Antique Pocket Watches
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Breguet Paris Closed Face Pocket Watch
By Breguet
Located in Manhasset, NY
Breguet Paris Closed Face Pocket Watch. Case in fair condition. Watch not working.
Category
1890s French Antique Pocket Watches
Rare & Historic Rose Gold Enamelled Pivoted Detente Hunter Pocket Watch, C1880
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Historic and Rare Rose Gold Enamelled Keyless Pivoted Detente Cronometre Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1880.
Dial: The excellent white enamel dial with Roman Numerals, outer minute t...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Rose Gold, Enamel
LE COULTRE 1890 Baroque Miniature Pendant Watch in 18Kt Gold & Guilloche Enamel
Located in Miami, FL
Miniature pendant watch designed by LeCoultre Et Co.
This is a beautiful and very fine antique pendant watch created in Switzerland by the LeCoultre et Cie, back in the 1890. The an...
Category
1890s Swiss Baroque Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
$7,960 Sale Price
20% Off
Patek Philippe. A Rare Rose Gold Pocket Watch C1905
By Patek Philippe
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Patek Philippe. A Rare 18ct Rose Gold, Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch with a Gold Chain, C1905.
Dial: A perfect white enamel dial with Arabic numerals, outer minute track wi...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Rose Gold
David Morice. A Rare Heavy Gold Pocket Chronometer C1805
Located in Mayfair, London, London
David Morice. A Rare Heavy 18ct Rose Gold Pair Case Keywind Pocket Chronometer C1805.
Dial: The superb original white enamel dial fully signed and numbered David Morice London, with...
Category
Early 1800s Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Thos Russell & Son, Liverpool Pocket Watch Movement, Premier, Swiss, 44mm, XIXc.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Swiss Made Pocket Watch Movement
retailed by Thomas Russell & Son, Liverpool
44mm
Signed to the porcelain dial,
adorned with black painted Roman numerals, original hands
sub-d...
Category
1890s Swiss Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Metal
1912 Patek Philippe Vintage Ladies Miniature Pendant 18K Gold, Enamel & Diamond
By Patek Philippe
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Enamel
Hardy Brothers (Bros) Ltd Swiss Pocket Watch Movement, 16 jewels.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Antique Swiss Pocket Watch Movement,
retailed by Hardy Bros Ltd - Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane
Signed to the white enamel dial,
featuring hand-painted Roman numerals & original...
Category
1890s Australian Antique Pocket Watches
Nicole Nielsen & Co Centre Second Flyback Chronograph Pocket Watch Movement
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Centre Second Flyback Chronograph 44mm Pocket Watch Movement
by Nicole, Nielsen & Co dates back to circa 1864,
retailed by Mac Donnell & Co, Sydney (signed to the dial)
I...
Category
1870s British Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Metal
Baume Longines Swiss Pocket Watch Movement, 30mm, # 665305.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Antique Swiss Pocket Watch Movement,
by Baume Longines
30mm
Movement is Swiss made, signed & numbered 665305.
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Rotherhams London Pocket Watch Movement, English Made, 42mm, XIXc.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Rotherhams London Pocket Watch Movement,
42mm
Signed to the porcelain dial,
adorned with black painted Roman numerals, original hands
sub-dial at 6
Movement is numbered
Category
1890s British Antique Pocket Watches
Patek Philippe 18Kt Gold Open Face Pocket Watch circa 1920's Exhibition Back
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe & Co.
STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Open Faced Pocket Watch / Exhibition Back
METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold
CIRCA / YEAR: 1925-1930
DIMENSIONS / S...
Category
1920s Swiss Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Vacheron & Constantin. A Rare Gold Keyless Pocket Watch C1900
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Vacheron & Constantin. A Rare 18ct Gold Keyless Lever Openface Pocket Watch With it's Orginal Box & Papers C1900
Dial: The unusual white enamel dial with large Arabic numer...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Maret Geneve (Swiss) Antique XIXc 48mm Solid Silver Open Face Pocket Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Fine & Rare, this antique pocket watch by Maret Geneve –
Another timepiece by H. Maret portraying Alexander II,
czar of Russia (r. 1855–81) was exhibited at
The Metropolitan ...
Category
1850s Swiss Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Silver
Louis Duchene & Cie. 18K Gold Enamel Pearl Diamond Set Lyre Form Watch, c.1810
Located in New York, NY
Rare Louis Duchene & Cie. 18K Gold polychrome enamel, pearl and diamond set lyre form keywound verge watch with concealed dial and open back window
Circa 1810
Musical instruments...
