Need a Great Gift? Try a Pocket Watch!

Always elegant, always tasteful, and very personal, the pocket watch at one time told the whole of society so much about a gentleman. Generally, a gentleman’s pocket watch demonstrated his place in society. A man born into a wealthy family would sport a pocket watch that had been handed down to him by a relative. The pocket watch would be beautiful but never ostentatious. It would frequently be engraved and crafted beautifully from gold or platinum. This pocket watch would be one of his most prized and important possessions. A connection with his family that might go back several generations and it was also a very useful part of his life. His jackets or vests would have special pockets made for the pocket watch.

Then there were the nouveau riche gentlemen who had pocket watches that showed off to society that he had become rich and had ostentatious taste. This rich man who was still outside polite society wanted the best of everything and, therefore, would always buy 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 ordinary man also had a pocket watch. It might well have been handed down to him through his family line. Usually fathers left their pocket watches to their eldest son. Whether it was made of silver, platinum, brass, gold, or just a cheap metal, the pocket watch would have meaning to the son because it had once belonged to his father. Due to this tradition the pocketwatch had enormous sentimental value and was, of course, essential to an orderly life. Men prized their pocket watches above all other pieces of jewelry.

A Pocket watche is a small clock which is suspended by a chain and is carried in a pouch or pocket. The chain itself, as well as ornaments for the chain, are often known as fobs. Almost all pocket watches are analog in design and feature a hinged cover to protect the clock face.

The Pocket watch was first created during the 16th century. This was around 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 was nearly another hundred years before these timepieces were able to be carried in pockets.

Up until the 20th century, pocket watches were the most popular form of personal timekeeping devices. Wrist watches were considered somewhat feminine and generally were not worn by men. 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.

There are basically two types of Pocket watch: The open faced and 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.

You can still today find pocket watches for sale. They are available in a variety of metals, gems, sizes, styles, and prices. A pocket watch is still very much a gift that's passed down from generation to generation, something regarded as a family heirloom.

You can also get pocket watches that are casual and fun. They may feature favorite children's characters like Harry Potter or cartoon characters. 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 and not really intended for day to day use.

There is no question that the Internet is a great resource if you're searching for pocket watches for yourself or to give as a gift. There are many online retailers who offer a variety of timepieces, or you can try an auction online such as Ebay.com. Shopping on the Internet offers convenience and selection -- you get access to products you may not have in your locality.

So, if you feel you might like to give a gift to someone that is traditional, lasting, as well as practical and beautiful, why not try a pocket watch? The recipient will appreciate your good taste and attention to quality!

Copyright 2006 Tim Bersaw - All Rights Reserved

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