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Eska A Rare $20 Gold Coin Watch C1960 34mm Silver Dial
Eska A Rare $20 Gold Coin Watch C1960 34mm Silver Dial

Eska A Rare $20 Gold Coin Watch C1960 34mm Silver Dial

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Rare Vintage, Eska Twenty Dollar Double Eagle Gold Coin Watch, with it's Original Box C1960 Dial: The original condition plain silver black baton dial signed Eska and Swiss under ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

A Rare Gold Blue Enamel and Diamond Keywind Fob Watch C1860
A Rare Gold Blue Enamel and Diamond Keywind Fob Watch C1860

A Rare Gold Blue Enamel and Diamond Keywind Fob Watch C1860

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Rare Gold Blue Enamel and Diamond Open Face Keywind Fob Watch C1860 Dial: The elegant Champagne dial with Roman numerals outer dot minute track with the the centre of the dial exq...

Category

Antique 1860s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Cartier Rare King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch C1937
Cartier Rare King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch C1937

Cartier Rare King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch C1937

By Cartier

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Cartier. A Rare and Highly Important King George VI Gold Five Pound Coin Watch, C1937. Dial: The plain silver dial signed Cartier with black Roman numerals and outer minute track wi...

Category

20th Century French Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Huguenin Berthoud. A Rare Early Gold, Hunting Cased, Watch Chronograph C1860
Huguenin Berthoud. A Rare Early Gold, Hunting Cased, Watch Chronograph C1860

Huguenin Berthoud. A Rare Early Gold, Hunting Cased, Watch Chronograph C1860

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Huguenin Berthoud Locle. A Rare Early 18ct Yellow Gold, Hunting Cased, Keywind Watch with Independent Split Seconds and 1/4 Seconds Chronograph Diablotine C1860 Dial: The white enam...

Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Rare Movado Early Maki-E Ermeto Manual Wind Purse Watch, circa 1929
Rare Movado Early Maki-E Ermeto Manual Wind Purse Watch, circa 1929

Rare Movado Early Maki-E Ermeto Manual Wind Purse Watch, circa 1929

By Movado

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Movado. A Rare and Early Maki-E Ermeto Manual Wind Purse or pocket Watch C1929 Dial: The original silvered dial fully signed Movado Chronometre Emerto with Breguet style numerals an...

Category

Vintage 1920s American Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Patek Philippe. A Rare Gold Hunter Chronograph 1908
Patek Philippe. A Rare Gold Hunter Chronograph 1908

Patek Philippe. A Rare Gold Hunter Chronograph 1908

By Patek Philippe

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Patek Philippe. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Hunter Chronograph Pocket Watch C1900.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Thomas Russell & Son. A Rare Gold Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeater Chronograph
Thomas Russell & Son. A Rare Gold Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeater Chronograph

Thomas Russell & Son. A Rare Gold Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeater Chronograph

By Thomas Russell & Son

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Thomas Russell & Son. A Rare 18ct Gold Half Hunter Keyless Lever Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeater Chronograph Pocket Watch C1905.

Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Thomas Russell Liverpool. A Gold Keyless Fusee Up & Down Watch C1906
Thomas Russell Liverpool. A Gold Keyless Fusee Up & Down Watch C1906

Thomas Russell Liverpool. A Gold Keyless Fusee Up & Down Watch C1906

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Russell also had a fallback in case the keyless mechanism stopped working, a key could be used. This pocket watch is indeed rare and unusual watch. I believe that this watch moveme...

Category

Antique Early 1900s British Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

H. Lamb. A Rare English 52 Min Karrusel 18k Yellow Gold C1900
H. Lamb. A Rare English 52 Min Karrusel 18k Yellow Gold C1900

H. Lamb. A Rare English 52 Min Karrusel 18k Yellow Gold C1900

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Lamb West Hartlepool. This rare and important Karrusel pocket watch retailed by H.Lamb, who was a prominent jeweller located in Lynn Street from 1873 selling high value jewellery, ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s British Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Auguste Berthoud. A Rare Antique Experimental Marine Chronometer C1840
Auguste Berthoud. A Rare Antique Experimental Marine Chronometer C1840

Auguste Berthoud. A Rare Antique Experimental Marine Chronometer C1840

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Auguste Berthoud. A Unique and Rare French Experimental Marine Chronometer C1840 Dial: The Original Silvered regulator Dial, similar to that used by Louis Berthoud, his father, with...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Pocket Watches

Materials

Brass

1993 Rare Cartier Pendulette Colissee Alarm Clock in 24KT Gold Plated
1993 Rare Cartier Pendulette Colissee Alarm Clock in 24KT Gold Plated

1993 Rare Cartier Pendulette Colissee Alarm Clock in 24KT Gold Plated

By Cartier

Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT

Beautiful and rare, coming from the original owner Cartier Pendulette Colissee Alarm Clock 24 KT Gold plated Beautiful white enamel dial Cm 9 x 7 (3.54 x 2.75 inches) Excellent con...

