Pocket Watches Are For Keeps

As opposed to wristwatches, pocket watches are meant to be placed on coat or trousers pockets. They usually come with a chain that attaches it to a belt loop or waistcoat. Pocket watches are analog timepieces in contrast to todays watches with digital displays.

A classy pocket watch is never without its functional ornaments. It has a chain, or fob, to secure the watch that is normally made of such materials as gold and silver. The hunter-type pocket watch has a hinged cover that is manually opened when looking at the time. This protects the watch face from scratches. Most pocket watches also have a fastener to attach the watch to the users garments.

Pocket watches have been in circulation long before wristwatches became popular. The earliest reference to a new pocket watches ever noted was in 1462 through a letter by Batholomew Manfredi, an Italian clock maker, addressed to the Marchese di Manta. The letter was an offer to make the Marchese a pocket clock that would surpass the quality of that owned by the Duke of Modena.

The first pocket clock that actually fit the pocket was invented in 1510 by Peter Heinlein, a German locksmith from Nuremberg. Ever since then, he continued making such clocks until it became popular all throughout Europe.

There are two types of pocket watches: open-faced and hunter type. Open-faced pocket watches are simply those that do not have covers. The latter, also referred to as hunter type or savonette, has a hinged cover to protect the watch face from scratches and breakage. Pocket watches has a seconds dial that is located at the six oclock position, a stem for the chain at twelve oclock, and a hunter stem for the hinged cover at six oclock. Both of these types may or may not be a winding pocket watches or watches that you need wind up for it to work.

Whether it is open-faced or hunter-type, modern pocket watches are equipped with the quartz movement feature.

Despite the popularity of the wristwatches, many still prefer pocket watches for that air of sophistication unrivalled by the wristwatch. Pocket watches can be personalized with designs and engravings on the watch cover or trinkets on pocket watch chains. They also make perfect customized presents by having personal messages engraved on the cover or trinkets added to the chains.

Today, you can find a variety of pocket watches. There are Swiss Army Pocket watches, watches that doubles as pendants, and of course, the conventional pocket watches. If you cant think of a personalized gift that is not commonplace and functional and decorative at the same time, consider looking at pocket watches.