The Best Pocket Watches
Once the mark of modernity and punctuality, the pocket watch and chain fell out of favor during the early twentieth century. But as the thirties rolled around, this combination became an accessory associated with the elegance and sophistication of formal day and evening wear. The pocket watch and chain have only retained their status since then, now serving as a fashion statement for those seeking a vintage accent with a practical purpose. In order to save you time, we've sought out some of the best options available for your inner fashionista and timekeeper.
Mudder Vintage Pocket Watch with Chain
The ideal vintage accessory
This design by Mudder proves that attention to detail makes the difference. Offered in four finishes, the case body and half-hunter cover are meticulously engraved with antique patterns and the Roman numeral scale. With white Roman numerals and white, Louis XIV hands marking its black dial, the watch is easy to read. It’s also comfortable to carry, with an overall diameter of just under two inches. These features combine for a vintage elegance that will complement and elevate your contemporary style.
Pros:
- Elaborate engraving on case body and cover
- Half-hunter cover allows convenient reading of the dial
- You can choose from four beautiful finishes
- Battery can be replaced easily
Cons:
- Finish can wear away with use
Levonta Personalized Pocket Watch
When giving a gift, it’s the thought that counts. The folks at Levonta understand this, and as such, they’ve personalized this pocket watch. Made from premium zinc alloy and with a shiny black finish, this watch’s case body and full-hunter cover are smooth to the touch while also being robust enough for daily use. The cover bears a powerful message of love engraved in white so that this timepiece will always be a reminder of what really matters. Levonta offers this watch with a chain, waist chain, and quality gift box so that the gift you give will be as good as the thought behind it.
Pros:
- Made from premium zinc alloy
- Engraved message
- Includes gift set
Cons:
- Only comes in one finish
- Pocket watch might weigh too little for some wearers
Wior Classic Pocket Watch
This pocket watch by Wior is as classic as they come. Available in three finishes, the watch’s case body and exterior are smooth and clean. The interior of the cover is decorated with milled swirls and a white dial with black, Louis XIV hands. The dial features either Arabic or Roman numerals, and it also offers the option of an additional twelve indices in order to track military time. Simplicity is classic, and if that’s your style, this is the watch for you.
Pros:
- Simple appearance is classic
- Multiple dial options
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Dial options vary based on finish
Charles-Hubert Paris Mechanical Pocket Watch
Built to last the test of time
This pocket watch by Charles-Hubert Paris is a testament to the company’s increasing influence in the watch industry. An heirloom quality timepiece with a contemporary edge, this watch comes complete with a chrome-finished, brass case body and an engravable double-hunter cover. This cover allows the watch to stand upright on a desk or table and function as a clock. This design also features a white skeleton dial with black Roman numerals and heavy moon hands, all protected by a robust dial window made from mineral glass crystal. If your style demands a timepiece that is distinctly contemporary but with the depth of tradition, this watch will serve you well.
Pros:
- Double-hunter cover
- Skeleton dial with reverse engraving
- Window made from mineral glass crystal
Cons:
- Watch must be wound by hand
ManChDa Mechanical Phoenix and Dragon Pocket Watch
A new style for a new age
ManChDa’s mechanical pocket watch is noticeably different from others, and in this case, different is good. Rather than emulating tradition, they’ve decided to bend it by hollowing out the common full-hunter cover into an intricate and artistic design. This design depicts a phoenix and a dragon, a pair of powerful symbols for happiness, luck, peace, prosperity, and success. The case body has a floral pattern that accentuates the watch’s cover without distracting from it. This timepiece’s skeleton dial features contrasting Roman and Arabic numerals with matching lance hands, all protected by a dial window made from acrylic crystal. ManChDa’s exotic variation on the pocket watch comes in three classic finishes in order to guarantee that, wherever your style takes you, this watch will make heads turn.
Pros:
- Artistic and distinctive cover
- Dial has both Roman and Arabic numerals
- Color options for dial
Cons:
- Watch must be wound by hand
Frequently Asked Questions
How many styles of pocket watch are there?
There are five different styles of pocket watch, classified according to face display, that you should be aware of when purchasing a pocket watch. The first style of pocket watch is the open face pocket watch and, as its name suggests, this style of watch lacks a cover. The full-hunter pocket watch is the second style. This style has a cover on a hinge attached to the case body. This cover provides protection for the watch’s dial and also can be engraved. The third style is the half-hunter pocket watch. Like the full-hunter, the half-hunter has a cover, but this cover has a window in its middle, enabling its user to read the time displayed on the dial without opening the cover.
The fourth and fifth styles are variations on the second and third. The fourth style of pocket watch is the double-hunter pocket watch. This style has two covers: one on the front and one on the back of the watch. When opened, these covers allow the watch to stand upright on a flat surface. Another feature of this style is a skeleton dial, a dial that enables its user to see the mechanical workings of the watch’s hands. The fifth and final style is the double half-hunter pocket watch. The double half-hunter has all of the features of the double-hunter, but with the addition of a viewing window on its front cover, like the original half-hunter.
Are all pocket watches battery-powered?
No. Some pocket watches are hand-wound and others are self-winding. While each has its own advantages and disadvantages, which you choose is really a matter of personal preference.
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