Antique Elgin 14K Gold Keystone Hunter Case Pocket Watch Diamond Butterfly
By Elgin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An antique Elgin ladies pocket watch in 14k gold hunting case by Keystone.
Diamond, Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
Elgin 14K Gold Open-Face Pocket Watch 21-Jewel Movement, circa 1899
By Elgin
Located in Miami, FL
A superb Elgin 14K solid gold open-face pocket watch, featuring a rare and highly desirable 21-jewel high-grade movement, circa 1899.
14k Gold
Elgin National 14K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch w Gold Chain and Elks Tooth Fob
By Elgin
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Capture a piece of history in time. This grand 14 karat yellow gold, circa 1891 Elgin National GM Wheeler Grade 103 Model 3 Pocket Watch is a true find. Manufactured pre-1900 by one ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elgin Solid 14Kt. White Gold Pocket Watch with Famous Jewelry Store Enamel Dial
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company for Montgomery Brothers Los Angeles STYLE / REFERENCE: Octagon / Dress Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1921 DIMENS...
14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 14k Gold Lady Raymond Elgin Size 5/0S Mechanical Open Face Pocket Watch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Case Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Case Type: Open Face Case Serial No.: 5296589 Case Diameter: 29mm Weight: 19.4 Grams (Case and Movement) Condition: Antique, American-made pocket...
14k Gold
Antique Elgin 14k Gold Grade 345 Size 12S 17j Mechanical Open Face Pocket Watch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Elgin Watch Co. Movement: Elgin - Model 3 - Grade 345 - Mechanical - Hand Wound - Stem Set - 17 Jewels - Size 12S - American-Made Movement Serial No.: 24520445 Case Maker...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Art Deco Converted Watch Pendant - 14k Vintage Not Running
By Elgin
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...
14k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Elgin Grade 345 Size 12S 17j Mechanical Open Face Pocket Watch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Elgin Watch Co. Movement: Elgin - Model 3 - Grade 345 - Mechanical - Hand Wound - Stem Set - 17 Jewels - Size 12S - American-Made Movement Serial No.: 25951497 Case Maker...
Yellow Gold
Antique Elgin 14 Karat Gold and Diamond Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful antique Elgin pocket watch circa 1895 is a true collectible. The hunting case has an inner dust cover and is set with a beautiful rose and old mine cute diamonds with ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Elgin Open Face 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pocket Watch 15 Jewel Grade 315
By Elgin
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-Etched Feather Design on Reverse of Case ...
14k Gold
Elgin 14 Karat Multi-Color Gold 17-Jewel Antique Pocket Watch Full Hunter
By Elgin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ Ornate Cobalt Blue Hands & Dedicated Second Dial 14k Solid Gold Case w/ Beautiful Colored Engraving on Both Sides Black Arabic Numerals Case S...
14k Gold
Heavy 14 Karat Gold Full Engraved Full Hunter Case Elgin Antique Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in Carlisle, GB
A Heavy 14K Gold Fully Engraved Case Full Hunter Elgin Antique Pocket Watch.
14k Gold, Enamel, Gold
Elgin Open-Face 14 Karat Gold Antique Pocket Watch Gr 364 12S 15J 1910
By Elgin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ White Dial Including Cobalt Blue Hands & Dedicated Second Dial 14k Yellow Gold Case w/ Intricate Hand-Etched Guilloche Design on Case Black Ar...
14k Gold
Elgin Open Face 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Pocket Watch Gr 315 12s 15 Jewel
By Elgin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ White Dial Including Blue Hands & Dedicated Second Dial 14K Yellow Gold Case w/ No Design or etching on the case Black Arabic Numerals Case Se...
14k Gold
Elgin Open Face 14 Karat Yellow GF Antique Pocket Watch Gr 117 17 Jewel, 1897
By Elgin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ White Dial Including Blue/Black Hands 14K Yellow GF Case w/ Intricate Hand-Etched Design on Case Black Roman Numerals Case Serial # 4542726 1...
14k Gold
Antique 14 Karat Gold Elgin Pocket Watch, circa 1895
By Elgin
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique 14k gold Elgin pocket watch, circa 1895. Case Ref : 020864 Movement Nr : 27456792 Display type : Analogue Dial : White Dial, Arabic Numerals( See Photos ) Casing Material : ...
14k Gold
Elgin National Watch Co. Yellow Gold Massive Heavy Manual winding Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in Dallas, TX
Elgin National Watch Co. Massive Heavy Solid Yellow Gold 18s Manual winding Pocket Watch. Massive solid yellow gold 18s case ornately engraved on back with floral motif with a house ...
14k Gold
Elgin Yellow Gold Ornate Box-Hinge Hunter Case Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in Wallkill, NY
The movement is marked Elgin National Watch Co, serial number 16654345, 15 jewels, and dates to 1911 according to the serial number. Has an outstanding 14k yellow gold ornate box...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engraved Case Elgin Pocket Watch, circa 1895
By Elgin
Located in Manhasset, NY
Antique Elgin Pocket Watch 14K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch, front and back of case are intricately engraved.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elgin Platinum and 14 Karat Solid Gold Art Deco Pocket Watch, 1930s
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Pocket Watch / Open Faced METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum & 14kt. Solid Gold CIRCA: 1930 DIMENSIONS: 45mm Diameter MOVEME...
