Antique Pocket Watches
to
84
1,316
412
201
132
104
88
56
51
1,229
566
415
352
335
424
5
3
45
883
1,006
271
185
220
1
37
213
179
98
87
24
21
11
11
6
3
2
1
1
1
208
40
28
23
18
53
40
18
13
11
to
1,904
25
965
911
Sort By
18 Karat Swiss Gold Blue Enamel Tri Colour Fusee Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful handmade fusee movement 18-karat tri-color gold blue enamel verge pocket watch is in good working condition and it is ticking well, Visible signs of ageing and wear wi...
Category
1780s French Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Enamel, Gold
Small 18 Karat Gold Half Hunter Hand-Winding Pocket Watch Signed Harris
Co.
Located in Carlisle, GB
Antique 18k Gold Half Hunter Hand-winding Pocket Watch Signed Harris & Co.
This 40mm diameter watch is in good working condition and it is running well. Visible signs of ageing and...
Category
1880s British Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Enamel, Gold
18 Karat Gold Antique Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
18K Gold Antique Pump up Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch.
This beautiful pump up quarter repeater pocket watch is in good working condition and it is running well. Visible signs of a...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Gold
Fine 18 Karat Gold Full Hunter Chronograph and Quarter Repeating Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This Very fine & Elegant yet amazing complex work of a Pocket Watch with its stopwatch / chronograph mechanism and it finest strikes on a gong repeater work just a perfect combinatio...
Category
1880s Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 18 Karat Gold Minute Repeater Chronograph Half Hunter Pocket Watch
By West End Watch Company
Located in Carlisle, GB
An 18kt Gold Minute Repeater and chronograph in half hunter cased. A white enamel dial with a very fine hairline split on the dial. Signed West End Watch Co. on its enamel dial with ...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 14 Karat Gold Full Hunter LeCoultre
Co. Minute Repeater Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
14K Gold Full hunter LeCoultre & Co Minute Repeater Antique pocket watch.
A lovely 14- karat Gold minute repeating antique pocket watch. It is in good working condition. A clean whi...
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Enamel, Gold
Rare Silver and Tortoise Shell Pair Cased Verge Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful antique pocket watch is in good working condition and it is running well. Visible signs of ageing and wear with some worn on the tortoise shell cases shown. Watch size...
Category
1860s British Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Silver
Antique 14K Gold Rocail Full Hunter Minute Repeater Chronograph Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
A 14ct gold Rocail full hunter Minute Repeater chronograph pocket watch, white enamelled dial, Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds dial, timer sweep hand, top winding Swiss jewelled ...
Category
1910s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold
Antique 18 Karat Gold Quarter Repeater Full Hunter Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
Antique 18K Gold Quarter Repeater Full Hunter Pocket Watch.
This beautiful 51mm diameter full hunter hand winding gold pocket watch is in good working condition and it is running we...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Gold
Heavy 14 Karat Gold Full Engraved Full Hunter Case Elgin Antique Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in Carlisle, GB
A Heavy 14K Gold Fully Engraved Case Full Hunter Elgin Antique Pocket Watch.
This beautiful watch is in good working condition and it is running well. visible signs of ageing and w...
Category
Early 20th Century American Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Enamel, Gold
9 Karat Gold Full Hunter Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch Signed the Vigilant Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
9K Gold Full Hunter Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch signed “ The Vigilant Watch “c.1900’s
This fine quality repeater gold pocket watch is in good working condition and is ticking wel...
Category
Early 20th Century British Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
9k Gold, Enamel, Gold
14 Karat Gold Full Hunter Engine Turned Casing Quarter Repeating Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful antique gold quarter repeating hand winding pocket watch is in good working condition and it is ticking well. Visible signs of ageing and wear with some light dents on...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Gold
18 Karat Gold Patek, Philippe
Co. Geneve Half Hunter Keyless Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Carlisle, GB
18K Gold Patek, Philippe & Co. Geneve Half Hunter Keyless Pocket Watch.
This 45mm diameter antique hand winding pocket watch is in good working condition and is ticking well. Visi...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Enamel, Gold
Antique 9 Karat Gold Keyless Half Hunter Dennison Case Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful 50mm case diameter keyless watch is in good working condition and it is ticking well. Visible signs of ageing and wear with light tiny marks on the casing. Please stud...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
9k Gold, Gold
Antique 18 Karat Gold Quarter Repeater Hand Winding Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful antique 52mm diameter hand winding ( keyless) quarter repeater gold pocket watch is in good working condition and it is running well. Its repeater mechanisms works wel...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold
Rare Black Enamel and Silver Cased Movado Chronometre Ermeto Travel Clock
By Movado
Located in Carlisle, GB
Black Enamel And Silver Movado Chronometre Ermeto Travel Clock.
