Skip to main content

Pocket Watch Rare

to
7
184
83
159
97
58
41
41
23
16
13
12
11
11
11
10
10
10
8
7
7
6
5
5
4
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
40
24
13
6
5
Sort By
A. Lange Söhne 1A 18 Karat Gold Pocket Watch, "Lucia" Case, Empire Numerals
By A. Lange Söhne
Located in Berlin, DE
This exquisite A. Lange & Söhne pocket watch embodies the pinnacle of Glashütte craftsmanship
Category

20th Century German Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Illinois Gold Filled Art Deco Pocket Watch with Rare Hammered Case and Red Dial
By Illinois Watch Company
Located in Long Beach, CA
. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is one of the most unusual Illinois pocket watches I have ever seen. The
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Patek Philippe. A Rare Rose Gold Pocket Watch C1905
By Patek Philippe
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Patek Philippe. A Rare 18ct Rose Gold, Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch with a Gold Chain
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vacheron Constantin. A Rare Gold Keyless Pocket Watch C1900
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Vacheron Constantin. A Rare 18ct Gold Keyless Lever Openface Pocket Watch With it's Orginal
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940 s Rolex WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens Pocket Watch
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
. 1940's ROLEX WWII British Military Vintage Antique Mens Pocket Watch - Rare Outer Case Beautiful All
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Other

Rare 14k Pocket Watch J.Assmann Glassutte from 1890
Located in London, GB
This is a fantastic example of a J. Assman I/Sachsen Glasshutte pocket watch from circa 1890. The
Category

Antique 1890s German Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Rockford Watch Co. Gold Filled with Rare Anti Magnetic Shield from 1870
By Rockford Watch Company
Located in Long Beach, CA
American pocket watches I have ever seen by the Famous Old American firm of Rockford, from Rockford
Category

Antique 1870s American Civil War Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

A Rare Swiss Musical Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch C.1820s
By Unbranded
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare 18kt Rose Gold Open Faced Keywind Cylinder Musical Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch C.1820s
Category

Antique 1820s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex. A Rare Gold and Enamel Keyless Pocket Watch C1920
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold and Enamel Keyless Lever Pocket Watch Retailed By The Alex Clarke
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Thomas Russell Son. A Rare Silver Karrusel Pocket Watch C1939
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Sprung Karrusel Open Face Pocket Watch C1939 Dial: The excellent white enamel dial fully signed Thos
Category

Vintage 1930s British Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Rare Tiffany Co Gold and Enamel pocket watch Circa 1900s
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Addlestone, GB
Tiffany & Co Green enamel and diamond gold pocket watch 1900s Pocket Watch set in yellow gold
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Enamel

Cartier. A Rare Gold Slim Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1930
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Cartier. A Rare Slim 18ct yellow Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1930s. Dial: The superb silver
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Zenith. A Rare Slim Platinum Art Deco Pocket Watch C1920
By Zenith
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Zenith. A Rare Slim Platinum Art Deco Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, C1920. Dial: The exquisite and
Category

20th Century Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Sapphire, Platinum

GABRIEL. A Rare Gold Full Hunter Keyless Pocket Watch C1891
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Gabriel London. A Rare 18ct Gold Full Hunter Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1891. Dial: The excellent
Category

Antique 1890s English Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold

Vacheron Constantin. A Very Rare Aluminium Presentation Pocket Watch C1953
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Vacheron & Constantin. A Very Rare and Historically Important Aluminium Presentation Pocket Watch
Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Other

Rolex Rare Prince Yellow Gold Dress Pocket Watch 8753 C1920
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Prince. A very rare 38mm 18ct yellow gold dress pocket watch with a specially made chain by
Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Waltham Riverside. A Rare Gold Chronograph Hunter Pocket Watch C1884
By Waltham
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Waltham Riverside. A Rare Heavy Gold Keyless Lever Chronograph Hunter Pocket Watch C1884. Dial
Category

Antique 19th Century American Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Dent London. A Rare Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1906
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Dent London. A Rare and Important 18ct Yellow Gold Half Hunter Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1906
Category

20th Century British Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vacheron Constantin. A Rare Military Silver Deck Pocket Watch C1940s
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Mayfair, London, London
. What is unusual is that it is a centre second watch. Most watches for the British Navy had subsidiary
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

