Pocket Watches

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One item of jewelry that you will not find many men wearing anymore is the pocket watch. This type of watch was a favored accessory of men decades ago but it is not seen as often as it once was.

grande sonnerie pocket watch
A pocket watch is a sophisticated yet functional piece of jewelry. It allows the owner the opportunity to discreetly check the time along with adding a certain flair to any outfit that it is paired with. Women certainly enjoy seeing an attractive man glancing at his pocket watch while wearing a crisp business suit.

Most men will remember seeing a pocket watch in the hand of their grandfather or father. There was a time when men did not even consider wearing a wrist watch. Those were saved for the delicate arms of women, while men choose the solid look of a gold or silver pocket watch.

Today you can still find antique pocket watches in many different places. These are the preferred choice of not only collectors but also men who want to incorporate a piece of history into their wardrobes. Many jewelry dealers have one or two for sale. If you do decide to purchase an antique one ensure that it is in running order.

You can also purchase newer versions of this standard favorite. These are popular with the younger set as they fashion them onto a gold or silver chain and leave them dangling out of their jeans or trouser pockets. In this case you will not often see the youngster looking at the watch, they consider it much more a fashion accessory and most of us are familiar with how unimportant time is to a teenager.

A pocket watch makes an ideal gift for any man. For the groom it is a lovely gift from his bride to be. This is especially true if the back of the watch is engraved with the names of the happy couple along with their wedding date. If the groom already owns a pocket watch he might want to consider giving them as gifts to his attendants. Again he may consider engraving the individuals name and the date of the wedding on the back.

Retirement is an important and very exciting time in the life of any man. Giving him a pocket watch is a special gesture. It not only shows him that you wish to commemorate his special day but it also shows him that his time is now his own. He will cherish it as a reminder of all of the years he worked to reach this point in his life.

A young man might also enjoy receiving one for a birthday gift. When a child is just learning to tell time they might find wearing a watch a bit uncomfortable. When you give a small boy an inexpensive pocket watch it shows him that you believe that he is old enough to take care of it. It also encourages him to check the time often.

 

Military Pocket Watch - Most Convenient And Lighter Watch

History Of Men’s Pocket Watches

Watch the watch

Why Hamilton Pocket Watches Can Be A Timeless Classic

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28
Jan

Antique Pocket Watches

Posted by admin in General

The Antique Pocket Watch

When I was younger I have thought of the real value of watches, even thought for a long time I had a clear preference toward new advances watches, out of the simple reason that what is new is simply better, I have come to learn to appreciate the antique and sometime just old watches, antique watches are something that fascinates me today and I would not miss an opportunity to explore any watch that is more than 60 years old.

grande sonnerie pocket watch As many others I started having interest in watches through a close relative of mine, looking at his collection and the stories he told about each single watch in his collection it gave me a sense of not only collecting but exploring and learning about societies and history, today I am even more impressed by antique watch collecting because u have come to learn how watches represent our journey into time and how keeping time is something that is more than just looking at a watch but being connected to the universe and maybe even beyond.

In general we are all burning through time, and I have no doubt that ancient humans did not have a clear understanding of life, because they could not keep time, and if you notice that those civilizations that lived before the invention of the watch had their scientists working hard on keeping the time, the longest day of the year or the shortest, a ray of sun that enters a small hole in a ceiling and strange stone structures that are used one day a year.

When discussing antique watch collecting you can not help but mention the antique pocket watch, this elegant way of carrying a watch is almost extinct, but in the past this was the way people (mostly man) carried their watches around, flashing it to everyone in the street. The pocket watch has become a status symbol almost immediately and is in fact the first personal watch that has been manufactured.