This rare charming travel clock is in good working condition. Visible signs of ageing and wear wiht some visible chi...
Category
1920s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Silver, Enamel
An Early Verge Fusee Enamel Pocket Watch Signed Van.Den.Bruel A Lille
Located in Carlisle, GB
An Early Rare Verge Fusee Enamel Pocket Watch Signed VAN.DEN.BRUEL A LILLE.
This Beautiful 51mm case diameter verge watch is in good working condition and is ticking well. Visible s...
Category
Early 19th Century Unknown Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Early Verge, Fusee, Red Enamel Pocket Watch Signed Philipe Terrot, A Geneve
Located in Carlisle, GB
An Early Verge ,Fusee, Red Enamel Gold Pocket Watch Signed Philipe Terrot, A Geneve.
This beautiful 54mm case diameter watch is in good working condition and is running well. Visi...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold Plate, Enamel
Rare Early Verge Fusee London Maker Half Hunter Silver Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
Rare Early Verge Fusee Silver Half Hunter Cased London Maker Pocket Watch.
This watch is in good working condition and is ticking well. But I cannot guarantee the time accuracy. Som...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Silver
Moilliet Roux Quarter Repeater Pair Case Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
A beautiful leather pear cased pocket watch, This lovely watch is a quarter repeater on a bell with a gold plated case, in full working order, circa 1760, signed Moilliet Roux, Genev...
Category
1760s Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold Plate
Fine Antique 18K Gold Engine turned Full Hunter Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
A clean white enamel face with Roman numerals, a seconds subdial and blue steeled hands. The watch sits within the gold engine turned full hunter casing with a hinge closed back to p...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Mechanical Silver Plated Stop Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This pre-owned 52mm diameter watch case mechanical stop watch is in good working condition. Visible signs of wearing with light marks on the glass and on the watch case. Some dents o...
Category
1920s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Silver Plate
Antique Silver Plated Stop Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This pre-owned 50mm diameter watch case mechanical stop watch is in good working condition. Visible signs of wearing with light marks on the glass and on the watch case. Please study...
Category
1920s British Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Silver Plate
XIX Century Open-Face Gold Pocket Watch R. Stewart
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
XIX Century Open-face Gold Pocket Watch R. STEWART, Argyle & Buchanan Sts., Glasgow, #16044.
Beautiful 43m/1.69in gold case with a thorough ornamental floral engraving with vegetatio...
Category
Late 19th Century Scottish Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Ruby, Gold
Waltham Pocket Watch 14k Yellow, Rose and Green Gold White Dial Case Manual
By Waltham
Located in Surfside, FL
Waltham hunter case pocket watch in 14k yellow, rose and green gold. Decorative high relief pink and yellow floral embellishments on both sides of the case. Scalloped edge design hun...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, Gold
Exquisite Hunter-Case Swiss Pocket Gold Watch Courvoisier, 1870
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Exquisite Gold hunter-case Swiss pocket watch COURVOISIER #10673.
Golden case with three 43mm/1.69in extrathin lids showing a beautiful dècor of a peasant with a pitcher by a well an...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Ruby, Gold
Paris Antique Gold Pearl Enamel Diamond Pocket Watch
Located in New York, NY
Antique Paris 18k gold pocket watch, featuring blue enamel decorated case, set with pearls and rose cut diamonds. Porcelain dial, key wind mechanical movement. Minor scratches on the...
Category
19th Century French Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian Braided Hair Pocket Watch Chain or Cord
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Victorian braided hair cord for a pocket watch.
Comprised of braided, twisted, and woven hair set with gold plated caps and findings.
A gold filled chain is suspended ...
Category
19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold Plate
18K Yellow Gold Hunter-Case Swiss Pocket Watch 1880 Guye aux Perrieres
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K yellow gold Hunter-case Swiss pocket watch with three strong lids, external ones in guillochè.
