Rank: | Photo: | Model: | Rating: | More Info: |
#1 |  | BEST OVERALL Tissot Unisex Savonettes Quartz | ||
#2 |  | ManChDa Vintage Pocket Watch | ||
#3 |  | Speidel Classic Brushed Engravable | ||
#4 |  | Gotham Railway Classic | ||
#5 |  | Assassin's Creed Unity Arno's Pocket Watch |
A pocket watch is a beautiful addition to your style that speaks of elegance and timeless fashion. Although you might worry about it being old-fashioned, it’s not just an accessory that your father or grandfather liked to wear!
Are pocket watches still popular? While you might assume that they’re outdated, pocket watches are still popular. Watch companies manufacture pocket watches, but usually give them a modern twist.
If you’re looking for a unique accessory that is sure to set you apart from the rest, a pocket watch can be a great one to add to your collection. With that in mind, here’s the best pocket watch for the money: make a statement.
Best Pocket Watch – Reviews & Buying guide for 2021
Best Overall: Tissot Unisex Savonettes Quartz
This strong, durable, and beautiful pocket watch adds a modern twist on the classic pocket watch design. Let’s check it out.
Specs
- Size (case diameter): 49 millimeters
- Thickness: 10.2 millimeters
- Color: White
Pros
- This best man pocket watch is round and has a Roman dial type and date.
- It makes use of Swiss quartz movement and comes in a fresh white color.
- It contains a 316L stainless steel case for the ultimate durability. In fact, all elements of the pocket watch are made of stainless steel.
- You can engrave this pocket watch, which makes it a wonderful gift for someone special in your life.
- This best pocket watch for everyday use is water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry too much if you get caught in a light drizzle while wearing it.
Cons
- Some people who have purchased this pocket watch have reported that they didn’t like how the second hand was very visible, but this is a matter of preference.
- Others have reported receiving the pocket watch in bad condition.
Runner Up: ManChDa Vintage Pocket Watch
If you’re looking for a pocket watch that doesn’t pay homage to days gone by and offers a trendy, alternative design instead, then this one by ManChDa is worth considering. Here’s what to know about it.
Specs
- Size (case diameter): 47 millimeters
- Thickness: 15.5 millimeters
- Color: Black
Pros
- Instead of traditional silver, this pocket watch comes in black. It has a black dial with golden movement.
- It has luminous pointers to allow you to read the watch in low-light conditions. This is a great feature to make it easier to check the time wherever you are, whether at night or day.
- It comes with a long chain so that you can wear it with greater convenience.
- This pocket watch comes in an elegant case to keep it safe.
- The front face of the pocket watch has been made out of acrylic instead of glass, which makes it safer to handle. If you’re buying this pocket watch as a gift for a teenager or child, this also makes it safer for them to handle.
- Interestingly, this pocket watch is one you wind by hand. This means that you don’t have to worry about using batteries.
- With your purchase of the pocket watch, you will receive a cleaning cloth and gift box.
Cons
- Some people who have purchased this watch have reported that the lens moves around a bit in the watch housing. It doesn’t feel as stable as if it had been made out of glass, and this also makes it rattle around, which can be frustrating.
Alternative: Speidel Classic Brushed Engravable
This beautiful black pocket watch looks smooth and well made. It has many other features you’ll love, whether you’re buying it for yourself or a loved one. Let’s look at its pros and cons.
Specs
- Size (case diameter): 47 millimeters
- Thickness: 13.5 millimeters
- Color: Black with black dial, silver with black dial, or silver with blue dial
Pros
- This watch makes use of analog quartz movement, which includes a second hand.
- It has day and date subdials that can be found at the three o’clock and nine o’clock positions.
- You can engrave this watch, which makes it the perfect gift for pocket watch lovers. This contributes to how it’s the best pocket watch under $200.
- The watch has been designed with a brushed satin finish to make it look stylish and well made.
- The chain is 14 inches in length and has been diamond cut. It has an easy clasp that’s strong and durable.
- The watch’s crown is of the push-button variety so the case is easy to open.
Cons
- Some people who have purchased this pocket watch have reported that it has a hinge on the cover that doesn’t feel well made.
- The chain is said to feel like it’s made of plastic. It doesn’t have the weight that you’d expect in a pocket watch.
Alternative: Gotham Railway Classic
Although this pocket watch is said to have a classic design, open it and you’ll see a modern take on the pocket watch’s traditional setup. Here’s what you should know about it.
Specs
- Size (case diameter): 51 millimeters
- Thickness: 16.8 millimeters
- Color: White
Pros
- This best pocket watch has been designed with a ceramic railway classical dial. It shows 12 or 24 hour time, plus has stick hands as well as Arabic numbers.
- It’s got a stainless steel brushed hunter case that’s made with scratch-resistant mineral crystal, so you can be guaranteed of its quality.
- This pocket watch under $100 uses a battery that’s precision Japanese analog quartz, so you don’t have to worry about winding the watch. This makes it easy to use and maintain.
- The pocket watch has a 14-inch curb chain with a spring-ring closure to make it user-friendly.
- It comes with a gift box and lifetime warranty.
Cons
- While the chain has thick links that are sturdy, you might not like that it looks so rugged. If you’re searching for a pocket watch that has a more delicate or classic look, then this one might not be exactly to your taste and preference.
Alternative: Assassin’s Creed Unity Arno’s Pocket Watch
This is a special, limited edition pocket watch that’s proof of how pocket watches can be trendy and modern. Although it’s currently out of stock on Amazon, you will be able to order more soon. Let’s check out why this pocket watch is worthy of a spot on our list.
Specs
- Size (case diameter): N/A
- Thickness: N/A
- Color: Black and Gold
Pros
- If you’re looking for a pocket watch that has a regal, luxurious appearance, look no further than this exclusive one which is based on the Assassin’s Creed Unity game. This pocket watch was inspired by the game’s character, Arno, and his quest. If you’re a fan of Assassin’s Creed Unity, then you’ll love it.
- The hand, window, and mechanism are made of copper.
- There’s red corduroy fabric inside the pocket watch’s lid, which adds a touch of glamour to the watch’s design and makes it look luxurious.
- The pocket watch case is elaborately decorated with engraving that makes it look sophisticated. This is definitely a collector’s item.
Cons
- The watch contains plastic instead of glass.
- The watch has been discontinued by the manufacturer.
- The case and winder of the watch are made of zinc alloy. This can turn your skin green.
- As can be seen from the table at the beginning of this buying guide, there’s not much information available about the watch’s case size or its other specs.
Pocket Watch FAQ
If you want to buy and start using a pocket watch, you might have some questions related to it. Let’s check out some common pocket watch questions and information you should know about these interesting accessories before you go ahead and purchase one of them.
Does anyone still use a pocket watch?
If you’re interested in pocket watches, you might wonder if they’re still in fashion. Earlier in this article, we touched on how pocket watches are being made into modern creations, which makes them still have a place in fashion today.
This might sound surprising, especially because pocket watches were always said to be elegant and were often combined with tailored suits in order to be classy.
That’s no longer necessarily the case, as there are still watch manufacturers who are producing pocket watches.
An example is Tissot, who manufactures affordable pocket watches that are open-face, hunter, or double-hunter designs. You can find vintage and more modern pieces from this popular Swiss brand.
Interestingly, a few years ago it was said that pocket watches were making a comeback and this was said to be as a result of an increased interest in watches in general.
While people might want to have the latest, trendiest watches on their wrists, there’s clearly still a place for pocket watches. While pocket watches don’t seem to be trendy items, they are unique statement pieces that are worth investing in if you consider yourself to be a style aficionado.
As with any accessory, however, it’s important to wear it in the best way as this will go a long way to making it stylish. For example, you don’t have to be limited to wearing a pocket watch with a formal outfit, such as a suit.
You can wear it casually, such as by pairing it with a pair of jeans, but if this appeals to you the use of leather strap fobs or heavier chains will work well because they make the pocket watch look more rugged.
It’s also worth mentioning that you should be wary of the size of the pocket watch. If you’re wearing a casual outfit, a smaller watch fob will be ideal.
If you’re going to a black tie event, your best bet is to opt for a thinner pocket watch. This is because you’ll likely be wearing a jacket breast pocket or waistcoat that are smaller in size. You can also choose decorative pocket watches as these will work beautifully.
The classic way of wearing a pocket watch applies here. You will have to wear it by its fob (or the end of its chain) in the pocket of your waistcoat. Make sure the fob is passed through the buttonholes, before reaching the pocket on the other side.
Pocket watches used to be secured in place with another object, like a cigar cutter, but modern pocket watches will allow you to attach them directly to your clothing. For example, you can find pocket watches that have a belt bar in their design.
This enables the pocket watch to get attached to a belt or the top of your trousers much more conveniently.
What are old pocket watches worth?
If you own an antique pocket watch, you might be wondering what it’s worth. There are some important factors that contribute to the worth of a pocket watch. These include the following which you should look out for:
- The watch’s brand name. If a manufacturer is known for the quality of their watches as being one of the best pocket watchmakers, then this will increase the value of the watch. For example, Swiss branded watches are considered to be the most valuable.
