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Pocket Watches

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Pocket Watches For Sale
Item Ships From: USA
Elgin Pocket Watch Gold Plated Working 15 Jewels 11066484 Year 1905
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Vintage 1905 gold plated Elgin pocket watch that's 49mm in diameter and 14mm thick. The case is in good condition with a clean plastic crystal. The movement is working, 15 jewels, an...
Category

Early 1900s American Edwardian Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage 1930s Patina Pocket Watch, Working, Self Winding, Very Good Condition
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Vintage 1930's Patina Pocket Watch, Working, Self Winding, Very Good Condition, 47mm Case, Chronograph, Yellow Gold Filled, Antique, Used. The back has a nice textured engraving with...
Category

1930s Unknown Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

IWC Pocket Watch 800 Silver With Papers
By IWC
Located in New York, NY
Introducing an exquisite piece of horological history, the IWC Pocket Watch from the year 1915. This timeless timepiece boasts a 52mm 800 silver case, reflecting the craftsmanship an...
Category

1910s Swiss Edwardian Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

LeCoultre gold fill manual pocket watch
Located in Surfside, FL
LeCoultre Gold filled Pocket watch. Manual wind with alarm. Lid folds down so you can use it as a desk alarm clock. Fine Pre-owned LeCoultre Watch. Certified preowned Vintage LeCoultre pocket watch...
Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

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

LeCoultre Mystery Pocketwatch 14k White Gold
Located in Surfside, FL
Vacheron & Constantin Mystery pendant-watch in 14k white gold. Cased and timed by LeCoultre. Diamond dial and hanging from a 14k white gold chain. Manual. Ref 727-722-103d. Circa 1955. Fine Pre-owned LeCoultre Watch. Certified preowned Vintage LeCoultre Mystery...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Enamel Pocket Watch
By Mido
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco pocket watch featuring intricate enamel work on both sides. Circa 1920s.
Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Enamel

Longines for Spaulding & Gorham Two Tone Gold Pocket Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Longines Pocket Watch for Spaulding & Gorham - Manual winding. Art Deco style 2-Tone 18k white & yellow gold 12 size (45mm diameter). The case b...
Category

1930s Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Art Deco Vintage Omega 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Art Deco Vintage Omega 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch - Manual winding. 18k Two-tone white and yellow gold case with ornately engraved case back and blank initial shield (44 mm ). Cham...
Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Corum Peacock Feather 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
Located in New York, NY
This is an incredibly rare Corum Peacock Feather 18K yellow gold pocket watch. The case of the watch measures 41mm x 33mm.  This timepiece is truly unisex since it looks great on the...
Category

1990s Swiss Retro Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Omega 1970s Presentation Pocket Watch for United States Steel
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Omega Presentation Poket Watch for United States Steel, 44 M.M. Stainless Steel 3 Piece case, 17 Jewel, Mechanical, Manual wind movement. Silver Dial with Raised stick ma...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Steel

Authentic Gueblin 14 Karat Pocket Watch & Chain
Located in New York, NY
Gueblin Winding pocket watch Working and tested 14kt. Yellow gold 31.5 grams. 30mm diameter Total Length 12 inches 4mm caliber chain
Category

2010s American Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Money Clip
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: Tiffany & Co. Style: Money Clip Metal: 925 sterling silver Measurements: 1.25" x 1.10" Total Weight: 17 Grams Stamped: "925" "Tiffany & Co." "Elsa P...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Elgin Pocket Watch Silverode Railroad Heavy Working 7 Jewel Year 1921, 59mm Case
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Elgin 1921 railroad pocket watch with a 59mm case made of silverode and is 20mm thick. Heavy watch with a clean plastic crystal. The case has a minor blemish and a light hand carving...
Category

1920s American Modern Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Elgin National Watch Co. Solid 14K Gold Pocket Watch in Mint Condition
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Circa 1900 Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch has Ornate Cobalt Blue Hands and dedicated seconds dial 14k Solid Gold Case with Beautiful Engraving on both sides Black Arabic Numer...
Category

Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

P Moser Pocket Watch Working Case Year 1910 Swiss Made 875 Silver
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
P. Moser 875 silver pocket watch that has a 51mm case, 13.5mm thick, with a clean plastic crystal. The manual movement is working with serial number 176469. Overall, this pocket watc...
Category

