Unique Vintage Gift Ideas - Pocket Watches For Vintage Collectors

Pocket watches are traditional style watches that were the only type of timepieces commonly worn from the 16th century up until the mid 20th century, when wristwatches became popular after the mid forties. They are designed to be 'worn' by tucking them away in a pocket, or securely attached to a waistcoat, trouser belt loop or lapel by means of a fob, gold or silver chain.

The fobs, which also provides cover for pocket watches were not only protective, but also decorative, and women of the day had pretty covers, depending on their social status.

Chains were usually decorated with pendants which often carry the coat of arms of some fraternity, society or club. These vintage watches also had practical and functional gadgets to wind the watch, intricately decorated cigarette cutters for men of nobility, and fasteners designed to be put through buttonholes and worn in a waistcoat or sports jacket.

Earlier versions of the pocket watch only had the hour hand, but by the late 17th century, the minute hand started to appear. The first of their kind built with machine made parts were manufactured in the late 1830's.

In some parts of the world, engravable pocket watches are still presented or awarded to retiring employees, and for vintage themed weddings, pocket watches for grooms men are commonly seen male accessories.

In the late 20th century, there was an attempt to revive the pocket watch carrying style by fashion savvy men in three piece suits. This led to its revival as some men used their vest pocket for its originally intended purpose. Since then some watch manufacturers produced pocket watches for their select clientele.

And pocket watches manufactured in the '90s had an extra hinged cover that can be folded over to allow the watch stand upright on a flat surface or used as an object of décor.

The American Indian Pocket Watch: These are true keepsakes of the Old West that are handsomely crafted with highly-detailed silver tone covers. Their vintage designs feature the relief image designed by American the sculptor James Fraser in 1911. This image became the 'heads' face of the buffalo nickel in 1913.

These vintage watches come with engravable backs, chains with fobs, and quartz movements. When you press the crown, the timepiece will open to reveal an artwork based on another of James Fraser's typical sculptures.

Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollar Watch: This elegant and stunning fine sterling silver pocket watch is crafted with a genuine half-dollar case.

It is eye catching, and makes a great gift idea and conversation piece. The silver dollar used in its construction which dates from 1916 to 1947, is visible from both faces of its cover, and its accurate quartz movement with Roman numerals, second hand, and fob chain is an added plus.

This vintage watch will make a great family heirloom.

Founding Fathers Pocket Watch: These are exquisite and valuable watches that open up to reveal portraits of famous and legendary Native Americans, Geronimo, Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull and Chief Joseph, with Roman numerals, quartz movements and minute markings.

They come in a case that's crafted in steel alloy and features antique silver finish with enamelled artwork, giving the appearance of inlaid works of turquoise.

JFK Half Dollar Timepiece: This vintage engravable pocket watch features a genuine John F. Kennedy centenary half dollar that’s dated 1776 to 1976 and beautifully set into an ornate cover.

To operate it is simple; just press its crown to open it. The coin has an image of Independence Hall on its reverse side.

JFK Half Dollar Pocket Watch comes with the typical vintage Roman numerals with filigree hour and minute hands, and a sweep second hand. It is crafted in heavy cast alloy metal with rich silver tone finish on a link chain with fob.

This handsome engravable pocket watch comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

College Gold and Silver Pocket Timepieces: These keepsakes are functional and classy pieces of an Alma Mater. They are crafted with an enamelled college logo on the exterior of the steel alloy casings, and their Arabic numerals are quite legible on their face.

They come with chains and attached fobs, and are finished in lustrous brushed gold or silver tones.

College pocket watches come with a manufacturer's 3-year limited warranty.

Today, you can buy vintage watches because they have regained their popularity due to a sub-genre of a cultural movement that embraces vintage fashion and arts of the Victorian era, where pocket watches were found everywhere, and worn by affluent people.

If you want to buy vintage pocket watches on-line, visit Betty's Attic for the most awesome and handsome pieces of these vintage beauties.

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