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Pocket watches, watches with a long history

Until the early 20th century, the wristwatch was seen by men as an effeminate accessory. In men's fashion pocket watches were replaced by wristwatches around the time of World War I, when officers in the field started wearing their watches on the wrist because it was easier to read. The first models wristwatches were ordinary pocket watches that were fitted onto a custom made leather strap.

The origin of pocket watches

The first clocks that were worn on the body were an intermediate form of clocks and watches. These clock watches were attached to clothing or worn around the neck on a chain. The watches were made of heavy materials and had only one (hour) hand. The dial was not coated with glass, but had a hinged lid, often decorated and with a grid or an opening in the lid so that the time could be read without opening the lid. It wasn’t until around 1610 that watches were fitted with a protective crystal.

Styles change, and in the 17th century rich men began wearing their watches in their pocket instead of as a pendant. The rise of the railways - particularly in the United States - in the last half of the 19th century led to a widespread use of pocket watches by all population groups.

Pocket watches remained popular until after World War I, after which a transition period began. Watches were mounted on a short handmade leather strap or fob. This belt often had a protective flap over the dial and the crystal. This is the origin of wristwatches.

Types pocket watches

There are two types of pocket watches: the hunter-case pocket watch (with lid), and open-face pocket watch (without lid). An intermediate form, known as the demi-hunter, is a pocket watch of which the lid has a glass panel or hole in the center so that the time can be read.

Also watch pendants (pendant watches) are still produced.

Renewed popularity of pocket watches

Despite the fact that in today’s fashion wristwatches have replaced pocket watches, this type of watch remains popular. It's a nice watch to give as a gift, for example for a retirement, anniversary or birthday. Today, young people can also be spotted wearing pocket watches again; in combination with three-piece suit, or in the small front pocket ( originally meant for a watch) of their jeans.

Our collection of pocket watches

In our collection of pocket watches, we have both classical and modern pocket watches for men and for women, railroad pocket watches and watch chains in stock.