Pocket watches often resemble the upper crust of society – noble in their discretion, drinking brands, casually reaching into their breast pockets to check the time. So smooth and debonair. Today these relics of a bygone era are collected with great value. Many watches were made in the middle of the 19th century in pocket so they are steeped in history which increases their prestige.
Hundreds of thousands of mass-produced watches were produced in the 1800s. Some were very well known. Others of lesser note. You can tell by the way if the watch wears any jewels embedded in it. Another way to tell the difference between a high quality pocket watch and a low quality watch is by examining the case that accompanies the watch. Many people opted for solid gold. Look at the back of the case for the difference. The gold plate cases bear the inscription, which guarantees that the case will last for 10 years. A solid gold case made in Great Britain will display English marks.
Start your pocket watch collection by looking around fob watches for women. These delicate, intricately designed watches are worth a decent amount of money and are fairly easy to find. You can buy one for $150. A women’s watch from 1900 in black design can be worth between $550-750. There is enough in your shopping around. A fols watch is a small case that hangs from a pin or pin. They were made of hanging clothes. Because they were jewelry, they could be worn as an accessory.
An 18-karat gold Full Hunter Keyless Wind Pocket Watch, designed by Waltham of Massachusetts (usually a watch company that manufactures machine-made watches in the United States about a century) worth $350-550 The fully sculpted case was made in Great Britain.
If you’re lucky enough to come across one, the precious minutes repeating Full Hunter Watch with triple calendar. and a chronograph made in 1900 is worth $3,000-4,500. This 2 1/8” piece of machinery has an intricate piece of craftsmanship that is the reason why it is so expensive.Roman Numerals in front and small, fly on the second hand.
If you’re looking for a unique pocket mirror that will make your collection stand out from the rest, look no further than the Lover’s Pocket Mirror. These worst watches showed a risqué scene on the inner face. To be prudent, the scouts put a veil in front. Because amateur watches were illegal, watchers often remain anonymous. If the erotic pocket was discovered, it would be seized and destroyed. For doing this alone, finding a pocket lover, I find complete watches quite a collector’s item. One of the 19th century price is $1,800-2,700.
As you can see, pocket watches aren’t just for your grandfather. For beginners, collecting your own pocket watches can be profitable if you have the patience to explore the complex or rare.
Source: Collectibles Magazine (Summer 2000)
