| Pocket watches have been around since the 16th | | | | created the best design and precision pocket watch. |
| century. The early vintage model was of a more | | | | Unfortunately, we began to see their popularity rapidly |
| square design, and somewhat larger than today's | | | | fading as wristwatches were becoming more and |
| versions. In the early days only the rich were able to | | | | more popular. Although pocket watches are not used |
| own one, as it was a true status symbol of wealth | | | | as much today, the old antique pocket watch of years |
| and authority. In the same era, mechanisms were | | | | gone by played an important role for many centuries. |
| introduced to bring time-telling precision, and some of | | | | Today there are many different makes and designs |
| the earliest models even had an alarm. | | | | available with some crafted to resemble the antique |
| In the 17th century clockmakers became instant artists | | | | pocket watches of yesteryear. For the person who |
| with their different designs and craftsmanship that | | | | wants something just a little different in a time piece, |
| went into each pocket watch they made. It was | | | | they make very fine gifts, and with all the different |
| around this time that we began to see the cases, and | | | | designs and colors available today you are sure to find |
| later the dials actually signed by the watchmaker; a | | | | just what you're looking for. |
| tradition that is still followed by the finest watchmakers | | | | The price range today varies considerably from the |
| today. | | | | just a few dollars to nearly whatever price you are |
| By the 18th century the use of diamonds in the | | | | willing to pay. Many may look quite expensive with their |
| construction of the pocket watch was beginning to be | | | | faux diamond or jeweled faces, but may cost very |
| seen, and the use of oil to smooth the movement of | | | | little. However, there are still many finely crafted |
| the hands was first introduced. In the last half of the | | | | models to be found. Most of the major watch offer |
| 18th century the use of three hands became the | | | | excellently crafted specimens. |
| industry standard, making telling time considerably more | | | | Without all of the hard work of many days in design |
| accurate. | | | | and construction that went into the old antique pocket |
| The glory days of the pocket watch came in the 19th | | | | watches of years ago, today's pocket watches are |
| century. Watchmakers such as Ulysse Nardin, Minerva, | | | | quite inexpensive by comparison. Through time the |
| Heuer, IWC, and many others became established in | | | | processes have been refined. |
| this period. The quality and craftsmanship was further | | | | If you're looking for a unique gift for that someone |
| refined during this era, as they were beginning to be | | | | special, have a look at the pocket watches available |
| produced on an industrial scale. The introduction of the | | | | today. Even if they do not use it as a time piece, I think |
| crown winder was also introduced around this period. | | | | they will find it a special keepsake to be treasured for |
| By the early 20th century things changed for the | | | | a lifetime. |
| watchmakers, certificates were issued to those who | | | | |