14k Gold, Platinum
Elgin Pocket Watch, 14 Karat White Gold Filled, 1928, 17 Jewel
By Elgin
Located in San Diego, CA
Elgin Pocket Watch, 14k White Gold filled, 1928, 17 Jewel, 44 mm Case, Chronograph, Excellent Condition, Elgin National Watch Co., Size 12s This watch has not been serviced with a c...
Sold
H 0.52 in Dm 2.05 in
Elgin 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Hand Wind Men's Pocket Watch Weight 110.53gm
By Elgin
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Elgin 14K pocket watch is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by a mechanical movement which is cased in a yellow gold case.
Yellow Gold
Hampden Yellow Gold Scalloped Case Manual Winding Pocket Watch
By Elgin
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 Roman numerals. Pre-owned, ca. earl...
14k Gold
Hampden Yellow Gold Scalloped Case Manual Winding Pocket Watch
By Elgin
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 Roman numerals. Pre-owned, ca. earl...
14k Gold
1886 14 Karat Gold Diamond Ladies Pocket Watch Pendant
By Elgin
Located in Birmingham, AL
This 14k gold pocket watch features a hunter's case which is hand engraved and decorated with a design in rose, yellow, white and green gold design. In the center of the design on on...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold
Elgin Yellow Gold Chinoiserie Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in valatie, NY
Elgin 14K gold triple hunter case pocket watch with chinoiserie decoration.
14k Gold
Elgin National Watch Co. Solid 14K Gold Pocket Watch in Mint Condition
By Elgin
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...
14k Gold
Antique Elgin 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in Manhasset, NY
Antique Elgin 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pocket Watch. This beautiful antique Elgin pocket watch circa 1895 is a true collectible. The hunting case has an inner dust cover and is set with...
14k Gold
Elgin Multicolor Gold Diamond Hunter Case Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in Montreal, QC
Fabulous 14K Yellow Gold Hunter Case Elgin Pocket Watch.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Elgin Rose Gold Diamond Ruby Pocket Watch, 1887
By Elgin
Located in Birmingham, AL
This 14k rose gold Elgin pocket watch features an elegantly engraved hunter's case and a back case decorated with 5 small mine cut diamonds (0.25ctw apx) and 1 small cabochon ruby.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Pocket Watch Gold Case GIANT Box Hinge 14K Multi Color Gold Elgin
By Elgin
Located in Dearborn, MI
Pocket Watch Gold Case GIANT Box Hinge 14K Multi Color Gold Elgin Keeps Perfect Time, As Expected Kept It on Desk for 3 Days and Checked It Against My Phone All Functions Work C...
Gold
Elgin Ladies Yellow Gold Ornately Engraved Antique Manual Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in Dallas, TX
Elgin 14k Sold Gold Ornately Engraved Ladies Antique Pocket Watch - Manual winding. 14k solid gold engraved case (34mm diameter).
14k Gold
Elgin Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Pocket or Pendant Manual Winding Watch
By Elgin
Located in Dallas, TX
Elgin Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Pocket or Pendant Watch - Manual winding 15 jewels. Yellow gold with bale; engraved HC on front with 3 first names engraved inside; beautiful design...
14k Gold
Sold
Dm 2.05 in L 2.21 in
Vintage Elgin 14 Karat White Gold Pocket Watch with Octagonal Case, Circa 1922
By Elgin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning vintage 14 karat white gold pocket watch by Elgin is a stunning piece of history.
Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sold
H 0.52 in Dm 2.05 in
Elgin 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Hand Wind Men's Pocket Watch Weight 110.53gm
By Elgin
Located in New York, NY
This pre-owned Elgin 14K pocket watch is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by a mechanical movement which is cased in a yellow gold case.
Yellow Gold
Elgin Lady's Yellow Gold Pendant Watch circa 1904
By Elgin
Located in Dallas, TX
Manual winding. 14k gold beautifully engraved, front and back, hunting case, size O, 33mm diameter. White dial with black Roman numerals, sub seconds at 6 o'clock. circa 1904. Thi...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 2 in W 1.375 in D 0.375 in
Antique 1906 Elgin National Deuber Special 7 Jewel 14k GF Hunter Pocket Watch
By Elgin Clocks
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique early 20th century ladies pocket watch / time piece and chain by Elgin National Watch Company featuring a 14k gold filled Dueber Special case (numbered 6161739) sporting a te...
Metal
Elgin Size 16 Hunter Case 14K Gold Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in Solvang, CA
Antique American Elgin size 16 hunter case 14K gold pocket watch, circa 1898.
14k Gold
Elgin Full Hunter 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pocket Watch 7 Jewel Guilloche Case
By Elgin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ White Dial Including Cobalt Blue Hands & Dedicated Second Dial 14k Yellow Solid Gold Case w/ Intricate Pie Crust Guilloche Design Black Roman ...