Category
Early 19th Century European Neoclassical Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Victorian Elgin Railroad Pocket Watch 1915 Grade 293 Engraved Size 16
By Elgin
Located in Dearborn, MI
Victorian Elgin Railroad Pocket Watch 1915 Grade 293 Engraved Size 16
Elgin Pocketwatch
All Functions Work
Movement Serial Number 18161037
Beautiful Dial
Has 1 Hairline by the ...
Category
1910s Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
1912 Patek Philippe Shreve & Co. & Antique Mens 44mm Pocket Watch - 18K Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Category
1910s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Dent Rare Gold Split Second Keyless Pocket Watch With Gold Chain C1875
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Dent. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Split Second Keyless Pocket Watch with matching 9ct Gold Chain C1875.
Dial: The beautiful off centre white enamel dial with Roman numerals outer minute...
Category
19th Century British Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
A Rare Swiss Musical Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch C.1820s
By Unbranded
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare 18kt Rose Gold Open Faced Keywind Cylinder Musical Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch C.1820s.
Dial: The elegant white enamel dial with Breguet numerals, outer minute track, and w...
Category
1820s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Depose R.U. A Rare Silver Triangular Masonic Pocket Watch C1920
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare Silver Masonic Triangular Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1920.
Dial: The super Mother of Pearl dial in good condition with a few superficial scratches, but no cracks, with the a...
Category
1920s Swiss Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Silver
Rolex. A Rare Gold and Enamel Keyless Pocket Watch C1920
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold and Enamel Keyless Lever Pocket Watch Retailed By The Alex Clarke Company London C1920.
Dial: The original silver matt dial engine turned to the cent...
Category
1920s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vauchez A Paris. A Rare Gold & Enamel Verge Watch C1770
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Vauchez A Paris. A Rare Three Colour Gold Rose Cut Diamond & Enamel Verge Keywind Pocket Watch C1770
Dial: The white enamel dial signed Vauchez A Paris with Roman numerals and l...
Category
1770s French Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, Enamel
Antique Art Deco 1920s Patek Philippe & Cie Gold Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Signed by Patek Philippe
Circa early 1920s
43.4 mm face
Category
1920s Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Enamel Minute Repeater Chronograph Pocket Watch
Located in New Orleans, LA
Enamel Minute Repeater Chronograph Pocket Watch made for the Indian Market
Lévy Hermanos, Switzerland
Enameling attributed to P. Amédée Champod
Circa 1890
A masterpiece of Swiss cra...
Category
19th Century Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
1918 Audemars Piguet Antique Art Deco Ultra Thin Mens Pocket Watch - 18K Gold
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Category
1910s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k 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. The clean ivory dial presents bold Arabic numera...
Category
1890s American Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold
$6,796 Sale Price
20% Off
14K 56 Rose Gold & Rose Cut Diamond Swan Motif Full Hunter Ladies' Pocket Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Exquisitely crafted in 14K Rose Gold,
this delightful antique ladies’ pocket watch
was originally made for Russian market,
bearing a typical 56 Russian stamp “standard” for 14K Go...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Russian Empire Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
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
1880s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold
$13,560 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique C. Lacroix & Fils Genève 18K Gold 43.9mm Swiss Lever Key-Wind Watch
By Lacroix
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional mid-19th century Genevan 18K gold pocket watch by C. Lacroix & Fils, Genève, crafted circa 1850–1870 and preserved with remarkable detail. This early Swiss masterp...
Category
1850s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold
$6,960 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique American Waltham Watch Co. Circa 1901 Brass Pocket Watch W Display Back
By American Waltham Watch Co.
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Enjoy viewing the beautiful acid etched 15 jewel movement through the added display skeleton backside as this classic 1901 American Waltham Pocket Watch Model 1894 ticks away time. ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Brass
$520 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique 14k Gold Enamel Decorated Pendant Pocket Watches
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition.
Total weight 17.8 grams.
The enamels on the clock were restored again.
Please contact for any questions.
Category
1920s European Art Nouveau Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Enamel
$2,880 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Circa 1910s 18k Gold Pendant Pocket Watches Necklace
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition.
Total weight is 28.5 grams.
Please contact for any questions.
Category
1910s European Late Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold
$4,240 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Illinois Gold-Filled Pocket Watch
By Illinois Watch Company
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Illinois gold-filled pocket watch.
Open face, Size 12, Model 117 jewel double roller mechanism, 3/4 plate.
Crown time set. Serial number 4067885, made in 1923.
Fancy Octagon case and...
Category
1920s Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold-filled
Thomas Higgat. A Fine Early Silver Pair Case Verge Pocket Watch C1770
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Thomas Higgart. A Fine Early Champleve Dial Silver Pair Case Verge Pocket Watch with it's Steel Crank Key. C1740.
