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Pocket Watches For Sale
Vintage 9k gold Ladies Rotary pendant watch, floral, Garnet and Pearl brooch
Located in NEWARK, GB
An unusual and pretty timepiece is what you will find with this vintage ladies 9ct gold Rotary pendant watch.
A rare design hailing from the 1960's Rotary produced a small number of...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Retro Pocket Watches
Materials
Garnet, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hamilton Railroad Grade U.S. Ordinance Pocket Watch w Original Packaging
By Hamilton
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
With original issued packaging and in operating condition, this interesting timepiece dates back circa 1960 Vietnam era. Issued by U.S. Army Ordinance Department 6645-679-821, this s...
Category
1960s American Vintage Pocket Watches
Materials
Steel
Antique Sterling silver pocket watch, Art Deco
Located in NEWARK, GB
A handsome antique, early 20th century sterling silver pocket watch.
It has a plain silver case with no engraving or personalisation so it could be personalised if desired.
It has ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Pocket Watches
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian silk albertina and gilt compass
Located in NEWARK, GB
A lovely antique Victorian era black silk ribbon fob with a gilt compass.
The long black silk fob is sleek with rich gilt end caps and a chain length suspended from the bottom.
The...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gilt Metal
Mauboussin “Fouga” Vintage Stainless Steel Travel Clock Box and Papers
By Mauboussin
Located in New York, NY
A Rare Intersection of Swiss Precision and Mauboussin Design
Capture a piece of horological history with this Mauboussin “Fouga” Vintage Travel Clock...
Category
20th Century French Contemporary Pocket Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Antique Waltham 15j 6s Pocket Watch 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Crescent Moon Hunter
Located in Montclair, NJ
This antique pocket watch made in America by the American Waltham Watch Co. It features Waltham's model 1877, stem winding and lever set 15 jewel mechanical movement. The solid 14k y...
Category
19th Century American Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe Savonnette Pocket Watch Triple Signed 18 Karat Yellow Gold 1891
Located in Baltimore, MD
Patek Philippe Savonnette Pocket Watch Triple Signed 18 Karat Yellow Gold 1891
Metal: 18k yellow gold
Weight: 65.3 grams
Case: 47mm, 57mm to end of crown stem
Serial: 256368
Signed...
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Gold Lépine Pocket Watch
Located in Vannes, FR
Antique Lépine Pocket Watch in 18 Carat Gold - Enamel Dial and Roman Numerals
Material: Yellow gold case, 18 carats, of a remarkable finesse and brightness.
Dial: Delicate white enamel adorned with roman numerals for the hours and arabic indexes for the minutes, a classic and legible design.
Needles: Pistol-style, finely crafted for a sophisticated look.
Movement: High precision mechanical movement equipped with an anchor exhaust in straight line.
Specifications: Breguet Spiral and 19 rubies, guaranteeing optimal performance and increased durability.
Condition: Excellent antique condition with a light patina and natural wear marks consistent with its age. Additional details:
Authenticity: Original components, including crown and reassembly mechanism.
Style: The Lépine case is minimalist and thin, a feature that collectors love.
Rarity: The 19th century Lépine watches...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Mid-century Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18K Gold "Drawer" Watch
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1950s, this mid-century Van Cleef & Arpels Paris "Drawer" travel watch is formed of 18K gold. The exterior is designed as a small rectangular box with basketweave moti...
Category
Mid-20th Century Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Antique Ladies Hunter Elgin 4 Color Gold Pocket Watch and 18k Gold Chain
By Elgin
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Antique 14k four color gold hunter case pocket watch made by the Elgin Company around 1908 (based on movement serial # 13333340) features an elaborately decorated 14 c...
Category
Early 1900s American Late Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Lady's Hunting Watch W/ Chain by Waltham Watch Co. 1888
Located in New York, NY
This striking antique 14K Yellow Gold Lady’s Hunting Watch w/Fob by Waltham Watch Co. 1888 retains its original gold case, movement and dial work, an exq...
Category
Late 19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Waltham A.W.W.Co. 13j 6s Lever Set Pocket Watch in Etched 14k Gold Hunter Case
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a magnificent antique pocket watch made in America by the American Waltham Watch Co. It features Waltham's grade "A.W.W.Co.", model 1873-6, stem winding and lever set 13...
