11 Best Pocket Watches – Everything You Need to Know

Do you want to look sophisticated and cool? Well, you may need a few things for a start to help you keep up with standards. A great dress is perfect; however, the addition of other accessories makes you look even classier. One of such accessories is a Pocket Watch.

Somehow, pocket watches look old-fashioned because you do not have them on your wrist – they fall right into any of your pockets.

A few decades ago, pocket watches were used to read the weather, check dates and time, set stopwatches, and so on. Today, they remain relevant since they are improved with better features for performance.

Different brands on the planet have made several pocket watches; however, only a few have the best pocket watches with top-notch quality. Read this guide of the 11 best pocket watches with a buying guide section to help you understand better.

Learn more about surviving buying guides HERE.

best choice
Best Pocket Watches

Tissot Savonnette Pocket Watch: Best Overall

premium pick
KRONEN SOHNE FULL HUNTER SERIES POCKET WATCH

Kronen & Sohne Full Hunter Series Pocket Watch: Best

great value
BULOVA ASHTON POCKET WATCH

Bulova Ashton Pocket Watch: Best Value for Money

The 11 Best Pocket Watches Reviewed

1

Tissot Savonnette Pocket Watch: Best Overall

Tissot Savonnette Pocket Watch is one of the best swiss watches in the world because of its top-tier quality and timepiece functions. This piece of jewelry is a good addition to style, so you look classy and cool. Besides, the Lustrous rhodium plated finish on sturdy brass makes it attractive.

This pocket watch has a mechanical hand wind watch movement and is made of mineral dial material to ensure easy readability. It also features Arabic numeral hour markers and a small-second subdial for convenience. Furthermore, there is a 12-inch long chain for attachment, and a push-down ornamental crown to set time functions.

On the exterior, Tissot Savonnette Pocket Watch has a mineral crystal, which is scratch-resistant, and a decorative engraved detail for beauty. It comes with a great case, which is about 50mm in diameter, and 13mm in Thickness. It is indeed built for accuracy.

Key Features:

  • Mineral Dial Material
  • White Dial Color
  • Scratch-Resistant Mineral Crystal
  • Arabic Numeral Hour Markers
  • Small-seconds Subdial
  • Decorative Engraved Detail
  • Black Sword Hands
  • 50mm Diameter Case
  • 13mm Thick Case
  • Push-Down Ornamental Crown
  • Lustrous rhodium plated finish on sturdy brass
  • 12-inch Chain
  • Spring-ring Closure

Specification:

  • Brand name: Tissot
  • Watch Movement: Mechanical Hand Wind
  • Band Color: Black
Pros
  • The overall best Pocket watch on the market
  • Durable and very reliable
  • Easy to read with the prominent sword hands
  • Has a unique heirloom design
  • Comes with a long chain for attachment
  • Well-built with an accurate timepiece
Cons
  • None thus far

2

Kronen & Sohne Full Hunter Series Pocket Watch: Best

Kronen & Sohne is one of the top brands in the world today known for classic watches. This brand has existed for many years under a great reputation for top-tier products; the Full Hunter Series Pocket Watch is one of their biggest accomplishments.

This watch has a Swiss automatic watch movement to ensure easy readability, alongside its unique skeleton dial. With the watch comes a high-quality alloy case chain, with a length of 340mm. The pocket watch case weighs 4.17 Oz., a diameter of 45mm, and a thickness of 10mm; thus, it is lightweight and portable.

It has always been the goal of Kronen & Sohne Pocket Watch to remain timeless, durable and impeccable for generations. With this full hunter series, they have been able to achieve that.