- The watch’s condition. If the watch works well, this will obviously increase its value. It’s true that many old pocket watches won’t be worth more than $200 and this is as a result of how they are in bad condition or aren’t working properly.
- How rare the watch is. If the watch has a rare feature, such as because not many of that particular watch was made, then this will increase its value.
- The watch’s jewel count. The watch’s jewels are small man-made rubies that reduce friction in the watch mechanism. While these themselves don’t have any value, they do contribute to the watch’s overall value. A pocket watch that contains a higher number of jewels, the more valuable it will be.
- The watch’s movement materials. When a pocket watch has fine details, such as gold jewel settings or embellished plates, this will add to its value.
- The watch’s case material. Stainless steel cases, although durable, have a low value when compared to solid gold cases.
- How elaborate the case is. Besides taking into account the watch’s case material, it’s also important to look at how elaborate the case is as this will contribute to the watch’s value. For example, if a case is painted, made with gold, set with precious stones, or enameled, it will be more valuable. The case should also be marked, such as when it comes to gold pocket watch cases. If the case is marked as being 14K or 18K with a stamp on the inside of the watch’s back cover, then it will be more valuable than a watch that doesn’t contain a stamp.
- How heavy the watch is. Although a more lightweight watch will feel more comfortable to carry than a heavy one, a heavy watch will point to its material, such as if its case is constructed with solid gold. It will also be a sign of sophisticated movement. Both of these contribute to the watch value.
Some of the best pocket watch brands when it comes to older watches include Ebel, which was known for high-end pocket watch designs in the 1900s, and Elgin, which was known for less extravagant watches.
You can find some watches from both of these brands that have sold for over $2,000.
How often should a pocket watch be serviced?
You might think that a pocket watch doesn’t need to be serviced that often because you don’t wear it on your wrist so it’s in less danger of being damaged, but pocket watches still need to be serviced in order to keep them in good condition.
It’s worth noting here that mechanical pocket watches should last for a minimum of 24 hours after having had one full wind of their mainspring. If the mainspring is damaged, this will make your watch run for a shorter amount of time.
By having your watch serviced regularly, this will ensure the integrity of the mainspring.
Generally, you should have your pocket watch serviced once every five years. If your watch is used regularly or it’s an antique model, it should be serviced a bit more regularly to ensure that it stays in excellent condition.
On the other hand, if you only wear your pocket watch on special occasions, then you can get away with having it serviced less regularly.
How can I tell if my pocket watch is antique?
If you’re not sure if your pocket watch is antique or not, you should look for some important identification marks. One of the easiest things to look for is the watch’s movements, basically when it comes to the stem and crown of the watch.
Where these are positioned on antique pocket watches will vary depending on the style of the watch.
- Hunting case pocket watches, which are covered, were originally made as a way to protect the crystal of the watch. On these watches, the stem and crown should be at the three o’clock position.
- By comparison, on an open-faced watch, the position of the setting and winding stem, as well as the crown, will be at the 12 o’clock position.
Another important way to tell if your pocket watch is antique is to look for its serial number. If your pocket watch was made in America, it will have one of these on it and it should appear on the watch case.
You will also find a serial number on the movement, or inner working, of the watch. You’ll have to open the back cover of the watch to find this serial number, which will be located on the movement. Once you have that number you should search on Pocket Watch Database.
Speaking of the watch movements, these can also help you to identify if your antique pocket watch is really antique. This is because in different eras, different movements were used on pocket watches.
- From the 1600s to the middle of the 1800s, pocket watches had a key-wind, key-set movement. This required the use of a specialized key to both wind and set the watch.
- Around the 1850s, pocket watches with stems that were used to set and wind the watch became popular.
- When the 1900s came around, pocket watch designs included opening the dial cover so that you could access a setting lever to set the watch. A stem was still used to wind the watch, and this was common for railroad watches. It’s good to know that railroad watches are some of the most valuable to own because they were made to be exact and accurate.
Conclusion
If you want to do something a little different when it comes to how you tell the time, you might be tempted to purchase a pocket watch.
While these are sometimes a nod to previous eras and can be classic items you add to your accessory collection, as we’ve seen in our pocket watch reviews, they can also be quite modern and unique.
If you’re interested in buying a pocket watch, whether for yourself or a loved one, you’ll want to read our reviews of the best pocket watch for the money: make a statement with this unique accessory, or make someone’s day with a special gift.
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