Category
19th Century American Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Waltham A.W. Co. Pocket Watch in Detailed Nature Themed Engraved 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a magnificent antique pocket watch made in America by the American Waltham Watch Co. It features Waltham's grade "ROYAL.", model 1873, stem winding and lever set 11 jewe...
Category
19th Century American Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
American Watch Co. Waltham Pocket Watch Model 1889
Located in Dallas, TX
American Watch Co. Waltham Pocket Watch Model 1889 - Manual winding; 11 jewels. Gold plated ( 41mm ). White dial with roman numerals and su...
Category
19th Century American Antique Pocket Watches
Vintage International Watch Co. 14k Yellow Gold Large Swiss Concentric Design Hu
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a large Swiss made pocket watch by International Watch Co. cased in a solid 14k yellow gold concentric designed case and features throughout beautiful patina that's inta...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Antique American Waltham Royal Grade 11j 8s Pocket Watch 14k Gold Full Hunter Ca
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: American Waltham Watch Co.
Movement: Waltham - Model 1873 - 11 Jewels - American Made
Movement Size: 8s
Movement Serial No.: 2464351
Grade: Royal
Case Material: Solid 14k...
Category
19th Century American Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Antique 14k White Gold Waltham Grade 225 17j Pocket Watch in Octagon Open Face
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Waltham Watch Co.
Movement: Waltham - Model 1894 - Grade 225 - Mechanical - Hand Wound - Stem Set - 17 Jewels - Size 12 - American-Made
Movement Serial No.: 24951287
Case...
Category
19th Century American Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
White Gold
Antique Marcus & Co Platinum Diamond Pocket Watch Vintage Wind Up Monogram
By Marcus & Co.
Located in Greer, SC
Antique Marcus & Co. pocket watch with dazzling diamonds set in platinum. Featuring a monogram centerpiece, this small but gorgeous watch measures 1 inch in diameter with a total dro...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Pocket Watches
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Longines Swiss 14k Yellow Gold 44mm Detailed Open Face Pocket Watch
By Longines
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Longines
Movement: Mechanical - 17 Jewels - 3 Adjustments - Hand Wound - Swiss-Made
Case Maker: Wittnauer & Co.
Case Type: Open Face
Case Diameter; 44mm (1.7 inches)
Case...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Antique Howard Keystone 14k Gold 45mm Open Face Pocket Watch Size 12s Model 1912
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Howard Watch Co.
Movement Type: Model 1912 - Mechanical - Hand Wound - 19 Jewels - Size 12s - American Made
Movement Serial No.: 1307786
Case Maker: The K.W.C.Co.
Case ...
Category
1910s American Vintage Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Elgin National 14K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch w Chain Elks Tooth Fob
By Elgin
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Capture a piece of history in time. This grand 14 karat yellow gold, circa 1891 Elgin National GM Wheeler Grade 103 Model 3 Pocket Watch is a true find.
Manufactured pre-1900 by one of America's most highly respected watch makers of the period, its journey began with a personalization for M.M. Buss, 1893 .
Added at a later date and complementing this fine pocket watch is an impressive high quality, heavy gauge 14 karat yellow gold rope watch...
Category
1890s American Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau 18k Gold Diamond Pocket Watch, Fob Watch, Escasany
Located in NEWARK, GB
A truly spectacular antique Art Nouveau era, 18kt gold and Rose cut diamond pocket watch or fob watch.
A rich 18kt gold smooth polished ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Art Nouveau Pocket Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vacheron Constantin, a Fine and Large Yellow Gold Open Face Keyless Pocket Watch
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
Model: "Chronometre Royal"
Movement...
Category
1910s Swiss Art Nouveau Vintage Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Illinois Open Face Hand Engraved Pocket Watch with White Dial
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Absolutely beautiful pocket watch. Made by Illinois 1900s. Heavy gauge 14K yellow gold. In pristine crisp condition with hand engraving on the back. 17 jewels. Manual wind. Whit...
Category
20th Century American Art Deco Pocket Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Cartier Desk / Travel Clock 1980s
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Vintage Cartier Travel Clock – 1980s Exceptional Condition
This vintage Cartier clock from the 1980s is a rare and elegant timepiece, perfect as a luxury travel clock...
