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1889 Pocket Watch

Rockford Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Pocket Watch from 1886
Rockford Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Pocket Watch from 1886

Rockford Yellow Gold Filled Open Faced Pocket Watch from 1886

By Rockford Watch Company

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rockford Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1886 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 55mm MOVEMENT / CALIBE...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Early Victorian Pocket Watches

Waltham 1886 Riverside Size 0s Hunting Pocket Watch In 18Kt Gold With Diamond
Waltham 1886 Riverside Size 0s Hunting Pocket Watch In 18Kt Gold With Diamond

Waltham 1886 Riverside Size 0s Hunting Pocket Watch In 18Kt Gold With Diamond

By American Waltham Watch Co.

Located in Miami, FL

Pocket watch designed by Waltham. Beautiful hunting pocket watch, created in Massachusetts United States by the A.W Waltham Watch Company, circa 1886-1887.

Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

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

Birks, 18 Karat Hand Engraved Pocket Watch Circa 1887
Birks, 18 Karat Hand Engraved Pocket Watch Circa 1887

Birks, 18 Karat Hand Engraved Pocket Watch Circa 1887

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Birks Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Reference 6 Size METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. CIRCA / YEAR: 1887 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm Diameter MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Windin...

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Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Julius Assmann. A Heavy Gold Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1880s
Julius Assmann. A Heavy Gold Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1880s

Julius Assmann. A Heavy Gold Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1880s

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Julius Assmann. A Heavy 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1880s Dial: The beautiful silver and gold dial with raised gold floral garlands to the centre of th...

Category

Antique 1880s German Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold

Louis Audemars Open Face Pocket Watch - Yellow Gold 18k Mechanical
Louis Audemars Open Face Pocket Watch - Yellow Gold 18k Mechanical

Louis Audemars Open Face Pocket Watch - Yellow Gold 18k Mechanical

Located in Greensboro, NC

Brand: Louis Audemars Movement: Mechanical Date: 1880 - 1881 Dial Color: White Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Style: Open Face Features: Roman numerals marking the hours Sub dial...

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Eugene Le Coultre. A Rare Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1880
Eugene Le Coultre. A Rare Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1880

Eugene Le Coultre. A Rare Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1880

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Eugene Le Coultre. An 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1880. Dial: This very rare dial having black enamel with gold coloured Roman numeral and outer gold mi...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Swiss 14K Gold 52.45mm Minute Repeater Chronograph Alarm Pocket Watch, 32 Jewels
Swiss 14K Gold 52.45mm Minute Repeater Chronograph Alarm Pocket Watch, 32 Jewels

Swiss 14K Gold 52.45mm Minute Repeater Chronograph Alarm Pocket Watch, 32 Jewels

Located in Miami, FL

An exceptional 19th-century Swiss 14K solid gold minute repeater pocket watch, featuring a rare combination of chronograph, mechanical alarm, and 32-jewel high-grade movement—a true ...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Le Roy & Fils. A Rare 18k Yellow Gold 1/4 Repeater Pocket Watch 38MM Circa 1880
Le Roy & Fils. A Rare 18k Yellow Gold 1/4 Repeater Pocket Watch 38MM Circa 1880

Le Roy & Fils. A Rare 18k Yellow Gold 1/4 Repeater Pocket Watch 38MM Circa 1880

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Le Roy & Fils. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold 1/4 Repeater Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1880. Dial: The white enamel unsigned dial with Roman numerals outer minute track with Arabic five ...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Ruby Diamond Pendant Watch
Antique Ruby Diamond Pendant Watch

Antique Ruby Diamond Pendant Watch

Located in New York, NY

Antique circular pendant watch, circa 1880s Tear drop-shaped rubies surrounded by rose-cut diamonds; center stone is a diamond of approximately 0.10 carat Marked: Geneve, No. 86891...

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

A Rare Fine Gold & Enamel Half Hunter Fob Watch C1880
A Rare Fine Gold & Enamel Half Hunter Fob Watch C1880

A Rare Fine Gold & Enamel Half Hunter Fob Watch C1880

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Rare Fine 18ct Gold & Enamel Keyless Cylinder Half Hunter Fob Watch C1880. Dial: A white enamel dial with Roman numerals and outer minute track with interestingly red Arabic n...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, Enamel

9ct Gold Victorian Watch Chain Section
9ct Gold Victorian Watch Chain Section

9ct Gold Victorian Watch Chain Section

Located in London, GB

9ct Gold Victorian display Chain section These were used to display medals ,coins , but are now a very decadent item of jewellery that can be worn elegantly to reflect on such a bea...

Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

Paul Ditisheim. A Gold Seed Pearl Set Fob Watch C1880
Paul Ditisheim. A Gold Seed Pearl Set Fob Watch C1880

Paul Ditisheim. A Gold Seed Pearl Set Fob Watch C1880

By Paul Ditisheim

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Paul Ditisheim. An 18ct Yellow Gold Seed Pearl Set Keyless Lever Fob Watch C1880 Dial: A beautiful translucent enamel dial with Arabic numerals outer gold dot set minute track and ...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Pearl, Gold

Antique Pavé Set Rose-Cut Diamond Geneva Round Pendant Watch
Antique Pavé Set Rose-Cut Diamond Geneva Round Pendant Watch

Antique Pavé Set Rose-Cut Diamond Geneva Round Pendant Watch

Located in Firenze, IT

The white enamel dial with blue and red Arabic numerals, bezel wind and hand setting, the rose cut diamonds set in spiralling lines, with rose-cut diamond pendant line. Mechanical mo...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Eugene Bornand & Cie. A Gold Hunter Quarter Repeater C1880
Eugene Bornand & Cie. A Gold Hunter Quarter Repeater C1880

Eugene Bornand & Cie. A Gold Hunter Quarter Repeater C1880

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Eugene Bornand & Cie. An 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Swiss Full Hunter Quarter Repeater C1880. Dial: The lovely white enamel dial with Roman numeral outer minute track with ...

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Fattorini & Sons Silver Keywind with Original Kiln Fired Enamel Dial from 1880's
Fattorini & Sons Silver Keywind with Original Kiln Fired Enamel Dial from 1880's

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

Antique 1880s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

MELLERIO Chatelaine from late 19th century Gold
MELLERIO Chatelaine from late 19th century Gold

MELLERIO Chatelaine from late 19th century Gold

By Mellerio dits Meller

Located in Paris, FR

MELLERIO BORGNIS 18-carat polychrome gold chatelaine, 750‰ decorated with a pierced and foliated number, topped with a marquis' crown, set with red and green stones and cultured pear...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Late Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold

Le Roy & Fils. A Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Quarter Repeater C1880
Le Roy & Fils. A Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Quarter Repeater C1880

Le Roy & Fils. A Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Quarter Repeater C1880

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Le Roy & Fils. An 18ct Yellow Gold Open Face Keyless Lever Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch C1880. Dial: The elegant unsigned white enamel dial with fine Roman numerals outer minu...

Category

Antique 1880s French Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Demi Hunter Pocket Watch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe Demi Hunter Pocket Watch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Demi Hunter Pocket Watch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

By Patek Philippe

Located in Boston, MA

A Patek Philippe pocket watch crafted in 18k yellow gold. Housed in a rare Demi, or Half Hunters case accented with black enamel. The round watch features a classic dial with Roma...

Category

Antique 1880s Late Victorian Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Victorian 1887 Ladies Pocket Silver Watch
Antique Victorian 1887 Ladies Pocket Silver Watch

Antique Victorian 1887 Ladies Pocket Silver Watch

Located in London, GB

This finely crafted antique pocket watch is a strong example of late 19th-century British horology, combining decorative silver casework with a carefully detailed enamel dial. The wh...

Category

Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Antique bronze and horn pocket watch holder
Antique bronze and horn pocket watch holder

Antique bronze and horn pocket watch holder

Located in Wien, AT

Antique pocket watch holder made of bronze and horn, fine workmanship, pocket watch is not included, good original condition

Category

Antique 1880s Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Victorian 14K Gold Pocket Watch Chain Necklace with T-Bar
Victorian 14K Gold Pocket Watch Chain Necklace with T-Bar

Victorian 14K Gold Pocket Watch Chain Necklace with T-Bar

Located in Venice, CA

This 14k gold watch chain has a fabulous hollow link interwoven with tiny balls for an unusual variation of a curb link. The links are carved with a ribbed texture that give a matte ...

Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Chain Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Nautical pocket watch holder stand, sailing ship, carved, folk art, 1880 Germany
Nautical pocket watch holder stand, sailing ship, carved, folk art, 1880 Germany

Nautical pocket watch holder stand, sailing ship, carved, folk art, 1880 Germany

Located in Wien, AT

Particularly decorative pocket watch holder, made of hand-carved oak wood, manufactured around 1880 in Germany, probably in the Black Forest region. An exceptionally charming watch ...

