In the 19th Century, the pocket watch was considered a status symbol as only the wealthiest could afford one. With the advent of the wristwatch after WWI, it became unfashionable to carry a clock in your waistcoat pocket – but recently, the pocket watch has re-entered the aristocrat's dressing room…
Aerowatch Cobweb
Ironically, independent Swiss specialist Aerowatch began producing pocket watches in 1910 – just as they were going out of fashion. Now such timepieces are back in vogue, the company has produced the Cobweb: a modern interpretation of a vintage fob watch, whose movement is said to be inspired by spiders delicately spinning their webs.
Hermès Arceau Millefiori Pocket Watch
Creative as ever, the designers at Hermès have conjured up the Arceau Millefiori pocket watch, which fuses the crafts of watchmaking and glassmaking. The special crystal glass lid is a work of art in itself, fashioned by Cristallerie Royale de Saint-Louis to resemble a bed of flowers.
Jaquet Droz Pocket Watch Paillonné
Another pocket watch to reference its creator’s long history is the Paillonné by Jaquet Droz. The process of making paillons (the tiny pieces of gold and silver) dates back to the 18th Century – and just to make things more complicated, they’re set in enamel using a painstaking method, and then covered with a translucent enamel coating.
Longines Equestrian Lépine
Longines’ designers apparently got the inspiration for the new rose gold Equestrian Lépine after viewing a similar timepiece while visiting the company’s museum. And since 2014 is the year of the horse, the equestrian design theme seems all the more appropriate.
Parmigiani Transforma CBF
When she ticks, it’s like a Samba! Created by Parmigiani for the Brazilian Football Confederation, the Transforma CBF represents the horological equivalent of being serenaded by Astrud Gilberto, with Stan Getz providing the backing track.
Panerai Pocket Watch 3 Days
The pocket watch from the deep-sea pioneers at Panerai might not make for the ideal wetsuit attachment – but with a three-day power reserve, you could cover a lot of ground on foot looking very stylish indeed.
Tissot Pocket Mechanical Skeleton
The Mechanical Skeleton Pocket Watch from Tissot pays tribute to an era when pocket watches were one of a distinguished gentleman’s most important accessories. The highlight is the leather strap that wraps around the case, as was in fashion in the 1920s.
You can find numerous vintage pocket watches for sale in the Classic Driver Market.