1910s Swiss Edwardian Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Illinois Railroad Bunn Special Pocket Watch Size 16
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Illinois pocket watch, 21 jewels, Bunn Special, open face, gold-filled case. Lever time set. Model 14, size 16, 3/4 plate movement, Six position temperature adjustments. The serial n...
Category

1920s Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Lanco Pocket Watch 1950s, Chrome Case, Working, Slim Modern Design, 15 Jewel
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Lanco Pocket watch 1950s, Chrome Case, Working, Slim Modern Design, Very Good Condition, 15 Jewel Rubies Movement, Swiss Made. Beautiful mid-century watch. This watch has not been s...
Category

1950s Swiss Modern Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Steel

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

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

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Duke of Wellington Medal Pocket Watch Silver with Chain, 1930
Located in Berkeley, CA
Lovely and chic pocket watch to the effigy of HRH Duke of Wellington, the date is around 1930. The watch has a very nice "Guillochet" (engraved border) around the dial, the graphism ...
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

C.H. Meylan 18K Gold Keyless Lever Minute Repeater Pocket Watch Circa 1890's
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
C.H. Meylan 18K Gold Keyless Lever Minute Repeater Half Hunter Pocket Watch Circa 1890's Dial: The white enamel dial with Arabic numerals, and minutes in red, the sub dial for the s...
Category

1890s Swiss Post-War Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

18 Karat Gold E.Gubelin Oversize Open Face Pocketwatch
Located in New York, NY
18K yellow gold E.Gubelin oversize 1930's 24 hour pocketwatch is a very fine, thin open face pocketwatch. The 56mm case features a champagne dial and outer app...
Category

1930s Swiss Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Fattorini & Sons Silver Keywind with Original Kiln Fired Enamel Dial from 1880's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Fattorini & Sons STYLE / REFERENCE: Full Size Keywind METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver CIRCA / YEAR: 1880's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 55mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Key...
Category

1880s Swiss Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches

14K Gold 1910 Waltham Pocket Watch
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
15 Jewels Weighs 36 Grams And Measures 1.3
Category

Mid-20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Breguet Paris Closed Face Pocket Watch
Located in Stamford, CT
Breguet Paris Closed Face Pocket Watch. Case in fair condition. Watch not working.
Category

1890s French Antique Pocket Watches

Agassiz 18Kt. Gold Oversized Watch for Tiffany & Co. Stern Freres Dial 1920's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Agassiz Watch Company for Tiffany & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Oversized Pocket Wrist Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIM...
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

Gold Plated Kurz Armin Pendant Watch, Original Box, Very Good Working Condition
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Beautiful gold plated Kurz watch pendant with original box. The 30mm watch case (11mm thick) has a lovely black and gold scroll design. On the backside of the watch, there's an image of a man playing the guitar for ladies. Overall, the condition of the case and Swiss 17-jewel movement are very good; the movement works well (see video of movement running). The snake-weave style chain is 30 inches long and secured with a spring-ring clasp. This watch was made in Zurich, Switzerland by a fine jeweler Armin Kurz...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Antique Gold Silver Diamond Enamel Pocket Watch Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Antique silver and 14k gold chain with cage pendant, holding a pocket watch inside. Decorated with rose cut diamonds, enamel and green gemstones. Pendant is 29mm in diameter. Chain ...
Category

19th Century Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver, Enamel

Gubelin Lucerne Art Deco Stone and Bronze Table Clock, circa 1930s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: E. Gubelin Lucerne STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Egg Shaped METAL / MATERIAL: Stone and Bronze CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: L...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

14K Gold American Waltham Pocket Watch
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
weighs 47.80 Grams And Measures 1.6
Category

Mid-20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Late 19th Century Large Desk Size Nickel Pocket Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Cased in nickel, this hefty desk-size 70mm pocket watch is certainly impressive. With a bright brass crown, this large robust palm-size 2-5/8 inch round pocket watch has a nickel outer back case #607954 and a open front crystal display. It's interior has a back dust cover and inner movement display crystal. The 17 jewels movement is number 560749. Ornate brass hands grace the pristine white face with an easy-to-read dial of Roman numerals and minute markers. Circa 1880-1900, European maker unknown, this larger size watch...
Category