Category

Antique 1880s German Folk Art Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Oak

Recent Sales

Large Invicta Diamond Crown 14k Gold Minute Repeater Chronograph Pocket Watch
Large Invicta Diamond Crown 14k Gold Minute Repeater Chronograph Pocket Watch

Large Invicta Diamond Crown 14k Gold Minute Repeater Chronograph Pocket Watch

By INVICTA WATCH

Located in Kenley surrey, GB

Invicta. A Swiss Full Hunter 55mm Diamond 14ct Yellow Gold Minute Repeater Chronograph Keyless Lever Pocket Watch. Dial: The Excellent Champagne dial with unusual skeleton style num...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Gunmetal Pocket Watch
Antique Gunmetal Pocket Watch

Antique Gunmetal Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful 49mm diameter Keyless Stem winding antique gunmetal pocket watch. This watch is good working condition and it is ticking well. Visible signs of ageing and wear with ti...

Category

Antique 1880s British Pocket Watches

Materials

Enamel, Gilt Metal

Antique Silver Pocket Watch
Antique Silver Pocket Watch

Antique Silver Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

Antique Silver key-wind Pocket Watch. This watch is working and ticking nicely. Visible chipped and fine crack on the dial. Some dents on the back cover case.

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Silver Pocket Watch
Antique Silver Pocket Watch

Antique Silver Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

Antique Silver Pocket Watch. Condition is Used. This watch is in good working order. A visible hairline crack on the dial.please study the photos carefully as form part of the descri...

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Big Antique “Goliath” Pocket Watch
Big Antique “Goliath” Pocket Watch

Big Antique “Goliath” Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

Big Antique Golliath Pocket Watch For Restoration. Condition: This watch is working and ticking well. There some visible chipped and cracks on the watch dial. It need minute and s...

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Silver Hand Winding Pocket Watch
Antique Silver Hand Winding Pocket Watch

Antique Silver Hand Winding Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful antique 48mm diameter hand winding (keyless) silver pocket watch is in good working condition and it is running well(It keeps a good time). Visible signs of ageing an...

Category

Antique 1880s French Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Antique Small Silver Pocket / Fob Watch
Antique Small Silver Pocket / Fob Watch

Antique Small Silver Pocket / Fob Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

Antique Small Silver Pocket / Fob watch This beautifully engraved silver fob watch is working and ticking well. The loop or metal ring on top of the stem is missing.

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Small Gunmetal Pocket Fob Watch
Antique Small Gunmetal Pocket Fob Watch

Antique Small Gunmetal Pocket Fob Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful antique small pocket watch is working and ticking well. The back cover case is a bit tarnished.

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Antique Silver Enamel Dial Pocket Watch
Antique Silver Enamel Dial Pocket Watch

Antique Silver Enamel Dial Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

Antique Silver Enamel Dial Pocket Watch. This beautiful watch is in good working order. And it is ticking nicely. A tiny chipped and hairline crack on the enamel dial as shown. Pl...

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Silver Key-Wind Pocket Watch
Antique Silver Key-Wind Pocket Watch

Antique Silver Key-Wind Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful antique silver pocket watch is working and ticking well. Visible dents on the silver case back cover as shown. Please study the images carefully as form part of the d...

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Silver Key-Wind Pocket Watch
Antique Silver Key-Wind Pocket Watch

Antique Silver Key-Wind Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This stunning key-wind silver pocket watch is working and is ticking well. It comes with a key. Visible cracks and chipped on the dial as shown. Please study the images carefully a...

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Silver Key-Winding Pocket Watch
Antique Silver Key-Winding Pocket Watch

Antique Silver Key-Winding Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful pre-owned 51mm diameter antique silver pocket watch is in good working condition and it is running well. Visible signs of ageing and wear with light surface marks and ...

Category

Antique 1880s British Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Antique White Metal Hand winding Pocket Watch
Antique White Metal Hand winding Pocket Watch

Antique White Metal Hand winding Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

Continental white metal cylinder pocket watch, unsigned gilt frosted movement, the cuvette inscribed L Collaine á Gannat, the dial with Roman numerals, inner Arabic twenty-four hour ...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches

Antique Silver Yellow Enamel Dial Pocket Watch
Antique Silver Yellow Enamel Dial Pocket Watch

Antique Silver Yellow Enamel Dial Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

Antique Silver Yellow enamel Dial key-wind Pocket Watch. This beautiful pocket watch is in good working condition. There is a visible dent on the right side case as shown on the ph...

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Small Antique Engine Turned Silver Pocket Watch
Small Antique Engine Turned Silver Pocket Watch

Small Antique Engine Turned Silver Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

Small Antique Engine Turned Silver Pocket Watch. This watch is working and ticking well. Visible chipped and cracks on the Enamel dial.

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Small Silver Half Hunter Pocket Watch
Antique Small Silver Half Hunter Pocket Watch

Antique Small Silver Half Hunter Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

Antique Small Silver Half Hunter Pocket Watch. This watch is working and ticking well. The glass on front case cover is missing. Visible sign of wear and tear on the watch case as ...

