Pocket watches were the major personal timepiece for a very long time. They were first invented in the late 16th century and were fairly expensive, and usually only owned and carried by the wealthy. As with all technology even back then economies of scale eventually made them affordable for the regular folk.

At first, many people wore their pocket watches around the neck. Obviously, at this point they were not called pocket watches but rather timepieces. When the waistcoat became popular for men, they began to be carried in a vest pocket. This is where the term pocket watch comes from.

Around this period of time pocket watches along with everything else began to be mass-produced. This birth of the Industrial Revolution produced an explosion of wealth in the civilized world and is always, some benefited more than others.

Indeed, some of the newly rich spent their money on ornate pocket watches. Some had jewels instead of metal bearings and were often found to be encrusted with diamonds, emeralds and other precious gems.

Eventually, mass production brought the prices are pocket watches and other timepieces down to the point where just about everyone could afford one. Today, pocket watches are an anachronism and are seldom seen. However, they have become much desired and sought after collector's items.

For many years the iconic gold pocket watch was a mainstay in both fiction and real life. Usually it was presented as the award that one would receive for many years of faithful and loyal service to a company or government organization. It was almost always presented in a beautiful metal or wooden box and had a solid gold snap cover. Many of these are still in circulation and some have historical significance based on the engravings.

The majority of the highly collectible pocket watches available today are antique watches. Many of these watches are important because of the individual watchmaker that produced them. The artisanship and care, which these artists put into the design of their pieces, are evident in the fact that most of them still run perfectly.

In fact, certificates used to be awarded for the best designs in the pocket watch industry. For many decades the pocket watch was the precision timepiece for aviators, train engineers and other professionals.

The advent of the wristwatch in the early 20th century was the death knell for the pocket watch, but many excellent and very desirable specimens still exist today.

Although not as valuable and therefore not as desired as a gold pocket watch, a silver pocket watch is actually much more functional. Gold is a very soft metal and is easily scratched. However, a properly formed silver alloy is resistant to denting and scratching, and removing tarnish requires only a quick wipe with a solvent cloth.

Silver pocket watches are still commonly given as gifts today. Because they are less expensive and more durable than a gold pocket watch, men such as electricians and mechanics who cannot wear a wristwatch during their workday often use them.

For these men conductive metal on the wrist could mean a quick trip to the morgue. The pocket watch gives them the convenience of a personal timekeeping piece without the risk of injury

Not all pocket watches are given as gifts in the expectation that they will actually be used. The size and shape of the walk pocket watch makes it perfect for the inclusion of a substantial engraving. There is room for a sentimental message or declaration of appreciation as well as the recipients name and significant dates.

Waltham Pocket Watches

If you are looking to begin a collection of antique pocket watches, you may want to take a look at the subgenre known as rogue chronometer. Perhaps the most well known manufacturer of these is Waltham. By beginning a collection with genuine Railroad chronometers, you are guaranteed that you wil not build a cabinet full of junk.

For obvious reasons, it was very important to railroad engineers that they know the time accurately, and be able to judge exactly where they were on their route. Therefore these chronometers were built to an extremely high standard of accuracy and reliability and will form a solid base for an extensive antique pocket watch collection.

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