Skip to main content

Pocket Watches

to
56
440
252
473
Pocket Watches For Sale
J.W. Benson Yellow Gold Filled Half Hunter Pocket Watch, circa 1900s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: J.W. Benson STYLE / REFERENCE: Men's Full Size Half Hunter Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Heavy Gold Shell CIRCA / YEAR: 1900...
Category

Early 1900s Swiss Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches

Longines Platinum Art Deco Pocket Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Longines Platinum Art Deco Pocket Watch - Manual winding. Platinum case sat with scalloped Sapphires ( 43 mm ); Inscription on caseback. Silver d...
Category

20th Century Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Longines Nickel Silver Enamel Dial Chronograph Pocket Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Longines Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced / Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Nickel DIMENSIONS: Diameter 52mm CIRCA: ...
Category

1910s Swiss Vintage Pocket Watches

Antique Vacheron & Constantin 14kt Gold Pocket Watch Retail Carl Ranch, 1918
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Vacheron & Constantin 14kt gold pocket watch retailed by Retailed BY CARL RANCH'S EFTF, KJΦBENHAVN (SIC) Made in Switzerland Circa 1918. Fully hallm...
Category

1910s Swiss Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Waltham Wadsworth in 14k
Located in Surfside, FL
Waltham Wadsworth fancy dial pocket watch 15 jewels in 14k multicolor gold. Manual w/ subseconds. 49 mm case size. Ref 894292. Circa 1920's. Fi...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Pocket Watches

Antique Open Face Silver Hamilton Pocket Watch with Display
Located in Wallkill, NY
Wonderful Hamilton open face Pocket Watch - Manufacturer Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania -Movement Serial Number: 679688 - Mar 1, 191...
Category

1910s American Art Nouveau Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Illinois Two Tone Gold Filled Art Deco Opened Faced Pocket Watch from 1922
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Illinois Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced / Multi Colored Applique / Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow and White Gold H...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

Courvoisier Geneve Yellow Gold Enamel Key Wound Open Face 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). 18Kt yellow gold case. No. 2381. C...
Category

1830s Swiss Neoclassical Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Art Nouveau Antique Gold Diamond Lapel Pocket Watch
Located in New York, NY
Antique Art Nouveau 18k gold pocket watch, high relief case, decorated with diamonds. Case is 23mm in diameter. With porcelain dial and original filigree hands. Suspended on a 14k gold Nouveau floral...
Category

19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

IWC Schaffhausen Asprey Savonette/Hunting Case Pocket Watch 18 Kt Gold
By IWC
Located in Antwerp, BE
Unique Beautiful and Collectable IWC Savonette/Hunting Case Pocket watch made For Asprey. 49mm 18k yellow gold hunting case with double caseback. Ivory dial with large Arabic numer...
Category

20th Century Artisan Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold

LeVian Time Bangle Watch Vanilla Diamonds Stainless Steel
Located in Great Neck, NY
LeVian Time® Bangle Watch Vanilla Diamonds® Stainless Steel
Category

2010s Pocket Watches

Gruen VeriThin 14 Karat Yellow Gold Art Deco Pocket Watch, circa 1920s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced / Art Deco Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 46mm MO...
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Dunhill 18kt Rose Gold Book Hand Made in France for Dunhill, circa 1930's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Dunhill & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Desk Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Rose Gold and Leather CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 28mm x Width 27mm MO...
Category

1930s British Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

F. H. Clark & Co. Engraved Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
F. H. Clark & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch - Key winding. 18K Yellow Gold Hunting case (56mm) with geometrical engraving.. White enamel dial with Roman numerals; Sub seconds at ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fusee Chain Drive 1800's John Moncas 18k Tri Color Gold Dial Pocket Watch
Located in Stamford, CT
Open face John Moncas Liverpool 18k gold pocket watch. circa 1810-1840 with solid gold tri color highly detailed dial. Runs well and keeps good time. Fusee chain drive movement, key wind, key set. 18k Yellow, white & rose gold Diameter: 51mm Crystal: Plastic Dial: 18k solid gold highly detailed yellow, white and rose gold Inside case: TH IH 9164 18k Movement: John Moncas Liverpool 9164 All of our pre-owned watches have been fully serviced and come with a one year warranty for timing and accuracy. Vintage watches may not be as accurate as a new quartz watch. Even new watch warranties...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vacheron Constantin Dress Pocket Watch Vintage 18 Karat Gold Silver Dial 6345
Located in London, GB
A 42 mm 18k White Gold Ultra Thin Vintage Gents Dress Pocket Watch, silver dial with applied hour markers, a fixed 18k white gold bezel, mineral glass, manual wind movement, in excel...
Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Silver