Key Features:

  • Unique Skeleton Dial
  • High-Quality Alloy Case Chain
  • 340mm Chain Length
  • 3mm Band Width
  • 45mm Case Diameter
  • 10mm Case Thickness
  • 4.16 Oz. Weight

Specification:

  • Brand name: Kronen Sohne
  • Watch Movement: Swiss Automatic
  • Band Color: Black
Pros
  • One of the best swiss pocket watches in the world
  • Durable with top-classic quality
  • Comes with exclusive design and composing technology
  • Good chain quality and length for attachment
  • An excellent storage case with great Size
Cons
  • Dial cover is made of plastic; thus, it is not so strong

3

Bulova Ashton Pocket Watch: Best Value for Money

If all you ever wanted was to get a pocket watch worth a good value for money, Bulova Ashton Pocket Watch is an excellent choice to pick. This watch combines style and good material quality to deliver incredible benefits to users. The designs are also quite different from the popular types around; thus, it is

Bulova Ashton Pocket Watch is a battery-operated pocket watch that comes in a Gold-Tone Finish or Mahogany Stain Box. On the exterior, it has a removable polished goldstone design that makes it beautiful, and an ungradable back for durability. It also has a clear protective lens that is scratch-resistant and enhances readability.

Other features that come with this pocket watch include a chain for attachment, a silk-screening on an engraving plate for customizing.

Key Features:

  • Battery-Operated
  • Gold-Tone Finish/Mahogany Stain Box
  • Clear Protective Lens
  • Removable Polished Goldstone design
  • Ungradable Back
  • Chain
  • Silk Screening
  • 12.8 Oz. Weight

Specification:

  • Brand name: Bulova
  • Watch Movement: Swiss Automatic
  • Band Color: Gold
Pros
  • A Pocket watch at a great value for the price it is offered
  • Offers a good amount of durability
  • Easy to customize and control
  • Delivers easy readability
  • Built for proper attachment and hold
  • Portable, clear and scratch-resistant
Cons
  • Timepiece is average

4

ShoppeWatch Eagle Pocket Watch: Best Vintage Watch

Another fantastic brand you may want to check out is ShoppeWatch, which is known for its vintage watches. It is quite special because of its Eagle Design; thus, it makes a good choice for Eagle scouts. The quartz movement watch is also a perfect choice for corporate gifts and groomsmen because of its classic style.

This pocket watch is lightweight yet extraordinary in functions and quality. It is made of a metal chain band material that guarantees durability and strength.

Moreover, the band width is about 5mm in Size. There is a metal chain attached to this watch to make sure it is easy to hold wherever and whenever.

On the outside, this vintage watch has an Acrylic dial window which is scratch-resistant and protective. Also, ShoppeWatch Eagle Pocket Watch has an analog display type, which enhances good readability. Overall, it is worth the money.

Key Features:

  • 365mm Metal Chain Length
  • Eagle Design
  • Metal Chain Band Material
  • Acrylic Dial Window Type
  • Analog Display Type
  • 3.52 Oz. Weight
  • 5mm Band Width

Specification:

  • Brand name: ShoppeWatch
  • Watch Movement: Quartz
  • Band Color: Antique Gold
Pros
  • The best vintage pocket watch
  • Comes with a strong crystal face for interior-protection
  • Portable and easy to hold
  • Good analog readability
  • An ideal corporate gift for retirees
  • A perfect choice of gift for Eagle scouts or groomsmen
  • Quite trendy in style
Cons
  • None thus far

5

Patek Philippe Pocket Watch: Best Exotic Watch

There are many watch brands you may want to go for, because of their exceptional qualities and body designs; however, Patek Philippe Pocket Watch is to die for any day. This pocket watch is not only known because of its sleek, gold-plated design, but also for its timepiece functions.

The watch uses a mechanical hand-wind watch movement, which makes it last as long as 30 hours on a full wind. There is also an analog display to make sure reading time won’t be as difficult compared to many others. Furthermore, the band material quality is outstanding for use.

The vintage watch comes in an 18K Karat Gold Case; thus, it is one of the most valuable Pocket watches you will ever see around.

Moreover, Patek Philippe Pocket Watch offers a 12-month warranty to guarantee durability, so you cannot expect otherwise. Indeed, this watch is one of the top-selling products of the best brands in the business.

