A mechanical pocket watch is a must-have for vintage fashion addicts. They may not be the “smartest” watches in the world – in fact, compared to the Apple Watch, they’re pretty dumb – but their simplicity and vintage look are definitely their two greatest assets.
Pocket watches, also known as gusset watches, have been around for a while. Since the 16th century, small round watches have been an integral part of men’s fashion and a symbol of prestige.
A pocket story to watch
The beginning
There is a beginning of everything. And, if you believe time starts anywhere, remember the origins of time measurement. Early man devised a method for determining the precise date. However, a computer that says the exact time will be available even later.
Water clocks, sundials, and candle clocks were the first devices that could tell the time, but they were far from accurate.
Clock weights were invented in the 13th century. It made use of gears when the hour hand was still in use, and the minute hand represented leisure and money. The weight of clocks was publicly projected on church steeples, town halls, and monasteries.
The first transportable watches, also known as pocket watches, were used in the 16th century. The clocks did not have to sit in one position this time. Pocket watches were already worn around the neck or carried in pockets.
The same period saw a breakthrough in the production of pocket watches. Mechanisms were developed to improve the accuracy of the time indication. Some pocket watches also had an alarm built-in.
With the arrival of the 17th century, the pocket watch became ever more attractive. The boxy picture was replaced with more rounded and slimmer cases. Watchmakers were also instant designers, infusing designs and craftsmanship into every pocket watch they produced.
As Christian Huygens found the rule of the pendulum, which differed from Galileo’s, the clock had advanced one step further. This legislation proved to be extremely beneficial in the production of pocket watches.
The apogee
Pocket watches began to flourish in the 18th century. Jewelry was used as bearings at the time. Diamonds are an important part of several pocket watches, skyrocketing the price of a single pocket watch. At this period, oil was also used in pocket watches. It was applied to the watch hands to lubricate and smooth their movement.
Pocket watches with three hands were manufactured in the second half of the 18th century. Unlike the inclusion of the minute hand in the 16th century, the inclusion of the second hand was logical since the precision of the time indicator was much higher. Pocket watches were common in the nineteenth century.
Several watchmakers appeared on the scene during this time period. During this time, companies such as LeCoultre & Cie, Ulysse Nardin, Minerva, Heuer, IWC, and many others arose. The standard of pocket watches has improved more than ever.
Certificates were given to watchmakers who made reliable watches at the turn of the twentieth century. In contrast to previous years, the issuing of certificates became more of a need than a pleasure. Pocket watches’ appeal has dwindled over time as wristwatches have grown in popularity. While pocket watches are no longer commonly used, they have been an effective instrument for many decades.
Pocket watch net: The pocket watch store
Originally, however, they were too bulky to fit in a pocket and had only an hour hand. Things began to change in the 17th century when King Charles II of England began carrying his watch in his vest pocket. At the same time, models began to become more compact and accuracy began to improve.
The celebrities’ Pocket watch
These elegant timepieces are still in vogue today, especially among hipsters and millennials who like to do things a little differently. Celebrities have even been seen wearing them, including Johnny Depp and Justin Timberlake!
It’s not just men who are getting into the pocket watch trend. Women are also wearing them as necklaces, in their jeans pocket, or inside a vest.
Pocket watch net, the home of classic and modern pocket watches in France, is one of the most prominent companies in the pocket watch phenomenon.
Why our store?
Pocket watches, whether worn in a pocket or as pendants, are the predecessor of handheld timepieces. Our vintage watches are aimed at fans of retro wear, clock lovers, and owners of vintage and antique jewels. All of our watches are reasonably priced, distinctively designed, and available to you without the need to visit an auction house.
We have all kinds of pocket watches: sober, Gothic, owl, skeleton watch, keychain, necklace. All these can be worn around the waist, in your jeans’ tiny pocket, or in your watch holder. Our watches use quartz from Japan, which is considered the nemesis of precious Swiss watches. Our automatic pocket watch model’s mechanism is made of high-quality clockwork that is time tolerant.
