The timeless value of the pocket watch
Have you ever seen a man wearing a pocket watch? We take pleasure in watching movies and series where men like Tommy Shelby (Peaky Blinders - Netflix) reincarnate a man’s wardrobe from the 1920s.
A wool suit, black coat, red tie, white collared shirt, tweed hat, a pair of black boots and most importantly a pocket watch. A wardrobe you would envy.
The pocket watch-or the world’s first wearable tech game changer – was first invented by Peter Henlein in Germany in 1510. Until the second half of the 18th century, watches were luxury items.
Its shape, which we still know and love today, was perfected in the 17th century with the introduction of the waistcoat into men's clothing. Round and flat, the accessory could easily slip into a pocket and had no sharp edges that risked damaging the fabric.
Until early in the 20th century, though, the pocket watch remained predominant for men, with the wristwatch considered feminine and unmanly. In men's fashions, pocket watches began to be superseded by wristwatches around the time of World War I, when officers in the field began to appreciate that a watch worn on the wrist was more easily accessed than one kept in a pocket.
In 2022 pocket watches are no longer something needed to tell time, but more of an accessory or a status symbol. The pocket watch has recently regained popularity due to the renewed appreciation for fine timepieces and today's trend of vintage inspired clothing and jewelry.
Below is a guide for you to properly choose and wear a pocket watch
Choose a pocket watch chain
Whether you want a classic mechanical wind-up pocket watch or one with a battery-powered quartz movement, the chain is the eye-catcher and keeps the watch securely attached to your clothing. When choosing a chain, you should be guided by the material from which the pocket watch is made to have a match. Most chains are made of gold, silver, bronze, copper, and steel. One end of the chain is for attaching to the pocket watch and the other for attaching to the garment. The chain can also be made of leather, which is suitable for wearing on the belt of trousers or jeans.
How to attach a pocket watch to clothes?
This authentic accessory needs a small pocket to place it in and something on the fabric to attach the chain to. The oldest and perhaps one of the most elegant ways to wear a pocket watch is with a vest, jacket, or jacket with a special pocket. You can easily wear the accessory with trousers or jeans and attach the chain to the belt. For convenient and easy use, place the accessory on the opposite side of the dominant hand. If you are left-handed - in the right pocket, if the right hand is dominant, put it in the left pocket. Before every trip to the street, carefully check the fastening elements. This reduces the risk of losing the accessory.
Different ways to wear a pocket watch
You don't think that a pocket watch can only be worn with a suit or a vest. This accessory can be worn in a variety of ways and match your dressing style. For fans of the classic style, it is best to put the pocket watch in a vest pocket. The chain is always fastened to the button of the garment.
If you like a little casualness in your look, it is best to wear the pocket watch with trousers or jeans. The chain is always visible.
Who says pocket watches are only for men?
Pocket watches are traditionally thought of as accessories for men, but there is no reason a woman can't wear one too. If you are a woman wanting to wear a pocket watch, there are some ways to pull the look off.
- As a necklace - pocket watches can be worn in the same fashion as a necklace
- As a bracelet - pocket watches can be refashioned into trendy bracelets, serving as jewelry and a watch
- In a blazer - blazers are popular fashion choices for working women, and dainty pocket watches can be tucked into pockets and attached to the coats with pretty chains
Why is a pocket watch worth owning?
The pocket watch has become a central accessory of the steam punk trend, and designs are often rendered in the vintage-yet-futuristic style. It is a blend of the past and future which speaks to one who appreciates science fiction.
The image of a pocket watch is incredibly personal and serves as a representation of the life of he, or she, who wears it. Because this type of watch was so personal in its time of use, the pocket watch as a symbol can denote many different aspects of one’s personality.
It's time to choose your first pocket watch!