Key Features:

  • Analog Display
  • 12-month Warranty
  • Vintage Design
  • 18 Karat Gold Case

Specification:

  • Brand name: CJ Charles Jewelers
  • Watch Movement: Mechanical Hand Wind
  • Band Color: Gold
Pros
  • The most exotic watch with an extraordinary style
  • One of the best vintage watches to use
  • Durable and midweight
  • Easy readability of the timepieces
  • Worth a fortune of investment
  • Great material quality
Cons
  • Very expensive
  • The Chain is not available

6

Audemars Piguet New Royal Oak Pocket Watch: Best Durable Watch

One more classic choice of watch that comes at a high but value-worthy price is the Audemars Piguet New Royal Oak Pocket Watch. This piece of jewelry is outstanding in so many ways, which is why it is the most preferred for men’s luxury. It consists of features such as a Folding Clasp, a Transparent Case Back, etc.

Audemars Piguet New Royal Oak Pocket Watch has a Swiss Automatic watch movement, which is impressive for easy readability. It also has luminous hands and index hand markers to enhance visibility in the dark and easy control. This watch has timepiece functions such as date, hour, minute, and second; thus, it is everything you need.

The pocket watch uses an Analog dial type, which makes it a little trendier in style. It has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for ultimate protection of the interior. Moreover, it is 50m waterproof.

The screw-down crown present is used to maintain a full wind for easy performance. Additionally, the watch comes in a Stainless Steel Octagonal Case, which is about 41mm in diameter and 9.8mm in Thickness. Overall, this watch is a lot valuable.

Key Features:

  • Black Dial Color
  • Black Band Color
  • Stainless Steel Case
  • Luminous Hands
  • Index Hand Markers
  • Minute Markers
  • Analog Dial Type
  • Scratch-resistant Sapphire Crystal
  • Screw Down Crown
  • 41mm Case Diameter
  • 9.8mm Case Thickness
  • Octagonal Case Shape
  • Folding Clasp
  • Transparent Case Back
  • 15.87 Oz. Weight
  • 50m Water-resistance

Specification:

  • Brand name: Audemars Piguet
  • Watch Movement: Swiss Automatic
  • Band Color: Stainless Steel
Pros
  • The best durable Pocket watch available
  • Offers excellent visibility even in the dark – with the help of its luminous hands
  • Delivers good waterproof and durable qualities
  • Comes with active timepiece functions
  • One of the best men’s sport luxury watch
  • The watch displays an automatic watch movement
Cons
  • Quite expensive

7

SIBOSUN Antique Skeleton Mechanical Pocket Watch: Best Antique Watch

If you need a Pocket watch that takes you back to the past, yet is classic in style, SIBOSUN Antique Skeleton Mechanical Pocket Watch is the way to go. This antique watch is not only incredible based on its design but also because the timepiece functions are available for different purposes, such as calendars, time, luminosity, etc.

Besides, it has a mechanical hand-wind-watch movement which means a single wind could last for as long as 30 hours – battery needless.

SIBOSUN Antique Skeleton Mechanical Pocket Watch features a metal band material, which is durable and scratch-resistant. On the inside, there are luminous hands to make sure it is time readability in low-light conditions is possible. Also, this pocket watch comes in a Luck Phoenix and Dragon Skeleton design. The design on the inside is Black Antique Roman Numerals, which is quite retro.

Additionally, this pocket watch with an analog display comes in a magnifier case, which is quite protective. The case is about 47mm in diameter and 6mm in Band Width; thus, it is handy and effective. Without a doubt, it is one of the best antique watches for any senior or young adult.

