Who still wears a pocket watch these days? Everything about skeleton pocket watch explained
When was the last time you saw someone with a pocket watch?
A skeleton pocket watch at that?
Well, for me it was when I watched the last season of the Netflix series Peaky Blinders. (don't worry, I won't spoil anything).
Leaving aside the fact that, strictly speaking, cell phones can also be dubbed pocket watches, pocket watches are definitely not a thing of the past. How cool is it, then, when asked for the time, to elegantly carry your watch out of your pocket on a chain and aristocratically read the time? If you have the courage I can only recommend a pocket watch.
But why doesn't anyone wear them these days, and why do you need to wear one?
History
First, we need to briefly review the rise and fall of the pocket watch.
Ursprünglich, im frühen 15. Jahrhundert, wurden Uhren mit Gewichten betrieben. Heisst zwei Gewichte waren an der Uhr befestigt und durch die Schwerkraft konnte das Gear mechanism dann angetrieben werden.
Today, there are still some old wall clocks that still work with this system.
It was not until the invention of the spring drive that clocks could be made smaller and more portable. At first, it was thought to be a good idea to put the movement in a can, which was also called a "portable can clock".
After the can clock, the clocks were first hung on a chain around the neck. Unfortunately, since it was not yet so advanced, it was very inaccurate. That is why it was decided to equip it only with an hour hand. Only with the invention of the escapement and the pallet lever movement, the accuracy allowed to install also a minute hand.
Towards the end of the 18th century, the first pocket watches appeared, which, thanks to rapid development, seem to become more complex with each new model. The most complex among them must have been No. 160, called "Marie Antoinette". Handmade by Mr. Abraham Louis Breguet.
When the large-scale production of pocket watches began in the middle of the 19th century, even poorer social classes could afford them. Nevertheless, the watch remained a status symbol in upper circles, being made of gold and decorated with elaborately produced ornaments.
The pocket watch reached the peak of popularity at the beginning of the 20th century. At that time there were already wristwatches, made by Abraham Louis Breguet and Patek Philippe, but only ladies' watches. But their time has not yet come.
Until the First World War. There, pocket watches, which were carried in the trouser or vest pocket, were highly impractical. The wristwatch rapidly gained in popularity
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Why a skeleton pocket watch?
A pocket watch is larger and simpler in construction than a wristwatch. Therefore, it leaves more space to skeletonize the movement. Depending on the model, it is then incredibly easy to see which wheel has which function and how it is operated.
Besides, we are interested in watches, otherwise we wouldn't be looking at skeleton pocket watches. Our interest in watches is only surpassed by our curiosity about how accurately they tick.
So, if we have the chance to look at the highly fascinating inner workings of a pocket watch on occasion, we don't have to be asked twice.
Another reason that speaks in favor of a skeleton pocket watch and against an ordinary pocket watch is that, unlike a wristwatch, the back can always be admired as well.
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The way of wearing
How exactly does one wear a pocket watch?
Do I have to buy an extra vest or even a 3-piece suit?
No.
How you wear your skeleton pocket watch depends on what you want to combine it with. However, a vest is not the only option.
The vest
It is not the only, but the most common combination option.
The watch is stowed in one of the lower pockets, which one depends on whether you are right or left handed, because the pocket watch should be opened and held with the non-dominant hand. Therefore, it must also be in the pocket that is on the side.
Fasten the watch with the chain to the buttonhole, which is above the pocket. You may also fasten it higher up if you don't want the chain to be too long.
The Suit
You want to wear your skeleton pocket watch, but you don't have a vest? No problem, because it can also be combined with a suit jacket.
Namely, you attach the chain in the hole on the lapel of the suit and let the watch disappear in the breast pocket. The chain acts as an eye-catcher and style element that can set you apart from the majority.
The jeans
Why did you think your jeans have another small pocket in the right front pocket?
No, it's not for coins or a condom. (Which is really not a good idea because the friction and temperature can damage the quality... where was I?)
Exactly, it was originally meant to store your pocket watch while you were at work. If your pocket watch has some sort of hook on the end of the chain, you can attach it to your belt and carry the watch in your pocket.
The collar
Why should we let a centuries-old tradition dictate how we dress?
You want to wear your skeleton pocket watch around your neck? Then replace it with a necklace and show the world your individuality.
Is your watchknowledge up to date?
Here is our list of must-know watches!
Bet you'll find a watch on it that you've never seen before.
Conclusion
Skeleton pocket watches are Extraordinary.
They act as a fashion statement and at the same time rebel against today's norms that everything must be practical and efficient. Watch lovers can live out their fascination with time hands and every time check becomes a kind of ceremony.
The only question that arises is:
Are you brave enough to wear a skeleton pocket watch? Because be aware, you will stand out and you will be approached on it (which doesn't have to be a bad thing).
(While researching this post, I also noticed what a brilliant gift, for, say, groomsmen, an engraved pocket watch is).
Q&A
How old are pocket watches?
Pocket watches have been around since the end of the 18th century, and the "Marie Antoinette", which has shaped a fascinating history, can still be seen today at the L.A. Meyer Institute of Islamic Art in Jerusalem.
Why was the pocket watch replaced by the wristwatch?
During World War I, pocket watches were very impractical in the trenches. During this time, the wristwatch was on the rise and took over the top of popularity in a very short time.
Can I wear a pocket watch with jeans?
Absolutely.
The jeans, with the small pocket on the right side, were designed to carry a pocket watch.
That's why the small pocket was originally called a "watch-pocket".
Scource cover image: Pexels
About the author
Benno Büchler
In pursuit of more charmingly atypical watches, the teenage interest developed into a real passion. I strive to find the perfect combination of deviant and ravishing for the wrist.