Paris Antique Gold Pearl Enamel Diamond Pocket Watch
Located in New York, NY
Antique Paris 18k gold pocket watch, featuring blue enamel decorated case, set with pearls and rose cut diamonds. Porcelain dial, key wind mechanical movement. Minor scratches on the...
Category

19th Century French Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Hampden Open Face 14 Karat Gold Antique Pocket Watch Grade 314 12S 21-Jewel
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Hampden Pocket Watch w/ White Dial Including Blue Hands & Dedicated Second Dial 14K Yellow Gold Case w/ Intricate Hand-E...
Category

Early 20th Century American Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Girard Perregaux Solid Gold Art Deco Style Lapel Watch, circa 1950s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Girard Perregaux STYLE / REFERENCE: Ladies Lapel Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA: 1950's DIMENSIONS: Length 48mm X Diameter 42mm MOVEMENT / CAL...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

John Chance, Chepstow about 1775
Located in Sežana, SI
Extremely rare and important John Chance pocket watch, Chepstow, about 1775. The watch, of the "onion watch" type, is in exceptional conservation conditions. The dial and hands are o...
Category

Late 18th Century English Early Victorian Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Sam Mercer Liverpool 18k Yellow Gold Mm Manual Watch
Located in Surfside, FL
Sam Mercer Liverpool hunter case pocket watch in 18k yellow gold. 18k gold hand engraved dial. Key wind, key set English lever fusee movement. Circa 1830...
Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Antique Art Deco 1927 Elgin 14 Karat White Gold Filled 17 Jewels Pocket Watch
Located in Wallkill, NY
Elgin Open Face White Gold Filled Pocket Watch size 12. Art Deco in style Grade 479- Serial number 31210787. Measuring 2.10 inches top to bottom x 1....
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Ladies Pocket Watch 18 Karat Gold
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Ladies Pocket Watch 18kt Gold with bow motif on Front not working 3 cm wide
Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold

Agassiz Pocketwatch 18k Manual Watch
Located in Surfside, FL
Vintage Agassiz pocket watch with white porcelain dial in 18k. Manual w/ subseconds. 51.5 mm case size. 21 jewels. Circa 1898. Prestigious watch c...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Yellow Gold Watch Fob
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Victorian 14 Karat Watch Fob with Sliding Station. The unique ladies watch fob features a 48" long curb link chain with a sliding station adored ...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Grandjean Pocket Watch Ref 1833 18k Yellow Gold White Dial Manual Watch
Located in Surfside, FL
LC Grandjean open face single button chronograph pocket watch 17 jewels, triple sunk porcelain dial and moon hands in 18k yellow gold. Watch m...
Category

1890s Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Antique 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engraved Case Elgin Pocket Watch, circa 1895
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique Elgin Pocket Watch 14K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch, front and back of case are intricately engraved. White enamel dial with black Arabi...
Category

Early 19th Century Victorian Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Movado 18 Karat Solid Gold Ermeto Date Travel Pocket Watch, circa 1950s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Movado Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Ermeto (Hermetic) METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm x Diameter 26mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Brushed Silver Dial / Sword Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This rare and unique watch...
Category

1950s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Cartier Turquoise Gold Shell Watch Travel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite and one of a kind, vintage Cartier shell travel watch. The shell is adorned with turquoise. Measures 4" x 4" x 1". The Cartier watch case insid...
Category

20th Century French Pocket Watches

Materials

Turquoise, Gold

Antique Open Face Musical Quarter Repeater 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
Located in London, GB
A antique 1820s 58 mm 18k Yellow Gold Open Face Musical Quarter Repeater Gents Pocket Watch, champagne dial with roman numerals, a fixed 18k yello...
Category