Category

1990s French Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Barwise London. A Rare Gold Keywind Quarter Repeater 18k Yellow Gold C1832
Barwise London. A Rare Gold Keywind Quarter Repeater 18k Yellow Gold C1832

Barwise London. A Rare Gold Keywind Quarter Repeater 18k Yellow Gold C1832

Located in Mayfair, London, London

John Barwise London. An 18ct Yellow Gold Keywind Fusee Lever Open Face Quarter Repeater C1832. Dial: The excellent white enamel dial with signed Barwise London and numbered with he...

Category

Antique 1830s British Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Sandoz Rare Niello Gold & Silver Five Minute Repeater Chrono Full Hunter C1890
Sandoz Rare Niello Gold & Silver Five Minute Repeater Chrono Full Hunter C1890

Sandoz Rare Niello Gold & Silver Five Minute Repeater Chrono Full Hunter C1890

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Sandoz. A Massive Rare Niello Gold & Silver Keyless Lever Five Minute Repeater Chronograph Full Hunter Pocket Watch, C1890.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Silver, Niello

Dumas. A Rare French 2 Day Marine Pivoted Detente Chronometer C1850
Dumas. A Rare French 2 Day Marine Pivoted Detente Chronometer C1850

Dumas. A Rare French 2 Day Marine Pivoted Detente Chronometer C1850

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Onésime Dumas. A Rare French 2 Day Marine Pivoted Detente Chronometer C1850 Dial: The silvered dial signed and numbered Dumas Eleve du Government. The black Roman numerals with oute...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Pocket Watches

Materials

Brass

Rare Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Travel Clock, Mid-20th Century
Rare Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Travel Clock, Mid-20th Century

Rare Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Travel Clock, Mid-20th Century

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This compact, 18K yellow gold, Van Cleef and Arpels travel clock is a unique piece of vintage luxury. At its heart is a Movado Ermetophon alarm movement inside the exquisitely crafte...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate

Elgin Up/Down Indicator Hunting Case Ultra Rare 18 Size 21J Veritas Circa 1904
Elgin Up/Down Indicator Hunting Case Ultra Rare 18 Size 21J Veritas Circa 1904

Elgin Up/Down Indicator Hunting Case Ultra Rare 18 Size 21J Veritas Circa 1904

By Elgin

Located in Dallas, TX

Elgin Up/Down Indicator Hunting Case Ultra Rare 18 Size 21J Veritas Circa 1904 - Manual winding. Beautiful ornately engraved gold filled case ( 56 mm). Superb enamel dial with red se...

Category

20th Century American Pocket Watches

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

This is a rare pocket watch and it would make a fine addition to one's collection.

Category

Antique 1880s Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Swiss Rose Gold Double-Sided Calendar Quarter Repeated Keyless Lever PocketWatch
Swiss Rose Gold Double-Sided Calendar Quarter Repeated Keyless Lever PocketWatch

Swiss Rose Gold Double-Sided Calendar Quarter Repeated Keyless Lever PocketWatch

Located in Mayfair, London, London

The gongs and hammers are visible chiming the hours and quarters only. This pocket watch is indeed rare and unusual insofar that the calendar work is on the inside of the back cover...

Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

18k YG Pocket watch Chain. Antique Pocket Watch Curb chain.
18k YG Pocket watch Chain. Antique Pocket Watch Curb chain.

18k YG Pocket watch Chain. Antique Pocket Watch Curb chain.

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Antique Pocket watch Chain. Extremely RARE. 18k Yellow Gold with Platinum.

Category

Vintage 1910s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

18k YG Pocket watch Chain. Antique Pocket Watch Curb chain.
18k YG Pocket watch Chain. Antique Pocket Watch Curb chain.