Collecting antiques required a lot of knowledge and experience, much more than that is needed for collecting antique pocket watches, a fascinating hobby and an extremely interesting thing to do, you will be amazed to learn how much one needs to know in order to get a unique antique pocket watch, in the process of purchasing a pocket watch you may have to read and learn about people who owned it and carried it, even travel around the world for clues or people that have come in touch with the watch itself. Most serious collectors need to make sure that once they found the antique pocket watch that they got the right one, today too many people take advantage of this collectors passion and create worthless replicas to try and tempt some novice collector to put his money on.

If you will be lucky and find the antique pocket watch you were looking for you will have something you can proudly show to your grandchildren, and since you have already done the research and know everything there is to know about the pocket watch, tell them its story, in many cases it has now become, in a way, your story.

By: David Evermon -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

David Evermon has been involved in many environment related projects, writing on many subjects related to the environment and project management his hobbies and knowledge of construction, David writes articles about Antique Pocket Watch.

 

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08
Jan

Vintage Military Watches-A Must Buy

Posted by admin in General


Vintage Military Watches - Top Reasons to Purchase One

buhre pocket watch 


There are many reasons why people enjoy wearing and collecting vintage military watches. Learn both practical and historical reasons why these elegant watches are so popular.

Military watches, especially vintage military watches, are one of the most valuable and interesting collection items that a person can have. An old military watch brings a certain kind of nostalgia, because they go way back. Aside from collectors, we also see these old watches from our grandfathers, many of whom still wear their precious timepieces with pride.

The mechanical watches started from the first spring-powered pocket watch created in 1524 by Peter Henlein. More than 30 years later, Polymath Taqi Al-Din made a spring-powered watch with the ability to tell time in minutes. It had three dials; one for the hour, one for the minute and one for the degree.

The Swiss are known to be one of the best makers of military watches.

There are several kinds of military watches, but before buying one, a decision must be made: whether to buy a new one, or go for the vintage military watches.

Die-hard collectors do not feel that their collections are complete without a couple of vintage military watches in their possession. Other collectors focus solely on acquiring the vintage. Why? Here are the top reasons:

Historical value:
Owning vintage military watches is like owning a piece of history. There is a great feeling in knowing that the mechanism in your hand is something somebody used a long time ago. It feels even better if the watch that you have was once owned by a soldier, which he used to navigate and tell time on the battlefield. For instance, military watches were used by soldiers in World War I.

During the war, wrist watches were not really in use, but soldiers needed faster time access. One of the first military watches ever released was created by the Hamilton Company, known for producing very fine watches in America. Hamilton even provided names for each of the vintage watches that they made during the 30s, 40s and 50s.

Practical use:

horse pocket watch

Even if it’s old, these watches can still tell time, which is the primary reason why watches are made in the first place. A watch is primarily defined by its use as a time-keeping device. As far as utility is concerned, there is nothing quite like the military watch.

A military watch is known for its precision, effectiveness, sturdiness and durability. No wonder they were and are used by soldiers! For starters, military watches are accurate, functional and very readable despite their antique design. Also, vintage military watches lend a certain kind of elegance. They bring to mind a dapper gentleman, wearing a crisp tux, a whiskey in hand and smoking Cuban cigars. Buying used military watches can give you a historical accessory without breaking the bank.

A lot of vintage military watches made use of jewel bearings. Jewel bearings, which were invented by Nicolas Fatio de Duillier, were made to lessen friction. Before, these jewel bearings were made from tiny, grounded pieces of natural jewels. Most watches used garnet, quartz and glass as jewel bearings.

The pricier, top quality watches made use of ruby, sapphire and even diamonds. Later on, artificial crystals were grown and used as substitutes, making jewel bearings cheaper. For more information visit to military watches.