19th Century Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

XIX Century Open-Face Gold Pocket Watch R. Stewart
Located in Bilbao, ES
XIX Century Open-face Gold Pocket Watch R. STEWART, Argyle & Buchanan Sts., Glasgow, #16044. Beautiful 43m/1.69in gold case with a thorough ornamental floral engraving with vegetatio...
Category

Late 19th Century Scottish Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Ruby, Gold

Chanel Rare Vintage Ice Cube Watch
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage Ice Cube Watch
Category

Early 2000s French Pocket Watches

18K Yellow Gold Hunter-Case Swiss Pocket Watch 1880 Guye aux Perrieres
Located in Bilbao, ES
18K yellow gold Hunter-case Swiss pocket watch with three strong lids, external ones in guillochè. Silver guillochè sphere with gold Roman numerals ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Watch Chain with Heart Slide
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Lengthy sixty inch antique ladies fourteen carat 14K gold watch chain with heart slide and press clip closure. Rarely seen in this fine condition for a piece of this age. Pocket watc...
Category

Early 20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold with Chronograph and Quarter Hour Repeater Functions
Located in Surfside, FL
Fine Swiss-made hunter case pocket watch in 14k yellow gold with chronograph and quarter hour repeater functions. Manual wind LeCoultre Ebauche movement with 29 jewels. 52 mm case size. Ref 227405. Fine Pre-owned Swiss made Watch. Certified preowned Classic Swiss made pocket watch...
Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Lieutenant Colonel Owned Patek Philippe 1906 18ct Gold Pocket Watch
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this original 1906 Patek Philippe 18ct gold pocket watch with archive extract detailing the movement and origins of the piece which was retailed th...
Category

Early 1900s American Edwardian Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

18kt Yellow Octagonal Gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Pocket Watch
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt Yellow Gold Octagonal Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Pocket Watch Reference: 5691BA Calibre: 5020 Movement: Mechanical movement, Manual Winding Case: 18kt Yellow gold, measuremen...
Category

1980s Artisan Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Elgin Open Face 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pocket Watch 15 Jewel Grade 315
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ White Dial Including Gold Hands & Dedicated Second Dial 14k Yellow Solid Gold Case w/ Intricate Hand...
Category

Early 20th Century American Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Vacheron & Constantin Grottendieck Bruxelles 18 Karat Gold Pocket Watch
Located in Berlin, DE
Vacheron & Constantin Grottendieck Bruxelles 18 Karat Gold Pocket Watch Movement can be wound and works. Dial with hairline crack. Incl...
Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

FLATO Platinum and Diamond Travel Watch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This unusual watch clock was created by Paul Flato in New York in the 1930s. Paul Flato was famous for his whimsical imaginative designs. In the 1930's, he counted both socialite...
Category

1930s American Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

English 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
English 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch - Manual winding . 18K yellow gold case ( 53 mm ) . White dial with Roman numerals with sunken sub second dial . Signed WM Robinson. Pre-owned wi...
Category

20th Century British Pocket Watches

Ulysse Nardin British Military Issue Deck Watch Vintage Silver White Enamel Dial
Located in London, GB
A 50 mm Silver British Military Issue Vintage Gents Deck Pocket Watch, white enamel dial with roman numerals, blued steel hands, a fixed silver bezel, m...
Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel

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

Vacheron Constantin 18 Karat Rose Gold Pendant Pocket Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Vacheron Constantin 18K Rose Gold Pendant Pocket Watch - Manual winding. 18K Rose gold ultra thin case ( 35 mm) Beautifully engraved with message on case bac...
Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Patek Philippe 14 Karat Gold Pocket Watch, sold by W. Lennartz-Michels
Located in Berlin, DE
Patek Philippe Gold Pocket Watch, Arabic Enamel Dial Slight signs of wear due to age on the case. Hands possibly replaced. Diameter ...
Category

19th Century Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

Limited Baccarat x Corum Golden Bridge Crystal Skeletonized Timepiece Clock
Located in Switzerland, CH
A rare and very special piece created in a collaboration between two world brands - CORUM and BACCARAT Limited Edition Crystal & Skeletonized Golden Bridge Desk Clock Timepiece in t...
Category