IWC. A Rare Rose Gold Pocket Watch with B&P C1900
By IWC
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare International Watch Company 14ct Rose Gold, Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch 7 Chain
Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

Depose R.U. A Rare Silver Triangular Masonic Pocket Watch C1920
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare Silver Masonic Triangular Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1920. Dial: The super Mother of Pearl
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Silver

Cartier. A Rare Gold Half Hunter Slim Dress Pocket Watch C1930
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Cartier. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Half Hunter Keyless Lever Slim Dress Pocket Watch C1930 Dial
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Patek Philippe Rare Gold Quarter Repeater Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1880s
By Patek Philippe
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Patek Philippe. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Quarter Repeater Half Hunter Pocket Watch
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Retro Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

S.Smith Son Rare Gold Karrusel Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1898
Located in Mayfair, London, London
S.Smith & Son. A Rare and Important Keyless Lever 18ct Yellow Gold Karrusel Half Hunter Pocket
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Rare Rolex Prince 9CT Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch, C1930s
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex Prince. A very rare 9ct yellow gold dress pocket watch C1930s Dial: The excellent silver
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Rare Swiss Gold Miniature Keyless Lever Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch C1900
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare Swiss 14ct Rose Gold Miniature Keyless Lever Quarter Repeater Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1900
Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Arnold Charles Frodsham Rare Yellow Gold Keyless Fusee Lever Pocket Watch
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Arnold & Charles Frodsham Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Fusee Lever Enamel Half Hunter Pocket Watch
Category

20th Century British Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Historic Rose Gold Enamelled Pivoted Detente Hunter Pocket Watch, C1880
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Historic and Rare Rose Gold Enamelled Keyless Pivoted Detente Cronometre Half Hunter Pocket
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Enamel

Charles Frodsham Rare 18ctGold Hunter Keyless Lever Minute Repeater Pocket Watch
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Charles Frodsham. A rare 18ct Gold Half Hunter Keyless Lever Minute Repeater Pocket Watch C1900s
Category

20th Century English Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex. A Rare Gold Bow Tie Dial Open Face Pocket Watch C1936
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Rolex. A Rare Bow TIe Dial 9ct Yellow Gold Open Face Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1930s Dial: The
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

Des Granges. A Rare Rose Gold Duplex Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch C1818
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Des Granges Late Recordon. A Rare 18ct Rose Gold Keywind Duplex Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch C1818
Category

Antique 1810s British Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rare Gold and Enamel Presentation Pocket Watch with Portrait of Naser Shah
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Rare Swiss Gold and Enamel Hunting Case Presentation Pocket Watch with A Portrait of Naser Al Din
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Rare Gold and Enamel Presentation Pocket Watch with Portrait of Naser Shah
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Rare Swiss Gold and Enamel Hunting Case Presentation Pocket Watch with A Portrait of Naser Al Din
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Rare Heavy 18CT Gold Keyless Lever Independent Second Full Hunter Pocket Watch
Located in Mayfair, London, London
W. Ehrhardt. A Rare Heavy 18ct Gold Keyless Lever Independent Seconds Full Hunter Pocket Watch
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Charles Frodsham. A Rare Gold Half Hunter Half Quarter Repeating Pocket Watch
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Charles Frodsham. A rare 18ct yellow gold half hunter half quarter repeating pocket watch, C1880s
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Eberhard Co. Pocket Watch in 18ct Gold with Rare Mother-of-Pearl Dial
By Eberhard Co.
Located in Milano, MI
Rare and elegant pocket watch signed Eberhard & Co., crafted in 18ct gold in 1930. Its most
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold

J. F. Bautte Cie. A Rare Gold Enamel Jump Hour Pocket Watch C1810
Located in Mayfair, London, London
J. F. Bautte & Cie. A Rare Gold & Enamel Female Winding Ultra Slim Jump Hour Pocket Watch with it's
Category

Antique 1810s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel

Rare Vacheron Constantin 18ct Gold Keyless Lever Open Face Pocket Watch C 1920s
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Mayfair, London, London
unusual and rare pocket watches to his clientele. This watch is rare as the design is based on an A.Lange
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Longines Rare Art Deco Slim Keyless Lever Pocket Watch 18ct White Gold
By Longines
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Longines Art Deco slim keyless lever 44mm pocket watch in 18ct white gold, C1920s. Dial
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Antique C1860 Henry Capt Rare YG Keyword Open Face Pivoted Detent Pocket Watch
By Henry Capt
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Henry Capt 18ct yellow gold keywind open face, pivoted detent chronometer pocket watch with
Category

Antique 1860s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Morice. A Rare Heavy Gold Pocket Chronometer C1805
Located in Mayfair, London, London
David Morice. A Rare Heavy 18ct Rose Gold Pair Case Keywind Pocket Chronometer C1805. Dial: The
Category

Antique Early 1800s Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Gold Pocket Watch Signed “Initiative” – Lever Escapement with Breguet Hairspring
Located in Milano, MI
Rare pocket watch signed “Initiative”, crafted in gold in the early 20th century. The timepiece
Category

Early 20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold

Eugene Le Coultre. A Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1880
Located in Mayfair, London, London
, particularly perpetual calendars and chronographs. This watch is rare as very few pocket watches were produced
Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Army Navy Gold Half Hunter Minute Repeater Pocket Watch C1882
Located in Mayfair, London, London
in 1871 to supply British Officers working for the British Empire. This rare pocket watch is in
Category

Antique 19th Century British Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Longines Chronograph Minute Repeater 18K Gold Pocket Watch, Extract from Archive
By Longines
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This extraordinary & extremely rare antique pocket watch by Longines is a Minute Repeater
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

A. Lange Söhne, 18 Karat Gold, Chronograph Pocket Watch, 1898 Constantinopel
By A. Lange Söhne
Located in Berlin, DE
This exquisite and rare pocket watch from A. Lange & Söhne represents an extraordinary combination
Category

Antique 19th Century German Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Erotic Automation Swiss Full Hunter Quarter Repeater Keyless Lever Pocket Watch
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 14ct Rose Gold Erotic Automaton Swiss Full Hunter Quarter Repeater Keyless Lever Pocket Watch
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

Bornand Genève Pocket Watch in 14kt Gold – Manual Wind with Breguet Hairspring
Located in Milano, MI
Rare pocket watch signed Bornand Genève, crafted in 14kt gold around the late 19th century. It
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold

Swiss 14K Gold 52.45mm Minute Repeater Chronograph Alarm Pocket Watch, 32 Jewels
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional 19th-century Swiss 14K solid gold minute repeater pocket watch, featuring a rare
Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Elgin 14K Gold Open-Face Pocket Watch 21-Jewel Movement, circa 1899
By Elgin
Located in Miami, FL
A superb Elgin 14K solid gold open-face pocket watch, featuring a rare and highly desirable 21
Category

Antique 1890s American Pocket Watches

Materials

14k Gold

18k Golay Fils Stahl Pocket Watch. Antique 750 YG Golay Ornate 43mm
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Antique Golay Fils & Stahl Pocket Watch. Extremely RARE. 18k Yellow gold Case 43mm Round Case
Category

Vintage 1910s Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Cellini A Rare $20 Gold Coin Watch 1991
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rolex Cellini Rare Gold Twenty Dollar Coin Watch, C1991. Dial: The original champagne dial with
Category

1990s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gurzelen by Omega Swiss Triple Calendar Antique XIXc 50mm Open Face Pocket Watch
By Omega
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Fine & Very Rare, this pocket watch by Gurzelen by Omega dates back to late XIX century – pre-1880
Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1940 s Rolex Prince Imperial Mens Ref. 1586 Doctor s Pocket Watch - 18K White Go
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
that make this watch so special: * Ref. 1586, a very rare pocket watch member of the celebrated Rolex
Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

White Gold

Vauchez A Paris. A Rare Gold Enamel Verge Watch C1770
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Vauchez A Paris. A Rare Three Colour Gold Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Verge Keywind Pocket Watch
Category

Antique 1770s French Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Jaeger Le Coultre. A Rare $20 Gold Coin Watch C1971
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare Vintage, Jaeger Le Coultre Twenty Dollar Double Eagle Gold Coin Watch, with it's Original
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

A S Railroad Gold Minute Repeating Pocket Watch Presented to J.H. Ramsey, 1865
Located in Stamford, CT
16666 Emile Perret Locle Inside inner back cover 16666 An important and rare pocket watch, it was
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Victorian Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Pocket Watch Rare", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Pocket Watch Rare For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact pocket watch rare you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, Silver and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. You’re likely to find the perfect pocket watch rare among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic pocket watch rare over the years, but those made by Patek Philippe, Rolex and Dunhill are often thought to be among the most beautiful. While most can agree that any pocket watch rare from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 3 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for a french cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut alternatives. When shopping for a pocket watch rare, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or women today than there are for men.