Silver guillochè sphere with gold Roman numerals and blue hands. Seconds hands at s...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
XIX Century Open-Face Brittish Gold Pocket Watch F. Brooman
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Great "open-face" Brittish pocket watch F. BROOMAN, Strand, London, N#614.
Solid gold case, gold sphere, external and internal cases are plain.
Roman numerals, rubys. Mint working c...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Ladies Girard- Perragux 18K Gold Pendant Watch
By Girard Perragaux
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
This is a beautiful antique art nouveau ladies hunter case pendant watch c.1900. The watch is in excellent working condition. The watch Art Nouveau design with a bouquet of flowers...
Category
Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
20th Century Antique Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Collar Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Collar watch in 18 karat yellow gold, horse head hallmark.
Lady's watch with manual winding.
Dark red enamelled hands, light grey background and black enamelled Arabic numerals.
Cent...
Category
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Minute Repeating Chronograph Pocket Watch by A. Lugrin
Located in New Orleans, LA
Crafted by Swiss watchmaker Alfred Lugrin, this exceptional minute repeating, triple-date chronograph is a specimen of precision timekeeping. Housed in a sleek 18K yellow gold hunter...
Category
19th Century Swiss Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Steel
Julien 18 Karat Yellow Gold Keywinding Pocket Watch, circa 1840s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Julien, Geneve
STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Pocket Watch
METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold
CIRCA / YEAR: 1840's
DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 46mm
MOVEMENT / CALIBE...
Category
1840s Swiss Baroque Antique Pocket Watches
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Watch Fob
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Victorian 14 Karat Watch Fob with Sliding Station. The unique ladies watch fob features a 48" long curb link chain with a sliding station adored with two 2mm round garnets, three 2mm...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
IWC Schaffhausen 14 Karat Gold Pocket Watch
By IWC
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage International Watch Co. Schaffhausen 48mm pocket watch, never engraved. circa 1925-1930
Length: 62.54mm
Width: 48mm
Case thickness: 8.79mm
Crystal: Acrylic
Dial: Gold
Insi...
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Rose Gold Crystal Ball Pocket Watch Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
circa 1880-1890 Crystal ball watch with a 20-Inch-long solid rose gold chain with a swivel catch that can be worn alone. You can also attach the crystal ball watch to the swivel or a...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold, 24k Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian French 2 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Star Pocket Watch
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely exquisite diamond pocket watch from the Victorian (1880s) era! French in origin, this exceptional piece is crafted in 18kt gold and sterling silver, creating a subtle m...
Category
1880s French Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Gorini
Cie. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Keywind Pocket Watch, circa 1840s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gorini & Cie. Paris
STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Key Winding Pocket Watch
METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold
CIRCA / YEAR: 1840's
DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 45mm...
Category
1850s French Baroque Antique Pocket Watches
Antique Bailey Banks
Biddle Platinum Pearl Diamond Watch Necklace
By Bailey, Banks
Biddle
Located in New York, NY
Antique Art Deco platinum chain with pocket watch pendant by Bailey Banks & Biddle. Decorated with pearls, enamel (some chips/loss present) and rose cut diamonds. Case (pendant) is 3...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Vintage Art Nouveau 4- Panel Relief Soldier Design Sterling Silver Watch Fob
Located in St. Louis Park, MN
This vintage Art Nouveau watch fob features four Sterling Silver panels which each have a relief of a soldier's head.
There is no stamp.
Fob length measures approximately 6" long...
Category
19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Gunmetal
Gold Fob / Brooch Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful antique fob / brooch watch is working and it is ticking well. The case is a bit tarnished as shown.
Please see the images carefully as form part of the description.
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, Gilt Metal
Gold and Enamel Watch/Chatelaine, Viennese Craftsmanship, circa 1860-1870
Located in Paris, FR
Chatelaine in gold and enamel. The chatelaine is ornamented with three painted medallions in monochrome pink and features cupids. These medallions are linked by S-shaped motifs in re...
Category
1860s Austrian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold, Enamel
Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Pocket Watch by Redard
Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stylish and complex perpetual calendar minute-repeating chronometer pocket watch was created by the Swiss firm of H. Redard & Co. Its 18K rose gold hunter's case features the or...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Victorian Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Illinois Two Tone Gold Filled Art Deco Opened Faced Pocket Watch from 1922
By Illinois Watch Company
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Illinois Watch Company
STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced / Multi Colored Applique / Pocket Watch
METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow and White Gold Heavy Gold Filled
CIRCA / YEAR...
