Antique Pocket Watches
Early 20th Century European Anglo-Indian Antique Pocket Watches
Silver
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Steel
1910s Antique Pocket Watches
1890s European Antique Pocket Watches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
1890s French Antique Pocket Watches
Early 20th Century Antique Pocket Watches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1900s American Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Gold
Late 19th Century British Antique Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1920s Swiss Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Pocket Watches
Gold, 14k Gold
1920s Antique Pocket Watches
Late 19th Century Swiss Arts and Crafts Antique Pocket Watches
Gold, 18k Gold
1830s British Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Silver
Early 1900s Swiss Edwardian Antique Pocket Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
1920s French Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1910s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Early 20th Century American Antique Pocket Watches
Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold
19th Century Danish Antique Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold
19th Century British Antique Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold
Early 1900s Antique Pocket Watches
18k Gold
1920s Swiss Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Silver
1880s Swiss Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Stainless Steel
1920s American Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
14k Gold, White Gold
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Steel
Early 20th Century Unknown Antique Pocket Watches
Diamond, Gold, Enamel
1920s Canadian Antique Pocket Watches
Gold-filled
1880s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century French Artisan Antique Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1910s Swiss Edwardian Antique Pocket Watches
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Bronze, Enamel, 18k Gold, Gilt Metal
Early 20th Century Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1920s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
18k Gold
1910s Antique Pocket Watches
Silver
1920s Antique Pocket Watches
14k Gold, Gold-filled
1910s Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
1910s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Silver
Early 20th Century American Antique Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
1910s American Edwardian Antique Pocket Watches
14k Gold
19th Century Unknown Antique Pocket Watches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Rose Gold, Silver, Niello
1920s Antique Pocket Watches
Gold-filled
1920s European Art Nouveau Antique Pocket Watches
14k Gold, Enamel
1910s American Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Gold-filled, White Gold
1920s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
18k Gold, White Gold
1890s Antique Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s American Antique Pocket Watches
Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
19th Century Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century Swiss Edwardian Antique Pocket Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Silver
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Rose Gold
1920s French Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
18k Gold
1890s Unknown Antique Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Enamel
1880s Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold-filled
Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Gold
1880s Antique Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s American Antique Pocket Watches
14k Gold
1790s Antique Pocket Watches
Silver, Brass
1890s Swiss Edwardian Antique Pocket Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1910s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Brass
1920s American Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
- 1
- ...
Antique Pocket Watches For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Antique Pocket Watches?
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A pocket watch pocket is called by a number of names. You will sometimes see people refer to it simply as a watch pocket. Other names include a coin pocket or a fob pocket. Find a variety of antique pocket watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The way to speed up your pocket watch depends on the specific model of timepiece that you have. To avoid damage, take it to a watch repair shop with experience repairing pocket watches to make adjustments. You'll find a selection of pocket watches on 1stDibs.
- What is a hunter pocket watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A hunter pocket watch is a pocket watch with a metal case that has a spring hinged lid to cover the watch face and protect it from damage.
- How do I store pocket watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022How you store pocket watches is largely a matter of personal preference. Generally, you should keep them in a storage container designed specifically for stowing delicate items, such as a velvet-lined jewelry box, a watch box or on a watch stand. Shop a variety of antique and vintage pocket watches on 1stDibs.
- What is the best pocket watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021The best pocket watch is a matter of preference. 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. Brands like Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet are internationally renowned makers of pocket watches. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage pocket watches.