Dial: The beautiful silver champleve dial engraved out of a piece ...
Category
1770s British Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Silver
J. F. Bautte & Cie. A Rare Gold & Enamel Jump Hour Pocket Watch C1810
Located in Mayfair, London, London
J. F. Bautte & Cie. A Rare Gold & Enamel Female Winding Ultra Slim Jump Hour Pocket Watch with it's Original Box C1810
Dial: The silver highly engraved dial, with small round apert...
Category
1810s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
14Kt Art Deco Pocket Watch Chain, or Necklace or Bracelet with Enamel Inlay
Located in Long Beach, CA
This is a unique hand made Art Deco chain from the 1920's it is a wonderful and versatile design. It can be worn for all sorts of occasions and event. It is the perfect gift for a y...
Category
1920s Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Enamel
Multi-Tone Gold Elgin Antique Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
This beautiful Elgin multi-tone gold Mint 0 size pocket watch weighs 42.10 grams and is circa 1896.
It measures 1.5 inches in diameter and does not have glass.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold
Antique Art Deco 1920s Cartier Diamond and Onyx Watch Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold with Rose cut Diamonds and French cut Onyx.
Signed by Cartier
Circa 1920s
Category
1920s Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum
1906-A MA, Waltham-Middlesex County, Waltham Colonial Series Pocket Watch
By Waltham
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
1906-A 43mm (across dial) pocket watch in a swing-out case, by Waltham.
25-year warranted gold-filled case.
The double-sunk metal dial bears Arabic numerals and hash marks in the h...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Pocket Watches
A Lange & Söhne Glashütte, Antique, 18k Yellow Gold A Movement Pocket Watch
By A. Lange & Söhne
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The antique A. Lange & Söhne pocket watch is a stunning piece crafted in 18k yellow gold, showcasing a classic design from the 1900s. With a case size of 54 mm, this open-faced watch...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Vacheron & Constantin 18k Solid Gold Pocket Watch 45mm Circa 1890s RA648
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless luxury, 18k solid gold Vacheron & Constantin open face pocket watch, c.1895, in excellent aesthetic and working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeou...
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
18K Yellow Gold & Enamel Rose Bush Motif OpenFace Antique Ladies' Pocket Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Exquisitely crafted in 18K Yellow Gold,
this delightful ladies’ pocket watch dates back to circa 1890,
yet it’s in beautiful original condition & in good working order.
It is ...
Category
1890s Swiss Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Men's Burlington 14K Gold Filled Pocket Watch
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Burlington 14k white gold filled pocket watch.
Open face, size 12, Model A.
Double roller, 21 jewels.
The serial number is 5208043, made in 1928.
Time tested for 8 hours. Keeps good...
Category
1920s Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Gold-filled
Birks & Sons Split Seconds Pocket Watch Watch 1920's Original Flawless Dial
By Henry Blank & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Henry Birks & Sons Watch Company
STYLE / REFERENCE: Split Seconds Open Faced Pocket Watch
METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled
CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's
DIMENSIONS /...
Category
1910s Canadian Antique Pocket Watches
Gold Pocket Watch Signed “Initiative” – Lever Escapement with Breguet Hairspring
Located in Milano, MI
Rare pocket watch signed “Initiative”, crafted in gold in the early 20th century. The timepiece features a lever escapement with Breguet hairspring, a hallmark of precision and refin...
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold
Bornand Genève Pocket Watch in 14kt Gold – Manual Wind with Breguet Hairspring
Located in Milano, MI
Rare pocket watch signed Bornand Genève, crafted in 14kt gold around the late 19th century. It features a manual wind movement with Breguet hairspring, 17 jewels, and remontoir syste...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold
Eberhard & Co. Pocket Watch in 18ct Gold with Rare Mother-of-Pearl Dial
By Eberhard & Co.
Located in Milano, MI
Rare and elegant pocket watch signed Eberhard & Co., crafted in 18ct gold in 1930. Its most distinctive feature is the mother-of-pearl dial, an uncommon and refined detail that enhan...
Category
1920s Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold
French 20th Century 18 Karat Rose Gold Flower Pattern Pocket Watch Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant Watch in 18 karat rose and green gold, horse head hallmark.
Women's pocket watch with a round case. The back is white enamel, with gold hands and black enamel Roman numerals....
Category
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Ladies Hunter Elgin 4 Color Gold Pocket Watch and 18k Gold Chain
By Elgin
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Antique 14k four color gold hunter case pocket watch made by the Elgin Company around 1908 (based on movement serial # 13333340) features an elaborately decorated 14 c...
