Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is a watch key?
1 Answer

A watch key is utilized to wind the watch and set the time in pocket watches. This is generally done by opening the watch back and positioning the key over the winding-arbor and turning the hands. Shop a range of antique and vintage pocket watches on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
Shop for Watch Key on 1stDibs
19th Century Dutch silver watch-key
Located in Delft, NL
19th Century Dutch silver watch-key
19th century silver watch-key in the shape of a musical
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Dutch Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Silver
19th Century Brass and Gold Watch-Key
Located in Delft, NL
19th Century Brass and Gold Watch-Key
19th century brass and gold Watch-Key in round flat shape
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Gold, Brass
19th Century Brass and Gold Watch-Key
Located in Delft, NL
19th Century Brass and Gold Watch-Key
19th century brass and gold Watch-Key hanging on a small
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Gold, Brass
19th Century Brass and Gold Watch-Key
Located in Delft, NL
19th Century Brass and Gold Watch-Key
19th century brass and gold Watch-Key in round flat shape
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Gold, Brass
Antique Georgian Memento Mori Pocket Watch Key, Ca. 1800
Located in Rotterdam, NL
An exceptional antique Georgian pocket watch key, made of pink gold. The pink gold key is decorated
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Georgian Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Antique Gold Flintlock Revolver Pocket Watch Key Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
An antique 18 karat yellow gold flintlock revolver pocket watch key pendant from the past. This
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold