Antique pocket watches have long been sought for by collectors all over the world. The first time keepers, which date back to the early 16th century, were huge and square in shape. They were once exclusively held by actual aristocrats since they were a true status symbol of power and riches. They were just out of reach for the average person. Clocks were once used to keep track of weights and were fairly huge.

The advent of springs instead of weights in clocks allowed for the creation of the pocket watch, which could be worn on the body with the help of a chain. They were more portable than modern timepieces, although they were still rather huge. This was also around the period that watchmakers began to place a greater emphasis on accuracy. It’s uncommon, but some of the first pocket timepieces included an alarm built in.

100 years later, the design and skill that went into each particular watch made the watchmaker an instant artist. The casings, which were developed to preserve the delicate workings, were slimmed down and the corners were rounded, softening the square and boxy appearance of the original pocket watches. Ornate designs were adopted, and watchmakers began to sign the dials personally. This is a tradition that watchmakers continue to practise in the current world.

Another 100 years saw the introduction of valuable jewels, mainly diamonds, into the watchmaking process, which were utilised in the mechanisms’ bearings. There are two varieties of pocket watches: open-faced Savonette’s, sometimes known as ‘hunting cases,’ and closed-faced pocket watches. The chain was known as a ‘fob chain,’ and it was worn on the lapel of a jacket, the belt loop, or the waistcoat. The use of oil smoothed the delicate motions of the hands, and by the second part of the century, the second hand had been added, further ensuring the precision of time telling.

The pocket watch truly came into its own in the nineteenth century. For the purpose of safety, the American Railroad Association joined together and devised a set of criteria for the quality and precision of these timepieces. The guidelines were put in place after a fatal railway accident in 1891. Pocket watches that met these severe specifications after 1893 were referred to be railroad grade pocket watches. Ulysse Nardin, Minerva, Heuer, IWC, and many more well-known watchmakers had their start during this time and became well-known. The crown winder was also introduced about this period.

The creation of awards for the finest designs was eventually followed, although the popularity of the pocket watch began to decline with the advent of the wrist watch in the twentieth century, which was launched after the First World War. Today, an antique pocket watch is a great collector’s item. A silver pocket watch is an excellent choice for anybody seeking for a unique present. They are graceful, unique, and endearing.

Antique elgin pocket watches and vintage elgin pocket watch are available at Bidsquare’s auction.