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Need a Great Gift? Try a Pocket Watch!
Elegant, tasteful, and personal, the pocket watch at one time told society so much about a gentleman. Generally, a mans pocket watch bespoke his place in society. A man born to wealth would sport a pocket watch that had been handed down to him by a close relative. The pocket watch would be beautiful but never ostentatious. It would more than likely be engraved and of a beautifully hewn gold or platinum. This pocket watch would be one of his most prized possessions. It was his link with his family and a very useful part of his life. His jackets or vests would have special pockets made for the pocket watch.
** Pocket Watch Tip ** Hampden Deuber, originally a small watch company known as Hampden, began creating pocket watches in 1876. In 1889, Hamden was bought by the Deuber Company, hence the new name. This company introduced the first 23 jewel movements in the United States. They also produced top quality watches, including railroad watches, until they went bankrupt in 1928.
Next, of course, would be the nouveau riche gentlemen who had pocket watches that showed society that he was rich and had ostentatious taste. This rich man who was still outside polite society wanted the best of everything and, therefore, bought the most expensive of everything. Taste was not an option. Every time he looked at his pocket watch, he would think about his wealth. His pocket watch was useful too, but it was also his calling card. Anyone who looked at it would immediately know that its owner was wealthy and newly rich.
The common man also had a pocket watch. It too might have been handed down through his family line. Many fathers left their pocket watches to their eldest son. Whether made of silver, platinum, brass, gold, or just a cheap metal, the pocket watch would have meaning to the son because it belonged to his father. Because the pocket watch had so much sentimental value and was, of course, essential to an orderly life, men prized their pocket watches above all other pieces of jewelry.
Pocket watches are small clocks suspended from a chain that are carried in a pouch or pocket. The chain itself, as well as ornaments for the chain, are often known as fobs. The majority of all pocket watches are analog in design and feature a hinged cover to protect the clock face.
Pocket watches were first created in the 16th century. This was at the same time as the invention of the spring driven clock. In the beginning, pocket watches were cumbersome, boxy, and often worn as necklaces. It took another hundred years before these timepieces were carried in pockets.
Prior to the 20th century, pocket watches were the most popular form of personal timekeeping devices. Wrist watches were considered feminine and generally not worn by males. However, it was soon discovered that there were benefits of wrist watches that made them superior, especially when time needed to be accessed quickly and easily, such as during war.
Pocket watches come in basically two forms: Open faced or hunter cased, or savonette. Hunter cased watches are the ones with the hinged covers, and are the most common. However there are instances where open faced watches are preferred, like in hospitals.
Today you can still find pocket watches for sale. They are available in a variety of metals, gems, sizes, styles, and prices. A pocket watch can be a gift that's passed down from generation to generation, something regarded as a family heirloom.
** Pocket Watch Tip ** Pocket watches have been around since the late 1400's. A clockmaker named Bartholomew Manfredi offered what he called a pocket clock to the Marchese di Manta. Manfredi claimed that his pocket clock was superior to even the one carried by the Duke of Moderna. In 1510, the first pocket watches were manufactured and distributed by a man named Peter Henlein. Henlein was a locksmith from Nurenberg, and his efforts helped spread the pocket watch craze throughout Europe.
There are pocket watches that are casual and fun, that feature favorite children's characters like Harry Potter. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, there are pocket watches crafted in only the finest metals like gold and platinum, adorned with gems and jewels, created for serious collectors or the fabulously wealthy.
The Internet is a great resource when you're searching for pocket watches for yourself or to give as a gift. There are online retailers that offer a variety of timepieces, or you can try an online auction site such as Ebay. Shopping on the Internet offers convenience and selection -- you get access to products you may not have in your locality.
So, if you want a gift for someone that's traditional, lasting, practical and beautiful, why not try a pocket watch? The recipient will appreciate your good taste and attention to quality!
Copyright 2006 Ellery Coleman - All Rights Reserved
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