Pocket watches have been around since the 16th century. The early vintage model was of a more square design, and somewhat larger than today's versions. In the early days only the rich were able to own one, as it was a true status symbol of wealth and authority. In the same era, mechanisms were introduced to bring time-telling precision, and some of the earliest models even had an alarm.
In the 17th century clockmakers became instant artists with their different designs and craftsmanship that went into each pocket watch they made. It was around this time that we began to see the cases, and later the dials actually signed by the watchmaker; a tradition that is still followed by the finest watchmakers today.
By the 18th century the use of diamonds in the construction of the pocket watch was beginning to be seen, and the use of oil to smooth the movement of the hands was first introduced. In the last half of the 18th century the use of three hands became the industry standard, making telling time considerably more accurate.
The glory days of the pocket watch came in the 19th century. Watchmakers such as Ulysse Nardin, Minerva, Heuer, IWC, and many others became established in this period. The quality and craftsmanship was further refined during this era, as they were beginning to be produced on an industrial scale. The introduction of the crown winder was also introduced around this period.
By the early 20th century things changed for the watchmakers, certificates were issued to those who created the best design and precision pocket watch. Unfortunately, we began to see their popularity rapidly fading as wristwatches were becoming more and more popular. Although pocket watches are not used as much today, the old antique pocket watch of years gone by played an important role for many centuries.
Today there are many different makes and designs available with some crafted to resemble the antique pocket watches of yesteryear. For the person who wants something just a little different in a time piece, they make very fine gifts, and with all the different designs and colors available today you are sure to find just what you're looking for.
The price range today varies considerably from the just a few dollars to nearly whatever price you are willing to pay. Many may look quite expensive with their faux diamond or jeweled faces, but may cost very little. However, there are still many finely crafted models to be found. Most of the major watch offer excellently crafted specimens.
Without all of the hard work of many days in design and construction that went into the old antique pocket watches of years ago, today's pocket watches are quite inexpensive by comparison. Through time the processes have been refined.
If you're looking for a unique gift for that someone special, have a look at the pocket watches available today. Even if they do not use it as a time piece, I think they will find it a special keepsake to be treasured for a lifetime.
Collectors realize that pocket watches have been around for years and with the invention of the pocket watch individuals were able to do things they were not able to do before. Captains on ships were able to calculate with a great ease the location of their ship more accurately, which increased the likelihood of their safe return as well as their cargo and crew.
Early edition pocket watches did not have protective face covering or an hour hand, but during the 1700s watchmakers began creating silver and gold cases to store the pocket watches in for safe keeping while moving about. Pocket watches manufactured by Walthams are highly sought after by collectors all over the world, who want to add this high quality collectible to their collection. Waltham pocket watches were actually the first mass produced pocket watches that had interchangeable parts, however few supply were made of certain models.
Another type of pocket watches for collectors to focus their collections on would be railroad designed pocket watches. A commission was set into place for all railroad engineers to use pocket watches after a fatal train wreck that occurred on the nineteenth of April of 1891, when the watch that a engineer was wearing stopped for four minutes and then started again. This mechanical error within the watch worn by the engineer resulted in a train wreck that caused nine individuals to loose their lives in Ohio. The railroad pocket watches themselves had particular standards that included, they had to contain at least fifteen jewels, black Arabic number, the size of sixteen or eighteen, and it must be able to compensate for different temperatures. After 1886, the number of jewels within the pocket watches steadily increased.
These standards were at times broken and the railroad pocket watches can be found with Roman numbers, which originated in Canada. Railroad pocket watches had to durable enough to withstand to constant abuse it could take from the jarring and swaying of the trains. Railroad management enforced their rules on the pocket watches. In fact, railroad engineers were required to have their pocket watches regularly inspected and to even submit certificates stating that it was reliable to their supervisors.
Some novice collectors misunderstand what the pocket watch size means. It does not represent the width or the length of the pocket watch or its case. In fact, it is the actually standard measurement for the size of the movement of the pocket watch, which is between zero and twenty-three. Requirements for the railroad meant that the pocket watch movements had to be a size sixteen or a size eighteen. Collectors have found railroad pocket watches with a special appeal for several reason although their faces are plain. One of those reasons is that the quality of these pocket watches are very high and they are massed produced like other pocket watches are. Another factor that adds to their appeal is the ever lasting appeal of the historical value and the romance associated with the railroad itself.
Collectors can determine the age of the pocket watches with their collection by finding a reference guide and looking up the serial numbers by the manufacture or collectors can use the Internet to search by manufacture. On American pocket watches the serial number can be located on the movement inside, but on earlier English model the pocket watches have special markings that can be researched to determine the age.
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