14k Gold
Elgin Antique Full Hunter 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pocket Watch Gr 339 17-Jewel
By Elgin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ White Dial Including Blue Hands & Dedicated Second Dial 14K Yellow Gold Case w/ Intricate Hand-Etched Design on Case & Initials "EL" Engraved ...
14k Gold
Elgin Crusader Open Face 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Pocket Watch 12S 17J 1925
By Elgin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ Champagne Dial Including Gold Hands & Dedicated Second Dial 14k Yellow Gold Case w/ Intricate Hand-Etched Design on Case.
14k Gold
Elgin Open Face 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Pocket Watch Gr 345 12S 17J 1920
By Elgin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Antique Elgin Pocket Watch w/ White Dial Including Cobalt Blue Hands & Dedicated Second Dial 14k Yellow Gold Case Black Arabic Numerals Case Serial #5472756 17-Jewel Elgin ...
14k Gold
Elgin Tricolor Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in Frederick, MD
·Item: Elgin 1901 32mm Tricolor Hunter Case Ornate Enamel Dial 15 Jewel 0s Pocket Watch ·Era: Victorian / 1901 ·Composition: 14k Gold Marked / Tested ·Condition: Estate Exce...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe Yellow Gold and Enamel Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1913 Patek Philippe Pocket Watch for Retailer Spaulding and Company , 45 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 4 piece case including the Yellow Gold Cuvette (Dust Cover) Greek Key Pattern Blue...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Waltham Size "O" 14KT Yellow Gold Triple Case Open Face Pocket Watch
By Waltham Watch Company
Located in valatie, NY
Waltham Size "O" 14KT Yellow Gold Triple Case Open Face Pocket Watch With Fleur de Lis Fob Pin. The case is hallmarked "WARRANTED 14K TO ASSAY" and "Leon W.C. Co.," these cases were ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Company Patek Philippe Antique Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co.
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 leve...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Breitling Laederich Antique Pocket Watch 18k Gold Enamel
By Breitling
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 beautiful hunter case decorated with t...
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
18 Kt Gold Hunter Pocket Watch Triple Calendar Moon Phase Chrono Minute Repeater
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Pink Gold Hunter Pocket Watch Triple Calendar / Quantieme Moon Phase Chronograph Minute Repeater Weight : 138.1 Gram Extremely Solid & Heavy 18 Kt Pink Gold Hunter Case Pock...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vacheron & Constantin Rose Gold Demi Hunter Pocket Watch and Original Box
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1910 Vacheron & Constantin Pocket watch, 14k Rose Gold 53 M.M Demi Hunter with inside Gold dust cover, Gilt lever movement, Porcelain dial with Gold Hands. Signed Vacheron ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vacheron & Constantin Grottendieck Bruxelles 18 Karat Gold Pocket Watch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Berlin, DE
Vacheron & Constantin Grottendieck Bruxelles 18 Karat Gold Pocket Watch Movement can be wound and works. Dial with hairline crack. Including certificate of authenticity.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18Kt. Art Deco Ultra Thin Pocket Watch, circa 1930's
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Van Cleef & Arpels STYLE / REFERENCE: 1/2 Hunter Pocket Watch / Ultra Thin METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 54mm...
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Four-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this glossy 18ct gold ring are four rubies totalling 80pts and six rose cut diamonds. The stones are set flush within the decorative scroll setting. Ring Size: O 1/2 or 7 1/...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Gorgeous Iconic Thierry Mugler Gown SS1999 Evening Dress Silver Lucite Details
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Museum worthy collectors piece. This 1999 LES SALADES creation by Thierry Mugler is truly beautiful. The silhouette is gorgeous: a long column that skims the figure with surgical pre...
Rolex Precision Ref. 3400 Openface, Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare collectors Watch. Original Condition. Watch needs an overhaul. Including certificate of authenticity.
Steel, Stainless Steel
Antique Certified 4.97ct Fancy Light Yellow Old Cushion Cut Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique 4.97ct old cushion cut diamond three stone ring set in 18k yellow gold and platinum. The ring is centrally set with a stunning antique old cushion cut diamond wh...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vacheron Constantin Hunter Case Pocket Watch 1 Botton Chronograph 18kt Pink Gold
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Antwerp, BE
Extremely Rare & Collectors Vacheron Constantin Hunter Case Pocket Watch Chronograph 18 kt. Pink Gold Functions : One Button Chronograph Movement : Mechanical MAnual Winding Chrono...
Gold, 18k Gold
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2002 “Supercalifragilistic” Silk Lace Up Pencil Skirt
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2002 “Supercalifragilistic” Silk Lace Up Pencil Skirt Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Autumn / Winter 2002; “Supercalifragilistic” Style...
Madame Grès Haute Couture Black Silk Faille Evening Dress, c. 1965
By Madame Gres
Located in London, GB
Haute Couture black silk faille evening dress by Madame Grès, circa 1965. The design features a square neckline with narrow shoulder straps and a high-waisted, sculpted bodice compos...
$210,000Sale Price|40% Off
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified 87.00 Carat Burma Ruby Necklace & Bracelet Set
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located in the Iconic Gem Tower/Gia Building in New York's Diamond District. This item has been appraised by the exp...
Ruby
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry 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.