How to Find Pocket Watches Under $30

Pocket watches have been around since the late 1400's, when a clockmaker named Bartholomew Manfredi offered what he called a pocket clock to the Marchese di Manta. Manfredi told the Marchese in his letter that this timepiece surpassed even the Duke of Modena's in quality. In 1510, a master clockmaker from Nuremberg named Peter Henlein manufactured the very first pocket watches. These timepieces spread like wildfire around Europe, and soon made their way to the United States.

In the 1800 and 1900's, pocket watches were widely used by the railroading industry to keep precise time. Men preferred these watches to wristwatches, which were considered ladylike. However, during World War I, the soldiers wore wristwatches and discovered they were simply more convenient and durable than most pocket watches. Wristwatches reached vogue in society and pocket watches became a thing of the past.

However, many people still prefer pocket watches, not only to keep time, but as collectibles, heirlooms and gifts. Maybe you've got a youngster in your life that loves a certain cartoon character or hobby like trains. In this case, a pocket watch themed towards their interests can be a fantastic gift that they'll cherish forever. A pocket watch can be a treasured item that a child never leaves home without. Not only will they learn to tell time, they'll be proud of their new grown up timepiece. Imagine the look on your child or grandchild's face when they unwrap that shiny new pocket watch!

With a child, however, you may not want to spend a fortune. Children are energetic and active, and a pocket watch they carry could easily get broken. That's why you may want to find pocket watches under $30. The Internet, especially online auction sites such as Ebay, can be a fantastic place to find pocket watches under $30 for yourself or as a gift.

Often, pocket watches can be engraved with a special message, date, name or initials. This can turn a $30 pocket watch into a treasured heirloom. If you purchase the pocket watch at a retail store or jewelry shop, ask about free engraving. Often, even with pocket watches under $30, engraving is offered free of charge.

Copyright 2006 Ellery Coleman - All Rights Reserved

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