You would be able to read the time on your antique stainless steel watch, with the repetition of various styles of hands (“Breguet”, “glaives”, etc…) running across Arabic or Roman numerals, providing the eternal joy of considering the sturdy acrylic dial while caressing its case adorned with fine floral engravings. If it’s your first watch or a gift concept, each watch is available in pristine condition, complete with a safe pocket and cord. Everything you have to do is pick your first pocket watch!
Mechanical design
So, what exactly is a mechanical pocket watch?
A mechanical pocket watch is a watch that measures the passing of time using a clockwork mechanism, as opposed to quartz clocks, which work electronically through a small battery, or radio clocks, which are quartz.
A mechanical clock is driven by a mainspring that must be wound either manually or by a self-winding mechanism on a regular basis. Its power is transferred to the balance wheel, a weighted wheel that swings back and forth at a constant speed, through a series of gears.
A mechanism known as an escape causes the clock wheel to shift a small amount forward with each swing of the balance wheel and causes the clock hands to move forward at a constant rate.
A mechanism known as an escape allows the clock wheel to shift a small amount forward with each swing of the balance wheel and keeps the clock’s hands moving forward at a steady pace. The ‘ticking’ sound heard in a working mechanical watch is caused by relaxation.
Mechanical clocks emerged in Europe in the 17th century, following the appearance of spring-driven clocks in the 15th century.
How does a mechanical pocket watch work?
This mechanical pocket watch’s internal mechanism, except the face and hands, is referred to as movement. These five components are common to all mechanical pocket watches:
A key spring that stores mechanical energy for use in powering the watch.
A wheel train is a gear that has the dual purpose of transmitting the main spring’s power to the balance wheel. The second role is integrating the balance wheel’s turns to obtain units in seconds, minutes, and hours. A separate section of the gear lever known as keyless work allows the user to wind up the mainspring and raise the hands to set the time.
A back-and-forth swinging balance wheel. Each turn of the balance wheel takes the same amount of time.
An escape mechanism that keeps the balance wheel vibrating by pushing it at each oscillation. It also allows the clock gear to shift forward or ‘escape’ by a certain amount at each oscillation. The mechanical clock’s ‘ticking’ sound is generated by the periodic stop of the gear at the escape.
An indicator wheel, typically a traditional dial with rotating hands, displays the time in a human-readable format.
Whether you are looking for a durable family heirloom or simply a fashion accessory to wear on a night out, Pocket watch net offers a wide selection of pocket watches.
You can choose your classic, mechanical Pocket watch, which does not need its own batteries. Instead, the watch works by winding it up to start it, and then the mechanical gears are kept in motion by your movement.
All watches also come with a chain and free shipping worldwide.
Whether you are a hipster, millennial, or just looking for an interesting fashion watch, then opting for a pocket watch is a great option. They are cheap and fantastic.
How to choose your Mechanical Pocket watch?
Pocket watch stores and online sites offer so many models that users don’t really know which one to buy. Discover some criteria to succeed in identifying items likely to meet your expectations.
Buy a mechanical Pocket watch made of stainless steel. This will preserve it from corrosion over time. You will also find very sophisticated products designed with precious stones such as gold, silver, or diamond.
Most of the models offered are generally attractive because of their aesthetics. Make sure the item you choose suits your taste and style. Take an interest in the design of the dial and the look of the hands. Take into account the clothes you plan to wear them with. Make sure that the overall look is harmonious.
Opt for a quartz watch if you have a tendency to forget your programs quickly. Try a mechanical manual or automatic model instead if you want to display a striking and distinguished look. The type of dial is also an important criterion.
You will find elegant products on the market with Roman or Arabic numerals. There are also other original variations of writing. Choose according to your taste and style.
See also: How to buy a pocket watch?