Cheap Pocket Watches

October 28, 2008

A pocket watch (or pocketwatch) is a watch that is meant to be carried in a pocket, as opposed to a wristwatch, which is strapped to the wrist. Pocket watches were the most common type of watch from their development in the 16th century until wristwatches became popular after World War 1. Pocket watches usually have an attached chain to allow them to be safely secured to a waistcoat, lapel, or belt loop, and to prevent them from being accidently dropped. The chain or ornaments on it is referred to as a fob. They often have a hinged metal cover to protect the face of the watch from scratching or breaking. Pocketwatches with a fob and cover are often called “fob watches”.

The world-wide growth of railroads during the last half of the 19th century led to the widespread use of pocket watches. Because of the likelihood of train wrecks and other accidents if all railroad workers did not accurately know the current time, pocket watches became essential equipment for all railroad workers.

Pocket watches made by the better watchmakers, such as Patek-Philippe, Waltham, Hamilton, Elgin, Illinois, Tissot and Rolex, to name a few, are often judged by how many jewels they have. Jewels are small gemstones (usually rubies, but sometimes diamonds and sapphires), which are inserted into areas of a watch-movement which receive high-levels of motion, in order to prevent wear of parts and to help the watch run more smoothly.

Open-face watches

An open-face pocket watch is one with the winding-stem at the top of the dial, above the ’12′ and with the seconds sub-dial at the 6 o’clock position. As the name suggests, these watches have cases which are without a cover to protect the watch-crystal from any form of damage. All railroad chronometers had to be of the open-face kind.

Hunter-case watches

A hunter-case pocket watch is the kind with a spring-hinged circular metal lid or cover, that closes over the watch-dial and crystal, protecting them from dust, scratches and other damage or debris. The majority of antique and vintage hunter-case watches have the lid-hinges at the 9 o’clock position and the stem, crown and bow of the watch at the 3 o’clock position.

You can still purchase brand new pocket watches but the majority of pocket watches for sale are used ones from last century. Cheap used pocket watches start from just a couple of dollars but prices can range up to tens of thousands of dollars for rarer and high quality brands. A good selection of cheap pocket watches for sale at auction are listed below.

Interesting Articles

Cheap Pocket Watches

Related Articles:

Comments