original version In KOREA

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

Howard Series 3 Pocket Watch - 16 Size - 17 Jewels

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Cariole vintage mechanical pocket watch, antimagnetic, hunting pocket watch with chain

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1946 BALL Hamilton 999B 16Size 21Jewel Railroad Pocket Watch 10K GF Ball Case with Box SERVICED!

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Silver Mechanical Charles Hubert Pocket Watch and Chain #3703

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