1890s European Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Other

Men's Burlington 14K Gold Filled Pocket Watch
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Burlington 14k white gold filled pocket watch. Open face, size 12, Model A. Double roller, 21 jewels. The serial number is 5208043, made in 1928. Time tested for 8 hours. Keeps good...
Category

1920s Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Gold-filled

14K Multi Color Gold Waltham Diamond Pocket Watch
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Waltham 14k Multi Color Gold Diamonds Pocket Watch with a 2mm Round Shape Diamond mounted on the Case. Weighs 61 grams and Measures 1.75 inches.
Category

Mid-20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Cartier Gold Acte Mistere Pocket Watch
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Art Deco pocket watch was crafted by the famed Cartier. Housed in an 18K gold case, the square-faced timepiece boasts a sleek design. The watch's face, revealed by pressing the knob at its apex, tells the time with black Roman numerals and cobalt blue hands. Adding further interest, the timepiece bears the inscription acte mistere ("mysterious act") on its front, while the reverse bears an intricate depiction of a crest along with the further Latin inscription Deo fidatur, or "He trusts in God." The Cartier tradition...
Category

20th Century French Retro Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Gold

J.E. Caldwell by Mimo Art Deco Asian Themed Enameled Desk Clock circa 1930's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Mimo for J. E. Caldwell STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Pocket Desk Clock METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt Yellow Gold and Kiln Fired Enamel CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SI...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

Tiffany & Co 18Kt Gold Pendant Watch with Gold Chain from 1912 Enamel Dial
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Longines for Tiffany & Co STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Pendant Watch & Chain METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1912 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 29mm...
Category

1910s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

1950s Gold Pendant Watch Brooch with Rubies
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Adorable and an unusual example right out of the 1950's, this 14 Karat Rose and Yellow Gold Pendant Watch Brooch with Ruby Accents is in mint condit...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Breitling Laederich Antique Pocket Watch 18k Gold Enamel
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An amazing Breitling Laederich antique pocket watch, circa late 1800s. The watch is made of 18k gold, features enamel. The watch is cased in a ...
Category

1870s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Cartier Enamel Sapphire 18k Gold Traveling Shutter Mechanical Watch Clock
Located in New York, NY
Delight in the fusion of artistic sophistication and horological mastery with the Cartier Enamel Sapphire Pushers 18k Gold Traveling Shutter Mechanical Watch Clock. Crafted by the renowned French maison Cartier, this mechanical timepiece stands as a testament to the brand's legacy of innovation, luxury, and exquisite craftsmanship. Encased in lustrous 18 karat gold, the clock features a traveling shutter design that adds a touch of intrigue and elegance. The use of enamel in combination with sapphire pushers showcases Cartier's commitment to using the finest materials, creating a timepiece that is both visually stunning and technically superior. The intricate detailing of the enamel work, combined with the functionality of the sapphire pushers, reflects Cartier's dedication to creating pieces that are not just watches but also works of art. The juxtaposition of the rich gold against the vibrant enamel and the brilliance of the sapphires creates a harmonious and luxurious aesthetic. This traveling shutter clock...
Category

1920s Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Enamel

Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Twenty Dollar Coin Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Twenty Dollar Coin Watch - Manual winding. 18K Yellow gold coin case ( 34mm). Champagne dial with Roman and Stick hour markers; Signed Rolex Geneve Cellini...
Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch Ref 865
Located in Dallas, TX
Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch Ref 865 - Manual winding. 18K Yellow gold (48 mm) . White enamel dial with skinny roman numerals. Ref. 865 was produced from ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

White Gold Art Deco Converted Watch Pendant - 14k Vintage Not Running
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Elgin Movement: U.S.A. Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s Movement Maker: Elgin Metal Content: 14k White Gold Features: Etched & Milgrain Case Detailing Measurements Tall (from exte...
Category

1920s Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

Cartier 1920s Platinum and Diamond EWC Pocket Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Cartier Pocket Watch, 45 M.M. Platinum 3 Piece case with Diamond set case perimeter, approximately 2 Carats. Jeweled Nickel lever mech...
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Hamilton Gold Filled Pocket Watch, 21 jewels, Size 16
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Hamilton Gold Filled Pocket Watch, 21 jewels, Size 16 Hamilton gold filled pocket watch with hunting case. Grade 971, Size 16, 3/4 plate , 21 jewels, 5 ...
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Carnelian Intaglio Victorian Fob Clip Pocket Watch Chain 10k Gold & Gold Filled
Located in Greensboro, NC
Era: Victorian Metal Content: Guaranteed 10k Gold (fob & ball charms) & Gold Filled as tested Stone Information: Genuine Carnelian Intaglio Color: Orangey Red Measurements: l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