    

By Heather Ponicsan
Published: 12/22/2008

 

Was $225 Is $70.16 Wenger Swiss Military Watches™ Field Watch

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Rodania Rcaf watch - The Military Watch Resource - Community Fora

Hello gents, I am new to this forum and to watch collecting. I figured this would be a great place to start. I was recently given an old Canadian air force watch. Would any of y…   Read more…

another question about watch-marking… - The Military Watch

Old Today, 16:43. Schopper. Junior Member. Join Date: Jan 2009. Posts: 5. Schopper is an unknown quantity at this point. Default another question about watch-marking… Hi there, i saw …   Read more…

Band of Brothers - Watches - The Military Watch Resource

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20
Dec

Gifts? What About A Pocket Watch!

Posted by admin in General


Pocket Watch - Great Gift Idea

Nothing says "I care about you" more than a silver pocket watch.

betty boop pocketwatch

Sometimes, it’s not so much the message that counts, but how this message was expressed. The same is true of the presents you give to the men in your life - be they boyfriend, husband, brother, father, uncle, or a second cousin.

Pocket watches unlike wristwatches were designed to be carried in a pocket as opposed to being worn on the wrist. Developed in the sixteenth century they were popular until the wristwatch came about after WWI.

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.

armadillo pocketwatch
The good thing about a silver pocket watch is that it looks distinguished. Thus, it can also double as a striking piece of accessory. You may purchase a fob to accompany the watch. A fob will provide your recipient with more choices on how to wear the watch. He could wear it as a necklace, for one, or a bracelet, for another.

To add a special touch to your gift-giving, have the silver pocket watch engraved. You could have the date and the name of the recipient etched on the back, for instance. Or, you could include a line or two that only you and your recipient would understand. The message should be one that aptly encapsulates your relationship with the person you are giving the silver pocket watch to.

Meanwhile, collecting antique pocket watches has become a pastime for folks young and old. To learn the value of the pocket watch, and what you should be paying for it, you can find numerous books available at antique pocket watch auction sites.

pocket watches
pocket watches

By ronald yoon
Published: 8/12/2008

 

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18
Dec

History Of Pocket Watches

Posted by admin in General

Pocket watches are classy and stylish. Unlike wrist watches, they are a cut above the norm and are meant to be used on more formal occasions. They have been around since the 16th century, and even today, are valued for their elegance and usefulness.

bunn pocket watches

The first designs of the pocket watch was more of a square than the round one, which is more commonly its shape today. Vintage pocket watches were also larger than today’s pocket watches. Because of the craftsmanship involved in making pocket watches, only the more affluent were able to afford them. As such, pocket watches were symbols of wealth and status.

how to wear a pocket watch

The designs and features of pocket watches continued to evolve centuries after they were first introduced. During the 17th century, watch craftsmen started making the cases and dials for the pocket watches in various designs. By the 18th century, innovations in constructing the pocket watches were made. During this period, jewels (rubies) were first used to construct pocket watches, as well as oil to smooth the movement of the hands of the pocket watches. These innovations resulted in more accurate time keeping pocket watches.

Pocket watches today are more advanced than the pocket watches of the past, in both design and craftsmanship. Available in a variety of designs, colors, styles, and materials used, pocket watches remain symbols of style and elegance. Some pocket watch styles are even made to resemble vintage pocket watches, perfect for those who want to feel the grandeur of the old world.

Small, light, and portable, pocket watches make for fine gifts for those who are looking for something different for any occasion. Aside from the obvious elegance they can give, most pocket watches can be engraved, adding a personalized touch to a special occasion.
   
With the variety of pocket watches available in the market, finding the perfect one can be a bit confussing, so check out the online market before deciding on the best one for you.