Key Features:

  • Metal Band Material Type
  • Black Antique Roman Numerals
  • Lucky Phoenix and Dragon/Skeleton Design
  • Luminous Hands
  • Magnifier Case
  • 47mm Case Diameter
  • 16.5mm Case Thickness
  • 6mm Band Width
  • Analog Display Type

Specification:

  • Brand name: SIBOSUN
  • Watch Movement: Mechanical Hand Wind
  • Band Color: Metallic
Pros
  • One of the best antique Pocket watches on the market
  • Uses an analog display to ensure easy readability
  • Durable yet lightweight case
  • Watch movement is exceptionally mechanical; thus, it can be used for as long as 30 hours
  • A perfect retro watch for seniors
  • Delivers an excellent steampunk look
Cons
  • None thus far

8

Gotham Open Face Pocket Watch: Best Solid Watch

Gotham Open Face Pocket Watch is all about high-construction materials and solid design. This pocket watch is quite fantastic, following the kind of features it possesses. Furthermore, the watch is shockproof and 30m waterproof; hence, it is suitable to use in different conditions.

The pocket watch is made of Stainless Steel, which guarantees durability and longevity. This same material is also used in the case construction, to make sure it stays strong and intact for a long time. The exterior of the watch is made of scratch-resistant mineral crystal with a white railroad dial design to complement. Additionally, a deluxe curb chain comes along for hold.

On the inside, Gotham Open Face Pocket Watch has an analog display type to ensure easy readability of the timepiece functions. Also, it is battery-operated, with a good life; thus, it can be used for a couple of months to years. It is indeed an excellent choice for the everyday lifestyle.

Key Features:

  • Stainless Steel Case Material
  • Analog Display Type
  • White Railroad Dial Design
  • 30m Water-resistance
  • Military Time design
  • Scratch-resistant Mineral Crystal
  • 49mm Case Diameter
  • 11mm Case Thickness
  • Deluxe Curb Chain
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Battery-operated
  • Spring Ring Clasp
  • Shock-resistance

Specification:

  • Brand name: Gotham
  • Watch Movement: Japanese Quartz
  • Band Color: White
Pros
  • One of the best solid-constructed Pocket watches made
  • Comes with a strong, length chain for hold
  • Offers resistance to water and shocks
  • Encased in a strong, durable case
  • A good battery life
  • Stylish with ease readability
Cons
  • None thus far

9

Tissot Bridgeport Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch: Best Swiss Watch

Another swiss pocket watch from Tissot is the Bridgeport Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch known for its solid form and unique design. This watch has incredible exterior and interior qualities to aid its operational performance. Since it is a swiss automatic mechanical watch, it has the highest power reserve time – 46 hours.

Tissot Bridgeport Leping Mechanical Pocket Watch is stored in a 316L Stainless Steel Case material which is about 45mm in Diameter and 10.47mm in Size. The band color is Silver with a Rose Gold PVD Coating for a touch of excellence. The face is made of mineral crystal, which is scratch-resistant and enhances durability.

On the inside, this analog pocket watch has an Arabic dial type, but easy to read without no clasp. In the same vein, it is 30m water-resistant; hence, it is a good choice for swimming and not for snorkeling or diving. This watch is a good value for money.

Key Features:

  • 316L Stainless Steel Case Material
  • Rose Gold PVD Coating
  • Mineral Crystal
  • Arabic Dial Type
  • 30m Water-resistance
  • Analog Display Type
  • 45mm Case Diameter
  • 10.47mm Case Thickness

Specification:

  • Brand name: Tissot
  • Watch Movement: Swiss Automatic
  • Band Color: Silver
Pros
  • One of the best mechanical swiss pocket watches available
  • Good storage
  • Provides resistance to water; thus, a great choice for swimming
  • Scratch-resistant crystal face
  • Good power reserve of 46 hours
Cons
  • Not suitable for diving or snorkeling

10

Spovan Pocket Watch: Best Waterproof Watch

For pocket watch enthusiasts who want something a little more than timepiece functions, Spovan Pocket Watch is an excellent choice. This watch also has multifunctions to aid excellent user experience.

These multifunctions include Thermometer, Barometer, Altimeter, Compass, Alarm, Dual time, Weather forecast, etc.; hence, it is a good watch for outdoor purposes.

This 30m waterproof pocket watch has a stainless steel band material, that is durable and great in quality. Also, it comes with a case that is 55mm in diameter and 16mm in Thickness. Another unique feature that comes with the watch is a Digital Clip for performance.

