It's About Time (part 2)

My last post touched on the history of the pocket watch. If you’re thinking of buying one for yourself, make sure you read this first.

To find a pocket watch you’ll love for years to come:  

    

1.      Choose a quality movement.

Even the plainest pocket watch has jewels in its mechanism. And a watch’s jewel count is a good predictor of how well it will run. Look for a watch whose movement contains at least 15 jewels (and more if possible).

2.      Choose a case type.

Pocket watch cases come in three main varieties. 

A hunter case has a lid that protects the watch face and must be flipped or screwed open to reveal the time. 

 

A demi-hunter case has a lid with a small circular cut-out that lets you tell time even while the case is closed. 

And with an open case watch, the crystal and watch face are always exposed to view. 

3.       Choose a case material. 

        You don’t have to be rich to own a really cool timepiece. They made vintage watch cases in a

        range of different metals, including:

·         Solid gold (10k, 14k, 18k)

·         Gold-filled or gold-plated brass.

·         Solid sterling or coin silver

·         Silver-tone nickel alloys (with names like Nickeloid, Silverine, Oresilver, and German Silver)

4.       Choose details that reflect your personal style. 

        Do you prefer Arabic or Roman numerals? A white face or a metallic one? A plain or engraved

         metal case?

Found the ultimate pocket watch? Now comes the fun part: deciding how to wear it! Pocketwatch.org will show you how.