Category
1980s European Vintage Pocket Watches
Antique American Waltham Watch Co. Circa 1901 Brass Pocket Watch W Display Back
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Enjoy viewing the beautiful acid etched 15 jewel movement through the added display skeleton backside as this classic 1901 American Waltham Pocket Watch Model...
Category
Early 20th Century American Pocket Watches
Materials
Brass
A Stauffer Cx. de Fond Antique 18ct Gold Pocket Watch, Key wind
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
A Stauffer Cx. de Fond precious yellow metal 18ct Solid Gold ladies' pocket watch,
key wind, having polished and engine turned gold Roman numeral dial, 36.5mm wide floral engraved y...
Category
20th Century Pocket Watches
Wilson & Gill Vulcain Victorian Diamond Blue White Hand Enameled Watch Necklace
Located in Valenza, IT
One-of-a-kind Round White Diamond Royal Blue with White Details Hand Enameled Victorian Watch and Necklace. Wilson & Gill is a famous jewelry Company founded in 1892 and located in Regent Street, London: the two founders were Goldsmiths and Silversmiths and some pieces of their collections are now exposed in British Museum. This awesome piece, manufactured during late victorian age is still in excellent conditions and Vulcain watch...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Circa 1891 Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch 14k Solid Gold Case w/White Dial
By Elgin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Circa 1891 Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ Ornate Cobalt Blue Hands & Dedicated Second Dial
14k Solid Gold Case w/ Beautiful Colored...
Category
20th Century American Pocket Watches
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Hampden Watch Co. Gold Plated White Dial 1900-1909
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Item specifics
Condition:
Pre-owned: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but ...
Department: Unisex Adult
Case Material: Gold Plated
Year Manufactured: 1900-1909
Model: HOLY GRAIL
Dial Color: White
Brand: Hampden Watch Co...
Category
Early 20th Century American Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold Plate
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 18 Karat Blue Enamel Pendant Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 18 Karat Blue Enamel Pendant Watch, Watch does run watch and case are both signed enamel is pristine, watch is 29 mm This is ...
Category
1980s Vintage Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Vogt Pocket Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Early 20th century, this Swiss made manual 51mm Vogt Pocket Watch was made as an export to Germany in fourteen karat 14K yellow gold. Assembled with an engine turned hunting case #11...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Illinois Bunn Special Railroad Pocket Watch
Located in Towson, MD
One 1921 yellow gold filled open face Illinois Bunn Special railroad pocket watch serial number 3909834 size 16. This beautiful time piece is i...
Category
1920s American Vintage Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Gold and Enamel Watch Chain with Slides and a Fob Seal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Victorian 14k gold and enamel watch chain with slides and a fob seal.
Comprised of a 14k gold rope chain with a decorative enameled gol...
Category
19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, Enamel
Waltham American Riverside Pocket Watch with Fob and Charms
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Own a bit of history with this exceptional ladies heirloom timepiece from Waltham American Watch Company. This exquisite pocket watch is made of fourteen karat 14K yellow gold and has been meticulously hand engraved on both the back and the front. Attached is a 14 karat yellow gold watch double fob with twin gold curb chains; one finished with a puffed heart charm...
Category
1880s American Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Rockford Watch Co. Gold Filled with Rare Anti Magnetic Shield from 1870
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rockford Watch Company
STYLE / REFERENCE: 18 Size Full Plate
METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled
CIRCA: 1870
DIMENSIONS: Diameter 54mm
MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Early Stem Winding and Key Winding / 15 Jewels
DIAL / HANDS: Flawless Kiln fired Enamel with Rare Seconds Bit at 3:00 / Blued Steel Hands
WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement.
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT
This is one of the rarest American pocket watches...
Category
1870s American Civil War Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold-filled
Antique Waltham Amn. Watch Co. Grade 18k Yellow Gold 16j Size 8s Pocket Watch
By Waltham
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an absolutely gorgeous, antique American Waltham pocket watch featuring a solid 18k gold case. The case is magnificently h...
Category
19th Century Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Italian Made Gold Watch Brooch with Blue Enamel Accents
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Charmingly romantic, this Italian made brooch starts with a delicately tied bow crafted of fourteen karat yellow gold with a center ribbon of cobalt blue enamel. Affixed with a fancy...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Longines Yellow Gold Enamel Decagon Shape Open Faced Pocket Watch
By Longines
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
Case number 1535971, made 1920’s
14...
