Tick Talk
[Moderator Emeritus]
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Pocket watches are more than meets the eye
Oh Oliver, you certainly got me excited with those gorgeous pictures 
For current collectors and watch enthusiasts, your questions are essentially an issue of personal initiative, ie, how deep into the history of horology do you wish to delve? Can one speak with knowledge about watches of the 19th century and prior without having at least explored the objects themselves? Once having experienced the tactile delights of these pieces, I'm confident many will be hooked. A good friend still relates with amazement the day he asked me to examine his grandfather's Waltham that had been hidden away for decades. A few confident moves with the case knife opened a world that he'd never seen before, and a bit of history on it's status as a Railway Standard timepiece were genuinely appreciated - so much that the watch is now on display and finally recognized as an important part of his heritage.
For current collectors and watch enthusiasts, your questions are essentially an issue of personal initiative, ie, how deep into the history of horology do you wish to delve? Can one speak with knowledge about watches of the 19th century and prior without having at least explored the objects themselves? Once having experienced the tactile delights of these pieces, I'm confident many will be hooked. A good friend still relates with amazement the day he asked me to examine his grandfather's Waltham that had been hidden away for decades. A few confident moves with the case knife opened a world that he'd never seen before, and a bit of history on it's status as a Railway Standard timepiece were genuinely appreciated - so much that the watch is now on display and finally recognized as an important part of his heritage. FWIW, I do wear mine out for both formal and casual occasions and am always pleased by the interest they receive; while a wrist watch is often hidden by a cuff, a chain or fob usually invites curious questions that springboard into great discussions.
What we experience with SIHH and other sponsored events can seem rather controlled and contrived, where the past is of value only insofar as it creates interest in current production. So I was extremely pleased to discover a "grassroots" interest in vintage, especially pocket, watches from the generation of younger adults that never experienced mechanical timekeepers and had demoted the watch into an object of costume jewelery. This mid-20's to mid-30's group have revealed a surprising interest in the wheels and gears that are so different from their familiar electronic lumps. This awakening came into focus for me this past spring when I did a presentation at a Nerd Nite event on the subject of collecting pocket watches. The location was a tavern, the beer was flowing, and the evening was sold out. As seems to be required, the mix of Ted Talk-like presentations was ecclectic; I was bookended by a demonstration on parasites and another on bioluminescence vs flourescence! At past events, we've listened to authors and anthropoligists, musicians and magicians...really, you should check it out if you have a Nerd Nite nearby (now in over 50 cities worldwide - nerdnite.com).
Back to the point, there was a genuine (and vocal) interest by those attending, who were generally young professionals and just the target audience to attract future enthusiasts. During the intermission between speakers, I was literally mobbed by audience members. A few had brought their family heirlooms, others were looking for trusted watchsmiths, and some wanted to continue the historic discussions from my presentation. After that evening, my hopes for the future of vintage pocket watch collecting were greatly improved!
This message has been edited by Tick Talk on 2013-12-16 08:54:16
Patek Philippe Pocket watches – some of the most known collectors of fine watches …
at least started their collections with pocket watches. OK, most of them did it a long time ago. Still we talk quite often about some of them e.g. James Ward Packard or Henry Graves Jr.. The latter are mainly famous for their lust for Grande Complicat...
Love that blue sector dialed pocketwatch. The one with the LeCoultre movement.
It's kind of like Google Glass. It may be a good thing, it may be functional, it may even improve our lives. However, it's just not socially acceptable to have a Google Glass on your head all the time. Even here in Fremont/San Jose/Silicon Valley/San Fran...
"they can't be used in daily life without attracting unwanted or awkward attention"
The same issue I have/had quite often with my wristwatches. Maybe it would be easier with a pocketwatch, because I could tell it´s "just" a family heirloom and nothing I had to buy for. Patrick, thanks for your reply! Oliver
Interesting topic
Oliver you raise an interesting topic. I think pocketwatches have made a small comeback. Maybe because men are also now wearing more three piece suits today. However will they be as important as before when they were introduced? No. The wristwatch is too ...
Edmond, I agree the pocketwatch ...
won´t replace the wristwatch in general. Still I can imagine a strong future for interesting pieces, because some of them represent skills & beauty almost impossible to find in a wristwatch these days. Hunting is part of the fun of our hobby/passion a...
Pocket watches are horological relicts
in my eyes We love to see them We are glad they exist but we are unwilling to consider them seriously Your wife has keen eye indeed dear Oliver that Pocket watch screams class Thank you very much for absolutely marvelous post and interesting topic Best re...
Dear Damjan, thanks for your kind reply.
"wife has keen eye" Sure, she married me :-) Cordially, Oliver
One of the most interesting thing, in pocket watches, is their movement.
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 abou...
"If you want to understand some modern products, yes, they are"
I agree and not only when it comes to your example. All shown examples are superb, but the cal. 170 is just to die for. Thanks for sharing, Nicolas! Oliver
Pocket watches are more than meets the eye
Oh Oliver, you certainly got me excited with those gorgeous pictures For current collectors and watch enthusiasts, your questions are essentially an issue of personal initiative, ie, how deep into the history of horology do you wish to delve? Can one spea...
Dean, I was quite sure ...
that you would love the topic :-) Thanks a lot for sharing your observations regarding the topic, the sponsored events, the future interest and so on - much appreciated. Nerd Nite , I like that and it reminds me the Pecha Kucha events I attended several t...
Thanks for the tip Oliver
the PechaKucha 20x20 events sound fascinating. I wonder if their format of 20 photos for 20 seconds each favors visual content foremost. If you do get to the Berlin Nerd Nite, please post or PM me about the experience. If I may also indulge in one more co...
Horology
This is indeed very encouraging as I was starting to think the wrist shot had replaced a serious interest in real horology. ...
Provenance
Pocket watches are a piece of history many with interesting provenance. While wrist watches are more practical, they are also uncapped in supply. The ratio of pocket watches to watch enthusiasts is only going down over time.
Provenance - why do you think ...
it is more important or can be found more often at pocketwatches. It is just a matter of time and interest, isn´t it? Thanks! Oliver
Thank you Oliver for this wonderful post
on vintage pocket watches. Really got me more interested to learn more about them. I really appreciate that with limited technology during those days, watchmakers could still produce such horological works of art. cheers robin
Robin, maybe there was limited technology ...
but we should not forget the impressive knowledge and skills they had in the past. Quite a few skills are (almost) lost today and the industry doesn´t care - at least most of the time. Even with (almost) unlimited technology today, some people think the b...
I would not wear one BUT
I would not wear one, as it is not my style but I have seriously considered buying a Patek pocket watch but mainly to use as a desk clock. I like things with a small footprint, powerful laptop instead of bulky tower computer etc… so it may be better than ...