Category
Early 1900s American Late Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 1910s Edwardian Tiffany Co. Pocket Watch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and blue enamel.
Signed by Tiffany & Co.
Circa 1910s
Watch 1 1/2 x 1 inches
Chain 23 inches + 3 inch drop
Category
1910s Edwardian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Enamel
Patek Philippe 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Watch with Enamel Dial and Archival
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe et Cie.
STYLE / REFERENCE: Pendant Style
METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Solid Yellow Gold
CIRCA / YEAR: 1900
DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 34mm
MOVEMENT / CA...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Elgin B.W. Raymond Pocket Watch 21 Jewels, Gold Filled
By Elgin
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Elgin B.W. Raymond open face pocket watch.
10k gold filled case.
Size 16, 21 jewels with 8 adjustments.
Model 20, grade 571, 3/4 plate, serial number N804928.
Time tested for 8 hours...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
10k Gold, Gold-filled
French 20th Century 18 Karat Yellow Gold Initials Pocket Watch Pendant
By Longines
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant Watch in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark.
Antique ladies' watch with a round case. The back is white enamel, with blue hands, Roman numerals, and black Arabic numerals for...
Category
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 20th Century 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Enamel Pocket Watch Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant Watch in 18 karat yellow gold.
Antique pocket watch, round case. The back is white enamel, with black hands, black Roman numerals, and red Arabic numerals. The smooth gold ca...
Category
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
French 20th Century 18 Karat Rose Gold Floral Pattern Pocket Watch Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Watch in 18 karat rose and green gold, horse head hallmark.
Antique ladies' watch with a round case. The dial is white enamel, with gold hands and black enamel Roman numerals. The ba...
Category
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
French 20th Century 18 K Rose Gold Initial Floral Pattern Pocket Watch Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant- watch in 18 karat rose gold, horse head hallmark.
Antique women's collar watch with a round case. The back is cream-white and gold enamel, with gold hands and black enamel R...
Category
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
20th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Black Enamel Star Pocket Watch Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant- watch in 18 karat rose gold.
Antique women's collar watch with a round case. The back is white enamel, the hands are black, the Roman numerals are blue, and the seconds are ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
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Antique Pocket Watches For Sale on 1stDibs
Find an expansive variety of antique pocket watches available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Silver, these items were constructed with great care. Find a collection of 919 vintage versions or 1 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 18th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Pieces in our collection of antique pocket watches made by Victorian jewelers — as well as those associated with Art Deco — are very popular. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Patek Philippe, Elgin and American Waltham Watch Co. produced popular versions that are worth a look. Any of these pieces can lend versatility to your look, but Diamond versions, from our inventory of 118, are particularly popular. There are many rose cut, round cut and bead antique pocket watches for sale. If you’re browsing the variety of antique 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 Antique Pocket Watches?
Prices for antique pocket watches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $115 and can go as high as $500,000, while antique pocket watches, on average, fetch $2,976.
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.
Questions About Antique Pocket Watches
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024The most highly sought-after pocket watch will vary over time as trends in collecting do come and go. However, some pocket watches remain consistently popular among collectors. These timepieces include dress watches, such as those crafted by Elgin, Audemars Piguet and Patek Phillippe; railroad pocket watches produced by makers like Illinois and Hamilton; and military timepieces manufactured by Rolex and Omega. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of pocket watches.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 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 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.
- Who makes Elgin pocket watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024The answer to who makes Elgin pocket watches is a little complicated. In 1968, the Elgin National Watch Company closed and stopped producing its watches. However, the owners opted to license the Elgin name to other companies, allowing them to make their own watches that bear the brand’s name. The license changed hands a few times and, as of 2024, was the property of MZ Berger Inc. This company manufactures and sells Elgin pocket watches and wristwatches in China. These timepieces feature Japanese-made movements and bear little resemblance to the original pocket watches produced by Elgin. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Elgin watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024Rockford pocket watches were made in Rockford, Illinois. The company opened in 1874 and produced pocket watches that quickly became known for their elaborate dials. In 1915, the Rockford Watch Company ceased operations due to financial problems. Shop an assortment of Rockford Watch Company pocket watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Full hunter pocket watches are a popular choice for those nostalgic for timepieces of years past. The solid outer case of this type of watch, which often features intricate designs, needs to be opened in order to reveal the watch’s face. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A pocket watch chain is called a fob, or watch fob. They can be made in a variety of materials, but most often appear in a metal that matches the case of the watch itself. Shop a collection of antique watch fobs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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