 

The History and Dream of Luxury Watches

The next time you look at your watch realize that Peter Henlein invented the first pocket watch in Nuremberg, Germany. It wasn’t very accurate, which is sort of ironic since Germans are known for their accuracy.    Read more…

History of the Watch

But in the 1500’s Peter Henlein from Germany created the first pocket watch. And from that point on portable timekeeping was part of the norm. In the early 1600s, form watches came into being. Cases shaped like animals and objects and    Read more…

The Long History of Watch Making

For a number of years before the wrist watch became a common sight, the standard for personal timekeeping was the pocket watch. Pocket watches are said to have originated in Germany towards around the end of the fifteenth century.    Read more…

The History Of Pocket Watches

Collectors realize that pocket watches have been around for years, but the first mobile clocks did not appear until the 1500s. Up until then mechanisms inside clocks were entirely too large and heavy, so very few individuals considered    Read more…

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Once upon a time in America pocket watches were the only way a gentlemen would be able to carry a watch around. In today’s ever changing society they have become quite scarce, as the majority of people prefer to wear a watch on their wrist or to not wear one at all or to use a mobile phone to find out the time.

gold pocket watch railroad case
Nevertheless, there are numerous collectors of watches whose collection would not be complete without having at lease one pocket watch in it.

The Different Kinds of Pocket Watches

The majority of pocket watches are classified by the manufacturer, design, precious metals, as well as gems used within it, as well by its movement and functions.

The watch known as the fussee watch, or the key wind watch, is one of the most sought after time pieces by collectors, the reason being is they are believed to have been invented by none other than Leonardo Da Vinci himself.

Next on the list is the American Railroad pocket watch, as it was mainly used for obvious purposes and was thought to be very accurate in order to prevent any accidents.

The Marine Chronometer watch is next on the list, which is then followed by the Hunter Case pocket watch, which are in high demand since they have a protective cover over the face of the watch to prevent any possible scratches.

Primarily desired for its beauty in addition to its rarity, the Multi-jewel pocket watch was brought to the consumer market by a very few famous designers such as Cartier and Omega.

Maintaining Your Pocket Watch

A significant part of owning an expensive and rare watch is providing the proper care for it. The proper way of taking care of your pocket watch is by knowing what material it is constructed from and if it has any exotic gemstones you need to be aware of.

When a watch is made out of precious metals you are going to need to clean it on a regular basis so you will need to bring it to the jewelers at least once a year.

The majority of watches require servicing of its mechanism, hence a trip to a certified watch maker is typically indicated when you buy it. Also, if it was listed on the paperwork you received with the watch when you first bought it, you always have the option to take it in for cleaning and polishing of the outside material.

There are numerous types of pocket watches to search for and to endeavor to make a part of your collection. What it boils down to is how much time and energy you are willing to devote in this hobby, as you will discover that most of them are hard to find and extremely expensive.

  

 

Stylish Watches Found On Internet Watch Dealer Sites

By Joseph Levy While everyone has their own idea of what a stylish watch would look like but after reading this article you will have a better understanding. Stylish watches are often in the eye of the beholder. When you search the internet a number of stylish watches can be found on dealer websites, but consumers can choose for themselves which watches they find to be the most stylish and enjoyable. In addition to offering style watches, these watch dealers also able to offer deep discount   Read more…

Diva’s Fashion Jewelry Blogshop…: Simple yet Stylish Doggy Earrings

Vintage Small Pocket WatchStylish Pocket Watch � Red Eyed Fox Earrings � Lee Hyori Wooden Cross Necklace � Romantic Love Pearl Earrings � Little Smiley Whale Earrings � Happy Pink Bunny Earrings � Stylish JC Golden Crown with Crystal    Read more…

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Omega Watches - An Intriguing Look At the History Behind These Luxurious Watches

robert roskell pocket watches

Engineered to the nth degree, the Omega watch brand is a staple on many a well-to-do man’s dresser; tucked safely away inside its luxurious velvet box, ensuring that this extremely fine timepiece will be free from dust and scratches when not eloquently strapped to its owner’s wrist.

Now let’s take a brief but intriguing look at the history behind these luxurious watches long before they signed Hollywood A-list stars Nicole Kidman and George Clooney, as well as tennis superstar Maria Sharapova, to become their celebrity endorsers.

The fairy tale known as the Omega Watch Company actually started way back in the 19th Century -1848 to be exact, when the Omega founder, Louis Brandt, a Swiss watchmaker who resided in La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland, began creating his "Omega" masterpieces. Of course, back then he constructed each piece using only his bare hands by meticulously assembling each watch piece by piece.

The first watches that Mr. Brandt made were pocket watches, because back then they were the timepiece that was considered to be vogue and were highly sought after and cherished. In the mid 1800’s the thought of attaching a bracelet to their time piece never even crossed a persons mind. The fashionable and preferred thing to do was to carry their beloved "Omega" watches - which, at the time were called "Bienne" watches - in their pockets.

Unfortunately, Mr. Louis Brandt passed away in 1879 and he left his modest company to his sons, Louis Paul Brandt and Cesar Brandt who carried on their father’s tradition of impeccable pocket watch craftsmanship. They decided to rename the company "Bienne" in January 1880.

The birth of the Omega watch brand actually took place in 1894, more than a decade after the renaming of the company to Bienne. Louis and Cesar Brandt introduced, for the first time, the brand "Omega" to the Swiss public. Over time, the Omega watch has come to be one of Switzerland’s biggest and most luxurious exports. The Omega watch name actually came from one of the two Brandt brother’s watch movement calibers.

armadillo pocketwatch
Sadly, the reign of the two Brandt brothers in the Omega watch company was short-lived because both brothers suddenly died in 1903. This resulted in four individuals taking control of the Omega watch company. One of the individuals was Paul Brandt, who not only inherited the Brandt family name but their entrepreneurial instincts as well. At just 23 years old, Paul was actually the oldest of the four who took over the Omega watch company after the death of the Brandt brothers.

After a merger with fellow Swiss luxury watch brand, Tissot in 1930, SSIH (Socit suisse pour l’industrie horlogre) in Geneva, Switzerland was created as the new parent company of the newly merged watch companies. Fortunately, the merger between Tissot and Omega was a big success, which is why in a relatively short time the SSIH group grew to over fifty other companies including Lemania, Lanco and Hamilton. And in a relatively short period of time, the SSIH group has managed to position themselves as the third largest producer of luxury watches, as well as watch movements in the world.

It was during this time when Omega produced a number of its most loved time pieces. Vintage Omega watches that are still highly sought and are famous to this day.

During the Second World War, Omega built a solid reputation for themselves by coming out with military and pilot watches for servicemen. They have always been known for their fine craftsmanship and their great attention to detail. Other popular watches from that era were the Omega Speedmaster chronograph, the Omega Seamaster waterproof sports watch and the Omega Constellation watches, which are all still incredibly popular.

gold pocket watch with locomotive train engraved case 
During an economic downturn in 1980, Omega found itself once again merging with another Swiss watch giant - ASUAG, which manufactures and produces other popular Swiss watches such as Swatch, Longines and Rado. The new company that emerged from the Omega-ASUAG merger was called the ASUAG-SSIH company. Unfortunately, even the combined resources of the newly formed company was unable to fight off the economic slump that Omega was facing during that time which resulted in the newly formed company to be taken over by a private group. The ASUAG-SSIH company was renamed and shortened to just SMH which still exists today.

Fossil Watches
Fossil Watches

By Scott Knutson

Published: 5/14/2006

  

 

Star Caliber 2000…A gentleman’s watch!

I think pocket watches are in vogue again. Earlier we covered the very futuristic pocket watch and mobile phone by Tag Heuer, and now the very classy, elegant and timeless (pun intended) Star Caliber…   Read more…

The Railroad Watch - Why So Collectible?

Ever wondered why pocket watches are such collectible items? Railroad pocket watches make for precious heirlooms. Find out why. Railroad pocket watches mark the height of not just the American watch…   Read more…

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

It’s easy enough to understand why some people spend huge sums of money on wristwatches - aside from vices like vanity, avarice, and ego, there’s the whole “fine timepiece” marketing mystique…   Read more…

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