I surprised myself to spend one whole day discussing Pocket watches with the JLC Heritage Gallery Team, when I was there to see and discuss many other things.
They kindly opened the Pocket watches and what I saw just captivated me.
There is something about the finishing of the movement which too foten belongs to a bygone era...
Some examples from one of the Patek Philippe movement providers: Lecoultre: In this order: Cal 160, 162, 170, 1920:
Are they still of interest?
If you want to understand some modern products, yes, they are: For example, the origins of the Duometre can be found on the Cal 1920 ( last picture ).
Collectible? If they are of some horological interest, yes, definitely. The Cal 160, 162, and 170 were Chronometric Champions for years, in the 40ies / 50ies.
As previously said, the level of finish is frol another era, where the beauty was Inside, and not ( only ) outside.
When the bling wa much less important than the true values.
Best,
Nicolas