Step in Time and Style with a Vintage Pocket Watch
- America's Antique Mall
- Jul 14
- 5 min read
What’s that tick-tick-tick sound? Oh, just the vintage watch in your pocket, of course! Whether you’ve only ever seen them in old-timey movies or grew up watching your relatives sporting the chained design, pocket watches are the ultimate on-the-go method for staying on time in style.
The Birth of the Pocket Watch
Did you know the pocket watch can be traced all the way back to the year 1510? The famed German master craftsman Peter Henlein is credited with creating some of the earliest designs. At first, this style, sometimes referred to as the “Nuremberg egg,” was worn around the neck and actually quite large, closely resembling the embellished and ornamental table clocks popular at the time.
A few decades later, after a little fine-tuning and crucial horological advancements, the
small, circular timekeeping devices we recognize as pocket watches were released. Surprise to none, they were a big hit!
In the next couple of centuries, these functional and stylish antique watches were worn around the globe. These vintage watches remained the most desirable timepiece until the 1940s when wristwatches were seen as more practical.
Wearing a Pocket Watch: A Symbol of Status
When these antique watches were first released, they were used primarily by the expert craftsman and their upper-class clientele. As they were handcrafted and hard to come by without an elite status, owning a pocket watch soon became a sign of wealth. These vintage watches were often passed down as family heirlooms, keeping the status of owning them in the family.
The 5 Main Pocket Watch Designs
When you look into the showcase of an antique mall near Chicago, you may be surprised to see just how many different vintage watch designs there really are. Though each brand and year of production crafted its own unique pieces, the majority of pocket-sized antique watches fall under one of these five designs:
Open face: watches that lack a metal cover, allowing the time to be read without removing any front piece
Full hunter: watches that feature an ornately engraved outer casing that must be opened to check the time
Double hunter: watches that, while similar to the hunter, feature lids on the front and back that can be removed to view the time and prop up the timepiece on its own
Double half-hunter: watches that combine features of the double and demi hunters, featuring a front and back removable lid and a window to allow the time to be read without opening the case
Demi or half-hunter: watches that feature a lid with a glass hole or panel in the center to allow the wearer to tell the time without removing any piece
Are Vintage Pocket Watches Valuable?
The short answer—yes! Antique watches can be found at a range of prices, from a hundred dollars to well over a couple thousand. In fact, one of the most valuable timepieces found in history was the Graves Supercomplication at an auction in 2014, selling for around $24 million! The value of vintage watches heavily depends on a few variables, including:
Rarity
Condition
Quality
Age
Brand
A Few Tips for Finding Your Very Own Antique Watch
If you’re interested in rocking that antique watch look but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in luck! With these three tips, anyone can find a pocket timepiece they love at their Algonquin antique mall:
Tip #1: Set a Budget
Every collector worth their salt knows exactly how much they can afford to spend on their vintage vice. Before you fall in love with the top-shelf vintage watch, set a strict budget for your antique shopping spree.
This could be a couple of bucks (maybe you’ll get lucky and happen upon a lower-priced prize!) or a couple thousand—it depends on the person. That way, you can head to an Illinois vendor mall and know exactly what monetary parameters you have to stay within to not break the bank.
Tip #2: Consider the Watch Style
Just like any good collectible accessory, vintage watches are available in a wide array of styles to suit any preference. When you’re strolling through the showcases in Melbourne’s antique mall, you’ll see a variety of silver, gold, rose gold, platinum, and copper designs.
Each watch will have its own unique details, including ornate engravings, types of fobs, and elaborate outer casings. Don’t buy the first antique watch you see—take the time to find a style that speaks to you and matches your wardrobe.
Tip #3: Do Your Brand Research
If you’d really like to dedicate your days to collecting pocket watches, doing a bit of background brand research will have you feeling like a pro in no time. Each American and European company is known for different levels of quality craftsmanship and specific models. There are countless well-known vintage watch brands known for their pocket designs, including Waltham, Elgin, Hamilton, Patek Phillipe, and OMEGA—and that’s just to name a few!
Pro tip: before going through with any vintage watch purchase, you’ll want proof of authenticity from your vendor to ensure the timepiece is not a fake or replica design. Trustworthy antique watch sellers will have this readily available.
How Do You Wear a Pocket Watch?
Pocket watches are traditionally placed in the pocket of a waistcoat or pant and secured to the garment with a chain passed through the buttonhole or clipped to the top of a pocket. But when it comes to accessorizing, rules are made to be broken. If you discover a different way to don your timepiece, don’t be afraid to show it off how you want!
Can You Get Broken Pocket Watches Repaired?
If you come across a pocket watch that no longer ticks, don’t lose hope! Depending on the extent of the damage and the likelihood the needed parts are still either in production or can be found, there’s a good chance a skilled watchmaker can return your antique watch to its former glory.
The most common issues are broken mainsprings, rusted parts, and old lubricant—all of which are considered minor issues. More extensive damage, like a dented case or broken glass windows, can cost more. If you’re willing to invest the extra time and money it takes to get a vintage watch repaired, it’s always worth a try.
Time’s ticking! Feel inspired to hunt for your very own antique watch at an America’s Antique Mall location near you. We can’t wait to help you find your dream timepiece.
