The Pocket Watch - A Very Personal Timepiece

A pocketwatch is a personal timepiece that is suspended from a chain, secured to a belt loop and carried in the pocket. There are two different types of pocketwatches: those with covers, and those without. Although uncovered pocketwatches are still used for particular purposes, such as in the medical field, the most common type of pocketwatch that you'll find on the market today feature hinged covers. These hinged covers snap over the clock face to protect it from damage.

Pocketwatches are great gifts if you're seeking something that's lasting, traditional, classy and conservative. These timepieces range in price from cheap to expensive, and come in a wide variety of styles. There are children's pocketwatches which feature favorite characters. There are diamond encrusted, platinum pocketwatches designed for the very rich. Then, there are those watches that are middle-of-the-road, usually crafted from silver or gold, often engraved. These are the most common type that are given as gifts. If you do give a pocketwatch to someone, make sure to engrave the cover. It's fairly inexpensive to have done and will make the gift unique and from the heart.

These timepieces have been around for a long time, even as early as 1462. In a letter from a clockmaker named Bartholomew Manfredi to the Marchese di Manta, Manfredi offers di Manta what he called a pocket clock, and claimed it was better than the one that belonged to the Duke of Moderna. In 1510, a man named Peter Heinlen brought pocketwatches to the masses by manufacturing them. They were widely popular until it was discovered in the 20th century that wrist watches were simply more convenient in most circumstances.

You may have heard that gold watches are given to retiring persons...this is a time-honored custom that many large companies still use today. These gold watches are actually gold pocketwatches that are often engraved to commemorate a retiring employee's service.

If you're looking for a wide variety of pocketwatches, look no further than the Internet. Today's online retailers have more selection than you could ever find at your local mall. Specialty e-shops offer hard to find items, and online auction sites like Ebay let you find your treasures at a fraction of the retail price. If you're a collector, then there are online groups you can join to network with other pocketwatch collectors.

Copyright 2006 Ellery Coleman - All Rights Reserved

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