18k YG Pocket watch Chain. Antique Pocket Watch Curb chain.

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Antique Pocket watch Chain. Extremely RARE. 18k Yellow Gold with Platinum.

Category

Vintage 1910s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Waltham Gold-filled Hunters Case Pocket Watch circa 1896 with Rare Bloom Finish
Waltham Gold-filled Hunters Case Pocket Watch circa 1896 with Rare Bloom Finish

Waltham Gold-filled Hunters Case Pocket Watch circa 1896 with Rare Bloom Finish

By Waltham

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Hunters Case Pendant Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1896 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT...

Category

Antique 1890s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Vintage 1920s Audemars Piguet Perpetual Cal. Moonphase Pocket 18K WG Manual 46mm
Vintage 1920s Audemars Piguet Perpetual Cal. Moonphase Pocket 18K WG Manual 46mm

Vintage 1920s Audemars Piguet Perpetual Cal. Moonphase Pocket 18K WG Manual 46mm

By Audemars Piguet

Located in New York, NY

A Grand Complication in White Gold The configuration of this pocket watch is exceptionally rare. It combines a full perpetual calendar, displaying the day, month, and leap year, wit...

Category

Vintage 1920s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Rare 14ct Gold Pocket Watch by August Ericsson, St Petersburg, circa 1890
Rare 14ct Gold Pocket Watch by August Ericsson, St Petersburg, circa 1890

Rare 14ct Gold Pocket Watch by August Ericsson, St Petersburg, circa 1890

Located in Worcester, GB

Rare 14ct Gold Pocket Watch by August Ericsson, St Petersburg, circa 1890 A rare and finely made late 19th century gold pocket watch by August Ericsson (1842–1910), the highly regar...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Russian Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Staffordshire Pearlware Bocage Figure Watch Holder, circa 1820
Staffordshire Pearlware Bocage Figure Watch Holder, circa 1820

Staffordshire Pearlware Bocage Figure Watch Holder, circa 1820

Located in valatie, NY

Staffordshire Pearlware watch holders are rare. This "Pocket Watch Holder" would have been prominently displayed on a gentleman's desk or night stand.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Antique 9ct Rose Gold Edwardian Open Curb Albert Chain Necklace, Birmingham 1909
Antique 9ct Rose Gold Edwardian Open Curb Albert Chain Necklace, Birmingham 1909

Antique 9ct Rose Gold Edwardian Open Curb Albert Chain Necklace, Birmingham 1909

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Albert Chain 9ct Rose Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1909 Maker's Mark J G & S Introducing a stunning 9ct rose gold Edwardian-era Albert chain, previously used a...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Chain Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Fancy Open Curb & Rollerball Albert Chain Necklace
Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Fancy Open Curb & Rollerball Albert Chain Necklace

Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Fancy Open Curb & Rollerball Albert Chain Necklace

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Albert Chain 9ct Rose Gold Stamped Circa 1910 Maker's Mark J G & S Introducing a stunning 9ct rose gold Edwardian-era Albert chain, previously used as a pocket watch cha...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Chain Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold

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Pocket Watch Rare For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact pocket watch rare you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, Silver and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. You’re likely to find the perfect pocket watch rare among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic pocket watch rare over the years, but those made by Patek Philippe, Rolex and Dunhill are often thought to be among the most beautiful. While most can agree that any pocket watch rare from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 3 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for a french cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut alternatives. When shopping for a pocket watch rare, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or women today than there are for men.

How Much is a Pocket Watch Rare?

On average, a pocket watch rare at 1stDibs sells for $5,695, while they’re typically $355 on the low end and $41,000 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.

Questions About Pocket Watch Rare

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A 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 ExpertDecember 5, 2024
    Many people would consider AP watches to be rare. The Swiss luxury watchmaker typically manufactures only around 40,000 timepieces per year, and demand for them tends to be high. As a result, there are often lengthy waiting lists for Audemars Piguet watches. However, you can still find various models for sale on trusted online platforms. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Audemars Piguet watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    A 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, 2024
    The 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A 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 ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    The 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    How 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, 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, 2024
    To 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, 2022
    The 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, 2022
    To 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, 2022
    To 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, 2021
    A 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, 2022
    Yes, 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, 2021
    Yes, 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 ExpertNovember 22, 2024
    The 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, 2024
    Rockford 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, 2021
    Full 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.