Cazalea takes WatchProSite readers on a journey beyond the wrist, exploring the often-overlooked world of pocket and pendant watches. His post delves into the practicalities and charm of these traditional timepieces, prompting a community discussion on their enduring appeal and potential resurgence. This exploration offers valuable context for collectors considering diversifying their horological interests.
At WATCHPROSITE we focus mainly on wristwatches, but don't exclude other timepieces such as the occasional desk clock, wall clock or pocket watch. Quartz watches get some respect, especially if they are super-accurate or have high aspirations, like the F.P. Journe. And odd combinations of mechanical, electronic, self-monitoring movements find some space on our "pages".
Motivated by KMII's post on his recently acquired Longines pocket watch, I dug into my auxiliary watch case and pulled out a trio of long-neglected mini-pocket watches.
After spending about 20 minutes cleaning, winding and setting the (non-quick-set) dates, I realized I had just skimmed the top of my Seiko pocket watch stash. So I went back to the second shelf and looked through, behind, and underneath Mrs. Cazalea's watches. Three more emerged.
Among this group are my finest mini-pocket watches -- the automatic winding pocket watch with transparent caseback. The mini-IWC Ingenieur copycat, and the white gold-plated pendant.
Looking even deeper into the weeds, I found this yellow-gold 40mm thin pocket watch, and a "normal" 50mm stainless men's pocket watch.
Amidst the jumble there also emerged a Bulova Accutron pendant watch in perfect NOS condition which I foolishly gave Mrs C last year on her birthday (battery already dead) and another gold Seiko mini.
Finally, just for comparison purposes, I pulled out a Hamilton Railroad watch as it's the archetypical American pocket watch, beloved of train conductors starting early in the last century.
Imaginary watch-loving conductors having a conversation in the 1920's
"Hey Anthony, I think the blued hands against the enamel dial do give it a really classy look."
"I dunno BIll, I kind of like the gold hands myself"
POCKET WATCHESADVANTAGES of a POCKET WATCH 1. Your wrists stay unencumbered and your cuffs unstrained.
2. Due to (generally) larger size, the readibility is improved vs a wristwatch.
3. The watch is better protected down near "the family jewels" rather than out at the end of an arm.
4. A comforting lump in one pocket.
5. Gives one a rebellious sense of tradition, and resisting being dragged into an uncertain future.
6. Encourages one to collect accessories such as fobs, chains, braided leather straps, display cases, etc.
7. Much more financially accessible than wristwatches (such as a nice 50s-60s Patek for $5k!)
DISADVANTAGES OF A POCKET WATCH
1. It has to compete for limited pocket space.
2. Generally must be manually wound every day.
3. Takes more effort to read the time than a wristwatch.
4. People might think you are a pretentious git
PENDANT WATCHES
A related genre of timekeeping / fashion accessory devices is the pendant watch. The pendant can be a wristwatch movement in a smaller, prettier case than a wristwatch, perhaps with jewels or cloisonne decoration. Here's a vintage GP (don't anyone tell Bloman).
Most pendant watches are designed to hang from a chain, but here is an unusual triangular Masonic pendant watch, with a pin for fastening to a uniform.
ADVANTAGES OF A PENDANT WATCH
1. Another item for men to buy for their women
2. Lovely display for women; can nestle attractively in cleavage
3. Unlimited options for decoration and adornment
DISADVANTAGES OF A PENDANT WATCH
1. Difficult to decide how to hang on the chain - upside down, or right-side up
2. Chain length for easy reading is too long for proper cleavage depth (I'm not making this up!)
3. Small dial face on most pendants
3. Might draw unwanted attention
CONCLUSION
The wristwatch is our primary interest on this site, but I believe additional fun can be had (at very reasonable prices) by considering alternatives such as pendant and pocket watches. I hope this gave you a little distraction on this first Monday of March.
Cazalea
