Teach me about.....Pocket Watches!

[Spencer Lee]

I find myself becoming increasingly interested in pocket watches. Probably from a novelty point of view initially but i know next to nothing about them. So, my question to you is, what would you recommend as a pocket watch 'In'? I don't want to drop a ton on something that may not be for me but i also don't want a cheap and nasty toy. I'm not going to be purchasing for a while so i think it's time to be picking the legion brains of the TZ massive on what to look out for, any thoughts?

[Griswold]

You don't have to spend a fortune on pocket watches. Nice examples will almost certainly pop up at a local Boot Sale or Antique Fair near you, for buttons.

Here are a few of mine






















But my favourite is one that I inherited






All are very wearable. :)

[Pablo]

Great photos. I particularly like the first one - what make is it please ?

regards,
Nick

[Griswold]

Great photos. I particularly like the first one - what make is it please ?

regards,
Nick

Hi Nick, and thanks. :)

The first & second shots are of my American Waltham Grade 620 from 1912. Rolled Gold case in superb condition and a beautiful movement. Cost me all of £35 at a local flea market. :)

It wears really well and has that lovely feature where a press of the crown pops open the front cover. I used to love doing that in meetings; but I'm now retired so don't have that pleasure any more. :wink: :lol:

[MurrayMint]

All are very wearable. :)

When you say "wearable", is it only really functional to use a pocket watch if you are wearing a waistcoat?

I've quite often looked at pocket watches, but not being a suit person, never thought I'd have the opportunity to use one.

[Neil.C]

All are very wearable. :)

When you say "wearable", is it only really functional to use a pocket watch if you are wearing a waistcoat?

I've quite often looked at pocket watches, but not being a suit person, never thought I'd have the opportunity to use one.

You can wear pocket watches in the top pocket of a jacket with the chain fixed to your buttonhole.

I've never "worn" any of mine though.

Difficult with a polo shirt. :lol:

[MurrayMint]

All are very wearable. :)

When you say "wearable", is it only really functional to use a pocket watch if you are wearing a waistcoat?

I've quite often looked at pocket watches, but not being a suit person, never thought I'd have the opportunity to use one.

You can wear pocket watches in the top pocket of a jacket with the chain fixed to your buttonhole.

I've never "worn" any of mine though.

Difficult with a polo shirt. :lol:

Maybe the next wedding I attend will be ideal opportunity to buy one.

[walkerwek1958]

Much easier to work on than wristwatches, apart from the really old stuff that I don`t understand :)

Generally undervalued thesedays.

Paul

[WatchScout]

Here is mine

[WatchScout]

Very nice half hunter.

[Omegamanic]

I'd like to pick up a nice pocket watch some day - far too much choice out there though.

[Dapper]

It's what the little pocket's for........

[Omegamanic]

lol - very good.

[Neil.C]

Here's some of mine...

WWII JLC





Silver Longines





Silver Omega half hunter

[Nick Evans]

I was given a couple by my girlfriends family when a relative died. (they know I like my watches and thought I'd like them)
One of them turned out to be a charming silver hunter fusee with a cylinder escapement from 1819. I sent it off and got it repaired and serviced and I love it to bits! :mrgreen:

It's very plain, but I know what the inside is hiding......

[kevkojak]

Waltham is a good road to go down, as said.
I believe they were the worlds first 'mass manufacturer' of watches (of any kind), so there are tons of then about.
An early 20th century gold plated 7 or 15 jewel open face should see you with change from £50. Even if you buy from a jewellers you shouldn't be far out with a ton (and you get the invaluable 12 month guarantee that way).
Look for a 'gold filled' version (two layers of gold with a layer of composite - often brass) as they show hardly any wear. Even 100 year old models show minimum wear. They are usually marked as 'gold plated', when they are actually slightly better than that but just as cheap.

Have a look at this pretty poor American you-tube vid of 'how to wear a pocket watch'.
Bloomin Yanks.... :lol:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2aExo557O0

[oldstock]

i have a laco pw from around 1900, i am thinking of converting it to a ww with a display back, any ideas on who to contact about this.

[Huertecilla]

To open the horizon a bit it may be nice to know that Citizen made a tc quartz pocket watch and that there are wónderfull vintage LED models too.
Especially the older hybrid (dot matrix) LED combines very well with gold plated behind a ruby red cristal.
Not cheap though as they are quite desireable. Roughly one and a half to twice the equivalent wrist model. VERY much more 8) though.

[angeche]

I love mine, specially the decorated movement.....







Here is the full collection
http://www.tz-uk.com/forum/viewtopic...Pocket+watches

[Neil.C]

Beautiful Illinois from 1912.

Those old American PW's take some beating for looks and quality.

[angeche]

Beautiful Illinois from 1912.

Those old American PW's take some beating for looks and quality.

Thanks, Neil. BTW, you don´t like my UN anymore? :wink: