Pocket Watches

(French pocket watch from the 1920s)

(ca. 1950s Omega pocket watch)

 

Pocket watches were the most common type of watch from their development in the 16th century until wristwatches became popular after World War I. Pocket watches usually have an attached chain to allow them to be secured to a waistcoat, lapel, or belt loop, to prevent them from being dropped. Watches were also mounted on a short leather strap or fob, when a long chain would have been cumbersome. This could also provide a protective flap over their face and crystal. Women's watches were normally of this form, with a watch fob that was more decorative. Chains were frequently decorated with a silver or enamel pendant, sometimes carrying the arms of some club or society, which also became known as a fob. Gadgets such as a watch winding key or a cigar cutter also appeared on watch chains, although usually in a decorated style. Also common were fasteners designed to be put through a buttonhole and worn in a jacket or waistcoat, this sort being frequently associated with and named after train conductors.

 

My husband and I have a pocket watch. We've had it for a few months now, and I kept wanting to open it. My husband did and discovered that it had belonged to a man named Karl in 1927. The man was from Maine and had etched his name, the date, and where he was at that time. It was very interesting, and pretty neat to know that we have a watch that old. It makes me wonder if he is still alive and if maybe he remembers when he owned it.