Timeless Timepieces
A pocket watch is the kind of watch worn not on the wrist, but placed on a pocket. Pocket watches come in traditional analog displays. It can be placed on any of the coat pockets, on the trousers, or vest pockets and are often secured by a chain to a belt loop or the lapel for security.
A pocket watch cannot be called such without its ornamental parts. It has a chain, or fob, attached to the watch that is normally made of such materials as gold and silver. The hinged watch cover that is found in most pocket watches to protect the face of the watch may be designed with intricate engravings or dotted with gemstones. Pocket watches also should have fasteners to secure them well.
Pocket watches have been in circulation long before wristwatches came into fashion. The first reference to pocket watches ever made was in a letter addressed to the Marchese di Manta from an Italian clocksmith named Bartholomew Manfredi in the year 1462. 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 mention of a pocket clock was made as early as the 1400s, but the first known pocket clock that fits the pocket, was in 1510 by a German locksmith named Peter Heinlein. From then on he continued making such watches until it became a must-have all throughout Europe.
There are two types of pocket watches. The first is open faced, with no cover, wind-up variety called a mechanical pocket watches . The other is the covered pocket watch or the hunter-type version. Since the pocket watchs separate second dial is usually placed close to six oclock, the pendant (also known as the stem of the open face pocket watch) is at twelve oclock. For the covered ones, there is another stem, called the hunter stem, and is located at three oclock. Reading a pocket watch means you have to position the watch at a ninety-degree angle with the stem pointed to the right.
Modern pocket watches make use of quartz movement as opposed to the mechanical watches, meaning, no winding is is needed.
Pocket watches are no longer as common today as it was before, but they are still existent, not just as timepieces, but as upscale, elegant accessories. Pocket watches as well as pocket watch accessories make perfect presents for traditionalists. Theyre especially good sentimental presents as their metal casings inside and out can easily be engraved with loving messages of many characters.
There are so many versatile options when it comes to todays pocket watches, from the standard to chronographs, ladies pendants, and Swiss Army Pocket watches. Any of them can make a great keepsake.