Pocket Watches

Looking for a Great Gift? Try a Pocket Watch!

Elegant, fashionable, and personal, the pocket watch formerly told society about its owner. Generally, a man’s pocket watch bespoke his place in society. A man born to wealth would sport a pocket watch that had been handed down to him by a close relative. The pocket watch would be beautiful but never ostentatious. It would more than likely be engraved and of a beautifully hewn gold or platinum. This pocket watch would be one of his most prized possessions. It was his link with his ancestry, and a very useful part of his life. His jackets or vests would have special pockets made for just the pocket watch.

Next, of course, would be the nouveau riche gentlemen who had pocket watches that showed society that he was rich, powerful and perhaps pretentious as well. This rich man who was still outside polite society wanted the best of everything and, therefore, bought the most expensive of everything. Taste was not an option. Every time he looked at his pocket watch, he would think about his wealth. His pocket watch was useful too, but it was also his calling card. Anyone who looked at it would immediately know that its owner was wealthy and newly rich.

Needless to say, the everyday Joe also had his pocket watch. It too might have been handed down through his family line. Many fathers left their pocket watches to their eldest son. Whether made of silver, platinum, brass, gold, or just a cheap metal, the pocket watch would have meaning to the son because it belonged to his father. Because the pocket watch had so much sentimental value and was, of course, essential to an orderly life, men prized their pocket watches above all other pieces of jewelry.

Pocket watches are essentially miniature clocks that hang from a chain, and are carried in a specially sewn pouch or pocket. The chain itself, as well as ornaments for the chain, are often known as fobs. The majority of all pocket watches are analog in design, and feature a hinged cover to protect the clock face.

TIP: If you're looking for a new pocket watch, there are many advertised on this site, and elsewhere online. If you're looking for something with a history and character, try flea market sales, gun shows, antique malls, local pawn shops, used book stores and, of course, online auction sites.

The first pocket watches were created in the 1500s. This was at the same time as the invention of the spring driven clock. In the beginning, pocket watches were cumbersome, boxy, and often worn as necklaces. It took another hundred years before these timepieces were carried in pockets.

Before the Twentieth Century, pocket watches were the most popular form of personal timekeeping devices. Wrist watches were considered feminine and generally not worn by males. However, it was soon discovered that there were benefits of wrist watches that made them superior, especially when time needed to be accessed quickly and easily, such as during war.

Pocket watches generally come in one of two configurations: Open faced or hunter cased, or savonette. Hunter cased watches are the ones with the hinged covers, and are the most common. However, there are instances where open faced watches are preferred, especially in hospitals.

Even though now considered old-fashioned, you can still find pocket watches for sale. They are available in a variety of metals, gems, sizes, styles, and prices. A pocket watch can be a gift that's passed down from generation to generation, something regarded as a family heirloom.

There are also pocket watches that are just plain casual and fun, that feature favorite children's characters such as Harry Potter. At the other end of the spectrum, there are pocket watches crafted in only the finest metals like gold and platinum, adorned with gems and jewels, created for serious collectors or the fabulously wealthy.

The World Wide Web is a wonderful resource to use when you're searching for pocket watches for yourself or to give as a gift. There are online retailers that offer a variety of timepieces, or you can try an online auction site such as Ebay. Shopping on the Internet offers convenience and selection -- you get access to products you may not have in your locality.

If you're looking for a gift that's traditional, long lasting, practical and beautiful, you should consider a pocket watch! The recipient will appreciate your good taste and your attention to quality!

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