Pocket Watches

Pocket Watches

Let's Bring Them Back

Pocket watches have been around since as far back as the 16th century. The first vintage models were a more squared design and slightly larger than modern pocket watches. In the early days only the rich would own a pocket watch because they were expensive and therefore, a true status symbol of wealth and prosperity. In this era the mechanisms introduced allowed for more precision and time telling accuracy. And believe it or not some of the earliest models also had an alarm.

17th-century watchmakers became instantly recognized artists with different designs and craftsmanship that was evident in every pocket watch produced. It was during this time that we started to see parts of the watches being signed by the designers, parts like the casings and even the watch hands. These are traditions of watch making that have carried on to modern productions of pocket watches.

In the 18th century, we began to see the use of diamonds in the craftsmanship of pocket watches. This was also the era that the use oil to allow for smooth movement of the watch hands began to be a common practice. Another industry standard introduced in the latter half of the 18th century was the addition of a second hand, allowing for more accurate time pieces.In the second half of the 18 the use of three hands has become the industry standard, which says a lot more accurate time.

The "glory days" of pocket watches began in the 19th century. Watchmakers like Ulysse Nardin, IWC, Heuer & Minerva, amongst countless others made their names during this time period. The quality and craftsmanship was further enhanced as the mass production on an industrial scale began during the 19th century. This was also the era in which the crown winder was introduced as a standard feature of pocket watch production.

In the 20th century watchmakers began to issue certificates to those who created not only the best design but also the most precise pocket watches. But this is also sadly the era in which we began to see the popularity of pocket watches fade as their counterpart, the wristwatch was introduced to the timepiece scene. And although pocket watches are rarely used today, the antique pocket watch played a vital role in the evolution of all watches.

Currently the amount of brands and designs are limitless, with many being crafted to capture the essence of pocket watches of centuries gone by. Although a watch is a rather common gift, a pocket watch makes for a more unique gift idea. As with standard wristwatches, today's pocket watches also come in variety of shapes styles and brands that allow one to find the perfect gift for even the most finicky of loved ones.