Skip to main content

18ct Gold Pocket Watches

to
1
56
29
24
15
8
5
5
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
4
3
2
2
Sort By
Lieutenant Colonel Owned Patek Philippe 1906 18ct Gold Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this original 1906 Patek Philippe 18ct gold pocket watch with
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

A Stauffer Cx. de Fond Antique 18ct Gold Pocket Watch, Key wind
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
A Stauffer Cx. de Fond precious yellow metal 18ct Solid Gold ladies' pocket watch, key wind
Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Original Vulcain Pocket Watch in 18ct Yellow Gold
By Vulcain
Located in London, GB
18ct Yellow Gold Original Vulcain Pocket Watch, In Perfect Condition Additional Information
Category

Late 20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

18ct Yellow Gold Open Dial Pocket Watch – 1881 – 80.9g
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
This rare 18ct yellow gold open dial pocket watch, made in London in 1881, is a remarkable antique
Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold John Cashmore London Pocket Watch
Located in London, GB
This rare antique 18ct yellow gold pocket watch, crafted by renowned maker John Cashmore of London
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fine Quality Kutchinsky Pocket Watch in 18ct Yellow Gold
By Kutchinsky
Located in London, GB
Fine Quality 18ct Yellow Gold Kutchinsky 39mm Pocket Watch In Working Condition Additional
Category

Late 20th Century British Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Longines Heavy 18ct Gold Keyless Lever Chronograph Pocket Watch, circa 1900s
By Longines
Located in London, GB
Longines. A Heavy 18ct Gold Keyless Lever Full Hunter Chronograph Pocket Watch C1900s. Dial: The
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Antique Victorian Thomas Russell & Sons Pocket Watch in 18ct Yellow Gold
By Thomas Russell & Son
Located in London, GB
This pocket watch is made of 18ct Yellow Gold and has a Gold dial. It was made by Thomas Russell in
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

English Minute Repeater Chronograph 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch
Located in London, GB
A heavy English minute repeater chronograph 18ct yellow gold keyless lever full hunter pocket watch
Category

Antique 19th Century British Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

John Cashmore. A Fine 18ct Yellow Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1920
Located in London, GB
John Cashmore. A Fine Heavy 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Half Hunter Pocket Watch, C1920. Dial
Category

20th Century British Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Heavy 18CT Gold Keyless Lever Independent Second Full Hunter Pocket Watch
Located in London, GB
W. Ehrhardt. A Rare Heavy 18ct Gold Keyless Lever Independent Seconds Full Hunter Pocket Watch
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Vulcain. An 18ct Rose Gold Minute Repeater Chronograph Full Hunter Pocket Watch
By Vulcain
Located in London, GB
Vulcain. An 18ct Rose Gold Minute Repeater Calendar Chronograph Keyless Lever Full Hunter Pocket
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

18ct Gold Highly Detailed Open Faced Pocket Watch gold Floral Dial Engraved Back
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
18ct Gold Highly Detailed Open Faced Pocket Watch With Engraved Gold Floral Dial And To Back
Category

Antique 19th Century Pocket Watches

Rare Vacheron Constantin 18ct Gold Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch C 1920s
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in London, GB
Vacheron & Constantin. A Rare 18ct Gold Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch C1920s. Dial: The
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Longines Rare Art Deco Slim Keyless Lever Pocket Watch 18ct White Gold
By Longines
Located in London, GB
A rare Longines Art Deco slim keyless lever 44mm pocket watch in 18ct white gold, C1920s. Dial
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Asprey 18ct Two Gold Art Deco Keyless Lever Open Face Dress Pocket Watch, C1920s
By Asprey
Located in London, GB
Asprey. AN 18ct Two Colour Gold Art Deco Keyless Lever Open Face Dress Pocket Watch C1920s Dial
Category

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

18ct Gold Hunter Watch " American Watch Company " Waltham Mass USA c.1880
Located in London, GB
18ct Gold Hunter Watch " American Watch Company " Waltham Mass USA c.1880 This double hunter watch
Category

Antique 1880s Central American Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Rare Slim Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1940
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier. A Rare Slim 18ct yellow Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch with a matching gold and enamel
Category

Mid-20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Cartier. A Rare Gold Slim Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1930
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier. A Rare Slim 18ct yellow Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1930s. Dial: The superb silver
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

GABRIEL. A Rare Gold Full Hunter Keyless Pocket Watch C1891
Located in London, GB
Gabriel London. A Rare 18ct Gold Full Hunter Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1891. Dial: The excellent
Category