Category
1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Verge Crown Wheel Key Winding 18K Yellow Gold Ornate Pocket Watch
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Verge Crown Wheel Key Winding 18K Yellow Gold Ornate Pocket Watch
Approx. 48 mm in diameter, 18 mm thick
Stamped SH JW with English Gold Hallmarks inside the case. Date mark of F with square box around it.
61.3 dwt / 95.4g
The verge (or crown wheel) escapement is the earliest known type of mechanical escapement, the mechanism in a mechanical clock that controls its rate by allowing the gear train to advance at regular intervals or 'ticks'. Its origin is unknown. Verge escapements were used from the late 13th century until the mid 19th century in clocks and pocketwatches. The name verge comes from the Latin virga, meaning stick or rod.[1]
Its invention is important in the history of technology, because it made possible the development of all-mechanical clocks. This caused a shift from measuring time by continuous processes, such as the flow of liquid in water clocks...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Illinois Watch Company Display Back Pocket Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
This sweet antique Illinois Watch Co. private label for Burlington Brass Pocket Watch, circa 1919 is converted to a skeleton watch with a glass displ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Pocket Watches
Materials
Brass
18ct Gold Hunter Watch " American Watch Company " Waltham Mass USA c.1880
Located in London, GB
18ct Gold Hunter Watch " American Watch Company " Waltham Mass USA c.1880
This double hunter watch was made before the name change of the company to "the American Waltham Watch Company" in 1885. It has beautiful hand engraving of flowers and leafwork with engine turning, in pristine condition and a three quarter plate movement.
The outer case springs open with a touch of the top button.
A double hunter pocket...
Category
1880s Central American Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Antique Victorian T-Bar Box Pocket Watch Tassel Chain
Located in Rotterdam, NL
An antique Victorian short T-bar box pocket watch chain set with a tassel pendant. The vest T-bar, box chain and the lovely tassel adorned with rose flowers on top are made of 14 karat gold. The box chain is also called "Venetian" chain, thanks to its origins in artisanal Venetian jewelry...
Category
Late 19th Century European Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Jaeger Le Coultre. A Rare $20 Gold Coin Watch C1971
Located in London, GB
A Rare Vintage, Jaeger Le Coultre Twenty Dollar Double Eagle Gold Coin Watch, with it's Original Box C1971.
Dial: The original condition ...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox Unisex Travel Alarm Clock -Gold Toned Silver Toned Sits
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Jaeger LeCoultre
Model: Memovox Travel Alarm Clock
Movement: Manual
Movement Maker: Swiss
Dial Color: Silver
Metal Content: Gold Toned & Silver Toned
Features:
Numbers mark...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, Silver
Vacheron & Constantin. A Very Rare Aluminium Presentation Pocket Watch C1953
Located in London, GB
Vacheron & Constantin. A Very Rare and Historically Important Aluminium Presentation Pocket Watch C1953
Dial: The original elegant silver dial signed Vacheron & Constantin Geneve w...
Category
1950s Swiss Vintage Pocket Watches
Materials
Other
Antique Waltham P.S. Bartlett Size 18 Coin Silver Case GF Chain Pocket Watch
By Waltham
Located in New York, NY
A distinguished Waltham pocket watch, crafted in Waltham, Massachusetts, renowned for its legacy in fine watchmaking. This elegant timepiece features a coin silver case, beautifully ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold-filled, Silver
Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch Circa 1878 And Original Certificate
Located in Westport, CT
An authentic 18K (Karat) yellow gold Patek Philippe Geneva open-face pocket watch Circa late 1800s, in excellent condition. The dial functions flawlessly and includes a subdial displ...
Category
1870s Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe. A Rare Gold Chronograph Date Pocket Watch C1868
Located in London, GB
Patek Philippe. A Rare and Unique Gold Keyless Lever Open Face Chronograph Date Pocket Watch C1868.
Dial: The superb white enamel dial with Roman nu...
Category
1860s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Original Vulcain Pocket Watch in 18ct Yellow Gold
By Vulcain
Located in London, GB
18ct Yellow Gold Original Vulcain Pocket Watch, In Perfect Condition
Additional Information:
Serial Number 1900497
Total Weight: 64.9g
Number of...