How Much is a Pocket Watch Rare?

On average, a pocket watch rare at 1stDibs sells for $5,695, while they’re typically $355 on the low end and $41,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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 Pocket Watch Rare
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024
    Many people would consider AP watches to be rare. The Swiss luxury watchmaker typically manufactures only around 40,000 timepieces per year, and demand for them tends to be high. As a result, there are often lengthy waiting lists for Audemars Piguet watches. However, you can still find various models for sale on trusted online platforms. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Audemars Piguet watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    A 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, 2024
    The 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 ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    The 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    How 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, pocket watches peaked in popularity in the 1800s. The first pocket watch was created in Germany in 1510, but was originally too large for a pocket. In the 1600s, the design began to get more compact, but for a long time pocket watches were a rarity and a symbol of wealth. Shop an array of antique pocket watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    To identify a railroad pocket watch, first determine how you set and wind it. Most pocket watches have winding knobs, but railroad-grade timepieces were all made to be lever-set. To wind and set them, it's necessary to remove the bezel, so if your pocket watch has a winding knob, it's unlikely to be railroad-grade. There were also regulations concerning the numbers. All railroad-grade watches will have large black hour markers in Arabic, not Roman, numerals. Maker's markings may also provide a clue. Some well-known makers of railroad-grade pocket watches include Elgin, Hamilton, Waltham and E. Howard. For an expert opinion on your timepiece, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer evaluate it. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of railroad pocket watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The easiest way to identify your Elgin pocket watch is to enter the serial number into an authoritative online database. To find the serial number, open the timepiece and look at the inner movement. On 1stDibs, find a selection of expertly vetted Elgin pocket watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To open an Illinois pocket watch, take it to a watch repair shop or a jeweler. Experts advise against attempting to open pocket watches on your own because doing so without the proper tools can damage the timepieces. On 1stDibs, find a range of Illinois pocket watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To use a pocket watch chain, first attach one end to the fob of your watch. Then, tuck the watch into the watch pocket of your jacket. Thread the free end of the chain through your jacket buttonhole. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of pocket watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A watch fob is the name for a pocket watch chain. It's utilized to make the pocket watch more accessible by providing a handle for the user to hold while taking it out of a vest or pant pocket. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of pocket watch chains.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, pocket watches can be a good investment. However, many factors can influence the value of a pocket watch, including the brand, the style and the mechanism that powers it. Also, how well you maintain and care for the watch impacts what it is worth. You'll find a collection of antique and vintage pocket watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Yes, pocket watches can be worth something. A pocket watch's value depends on its age, rarity, and brand. The watch's brand name is the main factor in determining price.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024
    The answer to who makes Elgin pocket watches is a little complicated. In 1968, the Elgin National Watch Company closed and stopped producing its watches. However, the owners opted to license the Elgin name to other companies, allowing them to make their own watches that bear the brand’s name. The license changed hands a few times and, as of 2024, was the property of MZ Berger Inc. This company manufactures and sells Elgin pocket watches and wristwatches in China. These timepieces feature Japanese-made movements and bear little resemblance to the original pocket watches produced by Elgin. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Elgin watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    Rockford pocket watches were made in Rockford, Illinois. The company opened in 1874 and produced pocket watches that quickly became known for their elaborate dials. In 1915, the Rockford Watch Company ceased operations due to financial problems. Shop an assortment of Rockford Watch Company pocket watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell how old your pocket watch is, learn about its maker by conducting online research using trustworthy sources. For each maker, there is a set of characteristics used to date its timepieces. You may need to examine the maker's mark, serial number, model number, movement number, dial features or other aspects. If you run into any difficulty, consider having a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer assist you with the dating process. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of pocket watches.