Wristwatches may currently hold the horological spotlight, but, in recent years, the classic pocket watch has been making a comeback.
If you consider the Horological Society of New York’s latest exhibition, Pocket Genius, which shines a light on some of the most interesting pocket timepieces spanning 300 years, or the recent record-breaking sale of Roger Smith’s Pocket Watch Number Two (a cool £3.8m), it’s clear to see that interest is rising in this field of tickers.
And, quite frankly, why wouldn’t it be? With the whole world yearning for past nostalgia - vinyl, film cameras and mid-century interiors included - it seems only natural to reminisce about a pre-wristwatch era by investing in one that goes in your pocket, instead.
The style dates back as early as 1510 in Nuremberg, Germany and it quickly spread across Europe among the upper class. The pieces became heirlooms and special pockets were crafted in clothing to accommodate their size - and what’s more sophisticated than that?
Whether, like James Dean, it becomes your new lucky charm that you hang from your trousers or perhaps you’d rather attach it to your waistcoat for a look à la Peaky Blinders - either way, a pocket watch has the power to bolster your gentlemanly charm in ways the simple wristwatch can’t.
From gold-tone metal to sterling silver, collectable styles to spanking new designs, we’ve scoured the market for the best of the best - so you don’t have to.
Keep scrolling for our top pick.
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Tissot Savonette Full Hunter Pocketwatch 48.5mm
From the Roman numerals to the understated design, Tissot’s stainless steel design is traditional through and through. Powered by a Swiss quartz movement, it’s a reliable piece that will keep you punctual for years to come.
Buy now £290.00, Mapin & Webb
Swarovski Pocket Watch Millenia trendy code 5624363
With quiet luxury as this year’s most sought-after aesthetic, Swarovski’s understated rectangular-face design is bang on trend. Whether you wear it as a necklace or on your jacket, time will always be on your side when you’ve got this in your accessories arsenal.
Buy now £247.83, Amazon
Mondaine Pocket Watch
An instantly recognisable design, Mondaine’s distinctive graphic face is inspired by Swiss railway clocks - and this pocket watch is no exception. The back is even engraved with ‘The Official Swiss Railways Watch’, making it the perfect gift for any train enthusiast.
Buy now £160.30, Amazon
Sekonda Men's Gold Tone Pocket Watch
Equal parts refined and modern, the numbers on Sekonda’s gold-tone pocket watch give this traditional accessory a 2023-ready update. Available for just £59.99, it would be rude not to.
Buy now £59.99, H Samuel
Rotary Skeleton Pocket Watch
While automatic watches tend to be far from budget-friendly, Rotary offers a great selection of well-priced timepieces that are powered by the intricate movement - this one included. The best part? Thanks to the skeleton design, you can appreciate the elaborate mechanics around the clock.
Buy now £209.00, Rotary
Jean Pierre Gold Plated Moon Dial Pocket Watch
With interest in astrology at an all-time high, perhaps a watch that tracks the moon’s phases through the month is the purchase you never knew you needed. Enter Jean Pierre’s Moon Dial watch, which, surprisingly, does just that. Whether the case is opened or closed, at a glance you’ll be able to tell the time as well as the current moon phase.
Buy now £145.00, Farrar Tanner
Woodford Hallmarked Solid Silver Pocket Watch
If you have a penchant for precious metals, then Woodford’s solid silver timepiece should be going straight on your wishlist. Featuring a hallmark from the London Assay Office on the front lid, it’s an heirloom-worthy design that your family will enjoy for generations to come.
Buy now £605.00, First Class Watches
Antique Patek Philippe A Rose Gold Keyless Lever Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1891
For watches that retain their value, it’s antiques by coveted watchmakers you should invest in. Luckily, the online experts at 1st Dibs have you covered.
From this eye-wateringly expensive Patek Philippe to a slightly more affordable Hamilton, the platform offers a comprehensive range that will cater to even the most passionate horologists.
Buy now £10060.00, 1st Dibs
Hamilton Railroad Mechanical Pocket Watch Limited Edition H40819110
One of the best-known watch brands, Hamilton combines Swiss precision with an American sensibility for timepieces that offer the best of both worlds. A collectable limited edition design, there are only 917 of these in existence.
Buy now £1295.00, Chisholm Hunter
