Pocket watches - elegance in the old style

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Pocket watches - elegance in the old style

Asher Brown

Asher follows the latest trends and fashions. He is fond of luxury clothing and accessories, especially watches. Asher’s interests include tennis and travel.

11 Jun 2021

In the past, pocket watches were the only available type of watches. Over the years, they have evolved into wristwatches. Are pocket watches still worth wearing in the 21st century? And if so, how to wear them?

When was the pocket watch invented? A brief history of pocket watches

The first pocket watch was invented by the Nuremberg watchmaker Peter Henlein in the 16th century. He designed the smallest watch at that time, which could fit in a sphere-shaped case with a diameter of about eight centimetres. At that time it was a a symbol of wealth and status, known as the Nuremberg Egg. The invention of the first pocket watch contributed to the development of other models. The variants of the first pocket watch were equipped with flat or convex egg-shaped cylinders. These types of watches quickly became popular among the rich. They wore them as necklaces or fastened them to clothing. As you can imagine, the pocket watches were so expensive that only few could afford them.

The first pocket watch

This situation continued until the 19th century, when numerous watchmaking companies started operating in Switzerland and on the territory of today’s Germany. With developments in the watchmaking industry, the number of pocket watches increased. Their prices were much cheaper, but still expensive. Since only the rich owned this accessory, the pocket watch was considered a status symbol.

During World War I, wristwatches appeared on the market. They were actually pocket watch conversions. They were worn around one’s wrist and were fastened with a strap. Thanks to this, people could look at the watch while shooting from the gun. Then, special cases appeared, allowing for more comfortable wear of the wristwatch, which finally evolved into the watch straps known today.

Pocket watch

Pocket watches - retro style again in fashion!

A pocket watch is not obsolete, but rather a recurring hit that has gained a new life in some circles. Vintage watch lovers are increasingly choosing pocket watches, instead of classic wristwatches. Why? It may be due to the fact that a pocket watch looks very beautiful with a three-piece suit. It refers in its style to outfits from years ago. The pocket watch is also a great accessory to clothing, especially if the chain of the watch is made of silver or gold. It can be treated as a piece of the men’s jewellery.

Pocket watch

How to wear pocket watches?

Each of us has seen at least once a man wearing a three-piece suit whose pocket watch chain is sticking out of the waistcoat pocket. Indeed, the pocket watch is usually placed in a pocket. The end of the chain (a fob), however, is either attached with a buckle to the third buttonhole of the waistcoat (from below) or is passed through the buttonhole and anchored by a clasp. The pocket watch can also be popped into one pocket and the fob can be passed through the adjacent waistcoat pocket across the waist coat into the opposite pocket. The first style is called Single Albert, while the second is known as Double Albert. Some pocket watches come with so-called drops, i.e. pendants that are attached to the waistcoat button.

Although pocket watches are mainly associated with formal outfits, they can also be worn with more casual clothes. Some men attach the fold to the belt loop and store the watch in their trouser pocket.


< How to wear a pocket watch? How to wear a pocket watch?

Pocket watches - our proposals

On Watchard.com you can find high-end pocket watches of the popular brands, such as Adriatica, Festina and Sekonda. The connoisseurs of beautiful watches will be surely satisfied with their design.

Men’s pocket watch: Adriatica Classic A7706.5332Q

This classic watch uses a quartz movement, so it does not need to be wound. The model looks very traditional. The minimalist dial is covered with a lid that features a beautiful floral motif.

< Men’s pocket watch: Adriatica Classic A7706.5332Q Men’s pocket watch: Adriatica Classic A7706.5332Q

Men's pocket watch: Festina Classic F2023/1

This stylish model is also equipped with a quartz movement. There are black indices and a date display on the white dial. The watch features the silver chain and a lid that protects the dial.

Men's pocket watch: Festina Classic F2023/1 Men's pocket watch: Festina Classic F2023/1

Who is a pocket watch for?

Lovers of classic, traditional accessories and vintage style will be surely satisfied with a pocket watch. Men’s wedding outfits will also look great with a pocket watch chain that is attached to the waistcoat button. It’s a great way to show off your own unusual and appealing style. Remember, however, that a pocket watch is rather an eccentric accessory and shouldn’t be combined with every piece of clothing. It’s definitely an accessory for special occasions.


Asher Brown

Asher follows the latest trends and fashions. He is fond of luxury clothing and accessories, especially watches. Asher’s interests include tennis and travel.