Antique 1890s English Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold

Rolex Rare Prince Yellow Gold Dress Pocket Watch 8753 C1920
By Rolex
Located in London, GB
Rolex Prince. A very rare 38mm 18ct yellow gold dress pocket watch with a specially made chain by
Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Klaftenberger. Rare Miniature Gold Hunter Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch C1871
Located in London, GB
Klaftenberger. A Rare Miniature 18ct Gold Hunter Quarter Repeater Antique Pocket Watch C1871. Dial
Category

Antique 19th Century British Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

S.Smith & Son Rare Gold Karrusel Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1898
Located in London, GB
S.Smith & Son. A Rare and Important Keyless Lever 18ct Yellow Gold Karrusel Half Hunter Pocket
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18k Gold Verge Fusee Full Hunter Pocket Watch – London 1807
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
Antique 18k Gold Verge Fusee Full Hunter Pocket Watch – London 1807 A fine and early example of
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Pocket Watches

18 Carat Gold Pair-Cased Pocket Watch with Tri-Coloured Face Chester 1822
Located in London, GB
18ct Gold Pair-cased Pocket Watch With Tri-coloured Face Chester 1822 The case is made by Thomas
Category

Antique 1820s English George IV Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

LeCoultre Heavy 18CT Gold Keyless Lever Minute Repeater Full Hunter PocketWatch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in London, GB
Le Coultre. A Heavy 18ct Gold Keyless Lever Minute Repeater Full Hunter Pocket Watch, C1884. Dial
Category

Antique 19th Century French Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

18ct Gold Victorian Engraved Pocket Watch Key Pendant with Amethyst Coloured Fob
Located in Brighton, GB
elegance of this exquisite Victorian pocket watch key, crafted from 18ct yellow gold. This stunning piece
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Asprey Open Face Pocket Watch with Engine Turn Pattern in 18ct Yellow Gold
By Asprey
Located in London, GB
open face pocket watch is made of 18ct yellow gold and features a beautiful engine turn pattern
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Pocket Watch Key Charm Fob c1870 750 Purity Twist Detailed
Located in Camelford, GB
SOLID GOLD TWIST DESIGN POCKETWATCH KEY DETAILS Material: 18ct (750/000) Solid Yellow Gold Style: Art
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Rare 18ct Gold Enamel "Special" Diamond Grade Hunter Pocket Watch Waltham, 1898
By American Waltham Watch Co.
Located in London, GB
A Rare 18CT Gold Enamel Special Grade Diamond-Set Antique Hunter Pocket Watch Signed Waltham Mass
Category

Antique 19th Century American Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

Rare 18ct Ruby and Diamond Pocket Watch with Elaborate Mountings and Jewels
Located in London, GB
craftsmanship are without question. This small 18ct jewellery pocket watch houses elaborate, decorative silver
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Button Hook Fob Pendant Charm C1892 750 Purity Heavy 8.1g
Located in Camelford, GB
SOLID GOLD BUTTON HOOK FOB / PENDANT / CHATELAINE DETAILS Material: 18ct (750/000) Solid Rosey Yellow
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Pocket Watch Curb Link Albert Chain C1920s
By Unbranded
Located in London, GB
An 18ct Gold Pocket Watch Curb Link Albert Chain C1920s. This super example of English
Category

Vintage 1920s British Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

18ct Rose Gold Pocket Watch 25mm Case
Located in London, GB
Experience the epitome of timeless elegance with this exquisite 18ct Rose Gold Pocket Watch
Category

Vintage 1980s British Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Dent Heavy 18 CT Keyless Lever Chronograph Pocket Watch, C1900s
Located in London, GB
Dent. A Heavy 18ct Gold Keyless Lever Chronograph Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1900s Dial: The rare
Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vacheron Constantin 18CT Open Face Dress Pocket Watch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in London, GB
A Vacheron Constantin 18ct yellow gold open face dress pocket watch, C1960s. Dial: A rare and
Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vacheron Constantin Chronometer Royal 18ct Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1920
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in London, GB
Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal 18ct Yellow gold Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch C1920s
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Vacheron Constantin 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Dress Pocket Watch, C1920s
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in London, GB
Vacheron & Constantin. An 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Dress Pocket Watch C1920s. Dial: The
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vacheron Constantin 18CT Yellow & Rose Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, C1920s
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in London, GB
Vacheron & Constantin. An 18ct Yellow and Rose Gold keyless lever Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1920s
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18 Ct Hunter Pocket Watch, Hallmarked in Chester, 1867
Located in London, GB
Antique Victorian 18ct Hunter Pocket Watch,Hallmarked In Chester,1867 This chain driven movement
Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Volta 18ct Rose Gold Full Hunter Calendar Minute Chronograph Pocket Watch
Located in London, GB
Volta 18ct rose gold minute repeater calendar chronograph full hunter keyless lever pocket watch
Category

