How To Choose The Best Pocket Watch

The fame that pocket watches still boasts today is a prime example of how there are trends from the past that will never die out.

The spread of hipster fashion, and the never-lost fascination of vintage, are just two of the factors that contribute to keeping alive the passion of many individuals for these accessories. More and more individuals are deciding to collect them so they can leave them to their children and grandchildren, and the market for used and vintage watches is ever-expanding.

Whether you are an old league enthusiast, who perhaps inherited a collection already provided by a family member or a neophyte who timidly and curiously approaches this world, you certainly need an excellent watch.

The choice, however, may not be as easy as it seems! For this reason, we have this guide!

How to choose the best pocket watch

The pocket watch is an accessory that recalls a great class and has a vintage flavor that very few other objects have. Surely we have all seen our grandparents or our dads wearing one or carving out time to recharge it, in a now timeless ritual.

It is generally associated with a significant investment of money, but it is not always the case. We have prepared a practical guide to understand what elements to take into account before making the purchase. In this way, you can be sure to buy a satisfactory product without wasting your money on a potential disappointment.

Past vs Present

As mentioned above, the pocket watch is definitely an accessory that recalls the old glories of the past. Nevertheless, you may not be ready to give up all the conveniences of modern technology.

Vintage models are obviously the most coveted watches for enthusiasts and collectors. Very often we are talking about valuable objects, handcrafted and composed of a mechanism of the highest quality. Obviously in this case the cost to spend may not be at all content, especially for the most valued and appreciated models.

A more modern watch has instead a more contained cost. In most cases, the structure and design of these models however recall an original and vintage style. Lately, these objects are particularly coming back in fashion along with hipster fashion, which re-proposes the styles of the past in a modern way. These watches are unlikely to be hand-designed, and they will surely mount a newer mechanism.

There is no better choice in this regard. It all comes down to your personal taste, needs, and budget. Take all the time you need to decide, and don’t forget to evaluate multiple models.

Operation

One of the main choices you’ll face is between mechanical or quartz operation. A seemingly trivial choice, but one that will largely affect how you use your watch!

Historically, pocket watches are mechanical. Their diffusion dates back to around the second half of the twentieth century when such a mechanism was still considered highly innovative. Soon after, these items would be replaced by wristwatches. They are, however, less accurate, they must be wound manually every day. If you are not an expert this operation could seem difficult and cumbersome, but once you understand how to do it, it could become a ritual with a very special charm.

Obviously, a quartz watch is more accurate and is powered by batteries. This means that it does not require special attention and could be a great place to start for any newcomer to this world.

Budget

Like any collection, a pocket watch collection might require a not inconsiderable investment. However, if you are looking for a single product, in particular, it is not necessary to allocate too high a budget… unless you want to buy a vintage watch!

The best idea is always to rely on historical brands, whose share of the market is already established and experience is the guarantor. Only in this way you can be sure to buy a watch equipped with a mechanism of great quality, capable of maintaining pressure even in the most peculiar conditions.

Obviously, in the case of particularly famous brands and companies, the price will tend to rise. At the same time, however, you will get an object of great value, which you can pass on to your children. There are several low-cost models on the market, but saving too much could result in the purchase of a product not up to standard, which will break at the first opportunity leading you to irreparably lose all enthusiasm for this new collection of yours!

If you feel more targeted to the vintage watch market, it’s always best to consult an expert. You could hardly move easily in this market if you are not yourself an expert in the field!