- What is a pocket watch fob?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A pocket watch fob refers to the chain or ribbon to which a pocket watch is attached. Its purpose was to make the watch more readily accessible to the wearer. You’ll find a variety of pocket watch fobs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a Fusee pocket watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A fusee pocket watch — named for the French word fusée — is an antique type of watch with a crescent pulley and a curved groove around it that is wound with a cord or chain. The chain is attached to the mainspring barrel. Find a range of vintage fusee pocket watches on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, pocket watches peaked in popularity in the 1800s. The first pocket watch was created in Germany in 1510, but was originally too large for a pocket. In the 1600s, the design began to get more compact, but for a long time pocket watches were a rarity and a symbol of wealth. Shop an array of antique pocket watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024To identify a railroad pocket watch, first determine how you set and wind it. Most pocket watches have winding knobs, but railroad-grade timepieces were all made to be lever-set. To wind and set them, it's necessary to remove the bezel, so if your pocket watch has a winding knob, it's unlikely to be railroad-grade. There were also regulations concerning the numbers. All railroad-grade watches will have large black hour markers in Arabic, not Roman, numerals. Maker's markings may also provide a clue. Some well-known makers of railroad-grade pocket watches include Elgin, Hamilton, Waltham and E. Howard. For an expert opinion on your timepiece, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer evaluate it. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of railroad pocket watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The easiest way to identify your Elgin pocket watch is to enter the serial number into an authoritative online database. To find the serial number, open the timepiece and look at the inner movement. On 1stDibs, find a selection of expertly vetted Elgin pocket watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To open an Illinois pocket watch, take it to a watch repair shop or a jeweler. Experts advise against attempting to open pocket watches on your own because doing so without the proper tools can damage the timepieces. On 1stDibs, find a range of Illinois pocket watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To use a pocket watch chain, first attach one end to the fob of your watch. Then, tuck the watch into the watch pocket of your jacket. Thread the free end of the chain through your jacket buttonhole. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of pocket watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A watch fob is the name for a pocket watch chain. It's utilized to make the pocket watch more accessible by providing a handle for the user to hold while taking it out of a vest or pant pocket. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of pocket watch chains.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, pocket watches can be a good investment. However, many factors can influence the value of a pocket watch, including the brand, the style and the mechanism that powers it. Also, how well you maintain and care for the watch impacts what it is worth. You'll find a collection of antique and vintage pocket watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, pocket watches can be worth something. A pocket watch's value depends on its age, rarity, and brand. The watch's brand name is the main factor in determining price.
- Does Rolex make pocket watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rolex made pocket watches from 1905 through to the 1970s. The last pocket watch released was a small, ultra-formal 18 karat piece. Own a piece of history by shopping a selection of Rolex pocket watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To open a Hamilton pocket watch, take it to a reputable watch repair shop. Experts advise against opening antique pocket watches on your own because special tools are necessary to avoid damaging the timepieces. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Hamilton pocket watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How to open a Howard pocket watch depends on its design. However, experts recommend that you don't attempt to open one yourself. Instead, take the piece to a watch repair center that has experience servicing pocket watches. Doing so will help you avoid damaging the timepiece. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Howard pocket watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To know if your pocket watch is valuable, consult a licensed appraiser. Choose one with experience appraising antique and vintage timepieces. Having your pocket watch evaluated by a knowledgeable professional is the only way to be certain of its value. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique and vintage pocket watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024To change a battery in a pocket watch, you must first remove the watch back. Depending on the type of watch, you may need a specially designed tool or a precision screwdriver to accomplish this task. Once you have the back removed, you may need to remove parts to access the battery and perform the replacement. Because there is so much variability in timepiece design and you could potentially damage your watch when removing the back and other parts, experts recommend having an experienced watch repairer replace the battery. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of pocket watches.
Read More
Patek Philippe’s Calatrava Watch Is an Icon of Understated Elegance
Launched in 1932, the model has become emblematic of quality craftsmanship and timeless design.
Bulgari’s Serpenti Wristwatch Is the Power Piece of the Moment, Again
From Elizabeth Taylor to Zendaya, the Serpenti has been the accessory of choice for generations of it girls.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
This Piaget Gold Nugget Watch Is the Embodiment of Delicious ’70s Excess
With a tigereye dial and a most unusual bracelet, this cuff-style piece is a singular style statement.
This Sweet Diamond Watch Has a Literary Bent
Modeled on one of the most often quoted romances of the 20th century, the book-shaped timepiece has love written all over it.
Stylish Year-Round, This Pumpkin-Colored Patek Philippe Aquanaut Feels Especially Right for Fall
Celebrate the season with a Patek watch made for enjoying the outdoors.
These Watches with 1970s, 1980s and Early Aughts Flair Are Trending Right Now
Feeling a wave of Y2K nostalgia or craving disco-era glamour? Rewind with a chic retro timepiece.