Collecting the Antique Pocket Watch
A Collector's Guide to the History and Value of Old Watches
Oct 17, 2009
The pocket watch is a curious little bundle of mechanisms that astounds and interests collectors of historical gadgetry. And humans have been interested in them since the pocket sundial of the 10th century.
A Brief History of the Pocket Watch
In the 15th century, a small pouch, or pocket, was worn around the waist for the wearer to carry his valuables, such as coins, a note and even a clock. Italian clock maker, Bartholomew Manfredi had a scathingly brilliant plan to produce and sell his new pocket watches to the nobility. As a 15th century novelty item, there wasn't a great deal of interest.
The spring-driven pocket watches dates to the 16th century, but they was cumbersome, inaccurate, drum-shaped round boxes measuring several inches wide and thick. Even so, a master locksmith from Nuremberg, Peter Henlein had the market covered. For the most part, they were expensive curiosities to be worn as a pendant around the neck. But they were becoming popular. Later in the century, they were shaped into decorative forms of flowers, insects or human skulls.
In the 17th century, fashionable Charles 11, who had a strong interest in gadgets and all things mechanical, introduced the waistcoat to the nobility. The pendant watch was quickly redesigned into the slender waistcoat pocket watch.
The 17th century mechanisms hadn't changed a great deal since the clock was first invented in the 13th century, until Robert Hooke and Christiaan Huygens invented the balance spring, increasing the accuracy over longer periods.
Mechanical improvements to the pocket watch continued with every passing decade, resulting in the traditional pocket watch shape and size recognized today.
Collecting Antique Pocket Watches
The accuracy and quality of pocket watches varied greatly from one watchmaker to another. The most well-known collectible pocket watches include those made by Elgin, Waltham, Ball, Patek Philippe, Howard, an assortment of Railroad Watches. American Civil War buffs love the pocket watches made during the period and they are highly sought after.
It's difficult to find a very old or early pocket watch, but they show up from time to time. Most, even the damaged pieces are in museums or already extant in collections. 18th century pocket watches, while still rare do come up for auction and are regularly found online. 19th century pocket watches are more common and easily found in good working order.
Price Guide to Antique Pocket Watches
The best way to determine value is to research, and online study through various sites will teach the collector nearly everything he or she needs to know.
It's important to determine the age, condition, rarity, signatures and other details to learn the value of an antique pocket watch. While collectors look for low serial numbers on the watch to determine age and therefore likely a higher value, age alone doesn't determine value.
For more important 19th century pocket watches in good condition, $1000 is close to average value according to recent eBay sales. Some antique or even rare pocket watches have been bought and sold for $10 K or more.
More common pocket watches from the later Victorian era are often available for less than $100, but later art deco or art nouveau period pocket watches with strong styling can be much higher, especially if signed by a well-known designer.
Where to Find Antique Pocket Watches
As with everything antique, the best places to find antique pocket watches are at antique malls and markets, flea markets, yard sales, thrift shops, antique shops and online stores and auctions. Joining a watch collector's online group or forum could be great for searching out a pocket watch needed to complete a collection or search for watch parts for restoration purposes.
Permission has been granted for photo use within this article.
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