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Early Silver Pocket Watch with Swift Second
Early Silver Pocket Watch with Swift Second

Early Silver Pocket Watch with Swift Second

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful silver pocket watch is in good working condition and is running well.

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Silver Plated Key Winding Pocket Watch
Antique Silver Plated Key Winding Pocket Watch

Antique Silver Plated Key Winding Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful antique 49mm diameter key winding pocket watch is in good working condition and it is ticking well. Visible signs of ageing and wear with some scratches on the watch c...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Big Silver Key Winding Pocket Watch
Antique Big Silver Key Winding Pocket Watch

Antique Big Silver Key Winding Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful heavy antique 56mm diameter (Excluding the crown) pocket watch is working and running well. Visible signs of ageing and wear with light surface marks on the glass and ...

Category

Antique 1880s British Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Antique Silver Niello Engraved Cased Pocket Watch
Antique Silver Niello Engraved Cased Pocket Watch

Antique Silver Niello Engraved Cased Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

Antique Silver (niello) Engraved Cased Pocket Watch. This beautiful niello watch is in good working condition and it has been serviced. It runs well.

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel, Niello

Antique Silver Pin Set Hand Winding Pocket Watch
Antique Silver Pin Set Hand Winding Pocket Watch

Antique Silver Pin Set Hand Winding Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful antique 48mm diameter hand winding pocket watch is working and it keeps a good time. Visible signs of ageing and wear with light marks and dents on the watch case as ...

Category

Antique 1880s French Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Antique Victorian period Silver Key winding  Pocket watch
Antique Victorian period Silver Key winding  Pocket watch

Antique Victorian period Silver Key winding Pocket watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful 40mm diameter key winding silver pocket watch is in good working condition and it is running well. Visible signs of ageing and wear with tiny and light marks on the wa...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Antique Silver Key-Wind Pocket Watch Signed GT
Antique Silver Key-Wind Pocket Watch Signed GT

Antique Silver Key-Wind Pocket Watch Signed GT

Located in Carlisle, GB

Antique Silver Key-wind Pocket Watch Signed GT. This watch is working and ticking well. visible scratches on the enamel dial as shown on the photo.

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Silver Hand Winding Pin Setting Pocket Watch
Antique Silver Hand Winding Pin Setting Pocket Watch

Antique Silver Hand Winding Pin Setting Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful 46mm diameter ( excluding crown) antique hand winding silver pocket watch is in good working condition and it runs well(it keeps a good time). Visible signs of ageing ...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique 8 Days Jovis Swiss Made Pocket Watch
Antique 8 Days Jovis Swiss Made Pocket Watch

Antique 8 Days Jovis Swiss Made Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

Antique 8 Days Jovis swiss made Pocket Watch . This watch is working and ticking well but I cannot guarantee the time accuracy.

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver Plate, Enamel

Antuque Big Pocket Watch Signed Messaggero, Echappement Roskopf
Antuque Big Pocket Watch Signed Messaggero, Echappement Roskopf

Antuque Big Pocket Watch Signed Messaggero, Echappement Roskopf

Located in Carlisle, GB

Antique Big Pocket Watch Signed Messaggero, Echappement Roskopf. This watch is working and ticking nicely. Some visible chipped on the dial near 1 and 7 o’clock. Case tarnished.

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver Plate, Enamel

Very Fine Antique Silver Key-Wind Pocket Watch
Very Fine Antique Silver Key-Wind Pocket Watch

Very Fine Antique Silver Key-Wind Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

This beautiful silver key-winding pocket watch is in good working condition. It has recently been serviced and it is ticking well. It comes with a winding key

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel

18 Karat Gold Antique Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch
18 Karat Gold Antique Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch

18 Karat Gold Antique Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch

Located in Carlisle, GB

18K Gold Antique Pump up Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch. This beautiful pump up quarter repeater pocket watch is in good working condition and it is running well. Visible signs of a...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Gold

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1889 Pocket Watch For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 1889 pocket watch you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of gold, 14k gold and yellow gold, this item was constructed with great care. You’re likely to find the perfect 1889 pocket watch among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 19th Century. A 1889 pocket watch from American Waltham Watch Co., Boucheron and Illinois Watch Company — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. While most can agree that any 1889 pocket watch from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a diamond version from the 5 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. See these pages for a rose cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also old european cut cut and round cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for women if you’re seeking a 1889 pocket watch, as most of the options available are for men and unisex.

How Much is a 1889 Pocket Watch?

On average, a 1889 pocket watch at 1stDibs sells for $5,500, while they’re typically $525 on the low end and $27,500 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.