1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024
People never stopped using pocket watches entirely. In fact, many luxury watchmakers continue to release new pocket watches. Some notable contemporary models include the Patek Philippe Grand Complications Pocket Watch, the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Pocket Watch, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Pocket Watch, the Breguet Classique Pocket Watch and the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Pocket Watch. As to when wristwatches became more popular than pocket watches for daily wear, the shift happened in the years following World War I. Although the first wristwatches date back to the 19th century, it wasn't until soldiers who had worn wristwatches in the field returned home that demand for the timepieces really grew. Many watchmakers had developed new designs and technologies to contribute to the war effort, adding to the increased popularity of wristwatches during the 1920s and ’30s. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of pocket watches.