Carnelian, 10k Gold, Gold-filled

Tiffany & Company Patek Philippe Antique Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920 Patek Philippe for Tiffany & company Pocket watch, 45 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 4 piece case including Gold inside Dust Cover. 20 Jewel, mechanical, manual wind nickle lever mo...
Category

1920s Swiss Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Hamilton Gold Filled Pocket Watch Size 16
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Hamilton pocket watch, gold-filled hunting case. 25 year guaranteed stamped inside case. Size 16, 17 jewels, 3/4 plate. The time is lever set. Very clean movement. The serial number ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Dudley Masonic Model 3 Pocket Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Dudley Masonic Model 3 Stainless Steel Pocket Watch - Manual winding. Stainless steel ( 45 mm ) with ornate bezel; Display back seeing various bridges m...
Category

20th Century American Pocket Watches

18kt Yellow Gold Jaeger LeCoultre Watch 30mm Case Swiss 1990s Manual Working
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Gorgeous 1990s 18kt yellow gold Jaeger LeCoultre watch with a 30mm case that has a white face with a very clean glass crystal. The case is 4mm...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hamilton Gold Filled Open Faced Pocket Watch with Kiln Fired Dial from 1916
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilton Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled / Hand Engraved Case CIRCA / YEAR: 1916 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Dia...
Category

1910s Swiss Vintage Pocket Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Pocket Watch Ref 3002
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Stainless Steel Pocket Watch Ref 3002 - Manual winding. Stainless steel case with smooth bezel (42 mm ). Silver dial with raised hour markers and subdial at 6 o'clock. Pre-owned with a Rolex leather pouch.
Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Elgin 14Kt. Gold Hunters Case Pocket with Kiln Fired Enamel Dial from 1887
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Hunters Case Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold / Supplied with a Solid Gold Pocket...
Category

1880s American Antique Pocket Watches

Patek Philippe 18K Hunting Case Roman Numerals Pocket Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Patek Philippe 18K Hunting Case Roman Numerals Pocket Watch - Manual winding. 18K Yellow Gold case (45 mm). White dial with black Roman numerals sub seconds at 6 o'clock position; bl...
Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Theodore B. Starr 18Kt. Rose Gold Pendant Watch Hand Made circa 1915
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Theodore B. Starr STYLE / REFERENCE: Hunters Case / Pendant Style METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Rose Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1915 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 32mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 19 Jewels / Caliber 12 Ligne / High Grade Swiss Made DIAL / HANDS: Original Flawless Kiln Fired Enamel / Original Solid Gold Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This beautiful and impressive watch was produced in Switzlerland for the esteemed house of Theordore B. Starr. Starr was a company of silversmiths founded in New York in 1862 by Theodore Starr. In 1864, he was joined by Herman Marcus, and the company became known as Starr and Marcus...
Category

1910s American Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Waltham 10k Yellow Gold Manual Pocket Watch
Located in Surfside, FL
Waltham pocket watch in 10k yellow gold. Manual. Fine Pre-owned Waltham Watch. Certified preowned Dress Waltham pocket watch watch. This Waltham watch has a Round caseback and White ...
Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 1905 Graziosa Guilloche Enamel Pocket Watch In 14Kt Gold With Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian Swiss enamel pocket watch designed by Graziosa Watch Co. Gorgeous small lady hunter pocket-watch, created in Switzerland during ...
Category

Early 1900s Swiss Edwardian Antique Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold

Black Starr & Frost 14 Karat Gold Art Deco Pocket Watch with Engraved Dial
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Black Starr & Frost by Paul Valletti STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shaped Open Face / Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 14kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA: 1920's DIMENSIONS: Diameter 41mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / High Grade DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Kiln Fired Enamel Printing by Stern Freres / Blued Steel Hands WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This great looking open faced pocket watch was produced in Switzerland by Paul Vallette...
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Pocket Watches

Materials

14k 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.

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