Category
Late 20th Century Pocket Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Braided Hair Pocket Watch Chain or Cord
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Victorian braided hair cord for a pocket watch.
Comprised of braided, twisted, and woven hair set with gold plated caps and finding...
Category
19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold Plate
Antique 1900's Waltham 14k Gold Combination Open Face Pocket/Wrist Watch
By Waltham
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Beautiful antique Waltham pocket watch with white dial, featuring black hands and a dedicated seconds dial.
14k yellow gold case with intricate hand-etched design on case.
Can be use...
Category
Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Fine and Mint Condition Gold and Diamond set 18k Minute Repeater Pocket Watch
By Favre Leuba
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1900 Favre Leube of Switzerland Minute Repeating Pocket Watch, 50 M.M. 4 piece 18k Heavy Yellow Gold Case with Gold "Cuvette" inside dust cover, Amazing Hand Chased and Engrav...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vacheron & Constantin. A Rare $20 Gold Double Eagle Coin Watch C1960s
Located in London, GB
A Rare Vintage, Vacheron & Constantin Twenty Dollar Double Eagle Gold coin watch, C1960s.
Dial: The original condition plain champagne bl...
Category
20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hamilton 2 Open Face Men's Pocket Watch - White Gold 14k Grade 912 Size 12s
By Hamilton
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Hamilton
Model: 2
Number of Jewels: 17
Year: 1931
Dial Color: Silver
Grade: 912
Size: 12s
Metal Content: 14k White Gold
Style: Open Face
Features:
Numbers marking the hour...
Category
1930s Vintage Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold, White Gold
Vacheron & Constantin Chronomètre Royal 18kt Gold Pocket Watch – 55mm
Located in Braintree, GB
Vacheron & Constantin Chronomètre Royal 18kt Gold Pocket Watch – 55mm
An exceptional example of early haute horlogerie, this antique Vacheron & Constantin Chronomètre Royal pocket w...
Category
1970s Vintage Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold
1910's Hamilton Gold-Filled Antique Open Face Pocket Watch, Size 16S
By Hamilton
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Beautiful antique Hamilton pocket watch with white dial.
Blue hands and a dedicated seconds dial.
Gold-filled case with no design on case.
Black numbers and markers.
Case serial # 22...
Category
1910s American Modern Vintage Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold-filled
18K Gold genuine Swiss antique Pocket watch in working condition from West End
Located in Bangkok,, TH
A 18K pocket watch from West End Watch co. manufactured during initial India's independence movement, model dates back to the early 1900s, It was a h...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Antique and Vintage Pocket Watches for Sale on 1stDibs
Can you pull off a vintage pocket watch? Of course you can. With a suit and a waistcoat, a pocket watch can be a refreshing alternative to a wristwatch.
The earliest pocket watches were luxury items, and, owing to cost, they weren’t commonplace until the 19th century. Artfully crafted pocket watches were a symbol of wealth, and manufacturers such as Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe became known for theirs. (Today, they’re among the most sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.)
At the onset, pocket watches resembled small round table clocks, and pulling your small round table clock — perhaps of the silver variety — out of your breast pocket in front of someone else demonstrated unequivocally that you cared about punctuality. For collectors, pocket watches are big, and that means a larger canvas provided for functions without crowding the dial. For example, the Marius Lecoultre pocket watch — made circa 1890 — does everything but uncork your wine.
In the late 1800s, the open-face pocket watch became a staple on the American railroad. It was a requirement for railway workers to wear a pocket watch, as the timepieces were responsible for keeping conductors on schedule. This was a boon to the watchmaking industry, with companies like Hamilton, the Elgin National Watch Company and the Waltham Watch Company producing high-grade and workingman’s watches.
By the 1930s, wristwatches comprised the bulk of watch manufacturing in America, superseding the pocket watch. Suddenly, if you wanted to know the time, you merely glanced at your wrist. But given their vintage charm and our general appetite for good design, pocket watches are a piece of statement-making jewelry and today can prove complementary to your formal attire in a manner that is stylish and unconventional.
Let time take its course — browse a vast selection of antique and vintage pocket watches available on 1stDibs designed by legendary brands such as IWC, Cartier and more.