1990s Pocket Watches

Dunhill Brass and Wood Domed Desk Clock, circa 1940s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Dunhill of London STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Gothic Dome METAL / MATERIAL: Brass and Wood CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 7" X 9" X 2 1/2" MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Back Winding DIAL / HANDS: Silvered with Gilt Markers WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT The house of Dunhill is one of England's premier gentleman's clothier. They specialized in the finest in everything. If you were British Royalty, your finery came from them. From Clocks to clothing, to smoking attire and accoutrements, Alfred Dunhill was the place to go. They had locations all over the world, in the finest shopping areas. I remember they had until recently a store in Beverly Hills as well. This clock represents the finest in English styling and will look great on a smaller mantle...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Pocket Watches

Cartier 18 Karat Solid Gold Desk Top Travel Watch with Onyx Buttons circa 1930s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Cartier / New York STYLE / REFERENCE: Travel Watch / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm x Width 31mm MO...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

20th Century Antique Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Collar Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Collar watch in 18 karat yellow gold, horse head hallmark. Lady's watch with manual winding. Dark red enamelled hands, light grey background and black enamelled Arabic numerals. Cent...
Category

Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Waltham Yellow Gold Pocket Watch Retailed by Bailey, Banks & Biddle circa 1904
Located in Narberth, PA
This wonderful pocket watch from circa 1904. Signed by Bailey, Banks & Biddle and Waltham. 14k yellow gold, white dial with gold filigree hands. The engraved inscription reads "J.M.R...
Category

20th Century American Edwardian Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Omega Silver Single Button 15 Minute Register Pocket Watch, circa 1910
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced / Chronograph Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 900 Silver DIMENSIONS: Diameter 55mm CIRCA: 1910 MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Enamel Dial, Breguet Style Numbers / Gold and Blued Steel Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This rare and early Omega chronograph was likely used as a scientific tool...
Category

1910s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

XIX Century Open-Face Brittish Gold Pocket Watch F. Brooman
Located in Bilbao, ES
Great "open-face" Brittish pocket watch F. BROOMAN, Strand, London, N#614. Solid gold case, gold sphere, external and internal cases are plain. Roman numerals, rubys. Mint working c...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Antique French 18 Karat Gold Semi Hunter Pocket Watch Agate Fob
Located in New York, NY
18 kt. yellow, white & rose gold, demi textured case, stylized blue enamel Arabic numerals, white dial, sub. seconds hand, lever-set, 'BAS' monogram of 27 old-mine cut diamonds, roun...
Category

19th Century French Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Hampden Yellow Gold Scalloped Case Manual Winding Pocket Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Hampden 14k Yellow Gold Scalloped Case Manual Winding Pocket Watch. Elaborately engraved yellow gold scalloped case. White enamel dial with black...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Henry Capt 18 Karat Gold Handmade 31 Jewel Quarter Repeating Watch, 1900s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Henry Danial Capt STYLE / REFERENCE: Quarter Repeater / Half Hunter METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1900's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 53mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 31 Jewels / High Grade / Lever Slide Repeat Mechanism DIAL / HANDS: Kiln Fired Enamel with Roman Numerals / Blued Steel WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Henry-Daniel Capt was a Swiss watch maker working in the 1900th century. He was renowned for creating complicated...
Category

Early 1900s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches

Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger 18 Karat Gold Sea Urchin Clock
Located in New York, NY
Elegant 18K yellow gold clock by Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger. It resembles a sea urchin. Bulova Accutron movement in excellent working condition. Hallmarks: Tiffany & Co., Schlumberg...
Category

Late 20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Illinois Watch Co. Grade 525 14 Karat Gold Open Face Pocket Watch 17 Jewel
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Illinois Watch Co. Pocket Watch w/ Discolored Dial 14KT White Gold Case w/ Intricate Hand-Etched Design on Case "TEM" on Back of C...
Category

Early 20th Century American Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

I.W.C. International Watch Company Art Deco Open Faced Pocket Watch, circa 1930s
By IWC
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: International Watch Company, Schaffhausen STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 47mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Kiln Fired Enamel Breguet Numerals / Blued Steel Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This great looking hand made watch was produced by the legendary house of International Watch Company, based in Schaffhausen Switzerland. The firm is still in business today and makes spectacular watches. This piece, done in the art deco style is in nearly new condition and it comes with a pocket...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

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.

Recently Viewed

View All