Spovan Pocket Watch has additional features, such as EL Backlight, Swiss Sensor, Safe Button Cell, etc. Overall, this clip pocket watch is easy to take around, as it fits perfectly into daily, casual, sports, or outdoor lifestyles.

Key Features:

  • Stainless Steel Band Material
  • 30M Water-resistance
  • Protective Hardlex Glass
  • Swiss Sensor
  • Safe Button Cell
  • Altimeter/Barometer Function
  • EL Backlight
  • 55mm Case Diameter
  • 16mm Case Thickness
  • Digital Clip

Specification:

  • Brand name: Findtime
  • Watch Movement: Quartz
  • Band Color: Silver
Pros
  • One of the best waterproof Pocket watches
  • A perfect choice for daily, sports and casual purposes
  • The face offers maximum protection for outdoor activities
  • Easy to read
  • Offers weather information
  • Durable and scratch-resistant
  • Shockproof
Cons
  • The weather forecast may be inaccurate

11

Stuhrling Pocket Watch: Best Design Watch

One more exceptional producer of pocket watches across the world is Stuhrling Original. This brand is known for making watches with innovative designs, and it isn’t so difficult to see how much they have accomplished over the years.

Stuhrling Pocket Watch is made of Stainless Steel material to ensure durability and strength. It has features on the exterior and interior to aid effective performance.

This pocket watch has a dual-sided protective Krysterna crystal dial window and a 12” link chain with a belt clip to improve its outward appearance. On the inside, there is an analog display, a skeleton dual-sided dial, roman numeral hour markers, and a second hand for easy readability. It comes with a stainless steel case, which is about 48mm in diameter and 13.5mm in Thickness. Overall, it is an excellent choice of a pocket watch for everyone.

Key Features:

  • Dual-sided protective Krysterna Crystal Dial Window
  • Analog Display
  • Skeleton Dual-sided Dial
  • Roman Numeral Hour Markers
  • 12” Link Chain with Belt Clip
  • Stainless Steel Material
  • Second Hand
  • Brass Band Material
  • 48mm Case Diameter
  • 13.5mm Case Thickness

Specification:

  • Brand name: Stuhrling Original
  • Watch Movement: Mechanical Hand Wind
  • Band Color: Brass
Pros
  • A classic pocket watch for the money
  • Durable and sturdy
  • Offers an incredible amount of resistance
  • Powerful to use for 24 to 36 hours
  • Comes with a long chain for hold
  • Easy readability with remarkable design
Cons
  • None thus far

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you seek answers as regards the use of pocket watches and the various types available on the market, here is a perfect place to get them. Below is a list of questions that almost everyone has about the best pocket watches on the planet. Further, there are factors and features to consider in these answers to help in choosing what watch is suitable to use.

What are the best pocket watch brands? What pocket watches are valuable?

One thing most people always want to check before they buy anything is the brand. Studies have shown that brand reputation plays a huge role in a customer’s decision; thus, it is very important. For pocket watches, there are a couple of brands that are exceptional due to the quality and features of their products.

If you are looking for the best pocket watch brands, they are Tissot, Kronen & Sohne, Stuhrling, and Gotham. Others are quite outstanding, but the ones listed are more popular. It wouldn’t be such a bad idea if you patronized any of these brands when you need a stylish pocket watch to hold.

In the same vein, pocket watches from these brands are valuable, i.e., price-worthy. Many of these watches come with good control, chain length, and other incredible timepiece functions.

Who makes pocket watches today? Is pocket watches a Good Investment?

Surprisingly, some top brands that made pocket watches in the past are still in business. These brands were known to make great classics which are very much useful today. If you find pocket watches, they likely belong to brands like Patek, Tissot, Kronen & Sohne, and Stuhrling.

For instance, Tissot is a Swiss pocket watch brand known for excellent craftsmanship and beautiful timepiece functions. The brand produces watches that come with hunter cases that offer good protection.

