In addition to being useful to tell time, pocket watches are prized as collectibles. They were introduced in the 1400s and developed further in the 1700s. At one time, they were the prevalent type of watch. They came attached to chains or fobs. The wearer can thus avoid dropping or losing them.

Women wore them as well as men. The women's models were attached to a leather watch fob for security purposes. Before the 17th century, the only hand on watches was the hour hand. The minute hand was introduced in the 17th century. Now, in modern times, the stop watch has added a second hand.

The first ones manufactured in the US with machine made parts were made in the 1830s. Some of the early watches are now valued as collector's items. Appraisals for insurance purposes or sales are useful proof of authenticity. Antique watches are authenticated by the serial number of the watch movement. Some people expect the number on the case to identify them. All watches are often identified as being top quality by the number of jewels in the movement.

These jewels are not for decoration. They are hard bits of (usually) ruby or sapphire. The minimum number of these jewels is seven. The maximum number for optimal quality of movement is seventeen. More than seventeen may only be in the way of the movement.

Early pocket watches (16th century through 1875) were made with key-wind and key-set movements. There was a detached key that was required to set the time and wind the movement. Some wound the watch from the back of the case and others had a "setting-arbor" that connected to the winding-wheel to wind the main spring.

Then in the 1850s, Patek-Philippe created the first stem-wind and set model. They were sold at the Great Exhibition in London (1851). The first owners of these innovative watches were Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. These are the winding devices used most often in the modern version of the watch as well as the collectible vintage models.

The older pocket watches are classified according to maker, design, metals and kinds of jewels in the movement. The one most sought-after is the fusee, which is a key and wind movement type. It is rumored to be one of Leonardo da Vinci's inventions. Then, next most valuable is the American Railroad pocket watch. Closely followed in popularity come the marine chronometer, Hunter Case and multi-jewel watches. These were made by jewelers who were already famous. Collectors prize these rare and beautiful timepieces and pay high prices for them.

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One of the most interesting and exciting collectibles is the antique mantle clock.

They have been in production since as far back as the 1750s, but mantel clocks remain some of the most handsome timepieces ever made. Mostly small and metal-faced, these mechanical clocks have sit gracefully on the mantel right above your fireplace, ticking away with their metal workings. The wooden cases of the traditional American ones stand out on their own. The very flamboyant antique mantle clocks are usually the French taste.

Those made in the United States usually had the kind of chimes that went off every thirty minutes. Like most mechanical movements antique ones do have to be wound on a regular basis.

Many American families have ones that have been passed down for generations. They were a popular home furnishing in the 19th and 20th centuries. eBay and other auction websites, as well as various antique stores have them for sale in good numbers.

A number of famous companies manufactured these timepieces in the United States including Seth Thomas. They are still made in the US today by Howard Miller and a few other countries.

You'd want to be sure you are buying a true antique when you purchase these pieces anyhow. It is not unusual to have one that was recently made being presented like an authentic antique simply because it looks like it.

You could check out the internet for help in deciphering an antique mantel clock. Several websites provide serial numbers, plaques, and names of manufacturers along with the clocks that are on display for sale.

They will be worth more if they are working. If you have an antique mantle clock that no longer works you can get it repaired by going to a clockmaker, a professional clock repair person. Online or in a few major cities, clockmakers aren't that hard to find.

From the professional, you can learn how much it will cost you to have yours fixed... or if it can be fixed. Many clockmakers buy old clocks and rebuild or repair them so you might be able to sell an old clock that doesn't work.

It matters not how much you feel you are knowledgeable about any educative article, do you know you can still discern a lot about Decorative Wall Clocks, and Modern Wall Clocks. See -- http://www.bestclocks.org/

Posted under Watches