Antique 18th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Longines 18ct Yellow Gold Full Hunter Minute Repeater Keyless Lever Pocket Watch
By Longines
Located in London, GB
Longines 18ct yellow gold full hunter minute repeater pocket watch, C1920s. Dial: A beautiful
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Gondolo 18ct Yellow Gold Open Face Keyless Lever Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in London, GB
A rare Patek Philippe Gondolo yellow gold keyless open face pocket watch, with it's original box
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Rare Patek Philippe 18ct Gold Centre Second Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in London, GB
Patek Philippe. A Rare 18ct Gold Centre Second Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch C1920s Made
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Gondolo 18CT Rose Gold Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch C1910
By Patek Philippe
Located in London, GB
Patek Philippe Gondolo. An 18ct Rose Gold Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch C1910s Dial: A
Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vacheron Constantin Chronograph Royal 18CT Keyless Open Face Pocket Watch C1920s
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in London, GB
Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal 18ct Yellow gold Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch C1920s
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

J.W. Benson 18ct Pocket Watch With Hand Engraving and Original Key
Located in London, GB
This J.W. Benson 18ct pocket watch with hand engraving and original key is a wonderful piece of
Category

2010s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Waltham. A Gold Hunter Keyless Pocket Watch C1915
By Waltham
Located in London, GB
Waltham. An 18ct Yellow Gold Hunter Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1915 Dial: the excellent white
Category

Vintage 1910s American Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Omega Very Rare Gold Open Face Schutzenfest Bern Pocket Watch, C1910
By Omega
Located in London, GB
Omega very rare 18ct gold 50mm open face pocket watch celebrating the Schutzenfest in Bern, C1910
Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Louis Brandt & Frere Full Hunter Gold Swiss Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch C1890
Located in London, GB
Louis Brandt & Frere full hunter Swiss 18ct yellow gold quarter repeater pocket watch. Dial: White
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

J. Assmann Glashutte Fine Keyless Lever Full Hunter Pocket Watch, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
. Assmann Glashutte. A Fine 18ct Gold Keyless Lever Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1900. Dial: The
Category

Early 20th Century German Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Montandon Freres 18ct Gold Highly Engraved Keyless Lever Minute Repeater c1880
Located in London, GB
Pocket Watch C1880. Dial: The superb dial made of silver and gold decorated with a gold garland of
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

LeCourltre Heavy 18CT Gold Keyless Lever Minute Repeater Full Hunter PocketWatch
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in London, GB
Le Coultre. A Heavy 18ct Gold Keyless Lever Minute Repeater Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1900s. Dial
Category

Early 20th Century French Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Lawson A Rare Full Calendar Gold Hunter Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1900S
By Baume
Located in London, GB
Lawson & Son Brighton. A Rare Full Calendar Heavy 18ct Yellow Gold Hunter Keyless Lever Pocket
Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18ct Gold Compass Pendant
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
This antique Victorian compass pendant, crafted from 18-carat hallmarked gold, is an exquisite and
Category

Antique 19th Century Pocket Watches

Heavy English 18ct Yellow Gold Full Hunter Keyless Lever Minute Repeater Pocke
Located in London, GB
A heavy 18ct yellow gold Full Hunter keyless minute repeater pocket watch, C1900s. Dial: A
Category

Antique 19th Century English Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Pocket Watch Key Fob, Sardonyx, Bloodstone, London 1873, 18 Carat Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Details 1 x sardonyx 1 x bloodstone Each approx. 16mm diamenter 18ct yellow gold Victorian pocket
Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "18 Ct Gold Pocket Watches", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

18ct Gold Pocket Watches For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an expansive variety of 18ct gold pocket watches available on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from gold, 18k gold and yellow gold — can elevate any look. Our selection of items includes 194 vintage examples as well as 7 contemporary versions. Our inventory is broad and distinctive, with accessories on offer that were made as long ago as the 18th Century to those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Pieces in our collection of 18ct gold pocket watches made by Victorian jewelers — as well as those associated with Edwardian — are very popular. Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Rolex each produced beautiful examples of these items that are worth considering. Any of these pieces can lend versatility to your look, but diamond versions, from our inventory of 17, are particularly popular. There are many round cut, rose cut and brilliant cut 18ct gold pocket watches for sale. If you’re browsing the variety of 18ct gold pocket watches for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for men, but there are still pieces to choose from for women.

How Much are 18ct Gold Pocket Watches?

On average, 18ct gold pocket watches at 1stDibs sell for $8,547, while they’re typically $331 on the low end and $91,257 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

Finding the Right Pocket-watches for You

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.