Vintage Pocket Watches

on July 25, 2011 in Pocket Watches Antique, Uncategorized

The history of the pocket watch is often overlooked in importance because of the loads of other inventions that were taking place. However, the pocket watch provided us with the first portable clocks giving us the authority to know what time it was wherever we were. The pocket watch was a device that was very rich in the 16th century and only the high class could possess.

In the 16th century clocks were produced using springs instead of weights, signifying the transfer from clocks to watches. These old pocket watches were the first timepieces that could be owned by the public. Owning a pocket watch signified the standing, money and power of an individual.

The 17th century made pocket watches even more desirable with a new look to the figure. The watch had changed from its original box-like look to a new rounded and slimmer case. Craftsmen began working ever so hard to pose designs on each pocket watch made.

In 1675 some watchmakers discovered the significance of a spiral spring. By attaching the spiral spring to the balance, the precision of the pocket watch increased greatly. It was now potential to tell time by the moment as oppose to existence off by several hours. With this new discovery, the second hand was born on the pocket watch.

The 18th century saw added improvement to the pocket watch with further development and more added features to drive up the price. Oil had become a popular procedure to lubricate and smoothen the movement of the hands of the watch. Jewels had started to be used for the bearings in watches whereas diamonds were used on the high priced watches. This shot the cost up to again give the rich the power to show their wealth and reputation.

In the middle of the 18th century another hand was introduced to show the increased flawlessness in time. It was only a matter of time that a third hand would be added seeing that we were conscious of time down to the minute now. This entitled people to know the exact day of time it was through there pocket watch.

The 19th century brought several well-known pocket watch makers that increased the worth of the watch. Names such as LeCoultre & Cie, Ulysse Nardin, Minerva, Heuer, IWC, and loads of others were established in this period. The quality of pocket watches became better than ever. Having multiple watchmakers added the competition to the quality of watch they sold, including how much they sold their watches for. The quality of watches sold was now better than ever with much more fair prices. The 19th century signified the peak of the old pocket watch.

As time passed additional inventions were taking place and the invention of the wristwatch soon took the place of the pocket watch. Whereas some old pocket watches are still around today, the wristwatch is the dominant choice of day now. Today old pocket watches are more of an antique collection than anything. However, there has actually been a resurgence of popularity of pocket watches in recent years because of their perceived style flair and savvy.

The Various Types of Pocket Watches

If you're shopping for dressy or simple pocket watches, you can locate several styles online. There are different designs for different occasions. If you're into sports, attempt the CX Equipment Digital and Analog pocket watches with built-in compass, thermometer, and flashlight.

For a festivity creature, the CX gear stainless steel, fold-out stand with a bottle opener and screwdriver is just perfect and fashionable too; for the guy who loves the outdoors, the rugged first-rate looks of the CX Gear Luminiscent Hand and Numbers pocket watch should be his friend.

For dressy events, there are the silver and gold pocket watches in a range of designs to choose from. These may or may not come with a 12" chain. The casual look for everyday use are furthermore crafted in gold and platinum. Even Harry Potter fans can have their own pocket watches.

Collector's Treasures

For collectors, there are more choices with the appearance of non-standard designs. Or if they wish the traditional style, they should watch out for blogs announcing auctions of antique watches of all makes. Flea markets furthermore emit a jewel or two of old watches.

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