Category
1920s American Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Watch Buttonhole Enamel Blued Steel, 19th Century
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Amazing gadget from the late 19 century. White enamel with a fine blue line watch dial is inserted in a buttonhole to be visible, while the blued steel mechanism case is hidden insid...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Enamel, Steel
$1,520 Sale Price
20% Off
Henry Capt 18 Karat Gold Handmade 31 Jewel Quarter Repeating Watch, 1900s
By Henry Capt
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Henry Danial Capt
STYLE / REFERENCE: Quarter Repeater / Half Hunter
METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Yellow Gold
CIRCA / YEAR: 1900's
DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 53mm
MOVEMEN...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
J.W. Benson Sterling Silver Half Hunters Case Pocket Watch, circa 1890s
By J.W. Benson
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: J.W.Benson London
STYLE / REFERENCE: Half Hunters Case
METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver
CIRCA: 1890's
DIMENSIONS: Diameter 39mm
MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Windin...
Category
1890s Swiss Art Nouveau Antique Pocket Watches
Antique Small Gunmetal Hand-Winding Fob / Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful antique 32mm Diameter (excluding the crown) hand winding pocket watch is in good working condition and it is running well. Visible signs of ageing and wear with light ...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Charles Oudin Silver Chatelain Cartouche Bezel Pendant Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Charles Oudin / France
STYLE / REFERENCE: Chatelain Hanging Pendant Watch
METAL / MATERIAL: Silver / "Bakelite"
DIMENSIONS: Diameter 40mm
CIRCA: 1820 / 30
MOVEMEN...
Category
1820s French Antique Pocket Watches
Antique Small Hand Winding Ornate Silver Fob / Pendant Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful 30mm diameter (excluding the crown)small ladies fob / pocket watch is Not working. The balance wheel is broken. Visible signs of ageing and wear with cracks on the whi...
Category
1880s French Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Silver
Vintage Silver and Brown Leather Movado Ermeto Chronométre Travel or Purse Watch
By Movado
Located in Carlisle, GB
Movado Ermeto Chronométre silver (0.935) and leather purse watch, import hallmarks London 1927, signed square silvered dial with Arabic numerals, minute track and blued steel hands, ...
Category
1920s Swiss Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Silver
Antique Gold-Plated Dennison Case Hand-Winding Waltham Pocket Watch
By American Waltham Watch Co.
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful antique 50mm diameter (excluding crown) Hand winding pocket watch is in good working condition and it is ticking well. Visible signs of ageing and wear with light mark...
Category
1910s American Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold Plate
Antique Gold Plate Hand Winding Lever Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
Gold plated lever pocket watch, unsigned gilt frosted movement with compensated balance and regulator, no. 721664, the dial signed E. Stinchcombe, Okehampton, with Roman numerals, mi...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold Plate
Antique Gold-Plated Dennison Case Swiss Hand Winding Pocket Watch
Located in Carlisle, GB
Swiss gold plated lever pocket watch, the movement branded Northern Goldsmiths Co. Newcastle with compensated balance and regulator, the dial branded Northern Goldsmiths Co. Newcastl...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
Gold Plate
Longines Yellow Gold Enamel Decagon Shape Open Faced Pocket Watch
By Longines
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
Case number 1535971, made 1920’s
14...
Category
1920s Swiss Art Deco Antique Pocket Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Bautte
Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Keywind Pendant Pocket Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Bautte & Co.
STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced Pendant Watch
METAL / MATERIAL: 18kt Yellow Gold
CIRCA: 1850's
DIMENSIONS: Diameter 32mm
MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Wind...
Category
Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Pocket Watches
- 1
- ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Antique Pocket Watches", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Antique Pocket Watches For Sale on 1stDibs
Find an expansive variety of antique pocket watches available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Silver, these items were constructed with great care. Find a collection of 919 vintage versions or 1 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 18th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Pieces in our collection of antique pocket watches made by Victorian jewelers — as well as those associated with Art Deco — are very popular. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Patek Philippe, Elgin and American Waltham Watch Co. produced popular versions that are worth a look. Any of these pieces can lend versatility to your look, but Diamond versions, from our inventory of 118, are particularly popular. There are many rose cut, round cut and bead antique pocket watches for sale. If you’re browsing the variety of antique pocket watches for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for men, but there are still pieces to choose from for women.
