Buying pocket watches is a process that takes knowledge, patience and a bit of finesse. Pocket watches are not created equal and it is important to choose the correct style. There are hundreds of variations available on the market, and below are some tips that will help you find one which is perfect for you.

What Makes The Pocket Watch Different?

The pocket watch is distinct from the wrist watch in that it is designed to be placed and carried in the pocket. These watches tend to be simpler than their wrist counterparts and don’t have the same level of ornamentation. This may make some people wonder why these watches haven’t been phased out.

In fact, the pocket watch has a number of advantages over the wrist watch and predates it. It is traditionally worn and secured via a chain to the lapel, waistcoat or belt loop, which makes it harder to damage or steal. Classical pocket watches have special covers which prevented the watch’s face from being damaged, and these covers would sometimes be made from materials such as silver or enamel.

Another advantage of the pocket watch is that its design allows for the inclusion of practical items such as cigar cutters, winding keys or the Vesta case. These gadgets made the watch more usable which increased its appeal among consumers.

Hinged And Open Faced Pocket Watches

Pocket watches come in two variations, which are hinged and open face. Hinged watches may also be referred to as Hunters. These watches use hunter cases which mean they contain a crystal with Geneva styling. They tend to be sophisticated but are thin and delicate. They may be convex or flat in design, but will be sufficiently low to allow the lid of the watch to close. If damaged the hunter glass is tough to replace as it must be sufficiently high to not cause any issues with the watch arms, while being low enough to not interfere with the cover.

The open faced pocket watch has no cover, which means the dial is always exposed. The crystal within these watches use an outer edge that is beveled. This has less to do with style and is more the result of providing the dial of the watch with an outer edge that is more defined. Both open faced and hinged pocket watches are designed with metal casing, but some older models come with glass or even ceramic.

Color And Styling

Pocket watches come in a variety of different colors and materials. Some are made of bronze or stainless steel, while others are made from platinum or gold. The color is essential as it needs to match your clothing. Subtle colors like brown, metallic or black are often a prudent choice.  Pocket watches also come in digital or analog varieties.

The difference is that digital watches will show the time numerically in a user-friendly manner, while analog watches will display hands that you’ll have to read. Analog watches are considered the more classier and fashionable of the two while digital watches are more convenient.

In the next part of this guide, you will find out more guidelines about how to shop for pocket watches like a pro.