Stuhrling is another modern brand for using a glass front and black, and a roman dial for easy visibility. Also, they come with a beautiful 23K gold case for storage. This watch is often below $100.

Most times, buyers want to know if pocket watches are good investments because of the price; many of these watches are offered. Yes, they are because they have timepiece functions for everyday use. Also, they contain additional features like a long chain for attachment, a box for storage, etc. Therefore, they are worth the money.

Are pocket watches coming back? How long do pocket watches last?

Pocket watches became quite popular in the early 19th century, as a result of the fashion trend in Europe at the time. However, they played a massive role in The Great War in 1919, and that increased production. Many years after the war, people still used pocket watches because of their trendy style until an alternative came into existence – wristwatches.

Now, in the 21st century, pocket watches are very much available, only improved with modern features for usability. Not only has it been useful in modern warfare, but also to add style for everyday use.

Generally, pocket watches exist in various forms; one of the popular forms is Mechanical. Usually, a mechanical pocket watch requires you to wind the mainspring for it to run effectively. On a single wind of the spring, it could last for 24 to 28 hours, depending on the brand.

Does Rolex make pocket watches? What is the most expensive pocket watch?

You will be surprised about the kind of brands that invest so much in making pocket watches for use – Rolex is one of them. This brand is one of the best watchmakers in the world today, dating back to the early 19th century. Rolex pocket watches are highly exceptional based on the sophisticated quality and the details. So, don’t be surprised if the exotic watchmaker you know also makes pocket watches because it all started from there.

Pocket watches may look simple, but brands and features make them price-worthy. The most expensive watch – Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication costs about $24,000,000. What you would expect from this watch is different from what you’ll find in other inexpensive pocket watches available.

What are old pocket watches worth? How do I know if my pocket watch is valuable?

With pocket watches, you may want to consider something – old or new. Indeed, pocket watches were first made in the 1900s, even though they are still quite useful and relevant in this century. Old pocket watches were born out of solid craftsmanship while new pocket watches were made from modern technology. Regardless, it doesn’t mean the old ones are less-valuable – in fact, they are more valuable. However, in terms of price, pocket watches with antique designs cost nothing more than $200.

For you to know if a pocket watch is valuable or not, there is a list of things you should check.

  1. Case Type: Watch boxes with painted or enameled or gold designs are more valuable than plain ones.
  2. Gold Case: Watches with 14K, 18K, or 750 with Stamp Gold Case are more valuable.
  3. Weight: Heavyweight watches are a true test of value.

Are pocket watches cool? What is a size 16 pocket watch?

One of the things that make pocket watches highly preferred in today’s world is the ability to blend with modern style to look cool. These watches have materials and style variations that are quite incredible. For instance, a touch of steel or brass or gold with any kind of dress is fashionable. Besides, the design of the timepiece functions and the details are enough to contribute to making you look cool.

The Size of pocket watches is a function of their case diameter for storage. These watches must remain in their boxes when they are not in use for ultimate protection. For a size 16 pocket watch, for example, it means it has a 43.18mm (1.7”) case diameter, which is around average.

Is Gruen watches valuable?

Gruen watches are high-definition watches with unique designs to make them cool to put on anywhere. These watches are available on the market at affordable prices; however, it doesn’t make them less valuable. There are a couple of things you should know about Gruen Watches, and they include:

  1. 14K Yellow Gold Case
  2. 16mm strap
  3. Acrylic domed crystal-crafted lens
  4. Silver-colored dial
  5. Curvex caliber 440 Gruen manual-winding movement.

With these features, you should be able to tell how valuable they are.

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Conclusion

After you are done analyzing the various pocket watches on the market, and finding out what makes them special, you must have concluded. The purpose of this review of the 11 best pocket watches is to make sure you get something worth value for money, and not otherwise.

Also, you get to improve your style and look more fashionable. Overall, choose according to your budget and ensure it is the Perfect Size for you.

If you have any queries feel free to reach out in the comments section below.

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