How Much are Antique Pocket Watches?
Prices for antique pocket watches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $115 and can go as high as $500,000, while antique pocket watches, on average, fetch $2,976.
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.
Questions About Antique Pocket Watches
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Full hunter pocket watches are a popular choice for those nostalgic for timepieces of years past. The solid outer case of this type of watch, which often features intricate designs, needs to be opened in order to reveal the watch’s face. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A pocket watch chain is called a fob, or watch fob. They can be made in a variety of materials, but most often appear in a metal that matches the case of the watch itself. Shop a collection of antique watch fobs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a key wind pocket watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A key-wind pocket watch is a type of portable timepiece produced from the early 19th century through the middle of the 19th century. It features a mechanism that requires regular winding with a device called a winding key. Shop a range of key-wind pocket watches on 1stDibs.
- What is a 17 jewel pocket watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A pocket watch with 17 jewels is called a fully jeweled watch. For the mechanical movement, it uses jewel bearings from the center wheel pivot to the balance wheel. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of antique and vintage pocket watch options.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A minute repeater pocket watch comes with a repeater that chimes the time by pushing a button. They come with three different chimes; the hours have a low chime, minute by a high chime, and quarter hours by a sequence of two chimes. Shop a range of antique and vintage pocket watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021Like its hunter-case cousin, the half-hunter pocket watch features a protective lid or case that protects the face of the watch. The distinction is that the case front has a viewing window that allows the owner to check the time without having to open the pocket watch lid. The hours are frequently inscribed in blue enamel on the exterior lid itself, making it possible to tell the time without opening the case. Shop a range of vintage half-hunter pocket watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Pocket watches come in a variety of sizes but the most popular sizes for women are 0s, 6s and 8s. Measuring pocket watches is a bit confusing and to make it easier a 0s is1.166”, a 6s is 1.367” and 8s is 1.433”. So it’s fairly safe to say that an average size for a woman’s pocket watch is between 1 and 1.5 inches. Find vintage and contemporary pocket watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Does Rolex make pocket watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rolex made pocket watches from 1905 through to the 1970s. The last pocket watch released was a small, ultra-formal 18 karat piece. Own a piece of history by shopping a selection of Rolex pocket watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To open a Hamilton pocket watch, take it to a reputable watch repair shop. Experts advise against opening antique pocket watches on your own because special tools are necessary to avoid damaging the timepieces. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Hamilton pocket watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How to open a Howard pocket watch depends on its design. However, experts recommend that you don't attempt to open one yourself. Instead, take the piece to a watch repair center that has experience servicing pocket watches. Doing so will help you avoid damaging the timepiece. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Howard pocket watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To know if your pocket watch is valuable, consult a licensed appraiser. Choose one with experience appraising antique and vintage timepieces. Having your pocket watch evaluated by a knowledgeable professional is the only way to be certain of its value. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique and vintage pocket watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024To change a battery in a pocket watch, you must first remove the watch back. Depending on the type of watch, you may need a specially designed tool or a precision screwdriver to accomplish this task. Once you have the back removed, you may need to remove parts to access the battery and perform the replacement. Because there is so much variability in timepiece design and you could potentially damage your watch when removing the back and other parts, experts recommend having an experienced watch repairer replace the battery. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of pocket watches.
Read More
The Rolex Datejust Is Celebrating Its 80th Anniversary
The watch has transformed several times over, but it’s still undeniably a classic.
The Rolex Bluesy
This is perhaps the least subtle version of the Submariner.
Rolex Starbucks
If you think this looks like the Rolex Kermit, you're correct.
The Rolex Hulk
This all-green version of the Submariner is much sought-after.
The Rolex Sprite
This model was designed for lefties.
The Rolex Pepsi
This model's other nickname, Pussy Galore, come from a James Bond film.
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.
More Ways To Browse
Louis Xv Style Clocks
1920s Christmas
Le Roy Et Fils
Antique Clocks Glasgow
R Stewart
Patek Philippe Silk
Texas Flag
Charles Oudin
Perpetual Pocket Watch
Pocket Chronometre
Pocket Watch Chronometre
School Pocket Watch
Silver Pocket Watch Chain
Verge Fusee Pocket Watch
Verge Fusee Watch
Waltham Open Face
Watch Ruby Face
14k Ladies Pocket Watch