Working Pocket Watch
Antique Early 1900s Pocket Watches
18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Pocket Watches
Gold Plate
Vintage 1920s American Modern Pocket Watches
Silver
Late 20th Century British Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1930s Swiss Pocket Watches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches
Platinum
20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1930s Unknown Pocket Watches
Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Pocket Watches
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s Pocket Watches
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century Pocket Watches
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1910s Swiss Pocket Watches
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Antique 1880s Pocket Watches
Gilt Metal
Antique Early 1900s Swiss Pocket Watches
Silver, Enamel
Vintage 1920s Swiss Pocket Watches
Silver Plate, Gilt Metal
Antique 1880s Pocket Watches
Silver, Enamel
Antique 1880s Pocket Watches
Silver, Enamel
Antique Early 1900s Pocket Watches
Steel
Antique 1880s British Pocket Watches
Silver
Antique 1880s French Pocket Watches
Silver
Antique 1880s British Pocket Watches
Silver, Enamel
Antique Early 1900s Swiss Pocket Watches
Antique Early 1900s British Pocket Watches
Antique 1860s Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Base Metal, Enamel
Antique 1880s Pocket Watches
Silver Plate, Enamel
Antique Early 1900s Pocket Watches
Gold Plate, Enamel
Antique 1880s British Pocket Watches
Silver, Enamel
Antique 1880s British Pocket Watches
Silver, Enamel
Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches
Silver, Enamel
Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches
18k Gold
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Pocket Watches
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
Antique 1870s Swiss Early Victorian Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1910s American Pocket Watches
Silver
Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Pocket Watches
Gold Plate
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Pocket Watches
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s American Pocket Watches
Gold Plate
Vintage 1920s American Pocket Watches
Gold Plate
Antique Early 1900s American Pocket Watches
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches
Gold Plate
Antique Late 19th Century Danish Victorian Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Pocket Watches
Gold-filled
Vintage 1980s American Victorian Wrist Watches
Sterling Silver
Antique 1880s American Victorian Pocket Watches
Antique Early 1900s American Pocket Watches
Gold Plate
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches
Base Metal
Antique Early 1900s American Pocket Watches
Gold-filled
1990s American Edwardian Pocket Watches
Silver
Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Pocket Watches
Gold Plate
Antique Early 1900s American Pocket Watches
Gold Plate
Vintage 1920s Pocket Watches
Gold Plate
Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Pocket Watches
Gold Plate
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches
Base Metal
Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches
Steel
Vintage 1940s American Modern Pocket Watches
10k Gold, Gold Plate
Antique Early 1900s American Art Deco Pocket Watches
Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s Unknown Pocket Watches
Gold Plate
Vintage 1930s Unknown Pocket Watches
Gold Plate
Antique Early 1900s American Pocket Watches
Gold Plate
Vintage 1910s Unknown Pocket Watches
- 1
Working Pocket Watch For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Working Pocket Watch?
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.
- How does a manual watch work?2 AnswersJewels on TimeAugust 12, 2021You have to manually wind the crown to generate power for the watch every 2 days.1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021A manual watch works as the user winds it on a regular basis. This timepiece has an inner movement driven by a mainspring that requires regular winding. Most manual watches last up to 40 hours with a single wind. Find a collection of vintage watches on 1stDibs.
- How did old watches work?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024Here's how old watches worked. First, the wearer would wind the watch, typically using a special key that fit into a slot on the case. As they turned the key, a mechanism placed tension on a spring called the mainspring. After winding, the spring would gradually release its tension, moving the timekeeping balance wheel and the watch hands. Shop a large collection of antique 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.
- 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 ExpertAugust 24, 2021As the name suggests, the Breitling Emergency watch has an integrated antenna system and is used in emergency situations. When the beacon is activated, the watch broadcasts a distress signal of approximately 100 miles and remains operational for 48 hours unless turned off. Find a wide range of vintage Breitling watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An antique fob watch works with the help of a winding mechanism. Turning the winder puts tension on the clockwork gears, allowing them to move. Depending on the watch, you may wind it with a specially designed key or a winding crown located on the stem of the timepiece. You'll find a collection of antique fob 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.